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Best Campgrounds near Ames, IA

482 Reviews

Several nice campgrounds sit within easy reach of Ames, Iowa. Ledges State Park Campground is about 13 miles away and has good trails through the woods and along a small gorge with water features. Iowa Ledges State Park nearby has both regular and more basic camping spots for those who want different options. If you drive a bit further, you'll reach Rock Creek State Park Campground, which has a big lake where many campers fish and take boats out. These parks have a mix of shady and open camping spots, but they fill up fast, especially during busy times of year. You should book ahead online to make sure you get a spot. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for camping around Ames. Summer gets pretty hot, and winter camping works but you'll need to prepare for cold. Bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings come standard at most sites. The Ames area works well whether you want a quiet camping trip or one with more activities. Remember to follow the rules about trash and leave your campsite clean when you go.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ames, Iowa (94)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    2. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "A couple minor complaints that I developed would be that it is right next to the golf course so there is a lot of near by traffic, and people like to cruise on motorcycles and drive muscle cars through"

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    3. Swede Point Park

    13 Reviews
    Madrid, IA
    15 miles
    Website

    "We camped here to be close to the Iowa High Trestle Trail for bicycling and it's very handy for that. Nothing fancy, but has plenty of sites, flush toilets and showers available."

    "Nice little camp ground with easy access to the high trestle bike trail"

    4. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "Lots of prairie area around, spacious sites. Varying levels of shade. A25, had a good amount of shade and was near the nice playground and nice bathrooms. No view of the lake from loop A."

    5. Hickory Grove Campground

    5 Reviews
    Collins, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 232-2516

    $17 / night

    "Lots of trees for shade but the lake has trails and a swimming beach with watercraft rentals. Truly a hidden gem in central Iowa!"

    "Got to the campground around 6pm on a Friday and no one was at the primitive campground which was nice. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good condition."

    6. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    7. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0429

    $14 - $84 / night

    "Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."

    "Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."

    8. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."

    "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."

    9. Little Wall Lake County Park

    5 Reviews
    Story City, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 832-9570

    "Close to the interstate and easy to get to."

    "We went when the wind was blowing in typical Iowa summer fashion. The grounds are peaceful and there's lots of great plant and flower spotting."

    10. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

    8 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Next to skunk river oxbows, kayak, no swimming, water stagnant, no fish, about 4ft depth everywhere. Great hiking trails, clean, great camp hosts, ranger. All sites first come."

    "We haven't camped here, but have seen that the tent areas are right next to the water. Super serene with great hiking trails and bird watching!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Ames, IA

60 Photos of 94 Ames Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ames, IA

482 Reviews of 94 Ames Campgrounds

  • Bethanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Sportsman Park

    Sportsman Park

    Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!

    They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.

    The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Nice campground. Clean. Well kept.

    We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair.

  • Bethany G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    I stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Jester County Park

    Nothing but exceptional

    Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level. They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be. Camp host was top notch, neighbors fantastic, quiet and respectful. Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Adventureland Campground

    Great campground and amazing amusement park

    July, 2017

    Great place but not quiet at all.  Short walk to the amusement park.  We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park.  They also have workcamper programs.

    We especially loved the fireworks display on the 4th.

  • Jerry V.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Colfax Quarry Springs Park

    Well Maintaned & Good Fishing

    I stayed at site #13 with my two boys.  We had a blast.  I would highly recommend site #13.  It had plenty of space for a large tent and canopy.  It had a nice access spot for fishing.  The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean.  Most sites are pretty sandy as this was an old quarry so be prepared for that.  There was also company on-site that rents Kayaks.  The campground manager was extremely helpful.  He had firewood already staged for $7 and even came back on day two with more firewood for the same fee.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Don Williams Park

    Beautiful park

    Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.

  • J
    Jul. 8, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Clean & quiet

    Made a quick trip here to de how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6’ hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site. Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks.

    Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider.

    A new bath house, community room, and “shop” is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless.

    The camp is quiet and well maintained.

Guide to Ames

Camping near Ames, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Enjoy scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Rock Creek State Park Campground for a relaxing day on the water. A reviewer noted, "Boat and kayak rental and a small store with basic necessities."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Jester County Park has a kids' playground and various outdoor activities. One camper shared, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were modern and clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots for tents and RVs. A review for Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often highlight the helpful staff. One reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday stated, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds, like Iowa Ledges State Park, have poor cell coverage. A camper noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Expect crowds in summer months, especially at popular spots like Rock Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground was large but busy."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's best to book in advance. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Jester County Park that have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. A reviewer said, "Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings smoother. One camper at Yellow Banks County Park mentioned, "Firewood available and camp host was a wonderful older gentleman."
  • Plan for Outdoor Games: Bring along games for the kids to play outside. A visitor at Bob Shetler Recreation Area shared, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Rock Creek State Park Campground offer various electric options. One camper said, "Some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
  • Be Mindful of Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially near playgrounds. A visitor at Bob Shetler Recreation Area mentioned, "The public parking lot is also just a few feet from a lot of the campsites."

With these insights, you're all set for a great camping experience near Ames, Iowa!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find lake camping options near Ames, Iowa?

Little Wall Lake County Park offers lake camping relatively close to Ames and is conveniently located near the interstate. The campground is clean and family-friendly, though sites are somewhat close together. Another excellent lake option is Briggs Woods Park near Webster City, which offers camping alongside water access for canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River. This county park also features hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and reasonable rates, making it a versatile destination for water-oriented camping near Ames.

What are the best campgrounds near Ames, Iowa?

Ledges State Park Campground is widely considered one of the best options near Ames, offering beautiful hiking trails, well-shaded campsites, and creek access. The park features both RV sites with hookups and primitive tent sites. Another excellent choice is Prairie Bridges Park, a quiet small-town campground with great walking paths and scenic views. It's especially peaceful on weekdays and provides convenient access to nearby amenities. Both parks offer a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities within a reasonable driving distance from Ames.

Where can I go for affordable one-night camping in the Ames area?

Timmons Grove County Park offers electric sites for $18/night, though it may feel a bit expensive for tent camping. The park is rarely crowded, making it ideal for a quiet overnight stay. Another option is Thomas Mitchell County Park near Altoona, which offers both electric and non-electric sites with some walk-up availability. It features a creek where kids can play and is set on nearly 200 acres of land. Both parks provide affordable options for campers looking for a simple one-night stay without long-term reservations.

Are there any RV parks in Ames, Iowa with full hookups?

Yes, RV campers have several options near Ames with hookups. Riverview Park Campground in Marshalltown offers RV sites with hookups, though be aware it's located close to a highway which may create some noise. For a more natural setting, Lenon Mill Park at Lake Panorama provides hookup options with the convenience of being just five minutes from town amenities. While not directly in Ames, these parks are within reasonable driving distance and provide the full hookup amenities that RV campers need.

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