Ames

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

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 glamping near Ames, Iowa with pets. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

The best dog-friendly glamping 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.  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.

Showers

Bend River Farms

Bend River Farms is just a short drive from Interstate 80/35. The farm is nestled in the gently rolling hills of central Iowa. Little Camp Creek flows through the property and continues on towards the mighty Des Moines river. Cool woodland meadows provide a comforting back drop to your tent site or glamping experience.

 All our sites come with complimentary firewood, we offer reduced prices during the summer and a 15% discount on weekday bookings. 

Our property offers private restrooms, showers, complimentary towels and firewood, 24/7 laundry room, Wi-Fi, a dish washing station, play area with jungle gym, hiking trails, hands on farm animal activities, a communal outdoor dinning area and a saltwater hot tub await your arrival! 

Bend River Farms was a former junk yard that has now been transformed into a cottage core dream. The farm is operated much like family farms of the 1920's. The focus is on small scale, multi system agriculture, we have fresh eggs, produce and honey for sale.

Bend River Farms is not a resort or public camp ground. It is a place to enjoy wild spaces and recharge. Agri-tourism at it's best. Learn about native prairie restoration, regenerative agriculture and sustainable ranching from owners, Amy Buckendahl and Dave Breese. 

Please understand that our property is a working farm, and our staff are often busy working on projects and have full careers, outside of farming. We do not have the same amenities as a public campground or "all inclusive" camp resort. Instead, we offer your wandering heart a place to rest. 

All travel to the farm is on paved roads, with no confusing dirt roads to navigate. The property is located near the small community of Runnells, Iowa in rural Camp Township. Enjoy a cold beer or hot food at one of the two local taverns, or check out the local ice cream shop or our local farmer's market on Tuesday evenings during the summer. Don't worry if you forget something! We have a nearby gas station and a general store.

Don't forget, we have smores kits, farm fresh honey and eggs available for purchase, check out the EXTRAS option during checkout! 

Amy, our own resident biologist, will give you an opportunity to learn about livestock husbandry and the local wildlife. The farms orchard boasts several wild bird feeding stations, with edible landscaping!

A stay on our farm will provide you with an opportunity to learn about Land Management in an agricultural setting. Learn about carpentry and welding from a master fabricator, or book an adventure to learn about gardening, poultry care, horsemanship, beekeeping and even falconry! These are also available in the EXTRAS option during checkout.  

Fancy a fireside meal or homestyle dinner? Dave is a trained chef and loves to cook for our guests. Select a meal during checkout. 

Off-site, but nearby opportunities: miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, kayaking and fishing. The Iowa State Fair Grounds and Adventureland Waterpark is only 20 minutes away, along with big city fine dining, music and art museums are all less than a thirty miles drive; when you need a break from camping and nature. 

Fee based transportation is available for guests flying in or needing a break from driving, or whenever you need a quick trip into town. 

Our philosophy:

"Here at Bend River Farms we are passionate about regenerative agriculture. We strive to push ourselves and our partners to think of the future and the longevity of our agricultural practices. "

Regenerative Agriculture is an agricultural philosophy that both acknowledges the degenerative impact of poor land stewardship, and the positive use of agricultural practices that foster restoration and productivity."

Local conditions determine which practices are most appropriate. A well managed food system should improve the long-term health and function of the agricultural system and the communities that depend upon them, physically, culturally, spiritually, and economically. 

Regeneratively managed businesses protect and improve the natural function of our water, nutrient, and carbon cycles by taking steps to increase biodiversity in the agricultural system, and works to minimize reliance on external inputs, and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals whenever possible.”

Late summer shadows on the guest patio, charcoal grill, fire pit with grill grate and dinning tables and chairs for alfresco dining

Trappers Hideout: Private picnic area with trash receptacle 

RV Slip: Rural water hook up and dedicated power

All wheel or 4x4 drive recommended. Camper's will have complimentary transportation as requested. 

Guest bathroom located in the main house. Complimentary fresh towels for the shower and hot tub. 

Cooking equipment

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.

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.  

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.

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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