Ames

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Maquoketa Caves State Park

Effigy Mounds National Monument

Ledges State Park

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

Starved Rock State Park

Devil's Lake State Park

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

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Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

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.

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.

Comfortable Camping near Des Moines

Once a piece of farmland, now this is home to a historic church rectory and a whole lot of chickens (real and fake ones to be clear.)

Learn more about this land:

BEFORE BOOKING - if you are traveling with a dog be sure to message us BEFORE booking to make sure that we can accommodate you.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER BOOKING please send a message introducing yourself and confirming how many are in your group and how large your camping set up is.

We live on just over 3 acres of land.  Some of it is a flat grass area, some is hilly, and some has taller brush.  From any of these camping areas you can see our home but not much else besides fields, brush, and grass - and the sky!  

A train goes by a few times a day/night.  We are located on a paved rural road, so while you will hear cars go by, there is no flow of constant traffic.  We are located an easy two miles from a gas station and an easy 17-30 minute drive to Des Moines if you're looking to go into the city.

The land is former farm land but the house is a historical church rectory that was moved to this location several years ago.


Pitched my tent adjacent to the chicken coop

The BUSS BARN woods.

Learn more about this land:Woods/Timber camping. Fire rings provided. Camp in the woods (tent) or camper in field. Kybo (satellite) toilets provided. Rental of ATV (single) Firewood for purchase on site. Axe throwing targets on site.  Other accommodations can be made as needed. 

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 to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!  Very easy access,  we are just 1/2 mile off of Interstate-35.  Our farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.  This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging.  It’s the best of both worlds - town and country! We're a 15 minute drive from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks, Jester Park and Saylorville Lake where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and the beach life.  You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just 15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town Ames, and  at The District in Ankeny.  Upon your arrival you'll find the greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with 4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.  One free bundle of wood is included with each booking.  

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.  

Saylor Creek Hideaway

We are in between Des Moines and Ankeny. We are surrounded by fields to the East and West. We have neighbors to the North and South but they are separated by space and trees.

It feels like you are in the country but you are close to all that the Des Moines metro has to offer.

Learn more about this land:

Be in nature and have all the comforts. 

Surprise your friends or family with a unique experience. Our place is perfect for celebrating anniversaries, creating fun family memories or just taking a weekend to get away.

Come and relax in the trees. Wake up to nature all around you and enjoy a slow morning as you sip on a cup of espresso while hanging out on the deck. During the day you can go explore all that the Des Moines area has to offer as we are located just minutes from downtown Des Moines. At night share stories around the fire.

You won't have to give up comfort while "camping". Get a good night's rest in the king size bed. Stay comfortable in the various Iowa seasons by adjusting the heat or air conditioning.

Running water at the nearby sink and shower means you don't have to give up cleanliness while camping. Sticky hands from roasting s'mores, no problem!

Inside the Tent:
- King size bed. All bedding is provided.
- Couch folds into twin size bed. Bedding provided.
- Air conditioning & heat
- Small refrigerator
- Nespresso machine with pods
- Dining table with two chairs
- TV with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime
- WiFi
- Board games

Outside the Tent:
- Two deck chairs
- Solo Stove smokeless fire pit
- Two adirondack chairs
- Two large foldable camping chairs
- Charcoal grill with charcoal
- One large bundle of firewood
- Firestarter and lighter
- Outhouse with sink & composting toilet
- Outdoor shower with rainfall shower head

Other things to note:

We do not provide bath towels, so if you would like to enjoy the outdoor shower you will need to bring your own.

Wifi and TV are amenities in the tent. If you want to unplug, let us know before check in and we can turn off the wifi and remove the TV.

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.

Since you are in the trees there will always be bugs. Bringing bug spray is a good idea.

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

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