98% (392) • 26 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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$15
/ night
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
2. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
49mi from Ames · 14 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$15
/ night
Timberline Cabins, Waukee
3. Timberline Cabins, Waukee
100%
(3)
33mi from Ames · 15 sites · Lodging
Discover the unique charm of Timberline Campground, where the tranquility of nature meets the convenience of urban life. Located on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, this gem offers a peaceful retreat while being easily accessible from Interstate 80, just a mile and a half away.
Timberline Campground features a variety of spacious cabins and (New in 2025!) glamping area known as Horseshoe Bend. The newest section of our camp includes vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters from the iconic series Yellowstone. Horseshoe Bend campers each sleep up to 4 and make a fun and memorable spot for family gatherings, reunions or twinkling star getaways. Guests consistently rave about the pristine facilities and pool, weekend youth activities and special entertainment like themed grill outs, band appearances and more. You must check out Waukee Best Mascot Myrtle the Turtle in the camp store!
After a day of adventure, you can enjoy local restaurants and shops that are just a short drive away. Explore nearby hot spots, including Raccoon River Valley Trail, Vibrant Music Hall, Barn Town Brewery and Jordan Creek Mall to name a few. Let your hosts at Timberline Campground show you how to enjoy country camping with all the conveniences of city life!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$92
/ night
Dolliver Memorial State Park
4. Dolliver Memorial State Park
24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
Pine Lake State Park
5. Pine Lake State Park
100%
(1)
127 sites · Eldora, Iowa
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
6. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
39mi from Ames · 7 sites · Lodging
Discover the unique charm of our centrally located KOA, where you immerse yourself in the beauty of an open, rolling landscape. We offer spacious cabins and the cutest vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters in the popular series Golden Girls (we are lovingly referred to as the Silver Sisters).
Take a refreshing dip in our pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or relax by our catch and release fishing pond, full of bluegill, bass, and channel catfish.
We are close to many Central Iowa attractions and events, including Alta House Wedding and Event Center, the Iowa Speedway, Knoxville Nationals, Pella Tulip Time and downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. Our campground features spacious RV and tent sites too; check out the Newton/Des Moines East Campground listing on Hip Camp for more information.
It's always a Great Day at Newton/Des Moines East KOA!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$111
/ night
Black Oak Tiny Cabin
7. Black Oak Tiny Cabin
100%
(2)
48mi from Ames · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$135
/ night
Spruce Tiny Cabin
8. Spruce Tiny Cabin
100%
(2)
48mi from Ames · 1 site · Lodging
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
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$135
/ night
Springbrook State Park
9. Springbrook State Park
111 sites · Lake Panorama, Iowa
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Union Grove State Park
10. Union Grove State Park
22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
Toilets
Showers
98% (392) • 26 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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$15
/ night
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
2. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
49mi from Ames · 14 sites · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$15
/ night
Timberline Cabins, Waukee
3. Timberline Cabins, Waukee
100%
(3)
33mi from Ames · 15 sites · Lodging
Discover the unique charm of Timberline Campground, where the tranquility of nature meets the convenience of urban life. Located on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, this gem offers a peaceful retreat while being easily accessible from Interstate 80, just a mile and a half away.
Timberline Campground features a variety of spacious cabins and (New in 2025!) glamping area known as Horseshoe Bend. The newest section of our camp includes vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters from the iconic series Yellowstone. Horseshoe Bend campers each sleep up to 4 and make a fun and memorable spot for family gatherings, reunions or twinkling star getaways. Guests consistently rave about the pristine facilities and pool, weekend youth activities and special entertainment like themed grill outs, band appearances and more. You must check out Waukee Best Mascot Myrtle the Turtle in the camp store!
After a day of adventure, you can enjoy local restaurants and shops that are just a short drive away. Explore nearby hot spots, including Raccoon River Valley Trail, Vibrant Music Hall, Barn Town Brewery and Jordan Creek Mall to name a few. Let your hosts at Timberline Campground show you how to enjoy country camping with all the conveniences of city life!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$92
/ night
Dolliver Memorial State Park
4. Dolliver Memorial State Park
24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa
Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
Pine Lake State Park
5. Pine Lake State Park
100%
(1)
127 sites · Eldora, Iowa
Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
6. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
39mi from Ames · 7 sites · Lodging
Discover the unique charm of our centrally located KOA, where you immerse yourself in the beauty of an open, rolling landscape. We offer spacious cabins and the cutest vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters in the popular series Golden Girls (we are lovingly referred to as the Silver Sisters).
Take a refreshing dip in our pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or relax by our catch and release fishing pond, full of bluegill, bass, and channel catfish.
We are close to many Central Iowa attractions and events, including Alta House Wedding and Event Center, the Iowa Speedway, Knoxville Nationals, Pella Tulip Time and downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. Our campground features spacious RV and tent sites too; check out the Newton/Des Moines East Campground listing on Hip Camp for more information.
It's always a Great Day at Newton/Des Moines East KOA!
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$111
/ night
Black Oak Tiny Cabin
7. Black Oak Tiny Cabin
100%
(2)
48mi from Ames · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$135
/ night
Spruce Tiny Cabin
8. Spruce Tiny Cabin
100%
(2)
48mi from Ames · 1 site · Lodging
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
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$135
/ night
Springbrook State Park
9. Springbrook State Park
111 sites · Lake Panorama, Iowa
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Union Grove State Park
10. Union Grove State Park
22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa
Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.
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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M
Michael A
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Timberline Cabins, Waukee
Rented one of the cabins by the pond. From the moment arriving we were greeted with such great customer service. We enjoyed every moment of our stay especially sitting by the pond having a fire and just enjoying the stars and all the deer that were roaming bye. We will definitely be back again.
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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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A
Arjan
October 2025
4 nights at Timberline Cabins, Waukee
We stayed a few nights in this cabin. It was nicely situated with view on the small lake. Liked the firepit. Staff was very helpful.
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A
Anna
September 2025
With kids
My kids and I stayed here while just passing though the area on a road trip. We ended up staying in “The Loft” and we loved it! Perfect for kids. The little cabin was clean, cozy and the host was so kind and accommodating with our late arrival. The surrounding property is beautiful and it was the perfect place to stop after a long day of driving. We only wish we could have stayed longer. Will for sure be back!
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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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Nolan
August 2025
With kids
Great place to have a camping trip close to Omaha. Plenty of open space, fishing, hiking, and the sights are awesome. We were blown away at the brightness of the stars. Thanks Linda!
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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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Avinash
July 2025
With kids
This camping spot is absolutely gorgeous! Our family had an amazing time. The owners are super friendly and always willing to lend a hand.
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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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H
Heather
June 2025
With pets
The little cabin is was nice! We really enjoyed our stay. The office manager/co-director was on top of anything we needed. She even brought us firewood!! The only thing I would add is the cabin is part of a larger camp. So there is no guarantee you will have it all to yourself as the description says. However, it was very quiet and we were not disturbed any other campers. I would recommend 10 out of 10!
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