Ames

Pets

Electricity Hookup

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Sewage Hookup

Picnic table

Dolliver Campground

Camping is always better with a river running through it

A cabin, in the woods, by the river, on a snowy morning. The warmth inside from the fireplace. Life is quiet, and good. 

Pine Lake Campground

How about a weekend eating fresh caught fish tacos, lying on the beach, diving into cool refreshing water, and swinging in the hammock with a margarita in hand? If you think you’d have to go to Mexico for this, you’ll be pleased to know that Pine Lake Campground has your back

A fire in the cabin is the best way to warm the toes after a day outside. 

It's snowing, but the brook babbles on...

Riding a bike on a frozen beach in February!

Who would have thought that we would get a surprise 16" of snow overnight? At least it's keeping the wine chilled!

A cozy cabin, fireplace included, by a babbling brook in the silence of winter!

Springbrook Campground

Enjoy rolling, grassy hills dotted with trees plus fresh breezes at Springbrook State Park

Union Grove Campground

If you’re looking for a stellar last-minute getaway not too far from Des Moines, Union Grove Campground is one heck of a spot

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

Find & reserve the best cabins near Ames, Iowa with pets. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

The best dog-friendly cabin rentals near Ames, Iowa

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Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors.&nbsp; We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins.&nbsp; We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning.&nbsp; 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.

Cooking equipment

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to&nbsp; offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC.&nbsp; 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.

Our barn dormitory with 7 bedrooms, a lounge, men's and women's restrooms with showers, and kitchenette on the lower level.  The upper level has a full kitchen, a large dining hall/dance hall, and a stage.

Each room has two bunk beds and can sleep up to 5 people.

Relax, talk, or read a book in our quiet lounge.

Enjoy a camp fire and gaze up at the stars.

Water Hookup

Greenhouse Camping

We love this beautiful land that has been in our family since 1917, and think you will too!

 We are located 1/2 mile off I-35 at the north border of the City of Ankeny.
 Here you'll find the best of both worlds just fifteen minutes away from your quiet campsite - Boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing at Saylorville Lake.

 Canoe,

kayak
and paddleboat rental at Big Creek State Park.
 Swimming & waterplay for all ages at the Ankeny Aquatic Center.
 Upscale shopping and dining at the District.
 Or venture out
a bit further to concert venues in Ames & Des Moines, local farmers markets, Des Moines' beautiful riverwalk and exciting nightlife, or
the Iowa State Fair.
 It's the best of country and suburban living!
 End your day with a quiet stroll along the mowed walking path that overlooks one of the most beautiful areas of
Four Mile Creek in Iowa, which circles right back to your cozy campfire.

Learn more about this land:

You'll love this relaxing space&nbsp;to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!&nbsp;&nbsp;Very easy access,&nbsp; we are just&nbsp;1/2 mile off of Interstate-35. &nbsp;Our&nbsp;farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private&nbsp;walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging. &nbsp;It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!&nbsp;

We're&nbsp;a&nbsp;15 minute drive&nbsp;from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks,&nbsp;Jester Park and Saylorville Lake&nbsp;where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;beach life.&nbsp; You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just&nbsp;15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town&nbsp;Ames, and &nbsp;at The District in Ankeny.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon your arrival you'll find the&nbsp;greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with&nbsp;4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It's the best of both worlds, country and suburban -- we are on the north border of the town of Ankeny, yet surrounded by quiet countryside.  

Lots of morning sun with afternoon shade.

Explore Central Iowa, then cozy up with a campfire in your quiet campsite.  

First class views of  beautiful sunsets right from your campsite.  

The view from your camper, overlooking the beautiful Four Mile Creek valley.

Wifi

Saylor Creek Hideaway

Escape to nature without sacrificing comfort!

Experience a unique getaway with your friends or family. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, creating fun family memories or simply looking for a weekend getaway, our place is perfect for you!

“There is nothing like hearing the owls at night and hanging out by the campfire all day.”  - Christy

Come and relax in the trees. Wake up to the beauty of nature and relax with a cup of espresso on the deck. During the day, explore all that Des Moines has to offer. From outdoor activities to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. And when night falls, gather around the fire pit with your loved ones and share stories while roasting s'mores.

You won't have to give up comfort while "camping". Our glamping tent offers all the amenities you need to feel comfortable while still being immersed in nature. With air conditioning and heat, you can adjust the temperature to suit your needs no matter what the Iowa weather throws your way. Get a good night's sleep in our king-size bed with cozy bedding. 

Enjoy the convenience of running water at the nearby sink and shower, which means you won't have to give up cleanliness while camping. Sticky hands from roasting s'mores? No problem!

“This is the perfect getaway location without having to "rough it"... this was the absolute best place to try out camping without sacrificing some comforts.” - Gloria

Inside the Tent:

- King size bed. All bedding is provided.

- Couch folds into a twin size bed. Bedding provided.

- Towels, shampoo, conditioner body wash

- Air conditioning & heat

- Small refrigerator

- Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar

- Dining table with two chairs

- TV with Hulu, Disney+, Prime

- WiFi

- Board games

“Extremely comfy bed with cozy warm bedding.” - Lindsey

Outside the Tent:

- Two deck chairs

- Solo Stove smokeless fire pit

- Two Adirondack chairs

- Charcoal grill with charcoal

- One large bundle of firewood

- Fire starter and lighter

- Outhouse with sink & composting toilet

- Outdoor shower with rainfall shower head

This tent is tucked into the trees on the 7 acre property where we live. Our house is out of sight when you're on the campsite. A short walk down a path and you will reach the tent where you will be immersed in the trees.

King size bed with couch that pulls out into a twin size bed

Spruce Tiny Cabin

Pilgrim Heights is an oasis of natural beauty and outdoor recreation for all ages! We sit on 100 private wooded acres with an 80 acre recreational lake complete with a beach, and stunning views from our private cabins. From fishing to canoeing to hiking, the center is bursting with enriching activities.

100 private wooded acres

80-acre recreational lake

Beach

Fishing

 Boating

 Swimming 

Hiking 

Campfires

Challenge Course

Frisbee Golf

Black Oak Tiny Cabin

Unique tiny cabin experience! Black Oak Cabin has been recently updated and sleeps up to four people. Relax, unwind, and take a break from technology. It features a stunning view of our lake and private deck for sipping your cup of coffe in the morning. Commune with nature on our private trails, beach and more!

Black Oak Cabin features a mini fridge, mircowave, and coffee maker. Hot water, A/C and heater.

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Dolliver Campground

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