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Best Campgrounds near Ames, IA

475 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

    29 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"

    "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit."

    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

57 Photos of 94 Ames Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ames, IA

475 Reviews of 94 Ames Campgrounds

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

What camping is available near Ames, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ames, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Ames, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ames, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ames, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ames, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Ames, IA.

What parks are near Ames, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Ames, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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