Ames

Pets

Electricity Hookup

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Sewage Hookup

Picnic table

Ledges Campground

Make your next camping trip extraordinary with a visit to Ledges State Park

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

Acorn Valley Campground

Step into Acorn Valley Campground and you just might swoon at how perfectly picturesque this little spot is

Cherry Glen Campground

Hoo boy, this is one huge campground on Saylorville Lake

Bob Shetler Recreation Area and Campground

Pitch your tent (or park that RV) and get ready for some riverside livin’

Beach Campground

Next time you feel like camping don’t forget to bring along your trusty steed

Campground in Brushy Creek State Recreation Area (31mi)

Walnut Woods Campground

Looking to gather around the campfire with the whole fan-damily, and perfect the art of marshmallow roasting? Give the shady campsites at Walnut Woods campground a shot

Campground in Walnut Woods State Park (34mi)

Dolliver Campground

Camping is always better with a river running through it

Campground in Dolliver Memorial State Park (34mi)

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

Campground in Pine Lake State Park (37mi)

A fire in the cabin is the best way to warm the toes after a day outside. 

It's snowing, but the brook babbles on...

Riding a bike on a frozen beach in February!

Who would have thought that we would get a surprise 16" of snow overnight? At least it's keeping the wine chilled!

A cozy cabin, fireplace included, by a babbling brook in the silence of winter!

Rock Creek Campground

Rock Creek Campground is one of central Iowa’s most popular campsites—spend just a few hours there and you’ll totally see why

Campground in Rock Creek State Park (45mi)

Springbrook Campground

Enjoy rolling, grassy hills dotted with trees plus fresh breezes at Springbrook State Park

Campground in Springbrook State Park (46mi)

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

Campground in Union Grove State Park (47mi)

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

Find & reserve the best RV campsites near Ames, Iowa with pets. Tent, cabin & RV camp on private & State Parks, on local farms, vineyards & nature preserves.

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Water Hookup

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&nbsp;to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!&nbsp;&nbsp;Very easy access,&nbsp; we are just&nbsp;1/2 mile off of Interstate-35. &nbsp;Our&nbsp;farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private&nbsp;walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging. &nbsp;It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!&nbsp;

We're&nbsp;a&nbsp;15 minute drive&nbsp;from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks,&nbsp;Jester Park and Saylorville Lake&nbsp;where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;beach life.&nbsp; You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just&nbsp;15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town&nbsp;Ames, and &nbsp;at The District in Ankeny.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon your arrival you'll find the&nbsp;greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with&nbsp;4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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.

DILLON TREE FARM

Up-and-coming Christmas tree farm sits near the Iowa River (1/4 mile away). Up to 7 electrical hookups. In between two smaller towns (Alden and Iowa Falls) with restaurants and things to do.  We have a big gravel lot. Christmas trees, timber, and a creek to explore.  A nice peaceful setting to enjoy with friends and family.

Hot Tub

Wifi

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. 

The Waypoint

A vanlife destination located at the confluence of I80 and I35. 

18 acres of land featuring a limestone quarry pond, perfect trees for hanging hammocks, flat ground for parking vans and so much space for community. 

If you’re interested, we are happy to coordinate introducing you to our small herd of alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs.

Burkhart Farm

We live in the country on a working grain farm (corn and soybeans). 
It can get noisy and dusty during harvest and grain hauling operations.
You could wake up to deer eating grain around the bins. In the evenings,
you can look down to the East by tree line for deer and turkey.
We can handle any size RV.
Please pick up after your dogs. We have guest children that play in yard.
All spots are level.
All electric sites are 30/50 and are for year-round use.
We have 9 sites with electric and city water.
3 sites are gravel.
4 sites are grass.
2 are concrete.
We also have a large primitive camping area west of the grain bins in open yard (no electric or water).
Rv parking is available on grass when ground is hard or on the concrete and gravel driveway when soft.
We have one picnic table for campers’ use.
There is a trail we keep mowed North East of the hay barn alongside the crops, which is great for walking/dog run.
Gray water may be dumped in the farm field; the crops love it. 
Sorry, we can no longer recommend black water dump stations as the local campgrounds are refusing non-customer use. 
Whistling Donkey in Woodward has a dump station; you can call them and ask if you can use it (515) 438-2669.
You can be as private or engaged with us as you feel.
Dumpster is by machine shed. 
There are 30+ local TV channels (no cable available).
Open southern skies for satellite use.
The lights automatically turn off at 10 PM. Fire pit is available for your use. Firewood is available East of the barn. Fire Pit light dims down to 15% after 10 PM. Yard lights also come on for one minute at Noon every day.  Stargazing really pops at night on a clear night. You are welcome to turn lights back on and continue outdoor activities and use fire pit as long as you do not disturb other campers. 
Mouse and weather vane lights stay on all night for your convenience.
Please do not put trash in fire pit. (I have to clean it out) 
We would prefer if guests arrive before dark; we like to settle down for the evening.
WIFI is 250 Mbps depending on number of users.
WIFI is Farm. Password is farmfarm (no caps)
(Farm is 4 Miles North of Woodward). &nbsp;1140 300th St Woodward Iowa
Caution; &nbsp; Google maps has a tendency to have you take extra gravel roads. Follow&nbsp;the&nbsp;instructions below to stay on paved roads untill last 1/3&nbsp;mile.
From Woodward: Head to North end of town turn left to the West onto North 3rd&nbsp;St. &nbsp;Go&nbsp;1/4 mile turn right at T&nbsp;intersection to the North onto R18 for&nbsp;two miles. &nbsp;At&nbsp;stop sign turn left to the West on R18.&nbsp; (stay on R18 do not go straight North&nbsp;onto the gravel) in&nbsp;1 mile turn right to the North still on R18&nbsp;for 3 miles turn right to&nbsp;the East on&nbsp;gravel 300th St for&nbsp;1/3 mile. &nbsp;Turn&nbsp;right at (Address 1140)&nbsp;Mickey Mouse Pole Light. Park at Woody the hoot owl and&nbsp;we will help you find a spot.
From Ames: Head West on highway 30 to Highway&nbsp;17 go South for 5 miles to&nbsp;Luther turn right on&nbsp;E57 to the West for 7 miles. &nbsp; At&nbsp;stop sign&nbsp;turn left to the South on R18 for 3 miles turn left to the East on&nbsp;gravel 300th St for&nbsp;1/3 mile. &nbsp;Turn&nbsp;right at (Address 1140)&nbsp;Mickey Mouse Pole Light. &nbsp;Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot.
From Ogden: Head South on Highway&nbsp;169 for 5 miles to E57 turn left to the East for 4 miles. &nbsp;At&nbsp;stop sign turn right to the South on to R18 for 3 miles. &nbsp;Turn&nbsp;left to the East on&nbsp;gravel 300th St for&nbsp;1/3 mile. &nbsp;Turn&nbsp;right at (Address 1140)&nbsp;Mickey Mouse Pole Light. Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot.
From East bound Interstate 80&nbsp; &nbsp;Turn at exit 110 &nbsp; &nbsp;(Adel / Winterset)&nbsp;onto&nbsp;Highway 169&nbsp;and go north 29 miles to E57. &nbsp;&nbsp;(Google maps has a tendency to have you turn onto 300 street which is an extra 4 miles of gravel road go North to E57)&nbsp; Turn&nbsp;right to the East for 4 miles. &nbsp;At&nbsp;stop sign turn right to the South on R18 for 3 miles. &nbsp; Turn&nbsp;left to the East on&nbsp;gravel 300th St for&nbsp;1/3 mile. &nbsp; Turn&nbsp;right at (Address 1140)&nbsp;Mickey Mouse pole&nbsp;Light. &nbsp;Park at Woody the hoot owl and we will help you find a spot.
From Des Moines take 141 to the North to Woodward (From Woodward see above).
For questions&nbsp;about the route look at&nbsp;our host site at the photo map.
Local Hospital
Perry IA ---------------------515 465-3547
Boone IA--------------------515 432-3140 
Local gas station:
  Casey’s General Store (gas, pizza, sub sandwiches, and groceries).
  Madrid (9 miles away) is the closest diesel fuel.
Restaurants in Woodward: 
  Cayennes Café 
  Whistling Donkey Sports Bar and Grill
Laundry:
   Uptown Laundry, 115 S Main St., Woodward
Groceries:
  A J’s Grocery Store
  Picket Fence Creamery
Banks:
  E-Bank, ATM 217 S Main St., Woodward
Local Attractions:
  Picket Fence Creamery
  Woodward High Trestle Bridge & BikeTrail

9 sites with Electric and water.   Open yard with no utilities 

Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

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!

RV Spots have electric at the site, water to fill your tanks with and we have a dump station on the way out.  

Cabin rental $150.00 night for the first two people.  $10.00 each person after the first two. 

Chasing Nirvana Retreat

Welcome to Chasing Nirvana Retreat - a peaceful 40-acre escape in the heart of rural Iowa, designed for campers, RV travelers, and van-lifers seeking space, quiet, and open skies.
Our land offers multiple private sites suitable for tent camping and RVs, along with our thoughtfully converted Sprinter van stay, Chasing Nirvana, for guests looking for a glamping experience. Whether you arrive with a tent, an RV, or just a sense of adventure, you’ll find room to spread out and truly unplug.
Each site is surrounded by wide-open prairie, offering stunning sunrises, star-filled nights, and the kind of stillness that makes time slow down. Guests are free to explore the acreage, relax by their campsite, or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of nature.
This retreat is ideal for:
-Tent campers looking for space and privacy
-RV travelers seeking a quiet overnight or multi-day stay
-Van-lifers and road trippers craving a unique rural stop
-Couples, families, furry friends, and solo travelers who love the outdoors
If you’re chasing rest, simplicity, fresh air, and Nirvana- you’ve found your spot!

Cooking equipment

Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to&nbsp; offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC.&nbsp; 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.

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 and heat
- Small refrigerator
- Nespresso machine with pods, creamer & sugar
- Dining table with two chairs
- TV
- 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 and 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.

Cabin in the Woods

Cabin in the Woods is located on 18 wooded acres.  Small stocked pond right outside your front door!  Enjoy the wildlife and peacefulness of nature all around.  Secluded area, yet 15 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland and more!  The cabin is a small one room space, with a loft for extra storage or sleeping.  There is electric, but no running water.  Gallon of water will be available.  There is an attached outhouse with toilet.  Small fridge and microwave.  TV with DVD player.

Please note that the cabin does share a driveway with our house, so there may be cars that drive by.  We do have animals on our property, so you may encounter dogs, cats, chickens and goats (all friendly)!

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