The best camping near Ames with wildlife watching

Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.

(4)

94 sites · Luther, Iowa

5. Saylorville Lake

446 sites · Polk City, Iowa

(9)

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.

20mi from Ames · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Zearing, IA

6. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%

(41)

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.

7. Greenhouse Camping

97%

(151)

17mi from Ames · 2 sites · RVs · Ankeny, IA

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.

8. DILLON TREE FARM

37mi from Ames · 7 sites · RVs · Alden, IA

(10)

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.

9. Cabin in the Woods

19mi from Ames · 1 site · Lodging · Bondurant, IA

(5)

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)!

10. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

252 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.

11. Walnut Woods State Park

22 sites · West Des Moines, Iowa

(3)

Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.

Discover the rugged beauty of Dolliver Memorial State Park.

12. Dolliver Memorial State Park

24 sites · Lehigh, Iowa

13. Pine Lake State Park

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

(1)

127 sites · Eldora, Iowa

14. Rooted Timbers

46mi from Ames · 4 sites · Tents · Stuart, IA

(20)

We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage. We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. Firefly Creek Ranch

92%

(13)

48mi from Ames · 10 sites · Guthrie Center, IA

Our property was once the County Home until it was closed due to regulatory changes to the mental health industry. The property sat vacant for 2 years as a deficit for the county and its taxpayers. We had a plan to breathe new life into this property by re-opening as a non-profit Art, Community, and Retreat Center. We are in the heart of the rolling hills surrounding Guthrie Center & Lake Panorama. It is simply an amazing place. Please come and see what makes this experience unique. Learn more about this land:Peaceful farm setting in the rolling hills of Guthrie County, Iowa. Outdoor rustic camping and indoor simple Bed & Breakfast rooms. 10 Rustic Campsites or 1 with water and electric hook-ups for additional $5 night. Self contained campers welcome. Ask about our Gathering & Retreat Center with 8 indoor overnight accommodations available. Sleeps 8-15.

193 sites · Oakland Acres, Iowa

18. Rock Creek State Park

Discover the natural allure of Rock Creek State Park.

111 sites · Lake Panorama, Iowa

19. Springbrook State Park

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

22 sites · Gladbrook, Iowa

20. Union Grove State Park

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

Showers

Camper favorites near Ames

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Cabin in the Woods

19mi from Ames · 1 site · Lodging · Bondurant, IA

(5)

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)!

Rooted Timbers

46mi from Ames · 4 sites · Tents · Stuart, IA

(20)

We're Ben, Trinh, Camille, and Sage. We purchased this 12 acres in Fall '20 as a way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends and family. As time went on, we noticed a need in making outdoor activities more accessible and inclusive to those outside our network. Rooted Timbers was created with the intention of making it easier for you to disconnect from business and connect with stillness.

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.

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

Firefly Creek Ranch

92%

(13)

48mi from Ames · 10 sites · Guthrie Center, IA

Our property was once the County Home until it was closed due to regulatory changes to the mental health industry. The property sat vacant for 2 years as a deficit for the county and its taxpayers. We had a plan to breathe new life into this property by re-opening as a non-profit Art, Community, and Retreat Center. We are in the heart of the rolling hills surrounding Guthrie Center & Lake Panorama. It is simply an amazing place. Please come and see what makes this experience unique. Learn more about this land:Peaceful farm setting in the rolling hills of Guthrie County, Iowa. Outdoor rustic camping and indoor simple Bed & Breakfast rooms. 10 Rustic Campsites or 1 with water and electric hook-ups for additional $5 night. Self contained campers welcome. Ask about our Gathering & Retreat Center with 8 indoor overnight accommodations available. Sleeps 8-15.

Public campgrounds near Ames

14mi from Ames · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ledges State Park

(4)

Ledges Campground

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

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

(3)

Prairie Flower Recreation Area and Campground

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

(1)

Acorn Valley Campground

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

(5)

Cherry Glen Campground

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

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

(3)

Walnut Woods Campground

Dolliver Campground

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

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

(1)

Pine Lake Campground

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

Stories from the community

R

Robin

3 weeks ago

Beautiful property, lots of trails to explore, pond and complete relaxation. Hunters Havin sleeping cabin was awesome. Great for cooler weather and beautiful surroundings for campfire. We can’t wait to return in the summer with the grandkids.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

4 nights at Greenhouse Camping

My dogs and I loved our stay on Robin’s land. He is very kind and had everything we needed. Peaceful location and close to everywhere we were going. Will definitely stay again.

K

Katie

October 2025

Gorgeous property. Booked the sight above the pond which was beautiful and peaceful. Great sunset spot.

Holly

October 2025

The host was super friendly and flexible, even when we got in around midnight. The space was safe and views were lovely the next morning. I'd recommend staying!

Laura

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Greenhouse Camping

Perfect location, beautiful sunset (picture included) nice grassy trail for an anytime still by yourself or with your dog. Speaking of dogs, Robin has installed a HUGE and I mean HUGE Dog Park. Water, electric and convenient extras if you want them🫶🏼 I’ll be back!

J

Josh

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to The Waypoint

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

E

Eric

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Absolutely love the cute little cottage and the fun playground areas.

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!

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..

Loved the extra space we could let our dog investigate

Amanda

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

1 night at Greenhouse Camping

Convenient metro location with easy access to food and nature areas. Loved the location and didn’t mind the minor road/interstate noise. Clean. Great basic campsite with some extra touches.

E

Executive

September 2025

33 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Greenhouse Camping

This so calm and relaxing. Lots of space and quiet. Right now there is a lot of construction going on in the area, but it was still quiet during our three night stay. Robin stopped by the first night to make sure we were settled in and had what we needed. Very friendly. Met the other camper there who was taking their two dogs to the dog run. Nice fenced in area that is quite large. We don't have dogs, but that was a nice area to take them to play. We will definitely try to stay again if we are in the area.

K

Kyra

September 2025

With pets