Tent camping near Ames, Iowa provides access to several county conservation parks with varying levels of amenities and natural settings. The region features terrain characterized by rolling hills, prairie remnants, and waterways like the Skunk River that flows through eastern Ames. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer camping season brings humid conditions with daytime temperatures averaging 80-85°F from June through August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Jerry V. notes, "It had a nice access spot for fishing. The new restroom/shower facility was very nice and clean." The park prohibits swimming and only allows electric motors on the water.
Wildlife observation: Mariposa Recreation Area features a butterfly garden and hiking trails leading to various habitats. According to Willy W., "There are hiking trails and one that goes to a back pond. There is a butterfly garden and playground for the kids to explore." The park also has a shelter with picnic tables for group gatherings.
Astronomy viewing: Visit the observatory at Ashton Wildwood Park, which operates most Saturday evenings except the first Saturday of each month. Michael K. mentions the campground is "Very clean, easy to reserve. Bathroom was a pit toilet but clean. Camp spot was clean and well-maintained." The park also features an orienteering course through wooded areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Tent campers appreciate the generous sites at Ashton Wildwood Park. Deb K. writes, "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children." The campground provides pit toilets in the camping area with flush toilets available at the nearby observatory.
Waterfront camping: Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers waterfront sites for tent campers. Christopher M. reports, "Awesome campground, clean and well maintained. Even the outhouses smelled good. Garbage bins, picnic tables and fire pits at all sites. Level enough for our rooftop tent with no difficulties."
Secluded options: For those seeking more privacy, Kuehn Conservation Area provides walk-in tent sites along the Raccoon River. James M. describes it as having "Nice quite sites along the Raccoon River. Has hiking, fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife, small Bear Creek nature center, open daily 1/2 hr before sunrise to 10:30 pm."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most county conservation campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some require advance booking. At Mariposa Recreation Area, Willy W. explains, "The lake has been drained and dredged and is slowly filling back up. It's pretty spacious and has lots of room for tent camping. I wouldn't bring an RV here."
Water availability: Bring sufficient water supplies as many campgrounds have limited or no drinking water sources. Several parks offer water spigots at central locations but not at individual sites. Deb K. advises about Ashton Wildwood Park: "Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways. At Colfax Quarry Springs Park, Willy W. notes, "The only downside of camping is you hear the interstate traffic but it's minimal. The quiet hours are at 10:30pm and they have a gate which is closed at sunset when the park closes for non campers."
Tips for camping with families
Observatory programs: Schedule your tent camping trip to Ashton Wildwood Park around the observatory's open nights. Willy W. shares, "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom."
Recreation options: Big Wall Lake Wildlife Management Area provides basic tent camping with wildlife viewing opportunities, though facilities are minimal. David B. explains, "We stopped here when we drove from NY to CO and it was fine. We got here late and left early in the morning so we never saw the place in light."
Rental equipment: Kayak rentals are available at certain locations for water recreation. Jerry V. mentions about Colfax Quarry Springs Park: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Several campgrounds near Ames are better suited for tent camping than RVs. Luke C. appreciates Colfax Quarry Springs Park as "Campsite right on the water. Great fishing. Isolated campgrounds. Tent only none of that RV B.S."
Twin Anchors considerations: RV campers at Twin Anchors Campground should be aware of the social atmosphere. Abby F. reports, "The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy. They have a small petting zoo and a small beach. This place feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature."
