Best Cabin Camping near Ames, IA
Several campgrounds near Ames offer cabin accommodations for visitors seeking more shelter than tent camping provides. Ledges State Park Campground features cabins with electricity, beds, and basic amenities within a wooded setting approximately 20 minutes from Ames. Little Wall Lake County Park provides cabins with more extensive amenities including air conditioning, mini-refrigerators, and microwave ovens. "This was one of the nicest county campgrounds I've ever seen. We rented a cabin for $50, because it was only about $10 more expensive than what we were planning on spending for a campsite in Minnesota. They had two wooden cabin-style buildings with little front porches. Inside, you had two bunk beds, and the bottom bunk of one was a pull out futon," noted one visitor about their cabin experience at a nearby county park.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. KOA properties near Ames, including Des Moines West KOA Holiday and Newton KOA, offer cabin rentals with varying levels of amenities. Basic cabins typically include beds, electricity, and sometimes air conditioning, while deluxe options may feature private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and furnished living spaces. Jester County Park and Briggs Woods Park maintain year-round cabin availability, though advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months. A review mentioned, "We stayed one night in a basic cabin. AC was on upon arrival - check in/out was quick and easy! Bathrooms were immaculate!" Most parks allow pets in select cabins for an additional fee.
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between properties - some cabins offer only outdoor fire rings with cooking grates, while others provide microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and coffee makers. Adventureland Campground and Timberline Campground cabins include more extensive indoor cooking options. Firewood is available for purchase at most locations, though policies regarding outside firewood vary due to invasive species concerns. Grocery stores in nearby communities stock camping supplies and food items, with Walmart and Hy-Vee locations in Ames providing comprehensive shopping options approximately 10-30 minutes from most cabin locations.