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30 campgrounds and RV Parks near Ames, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
30 campgrounds
2276 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Ames, IA
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(94 sites)
+5
Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground
Altoona, IA (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(142 sites)
Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club
Grimes, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(448 sites)
+8
Adventureland Campground
Altoona, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+4
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian
Iowa (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Beach
Iowa (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+2
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - North Equestrian
Iowa (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Timberline RV Campground
Waukee, IA (33 miles away)
Timberline Campground
Waukee, IA (34 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Iowa (34 miles away)
$$$$$
(33 sites)
+4
Dallas County Fairgrounds Campground
Adel, IA (34 miles away)
Walnut Woods State Park
West Des Moines, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Dump station Playground Pet friendly Grills Hiking Trails Firewood
Campgrounds near Ames, Iowa
Ames sits in central Iowa, roughly a half-hour north of the Des Moines metro along Interstate 35. The city is a practical base for RV travelers because it puts several distinct camping styles within easy reach: a classic Iowa state park, a private RV park, a members-only family resort, a theme-park campground, and a large equestrian-friendly recreation area.
The closest public option is Ledges State Park near Madrid, one of Iowa's oldest state parks, known for sandstone cliffs above the Des Moines River and a campground with electric, full-hookup, and non-electric sites. Griff's Valley View RV Park and Campground sits closer to the Des Moines side and caters to travelers who want reservable full hookups near the interstate.
Families stopping for the amusement park often stay at Adventureland Campground in Altoona. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club in Grimes is a private, member-owned resort. For horseback riders and RV travelers who want trail access, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - South Equestrian sits northwest of Ames near Lehigh.
Things to do near Ames
Ledges State Park is the marquee outdoor destination in the area. Visitors can drive the one-way canyon road along Pea's Creek, wade in the shallow stream crossings, and hike a trail system that climbs to overlooks above the Des Moines River Valley. The park also has picnic areas and stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including an arch stone bridge and shelters in Oak Woods and lower Ledges.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area covers a large tract in Webster County with a lake for fishing and boating and an extensive multi-use trail network with a designated equestrian campground. Closer to the metro, Adventureland Park offers rides and water attractions, and the High Trestle Trail rail-to-trail route runs from Ankeny through Woodward and past Madrid, making it a popular biking day trip from area campgrounds.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ames, IA
When to visit Ames
- spring
March - May
57° / 37°F 90 mmWet and warming; May is the rainiest month.
- summer
June - August
82° / 63°F 115 mmWarm, humid, stormy; peak bookings on weekends.
- fall
September - November
59° / 39°F 75 mmCool nights, mild days, fall color along river valleys.
- winter
December - February
28° / 14°F 30 mmCold and snowy; state park campgrounds closed.
Central Iowa has a humid continental climate with large seasonal swings, so timing matters. Late spring through early fall is the practical camping window. Ledges State Park's campground accepts reservations March through November and is closed December through February, with a defined peak season from May 1 through October 15. Most other Iowa DNR campgrounds around Ames follow a similar peak and off-peak calendar, and park staff generally aim to have water, showers, and dump stations operating by May 1 and start shutting them down around mid-October.
Summer brings the warmest weather and heaviest use. Weekends and holidays fill first at Ledges and Brushy Creek, and Adventureland Campground is busiest when the amusement park is in full operation. Thunderstorms are common from May through August, and Canyon Road at Ledges can close after heavy rain or Des Moines River flooding.
Fall offers cooler nights, fewer bugs, and strong color along the wooded river valleys. Winter camping options near Ames are limited: state park campgrounds close or shift to walk-in only, so cold-season travelers generally rely on private RV parks that stay open year-round.
How to book
Iowa state parks, including Ledges and Brushy Creek, use the Iowa DNR reservation system at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Beginning in 2026, all campsites in the Iowa state park system are reservable, and at Ledges a reservation is required. The standard booking window is up to three months ahead of the arrival date, and holiday weekends and prime summer Saturdays are the first to fill. Reservations can also be made by phone at 877-427-2757.
Private campgrounds work differently. Griff's Valley View and Adventureland Campground take direct reservations through their own websites and phone lines. Cutty's Des Moines Camping Club is a private, gated, member-owned resort, so stays require membership or a member sponsor rather than a standard nightly booking. First-time visitors to Cutty's should contact the campground directly to confirm access before arrival.
What to expect
Iowa DNR campgrounds around Ames are well maintained, with modern restrooms, showers, and dump stations. Ledges State Park offers a mix of full-hookup, electric, and non-electric sites in wooded terrain, plus hike-in primitive sites, and cell service can be spotty inside the canyon. Brushy Creek's South Equestrian area is a designated equestrian campground set up around trail access, with hitch rails and horse facilities.
Private parks near Des Moines lean toward big-rig friendly layouts with pull-through sites, laundry, and family amenities like pools and playgrounds. Firewood should be bought locally to help slow the spread of invasive pests such as emerald ash borer. Pets are allowed at Iowa state park campsites on a leash no longer than six feet.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Ames, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Ames, IA?
RV rental in Ames is one of the most affordable ways to explore central Iowa. On RVezy, motorhomes near Ames average around $200 per night while towable trailers run closer to $125 per night, and many hosts offer 10-20% discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. For a cheap RV rental Ames trip, target shoulder weeks in May or late September, avoid Iowa State Cyclones home football weekends when demand surges, and consider a travel trailer if you already have a tow-capable vehicle. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and sort by price to spot the best deals along Highway 30 and Interstate 35.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ames%2C%20IowaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Ames, Iowa?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Ames for any motorhome or trailer on the RVezy platform. Iowa does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for personal-use recreational vehicles under 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which covers virtually every Class B campervan, Class C motorhome, travel trailer, and fifth wheel listed locally. You must be 25 or older to book, and RVezy verifies your ID through the platform during checkout. Visiting from abroad? Pick up an International Driving Permit before your trip and you're set to roll out toward Ledges State Park.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsWhat protection or coverage is included when I rent an RV in Ames?
You are covered from the moment you book. Every RV rental in Ames, IA includes an RVezy renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can focus on the trip and not the what-ifs. The protection plan helps cover most damages to the vehicle during your rental, and you choose your level of coverage during checkout, not the host. It is not traditional auto insurance, but it delivers real financial peace of mind whether you are parked at Hickory Grove Park or driving back into town on Lincoln Way. Pick the tier that matches your comfort level when you book.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Ames RV rental?
Booking is lower-risk than you might think. RVezy, not individual hosts, sets the cancellation policy for every Ames RV booking, and it includes a money-back grace period right after you book so you can lock in dates with confidence. Refund eligibility after that window depends on how far out you are from your trip and circumstances like natural disasters or severe weather, which matters in Iowa where spring storms or winter blizzards can pop up. If plans shift, contact RVezy support directly through your booking and the team will walk you through your options.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an Ames RV trip?
Absolutely, four-legged co-pilots are welcome on plenty of trips. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to find a pet-friendly RV rental Ames hosts have approved for furry guests, and message the host before booking to confirm any deposit or rules. Once you are set, central Iowa is a tail-wagger's dream: Ada Hayden Heritage Park in north Ames has miles of paved leash-friendly trails around the lake, Ledges State Park welcomes leashed pups on its sandstone trails, and Hickory Grove Park east of Ames allows pets at most campsites. Pack a tie-out, water bowl, and vaccination records and you are road-ready.
storycountyiowa.gov/151/Hickory-Grove-ParkCan the RV be delivered to my campground or driveway in Ames?
Yes, and it is the easiest way to start your trip. Many RVezy hosts offer RV delivery Ames travelers love, dropping the rig at popular spots like Ledges State Park near Madrid, Hickory Grove Park near Colo, or even your home in Ankeny or Nevada. The host handles setup, levels the RV, connects hookups, and walks you through every system so you never have to back a trailer down a campsite. Delivery fees are set by each host based on distance and RV type. To find delivery-ready listings, toggle the Delivery filter when you search and message the host for a quote.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ames%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on an Ames RV trip, and is unlimited mileage available?
You have plenty of road ahead. Many Ames hosts include a generous daily mileage allotment, and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer adventures, so always check the listing or message the host directly. From Ames you can reach Des Moines in about 35 minutes (about 35 miles south on I-35), the Amana Colonies in about 2 hours, the Mississippi River at Dubuque in roughly 3 hours, the Black Hills of South Dakota in around 10 hours, and Chicago in about 5 hours. For an RV road trip from Ames, plan around 200-300 miles per day to keep things relaxed.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ames%2C%20IowaWhat are the best campgrounds near Ames for an RV stay?
You are spoiled for choice within 30 miles of Ames. Top picks include Ledges State Park near Madrid (about 15 miles southwest, famous for sandstone canyons and electric RV sites), Hickory Grove Park near Colo (sandy beach and electric hookups east of town), Little Wall Lake County Park north of Ames (lakeside sites), Jester Park near Granger (large pull-throughs and a bison and elk preserve nearby), and Don Williams Park in Boone County (electric sites with a 150-acre lake). Reserve Iowa state park sites up to 3 months in advance through the official Iowa DNR reservation system, especially May through October when weekend stays typically require a 2-night minimum.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/make-reservation/overnight-campingWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in Ames?
Late April through mid-October is prime time for RV camping Ames travelers swear by. Summer days from June through August run a warm 80-85°F with cool evenings around 65°F, perfect for campfires at Ledges. May and September are the smart-money shoulder seasons with milder temperatures (60-75°F), fewer bugs, and easier campsite availability. Fall foliage peaks in early to mid-October along the Des Moines River valley. Winters are genuinely cold with January highs around 28°F and frequent snow, so most central Iowa campgrounds close November through March. Pro tip: book around Iowa State University home football Saturdays only if you want the tailgate energy.
weather.gov/dmx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay renting one in Ames?
You're going to do great, and you won't be alone. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving tips, leveling, hookups, propane, slide-outs, and the dump station so first time renting an RV feels manageable. Ames is an ideal launchpad: streets are wide, traffic is light compared to bigger metros, and Highways 30 and 35 are straight and easy. For your first miles, take Lincoln Way out of town toward Boone for a low-stress practice drive. If city driving worries you, just book a host who delivers and skip the pickup drive entirely.
iowadot.gov/What happens if the RV breaks down during my trip?
You will not be stranded. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so if you get a flat tire on Highway 30, a dead battery at Ledges, or a mechanical issue heading toward Des Moines, one phone call gets help dispatched. Your host is also your first friendly resource for quirks specific to their rig, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip. Save the roadside number in your phone at pickup, snap photos of the RV's condition, and you are set to relax and enjoy the Iowa countryside.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Ames RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Cross-state road trips are absolutely on the table. Iowa sits in the heart of the Midwest, so a motorhome rental Ames travelers book can roll easily into Minnesota (Twin Cities in about 4 hours), Wisconsin Dells (about 5 hours), Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks (about 5.5 hours), or the Black Hills of South Dakota (about 10 hours). Travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the specific host and protection terms, so message before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because protection coverage does not extend there. Always tell your host your route so they can flag any restrictions upfront.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on an Ames RV trip?
Iowa fuel costs are friendlier than most states, which helps your road trip budget go further. Class C motorhomes typically get 8-12 miles per gallon (mpg), Class B campervans 16-20 mpg, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (usually 10-14 mpg combined). Gas stations are easy to find along I-35 and Highway 30, with Casey's and Kum & Go covering nearly every small town. For a 3-day, 300-mile loop from Ames to Ledges to Saylorville and back, budget roughly $80-$130 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: fill up in Ames or Ankeny where prices tend to beat highway exits.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Ames?
Earlier is better, but you have time. Iowa state parks open reservations exactly 3 months before your arrival date through the official Iowa DNR ReserveAmerica portal, and popular spots like Ledges State Park and Hickory Grove fill the moment the window opens for summer weekends, holidays, and Iowa State football Saturdays. For weekday stays or May/September trips you can often book just a week or two out. Iowa requires a 2-night minimum on weekends from May 1 to October 31, and 3 nights on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for the 3-month mark at 7:00 a.m. Central.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/make-reservation/overnight-campingWhat are driving conditions like around Ames?
Driving conditions around Ames are some of the most RV-friendly in the country. The terrain is gently rolling prairie at about 940 feet elevation, with no mountain grades, tunnels, or low clearances to worry about. I-35 runs north-south and US Highway 30 runs east-west right through town, both wide four-lane routes that work well for big rigs. Watch for sudden summer thunderstorms with high winds (pull over and wait them out), and avoid travel during winter blizzard or winter storm warnings. Check Iowa 511 at 511ia.org before any trip for live road conditions. Game-day traffic around Jack Trice Stadium can snarl on football Saturdays, so route around University Boulevard.
511ia.org/What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Ames?
Central Iowa campgrounds are well-equipped for a comfortable RV camping Ames experience. Most state parks like Ledges and county recreation areas offer electric hookups (30/50 amp), modern shower buildings, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, with dump stations and water fill stations available on-site. Full hookup sites with sewer are more common at private parks near Ames and around the Des Moines metro. County parks such as Hickory Grove add a sandy beach and playgrounds. Pro tip: where to park an RV in Ames for a quick overnight? Many travelers ask a local Walmart manager for permission before parking a self-contained RV overnight.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/make-reservation/overnight-campingWhat's actually inside an RV I rent in Ames?
More creature comforts than you would expect. A typical campervan rental Ames listing or Class C motorhome includes real beds (queen or king), a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control with air conditioning and furnace heat, dining seating, and seatbelts for travel passengers. Many rigs add a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and a generator or solar for off-grid power. Wi-Fi is sometimes included but cell hotspots are more reliable in rural Iowa where Verizon and T-Mobile coverage is strong. Check each listing's amenity list and message the host if a specific feature is a must-have for your family.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ames%2C%20IowaWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts make trip prep easy with practical add-ons. Common extras for a family RV trip Ames hosts offer include camping chairs and tables, full linen and kitchen kits, generators, bike racks, propane refills, portable grills, and even pre-stocked pantry items, each priced individually on the listing. Pickup typically happens at the host's home in Ames, Ankeny, Nevada, or Boone, with most hosts scheduling a 30-60 minute walkthrough. Mileage policies vary: many include 100-150 free miles per day, with overage commonly $0.30-$0.50 per mile, though some offer unlimited miles for an upgraded rate. Message your host to bundle the right add-ons before booking.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ames%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple, secure, and transparent. When you book your RV rental Iowa trip, RVezy charges your credit or debit card through the platform, so you never need to hand cash to a host. The host sets a security deposit (typically a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the RV) that is pre-authorized on your card before pickup and released after the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. To avoid any deposit issues, take time-stamped photos at pickup and dropoff, follow the host's checklist, refill propane and fuel as required, and dump the tanks at a station near your last campground.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Ames during winter?
Yes, and a winter rental can be a peaceful, beautiful experience if you plan ahead. Central Iowa winters bring January high temperatures averaging near 30°F with overnight lows often in the teens, so look for listings labeled four-season ready with heated holding tanks, an enclosed underbelly, and a strong propane furnace. Most state park campgrounds close or limit services from November through March, but some private parks in the area stay open year-round with electric hookups. Stick to shore power when possible, keep fresh-water tanks low and use jugs instead, and skip windy storm days. Message the host before booking to confirm winter-readiness and you can ice fish, snowshoe at Ledges, or just cozy up for a quiet getaway.
weather.gov/dmx/