Best Tent Camping near Ankeny, IA
Tent camping options near Ankeny, Iowa include several established campgrounds within 30 miles. Ashton Wildwood Park in Mingo provides spacious tent sites tucked into wooded areas, while Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers primitive tent camping with well-maintained grounds and lake access. Both locations accommodate walk-in tent camping and provide basic amenities for overnight stays.
Tent sites at these campgrounds typically feature dirt or grassy surfaces with fire rings and picnic tables. Most locations have vault toilets or outhouses rather than flush facilities, and campers should plan to bring their own water as drinking water is limited. Campsites at Ashton Wildwood Park cost approximately $7 per night and do not require reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. A review mentioned, "The sites are very spacious, could easily accommodate multiple tents," highlighting the generous size of individual camping areas.
The tent camping experience near Ankeny provides opportunities for nature immersion with hiking trails and water activities. Ashton Wildwood Park features wooded tent sites with substantial privacy and access to hiking trails and an observatory. Colfax Quarry Springs Park offers tent camping with fishing access, making it popular for anglers seeking overnight stays. Areas surrounding Ankeny generally provide quiet camping with moderate tree cover for shade. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious," making these locations ideal for those seeking a more secluded tent camping experience without traveling far from the Des Moines metro area. Mariposa Recreation Area provides another option for country tent camping with hiking trails and a lake for fishing.