The best campgrounds near Ames, Iowa with snow sports

Looking to plan a camping trip near Ames, Iowa and indulge in some snow sports? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 190 options in the area that cater to snow sports enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin, a rustic yurt, or a spacious RV site, Hipcamp has got you covered. Plus, with top campsites like Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), and Lake Red Rock Oasis (75 reviews), you can trust that you'll have a great experience. And with popular amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. So gear up for some snow sports and book your camping trip with Hipcamp today!

96% (255)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ames

Looking to plan a camping trip near Ames, Iowa and indulge in some snow sports? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 190 options in the area that cater to snow sports enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin, a rustic yurt, or a spacious RV site, Hipcamp has got you covered. Plus, with top campsites like Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews), Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews), and Lake Red Rock Oasis (75 reviews), you can trust that you'll have a great experience. And with popular amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. So gear up for some snow sports and book your camping trip with Hipcamp today!

96% (255)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ames

1. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%

(492)

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!

2. 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.

3. Saylorville Lake

100%

(9)

446 sites · Polk City, Iowa

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Walnut Woods State Park

100%

(3)

22 sites · West Des Moines, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

7. Pine Lake State Park

100%

(1)

127 sites · Eldora, Iowa

Discover Pine Lake State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

8. Rock Creek State Park

193 sites · Oakland Acres, Iowa

Discover the natural allure of Rock Creek State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

9. Springbrook State Park

111 sites · Lake Panorama, Iowa

Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Union Grove State Park

22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa

Discover Union Grove State Park's natural charm and outdoor activities.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Public campgrounds near Ames

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(3)

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

19mi from Ames · 159 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(1)

Acorn Valley Campground

21mi from Ames · 95 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

100%

(5)

Cherry Glen Campground

21mi from Ames · 125 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

Bob Shetler Recreation Area and Campground

23mi from Ames · 67 sites · Tents, RVs · in Saylorville Lake

Beach Campground

31mi from Ames · 252 sites · Tents, RVs · in Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

100%

(3)

Walnut Woods Campground

34mi from Ames · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Walnut Woods State Park

Dolliver Campground

34mi from Ames · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dolliver Memorial State Park

A cabin, in the woods, by the river, on a snowy morning. The warmth inside from the fireplace. Life is quiet, and good.

100%

(1)

Pine Lake Campground

37mi from Ames · 127 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pine Lake State Park

Rock Creek Campground

45mi from Ames · 193 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rock Creek State Park

Springbrook Campground

46mi from Ames · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Springbrook State Park

Union Grove Campground

47mi from Ames · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Union Grove State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

James

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

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

Patricia

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

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..

Ronda

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

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.

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.

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!!

A

Ariane

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Very clean and beautiful! I slept like a baby with the sounds of the stream. Owners readily available to help with any needs!

J

Jason

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Super quiet. Very clean and well maintained. I'll definitely be back if I ever come through the area again.

M

Milt

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

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!

M

Milt

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

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.

K

Kasey

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

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.

M

Miguette

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

I did not want to leave. I had a little spot by the stream and I saw an amazing variety of birds. Really - warblers, and a kingfisher and so on. It was totally delightful. The host was super nice and friendly. I felt safe, this place is clean and welcoming. You can for sure hear the highway, it didn’t bother me though.