99% (272)
Top-rated campgrounds near Ames
99% (272)
Top-rated campgrounds near Ames
Camper favorites near Ames
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Public campgrounds near Ames
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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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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Josh
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
Emma and her husband Jason always go above and beyond to make any visit to the Waypoint awesome! The stay was perfect as usual and I will definitely be back again
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Eric
October 2025
2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
Absolutely love the cute little cottage and the fun playground areas.
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Rayven
October 2025
2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
We had a great stay! The cabin was cozy and clean, tucked on the outskirts of Des Moines in a quiet little RV park and campground. The host was super friendly and helpful, and we appreciated that it wasn’t crowded at all. There were fun swings to discover around the property, and we enjoyed a perfect evening campfire—firewood was conveniently available on-site. Would definitely stay again!
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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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Lloyd
September 2025
Tent
Courteous, helpful, quiet clean, Comfortable. Really a slower pkace
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Dave
August 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With kids
We had a wonderful, relaxing weekend at Waypoint. We enjoyed walking the nature trails and fishing in the pond. We even visited the alpacas. Emma kindly gave us an educational tour of all of their animal friends including dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and alpacas. Emma was very patient with our kid's many questions. The land is kept wild except for the camping spots and trails. We will definitely return.
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Karl
August 2025
16 ft campervan
Nice little place. We didn’t get to stay very long, but it is very peaceful and quiet.
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Dudley
August 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a wonderfully quiet place with gorgeous trees! It was a little too hot for pups and I to explore much but our camping area was very secluded and private. Emma is an incredibly responsive and kind hostess!
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Jj
August 2025
18 ft campervan
With pets
This place was very secluded with private campsites. Our dogs loved it also. Obviously certain months bring bug spray lol. Had it not been overcast I'm sure we would have been able to enjoy millions of stars. If you e joy outdoors and seclusion 100% recommend!
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Barbara
August 2025
20 ft Class B
Our first night in our new camper van was spent in this very private peaceful location! Nice walk to beautiful pond - enjoyed the stay!
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donald
July 2025
25 ft Class C
We just stopped for the night as we was traveling through. Everything was nicely laid out and worked out great.
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Mary
July 2025
21 ft campervan
The Waypoint is peaceful and gorgeous! We love the access to great gravel bike rides and proximity to the conservancy.
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Amanda
July 2025
Tent
The staff at Timberline was so friendly and helpful! I arrived late (around 9p) and was surprised to find the office was still open. When they saw I had a trailer attached to my car, they were able to change my tent spot to a pull-through so I wouldn't have to worry about backing in with a trailer. Overall they were accommodating, friendly, and the campgrounds were clean and felt safe (even for a solo traveler). They even had a pancake breakfast for charity scheduled for the next morning.
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Toni
July 2025
2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
We were in town for the Midwest National Softball tournament and found this little place to make our home for 3 nights. It's out of the way....but pretty close to interstate traffic noise. Although with the air conditioning running, it wasn't an issue.
The entire compound was very clean and set up to be private Nice hot showers only a short ways from the cabin.
We fell in love with the small town of Earlham. It's like the perfect quintessential town depicted in movies. The downtown bar and grill has great food.
And short drives on dirt roads to visit the covered bridges of Madison county.
We would certainly recommend Shady Brook to others considering a stay in the Des Moines area.
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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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Daniel
May 2025
9 ft campervan
Group trip
Amazing is all I have to say. A nice “in the cut” spot to get away but not too far away from the city. The hosts were very clear and helpful with whatever you may request.
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Mark
May 2025
With pets
The good: At night you'll have crickets and frogs singing for you, and in the morning birds will take over. Waking up to a sun rising over the lake is wonderful. The host was friendly, and they provide pretty much everything you'll need. There is a great truck stop just a few minutes away, too.
The bad: There were dead bugs everywhere. The bed wasn't the most comfortable. The road is in terrible condition, and I worried about getting out if it rained. If I'd been on the motorcycle it would have been impossible to do.
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Mia
May 2025
23 ft travel trailer
We spent the weekend at The Waypoint in Iowa for our maiden voyage with our new Airstream, and it couldn’t have been a better choice. The site is peaceful and remote, yet easy to find and conveniently close to the interstate. The setting is beautiful—quiet, open, and surrounded by nature, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. On the drive to the camping spot, we passed by the hosts’ friendly animals, including llamas, chickens, and their two beautiful white Pyrenees dogs, which added a charming, pastoral touch to the experience. The hosts were friendly and welcoming, and the site itself was well-maintained and thoughtfully set up. We left feeling refreshed and are already looking forward to returning. Highly recommend The Waypoint for anyone looking for a serene and comfortable camping experience.
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Chris
March 2025
16 ft Class C
Great quiet place to stay, nice camping spots! Fire rings are nice to have and there are plenty of spots to chose from
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