97% (258) • 67 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
43mi from Ames · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and
mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
Timberline Cabins, Waukee
3. Timberline Cabins, Waukee
100%
(3)
33mi from Ames · 15 sites
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$92
/ night
Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
4. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
39mi from Ames · 7 sites
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$111
/ night
97% (258) • 67 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
43mi from Ames · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and
mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
Timberline Cabins, Waukee
3. Timberline Cabins, Waukee
100%
(3)
33mi from Ames · 15 sites
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$92
/ night
Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
4. Newton KOA Cabins & Glamping, Iowa
39mi from Ames · 7 sites
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$111
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Kristina
3 weeks ago
30 ft Class C
With pets
Dave and Dena were great hosts! We really enjoyed our time!
See more
Xavier
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
Great roadside stop. Safe and comfortable. Would reccomend.
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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.
See more
E
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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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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J
James
September 2025
Tent
The facilities were good, the site was nice (trees, nearby creek), and the staff were friendly and helpful.
The only potential downside to this campsite is that there was fairly continual traffic noise from an interstate highway that was about a half mile to the north of the site; the noise eventually faded into the background of our awareness and didn't impact our ability to sleep at night
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Patricia
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Hostess was friendly and helpful. The site was large and shady. The facilities were clean. Directions, actually coordinates, were for a location about a mile away. I had to call to find the campground. Site T3 was very close to I-80 so it became noisy at times. The brook had an area of extremely slow moving water which seemed to attract mosquitoes. Perhaps that was seasonal. I would highly recommend for RVs and camper vans. Only can rate a maybe for tent camping..
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Ronda
August 2025
Tent
I enjoyed the privacy and shade that site #T3 offered. The other tent sites in the loop were in full sun. I set up a tail gate tent and appreciated that there was enough grass at the end of the parking gravel for the tent. The large site could easily fit a couple of more tents. Very relaxing to listen to the accessable babbling creek on the back of the site. Only negative would be if there are other tenters you could be bothered by the close port-a-potty. I definitely heard the white noise of the interstate but it didn't drown out the sounds of the owls at night. Few lights in the campground allow for stargazing. So surprised to find the cleanest shower house ever! The private shower included a sink and toilet. Host was quick to answer any questions I had. I will definitely visit again.
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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!!
See moreA
Ariane
August 2025
Tent
Very clean and beautiful! I slept like a baby with the sounds of the stream. Owners readily available to help with any needs!
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J
Jodi
July 2025
Tent
Group trip
We had reservations and wanted to stay so bad but the heat index was dangerous as well as the air quality from wildfire smoke so we did not go. I left the host a message through hip camp to let them know we weren't coming. So sorry to have missed it!
See moreJ
Jason
July 2025
Tent
Super quiet. Very clean and well maintained. I'll definitely be back if I ever come through the area again.
See moreM
Milt
July 2025
Tent
With pets
Shady Brook is a wonderful campground for those looking for a quiet and safe place to rest! We like to stay here when traveling to the Midwest to visit family. The tent site 3 is tucked away near the creek and we went to sleep with the calming sound of the creek. Fireflies that came out was a great bonus!
See mored
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.
See moreM
Milt
July 2025
Tent
With pets
The camp site was very clean and quiet, perfect for a restful night after a long drive. The tent site 3 is tucked in the back, offering privacy. The bathrooms and shower facility is also a nice addition. This campground is highly recommended.
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T
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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W
Willow
June 2025
12 ft travel trailer
This place is wonderful! A much needed respite after a long journey. The grounds are lush and immaculately maintained with ample shade. We enjoyed walking our dogs on the perfectly mowed pathways and listening to the frogs in the nearby pond. Yes there is noise from the freeway but we weren’t bothered by it at all and you can’t beat the location for convenience. Clean bathrooms and hot showers rounded out a delightful stay. I hope we get to visit again.
See moreK
Kasey
May 2025
Tent
Dave and his wife/partner are wonderful hosts and the grounds are well-maintained and clean! We will definitely be back again (this was our second stay already) and we recommend them to everyone we know.
See moreB
Bhavani
May 2025
25 ft Class C
Group trip
The hookups were very convenient and the showers on the campground was very nice. It's a good place to spend a night in a RV
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