97% (389) • 8 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ankeny
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
1. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
29mi from Ankeny · 55 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
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
2. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
98%
(41)
34mi from Ankeny · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, 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
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
3. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
41mi from Ankeny · 13 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Springbrook State Park
4. Springbrook State Park
State park 44mi from Ankeny · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
5. Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
100%
(1)
37mi from Ankeny · 1 site
We invite you to turn off your phone and unwind on the front porch rocking chair as you watch one of our breathtaking sunsets or sunrises. Pasture and grassland with 7 ponds are accessible by a short hike along the cattle trails. A marked perimeter trail follows Wolfe Creek, home to wildlife and a shady cool spot during the hot days of summer.
Mulberry Cottage is at the northeast corner of a 200-acre cattle ranch where we practice rotational grazing on ten paddocks. The cabin, surrounded by Mulberry and Osage Orange (Hedge Trees) are host to berry eating birds and mammals. (And the occasional marsupial). Cattle are fenced outside the cabin area but may be close by where you hear them and see them. Deer and coyotes are common on the property as plenty of birdlife. The cabin is a farm-stay experience with farm fresh eggs, and Mulberry preserves for your baked goods in the morning.
You will need your muck boots and cowboy hat to hike our cattle trails and wade in the creeks. Try your hand at "frogging" in the marshes of one of our 7 ponds. Bottle-feeding a calf or collecting eggs are some of the chores you are welcome to participate in. You'll be amazed at the variety of wildflowers and birding opportunities. The head cowboy himself will invite you to chore time or have a farm tour of our grazing and regenerative practices. Our natural beef and tallow products are all for sale at the farm or grill up some "Ohnemusbeef" available at our farm store.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$60
/ night
97% (389) • 8 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Ankeny
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
1. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure
96%
(493)
29mi from Ankeny · 55 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
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
2. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
98%
(41)
34mi from Ankeny · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, 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
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
3. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(209)
41mi from Ankeny · 13 sites
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Springbrook State Park
4. Springbrook State Park
State park 44mi from Ankeny · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
5. Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
100%
(1)
37mi from Ankeny · 1 site
We invite you to turn off your phone and unwind on the front porch rocking chair as you watch one of our breathtaking sunsets or sunrises. Pasture and grassland with 7 ponds are accessible by a short hike along the cattle trails. A marked perimeter trail follows Wolfe Creek, home to wildlife and a shady cool spot during the hot days of summer.
Mulberry Cottage is at the northeast corner of a 200-acre cattle ranch where we practice rotational grazing on ten paddocks. The cabin, surrounded by Mulberry and Osage Orange (Hedge Trees) are host to berry eating birds and mammals. (And the occasional marsupial). Cattle are fenced outside the cabin area but may be close by where you hear them and see them. Deer and coyotes are common on the property as plenty of birdlife. The cabin is a farm-stay experience with farm fresh eggs, and Mulberry preserves for your baked goods in the morning.
You will need your muck boots and cowboy hat to hike our cattle trails and wade in the creeks. Try your hand at "frogging" in the marshes of one of our 7 ponds. Bottle-feeding a calf or collecting eggs are some of the chores you are welcome to participate in. You'll be amazed at the variety of wildflowers and birding opportunities. The head cowboy himself will invite you to chore time or have a farm tour of our grazing and regenerative practices. Our natural beef and tallow products are all for sale at the farm or grill up some "Ohnemusbeef" available at our farm store.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$60
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
James
November 2025
With pets
After a long day of driving, this was the perfect place to stop. The only mistake I made was not arriving sooner to enjoy the property more. Linda was so responsive, incredibly accommodating, and just a joy to communicate and plan with. Having two large dogs is tough to travel with, and Linda made it so easy within our travel plans. I will be back with my fishing gear in the future. Thank you for the hospitality!
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R
Robin
November 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
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.
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Holly
October 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
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!
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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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Devon
August 2025
With pets
The Ranch is a hidden paradise for a person like myself!! Very peaceful with a Creek,Pond, and Trails!!!! We had a Full moon during the stay and it’s amazing view every night! 10/10!!! 5 Star!!! MUST SEE!!!
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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!!
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MICHAEL
August 2025
3 nights at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
This place is a hidden gem and we will continue to come back year after year. The family is very kind and we absolutely love coming to camp here.
See moreT
Tyler
July 2025
With pets
My girlfriend and I booked Hunter’s Havin for a 2 night stay with our dog and it was amazing. The quiet atmosphere with tons of privacy was exactly what we were looking for. We were greeted by Linda with a big smile and a tour of the land. We were able to unwind and relax to our heart’s content. On the 2nd day, the heat became unbearable for us and our dog, and Linda was very accommodating, allowing us to move to the Honeymoon Cabin for our final night, which included air conditioning. We will definitely be back in the future, and highly recommend Rock N Ranch and Linda to anyone looking for a quiet getaway out in nature.
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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.
See moreA
Austin
July 2025
With pets
I loved staying at Rockin Ranch. There is nice pond caught many fish. Very secluded and quiet. 10/10
See moreM
Megan
June 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
My travels become chaotic and I was unable to make my reservation. The host was very understandable and respectful! She did everything to try and accommodate me and I appreciate that effort! I WILL make it to the cabin one day!
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Montgomery
June 2025
1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Cabin was very private with its own fire ring. Lots of fireflies when we went which was a good surprise. Very friendly host who showed us everything on their site even tho we showed up around 9pm
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A
Amelia
June 2025
With pets
We had an amazing time! It’s so quiet and peaceful. Darlene was an amazing host! We will def be back!! Thanks for having us 🫶🏼
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F
Fernando
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Un lugar fantástico por la tranquilidad el contacto con la naturaleza a mi esposa le fascinó y mi también me encantó el anfitrión muy amable 😊. Lo recomiendo 100%
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E
Emily
May 2025
With kids
This is the second year in a row our family has spent at Rock-N-Ranch. We stayed in The Loft this year. Is was an amazing little getaway. The weather didn't totally cooperate but we wouldn't have changed it for anything! The hosts were very welcoming and made sure our stay was perfect! We will absolutely be back for a 3rd time next year!
See moreD
Drake
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
Absolutely awesome camp both times I went! Super nice hosts. Highly recommend Rock N Ranch!
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Paula
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
Beautiful and relaxing get away. Cute cottage and wonderful host. We will definitely be back.
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J
Jack
February 2025
Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
We had an amazing time in the honeymoon cabin! The views were amazing especially with the snow. We definitely will be going back!
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