97% (390) • 19 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ames
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
98%
(41)
20mi from Ames · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory. Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips. As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open. We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them. Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC. We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
43mi from Ames · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and
mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
3. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
49mi from Ames · 14 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Dolliver Memorial State Park
4. Dolliver Memorial State Park
State park 34mi from Ames · 24 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pine Lake State Park
5. Pine Lake State Park
100%
(1)
State park 37mi from Ames · 127 sites
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Cabin in the Woods
6. Cabin in the Woods
100%
(5)
19mi from Ames · 1 site
Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres. Small stocked pond right outside your front door! Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around. Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more! The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping. There is electric, but no running water. Gallon of water will be available. There is an attached outhouse with toilet. Small fridge and microwave. TV with DVD player.
Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by. We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!
Toilets
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
Springbrook State Park
7. Springbrook State Park
State park 46mi from Ames · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Union Grove State Park
8. Union Grove State Park
State park 47mi from Ames · 22 sites
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
97% (390) • 19 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ames
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
1. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
98%
(41)
20mi from Ames · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory. Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips. As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open. We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them. Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC. We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
43mi from Ames · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and
mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
3. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
49mi from Ames · 14 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Dolliver Memorial State Park
4. Dolliver Memorial State Park
State park 34mi from Ames · 24 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Pine Lake State Park
5. Pine Lake State Park
100%
(1)
State park 37mi from Ames · 127 sites
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Cabin in the Woods
6. Cabin in the Woods
100%
(5)
19mi from Ames · 1 site
Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres. Small stocked pond right outside your front door! Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around. Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more! The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping. There is electric, but no running water. Gallon of water will be available. There is an attached outhouse with toilet. Small fridge and microwave. TV with DVD player.
Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by. We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!
Toilets
Campfires
from
$120
/ night
Springbrook State Park
7. Springbrook State Park
State park 46mi from Ames · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Union Grove State Park
8. Union Grove State Park
State park 47mi from Ames · 22 sites
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
James
November 2025
With pets
After a long day of driving, this was the perfect place to stop. The only mistake I made was not arriving sooner to enjoy the property more. Linda was so responsive, incredibly accommodating, and just a joy to communicate and plan with. Having two large dogs is tough to travel with, and Linda made it so easy within our travel plans. I will be back with my fishing gear in the future. Thank you for the hospitality!
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R
Robin
November 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Beautiful property, lots of trails to explore, pond and complete relaxation. Hunters Havin sleeping cabin was awesome. Great for cooler weather and beautiful surroundings for campfire. We can’t wait to return in the summer with the grandkids.
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K
Katie
October 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Gorgeous property. Booked the sight above the pond which was beautiful and peaceful. Great sunset spot.
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Holly
October 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
The host was super friendly and flexible, even when we got in around midnight. The space was safe and views were lovely the next morning. I'd recommend staying!
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Kyra
September 2025
With pets
I was only able to stay one night on my road trip, and I wish I had alloted another for this site! Linda was so so sweet and set me up with her favorite spot and it didnt disapoint <3
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Allie
August 2025
With kids
I love Rock N Ranch! The property is beautiful & well taken care of. I appreciate the quiet and feel of isolation. Linda is easy to reach and so helpful. My family and I have camped here multiple times and we’ll keep coming back!
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CJ
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
We were only there for one night, but the whole setup of the land was really cool and our tent sites were out of the way and secluded for the most part. Other than the bugs trying to eat us alive, and the heat, it was a great campsite, and perfect stopping location for our trip across the US!
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Devon
August 2025
With pets
The Ranch is a hidden paradise for a person like myself!! Very peaceful with a Creek,Pond, and Trails!!!! We had a Full moon during the stay and it’s amazing view every night! 10/10!!! 5 Star!!! MUST SEE!!!
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Richard
August 2025
5 nights at Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
Our stay at the TLC Learning Center was an incredible experience. I only wish I had more time to explore and take advantage of the many available activities. And next time I would bring more friends and family to enjoy the experience. There’s room for everyone!!
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MICHAEL
August 2025
3 nights at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
This place is a hidden gem and we will continue to come back year after year. The family is very kind and we absolutely love coming to camp here.
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Tyler
July 2025
With pets
My girlfriend and I booked Hunter’s Havin for a 2 night stay with our dog and it was amazing. The quiet atmosphere with tons of privacy was exactly what we were looking for. We were greeted by Linda with a big smile and a tour of the land. We were able to unwind and relax to our heart’s content. On the 2nd day, the heat became unbearable for us and our dog, and Linda was very accommodating, allowing us to move to the Honeymoon Cabin for our final night, which included air conditioning. We will definitely be back in the future, and highly recommend Rock N Ranch and Linda to anyone looking for a quiet getaway out in nature.
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D
Diane
July 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
I only stayed one night at this very picturesque place, but was glad I got there a bit earlier in the day. Linda met me and helped me pick one of the more shaded sites. I ended up with a nice view of the pond and a kind of medium length walk to the 'unisex bat room'. A little bug spray was all that was needed to complete an enjoyable evening listening to the wind and the frogs down by the pond. My only advice is to grab some water if you need it as you're coming in because the water spigots are only in one spot. I will certainly keep this spot as a favorite for future trips.
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Austin
July 2025
With pets
I loved staying at Rockin Ranch. There is nice pond caught many fish. Very secluded and quiet. 10/10
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Megan
June 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
My travels become chaotic and I was unable to make my reservation. The host was very understandable and respectful! She did everything to try and accommodate me and I appreciate that effort! I WILL make it to the cabin one day!
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Montgomery
June 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Cabin was very private with its own fire ring. Lots of fireflies when we went which was a good surprise. Very friendly host who showed us everything on their site even tho we showed up around 9pm
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Debra
June 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Linda is an excellent host. You feel not only connected to nature but feel at home. Had a lovely view from tent in AM, young deer with pond backdrop.
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A
Amelia
June 2025
With pets
We had an amazing time! It’s so quiet and peaceful. Darlene was an amazing host! We will def be back!! Thanks for having us 🫶🏼
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F
Fernando
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Un lugar fantástico por la tranquilidad el contacto con la naturaleza a mi esposa le fascinó y mi también me encantó el anfitrión muy amable 😊. Lo recomiendo 100%
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E
Emily
May 2025
With kids
This is the second year in a row our family has spent at Rock-N-Ranch. We stayed in The Loft this year. Is was an amazing little getaway. The weather didn't totally cooperate but we wouldn't have changed it for anything! The hosts were very welcoming and made sure our stay was perfect! We will absolutely be back for a 3rd time next year!
See moreD
Debra
May 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Lovely quiet location.
Hostess was helpful and was quick to reply with questions
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