The best camping near Ankeny with wildlife watching

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a thrilling wildlife watching experience near Ankeny, Iowa, we've got you covered. With over 290 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you're sure to find the perfect campsite. From Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews) to Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews) and Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews), our top campsites offer exceptional experiences. With popular amenities such as potable water, pet-friendly sites, and toilets, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can indulge in biking, wind sports, and off-roading (OHV) activities. So pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable wildlife watching adventure!

97% (802) 86 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ankeny

Greenhouse Camping

1. Greenhouse Camping

97%
(151)
4.1mi from Ankeny · 2 sites
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.  
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$31
 / night
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%
(493)
29mi from Ankeny · 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
The Waypoint

3. The Waypoint

99%
(55)
32mi from Ankeny · 5 sites
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.
Pets
from 
$35
 / night
Saylorville Lake

4. Saylorville Lake

100%
(9)
Park 6.6mi from Ankeny · 446 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Walnut Woods State Park

5. Walnut Woods State Park

100%
(3)
State park 15mi from Ankeny · 22 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

6. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(41)
34mi from Ankeny · 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
Rooted Timbers

7. Rooted Timbers

100%
(20)
38mi from Ankeny · 4 sites
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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Nature Heaven by lake red rock

8. Nature Heaven by lake red rock

96%
(317)
39mi from Ankeny · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distance to keep privacy from each other. A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts. For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock. For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on top of a hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace, and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land were a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environmental health backgrounds, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills, and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what Google Maps shows now.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

9. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

98%
(209)
41mi from Ankeny · 14 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
Ledges State Park

10. Ledges State Park

100%
(4)
State park 23mi from Ankeny · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Ahquabi State Park

11. Lake Ahquabi State Park

100%
(3)
State park 30mi from Ankeny · 104 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Elk Rock State Park

12. Elk Rock State Park

100%
(1)
State park 35mi from Ankeny · 85 sites
Elk Rock State Park: A Haven for Campers and Nature Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Red Rock

13. Lake Red Rock

100%
(5)
Park 37mi from Ankeny · 390 sites
Discover Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake with endless recreation and scenic beauty.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Firefly Creek Ranch

14. Firefly Creek Ranch

92%
(13)
42mi from Ankeny · 10 sites
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.  
Cabin in the Woods

15. Cabin in the Woods

100%
(5)
7.9mi from Ankeny · 1 site
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)!
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$120
 / night
Rock Creek State Park

16. Rock Creek State Park

State park 40mi from Ankeny · 193 sites
Discover the natural allure of Rock Creek State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Springbrook State Park

17. Springbrook State Park

State park 44mi from Ankeny · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

18. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

State park 50mi from Ankeny · 252 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking for a thrilling wildlife watching experience near Ankeny, Iowa, we've got you covered. With over 290 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you're sure to find the perfect campsite. From Windy Goat Acres (208 reviews) to Come Enjoy the Beauty (160 reviews) and Folk School Farm Stay (135 reviews), our top campsites offer exceptional experiences. With popular amenities such as potable water, pet-friendly sites, and toilets, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can indulge in biking, wind sports, and off-roading (OHV) activities. So pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable wildlife watching adventure!

97% (802) 86 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ankeny

Greenhouse Camping

1. Greenhouse Camping

97%
(151)
4.1mi from Ankeny · 2 sites
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.  
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$31
 / night
Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%
(493)
29mi from Ankeny · 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
The Waypoint

3. The Waypoint

99%
(55)
32mi from Ankeny · 5 sites
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.
Pets
from 
$35
 / night
Saylorville Lake

4. Saylorville Lake

100%
(9)
Park 6.6mi from Ankeny · 446 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Walnut Woods State Park

5. Walnut Woods State Park

100%
(3)
State park 15mi from Ankeny · 22 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

6. Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC

98%
(41)
34mi from Ankeny · 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
Rooted Timbers

7. Rooted Timbers

100%
(20)
38mi from Ankeny · 4 sites
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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Nature Heaven by lake red rock

8. Nature Heaven by lake red rock

96%
(317)
39mi from Ankeny · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We open year-round!! The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and a solar light. The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distance to keep privacy from each other. A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts. For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock. For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground. The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on top of a hill. You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having a comfortable stay. The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^. Hope you will find joy, peace, and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas. A little history of this land: These 40 acres of land were a surface mining site. The reclamation works done during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environmental health backgrounds, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills, and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what Google Maps shows now.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

9. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

98%
(209)
41mi from Ankeny · 14 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
Ledges State Park

10. Ledges State Park

100%
(4)
State park 23mi from Ankeny · 94 sites
Discover a lost lake and gorgeous sandstone cliffs at this state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Ahquabi State Park

11. Lake Ahquabi State Park

100%
(3)
State park 30mi from Ankeny · 104 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Ahquabi State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Elk Rock State Park

12. Elk Rock State Park

100%
(1)
State park 35mi from Ankeny · 85 sites
Elk Rock State Park: A Haven for Campers and Nature Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Red Rock

13. Lake Red Rock

100%
(5)
Park 37mi from Ankeny · 390 sites
Discover Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake with endless recreation and scenic beauty.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Firefly Creek Ranch

14. Firefly Creek Ranch

92%
(13)
42mi from Ankeny · 10 sites
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.  
Cabin in the Woods

15. Cabin in the Woods

100%
(5)
7.9mi from Ankeny · 1 site
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)!
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$120
 / night
Rock Creek State Park

16. Rock Creek State Park

State park 40mi from Ankeny · 193 sites
Discover the natural allure of Rock Creek State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Springbrook State Park

17. Springbrook State Park

State park 44mi from Ankeny · 111 sites
Discover the natural allure of Springbrook State Park's diverse landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

18. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

State park 50mi from Ankeny · 252 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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