Best camping near Ames
30 campgrounds · 30 ranked · updated 2026-06-22 · off-season
Explore the best camping near Ames, Iowa — every spot ranked by our conditions-aware Snoflo score: live conditions first, then visitor reviews and logged trips. Click a pin on the map for the score and what's driving it.
Showing the top 15 of 30 campgrounds · best 15 shown on the map
L⛰
#1
Ledges State Park Campground
Good
14.8 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 74°F
Ledges State Park in Iowa offers a beautiful camping area with stunning views of sandstone cliffs and a nearby river. The park is located near Boone, Iowa, which offers visitors…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 24 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
I⛰
#2
Iowa 4-H Center
Good
15.7 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 74°F
The Iowa 4-H Center is a popular camping area located in the state of Iowa. This campground offers a range of amenities to make your camping experience enjoyable. Some of the…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 23 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
C⛰
#3
Camp Hantesa
Good
16.0 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Camp Hantesa is a beautiful camping area in Iowa that offers a variety of outdoor activities. The campground has 30 campsites available on a first-come-first-serve basis, as well…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 20 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
S⛰
#4
Sioux (East)
Good
17.1 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Sioux (East) camping area is located in the state of Iowa and offers a range of amenities for campers. It is important to note that reservations are not accepted, and campsites…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 22 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
S⛰
#5
Sioux (West)
Good
17.1 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Sioux (West) camping area, located in the state of Iowa, offers a serene and picturesque camping experience. The campground provides a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 22 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
P⛰
#6
Piegan
Good
17.1 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Piegan Camping Area is a picturesque campground located in the state of Iowa. Nestled in a serene natural setting, it offers a range of amenities to enhance the camping…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 22 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
F⛰
#7
Fox
Good
17.1 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Fox Camping Area, located in Stephens State Forest near Lucas, Iowa, offers primitive, first-come, first-served campsites with no reservations or permits required. There are no…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 22 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
O⛰
#8
Osage
Good
17.1 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
The Osage camping area, located in Iowa, offers a range of amenities for campers. The campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms for visitors' convenience…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 22 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
W⛰
#9
Wakan
Good
17.1 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Wakan State Park in Iowa is a serene camping area nestled in the Loess Hills. The area offers breathtaking views of the Missouri River Valley and the surrounding countryside…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 23 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
I⛰
#10
Inactive Campsite
Good
17.2 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Inactive Campsite is a picturesque camping area located in the state of Iowa. Situated amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings, this campground offers a plethora of amenities…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 22 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
S⛰
#11
Staff Quarters
Good
17.2 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Staff Quarters camping area is a scenic getaway located in the state of Iowa. This campground offers a range of amenities for campers to enjoy. With its beautiful natural…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 23 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
C⛰
#12
Chanotedah
Good
17.2 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Chantodeah Camping Area in Iowa offers a serene environment with stunning views of the countryside, serene lakes, and natural wildlife. The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 23 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
N⛰
#13
Navajo
Good
17.2 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
The Navajo Camping Area, located in the state of Iowa, offers a delightful camping experience surrounded by nature's beauty. This picturesque campground provides a range of…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 22 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
H⛰
#14
Hopi
Good
17.2 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Hopi Camping Area, located in the state of Iowa, offers a range of amenities for campers to enjoy. The campground provides electrical hookups, making it suitable for RVs and…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 23 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
S⛰
#15
Sac
Good
17.2 mi away
· Mild night · low 55°F· Light wildfire smoke · Light· Comfortable day · high 73°F
Sac camping area is a picturesque campground located in the state of Iowa. The campground offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience…
Why 89: live conditions (good) · 22 things to do within 15 mi
89Elite
Camping near Ames
The Ames area has 30 campgrounds on Snoflo, ranked by live conditions, visitor reviews, and logged trips — so the best, closest options rise to the top.
How we rank the best camping near Ames
How are these campgrounds ranked?
Each gets a daily Snoflo score blending live conditions, visitor review ratings, and logged trips. The order reflects what's best right now and re-ranks every day.
How often does it update?
Daily, as new conditions, reviews, and trips arrive — so "best right now" means right now.
What do the numbers on the map mean?
Each pin shows that spot's current Snoflo score; tap it for the breakdown and a link to the full report.