Rental RVs in Ames, IA
Travel Trailer in Urbandale
2021 • (9)
$120 USD /night
Delivery Only
Fifth Wheel in Grimes
2021 • New listing
$190 USD /night
Delivery Only
Travel Trailer in Des-Moines
2017 • New listing
$150 USD /night
Delivery Only
Travel Trailer in Newton
2026 • New listing
$140 USD /night
Superhost
Class B in West-Des-Moines
2024 • (3)
$205 USD /night
Delivery Only
Travel Trailer in Winterset
2020 • (5)
$200 USD /night
Delivery Only
Travel Trailer in Newton
2011 • (3)
$110 USD /night
Class C in Pella
2019 • (1)
$250 USD /night
Travel Trailer in Albia
2021 • (27)
$130 USD /night
Ames RV rental: How it works
Planning an RV trip in Ames, IA is simple with RVezy. Search available RVs, compare options, choose pickup or delivery, and book securely online. Whether you are heading to a campground, national park, or weekend getaway, your adventure starts here.
1. Explore RV rentals
Browse a wide range of campervans, travel trailers, and motorhomes. Filter by dates, price, amenities, RV type, or delivery availability to find the right fit for your trip.
2. Choose pickup or delivery
Pick up your RV from a local host in Ames, IA or arrange delivery directly to your campsite, home, or other approved destination.
3. Get ready to travel
Confirm your booking and coordinate details with your host before departure. Insurance coverage and roadside assistance are included, so you can travel with confidence.
Recent Ames RV rental reviews
Great experience with Travis. RV was awesome and delivered as promised. Would utilize again for sure.
Benson Hargens
Sep 2025
Everything about this RV was perfect for our stay! Deliver and picked up with ease and the communication was exceptional! Would rent this RV again and again!
EL
Elisha Leinen
Aug 2025
So lovely Everything worked great! Thank you
Lynn Lievers
Jun 2025
Blake and Heather are wonderful to work with! The RV was delivered ahead of schedule and Blake took his time to walk us through everything we needed to know. The RV was very clean and stocked with everything we needed for camping. The kids liked it so much, they didn't want to leave the campsite. Thank you for being apart of our camping weekend!!
TL
Tisha Lack
Jun 2025
We had an excellent experience. The RV was as clean and tidy. We went on a very long road trip so reliability was import to me. That RV had no issues at all. A trip of a lifetime and memories my wife and young kids will never forget.
BD
Blaine Donoghue
Apr 2025
It’s value for money. Owner is really helpful and good communication
RV
Robinson Varghese
Sep 2024
Heather is a great host! We had everything we needed for the camper including trash bags, soap, towels, bedding ect. It was very clean and they're very easy to work with! We highly recommend!
AC
Amanda Cantu
Jul 2024
Jerry exceeded our expectations with the delivery and set up of our camper. He was there early with the ac on and cold water in the fridge! He explained how to use everything inside and out, from the stove, water supply, propane, extra supplies and even provided extra treats and a fresh flower bouquet! He was easy to communicate with, knowledgeable about the campground and even checked in later in our stay to make sure we didn’t need anything. We’ll definitely be renting again from Jerry in the near future!! Thank you again for making our long getaway weekend so enjoyable!
KD
Kelli Dunkin
Jul 2024
This made our camping trip awesome. It was a hot weekend and AC was a must. This thing stayed SO COLD! Dustin was super flexible and easy to work with. He made drop off and pickup a breeze! Will definitely use him again.
Lindsay Greenwood
Jul 2024
Best National Parks near Ames, IA
Popular State Parks near Ames, IA
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
RVezy rentals
- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
- Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability
RV delivery to a campground, made simple
Skip the pickup. Skip the towing. Get an RV delivered and set up at your campsite so you can arrive, unpack, and start your trip stress-free.
Choose your perfect RV
Browse RVs that offer delivery to your site and book the one that fits your budget and adventure style.
Lock in your campsite
Reserve your campsite with the hookups and amenities you need. We’ll help you find RVs that meet site requirements.
Arrive and relax
Your host delivers and sets up the RV before you get there. Just show up and start enjoying your trip.
Find the perfect RV for these nearby campgrounds
Ledges State ParkGriff's Valley View RV Park and CampgroundCutty's Des Moines Camping ClubAdventureland CampgroundBrushy Creek State Recreation Area - BeachBrushy Creek State Recreation Area - North EquestrianTimberline RV CampgroundTimberline CampgroundDolliver Memorial State ParkDallas County Fairgrounds Campground
Search campgroundsRV rentals in Ames, IA
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Frequently asked questions about renting an RV in 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/