Johnston, IA · 19.5 mi from Ames
4.5 (14 reviews)
Sandpiper Recreation Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans ov...
Johnston, IA · 19.6 mi from Ames
4.6 (809 reviews)
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is part of the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
Johnston, IA · 20.2 mi from Ames
5.0 (1 review)
Oak Grove Picnic Area is a day-use facility at Saylorville Lake, spanning 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers various recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area is designed for o...
Johnston, IA · 20.6 mi from Ames
4.6 (38 reviews)
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers various recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans over...
Johnston, IA · 20.7 mi from Ames
4.6 (704 reviews)
Cherry Glen Campground is situated on the expansive Saylorville Lake Project, covering 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
Johnston, IA · 20.7 mi from Ames
4.5 (316 reviews)
Acorn Valley Campground is situated within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. The area offers diverse recreational activities such as camping, bicycling, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting.
Johnston, IA · 21.2 mi from Ames
4.6 (11 reviews)
Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is a day-use facility within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans...
Johnston, IA · 22.7 mi from Ames
4.2 (792 reviews)
Bob Shetler Recreation Area is situated in the tailwater region beneath Saylorville Lake, which spans over 50 mi along the Des Moines River Valley. The area offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hun...
Johnston, IA · 23.1 mi from Ames
3.6 (10 reviews)
Bob Shetler Picnic Area is a day-use facility situated below Saylorville Dam, favored by shoreline fishermen. The surrounding Saylorville Lake Project spans 26,000 acres along the Des Moines River Valley. It offers diverse recreational activities ...
Johnston, IA · 23.4 mi from Ames
4.6 (61 reviews)
Cottonwood Recreation Area is a day-use facility situated below Saylorville Dam, part of the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project. It offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The area spans ov...
Altoona, IA · 24.6 mi from Ames
4.2 (5 reviews)
Altoona, IA · 26.5 mi from Ames
3.6 (5 reviews)
Grimes, IA · 26.7 mi from Ames
4.2 (5 reviews)
Waukee, IA · 33.6 mi from Ames
5.0 (5 reviews)
Waukee, IA · 33.6 mi from Ames
5.0 (5 reviews)
Adel, IA · 34.4 mi from Ames
4.0 (5 reviews)
Steamboat Rock, IA · 37.7 mi from Ames
Newton, IA · 39 mi from Ames
4.8 (5 reviews)
Hartford, IA · 39.6 mi from Ames
4.8 (5 reviews)
Adel, IA · 41.1 mi from Ames
Population: 67,669
Nearby city: Des Moines, IA
Approx. 30 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 922 ft
Campgrounds and RV parks near Ames keep you close to regional parks and open spaces, plus in-town conveniences. Browse 33 nearby outdoor stays, including RV sites and tent camping, with nightly rates that average about $26, start around $20, and reach up to $35.
Plan around the seasons: many area stays operate spring through fall, and winter camping can be limited. RV travelers will find straightforward access around the region, while tent campers can settle into simple sites close to nature. Check each listing for site types, length limits, and policies on hookups, fires, and pets.
Ames has 35 campgrounds and RV parks listed on OutReserve, ranging from full-hookup RV sites to rustic tent camping. Based on guest ratings, Timberline RV Campground is one of the top-rated options. Use our map view to find the closest options to the city center or your preferred area.
Campgrounds near Ames vary in distance from the city center. Use our map view to filter by location and find the most convenient option for your trip.
Many campgrounds near Ames welcome pets. Prairie Flower Recreation Area is a great pet-friendly option. Use the pet-friendly filter on our search page to find more properties that accommodate your furry companions.
Most destinations offer a variety of accommodations including tent sites, RV sites, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Check individual property listings for specific amenities and site types.
The best time to visit depends on your preferences and planned activities. Spring and fall typically offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer is peak season with the warmest temperatures. Winter visits can be great for those seeking solitude and winter activities.
4.5
