State Parks Near Ames, Iowa
10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Ames. The closest is Ledges State Park, about 13 mi west of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Ledges State Park13 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 10 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 85 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Ames, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Ames; driving distance is usually longer.
Ledges State Park
Things to do include hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Ledges State Park →Big Creek State Park
The park supports golf, disc golf, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Big Creek State Park →Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
Things to do include horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 45 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Brushy Creek State Recreation Area →Walnut Woods State Park
Popular activities here are boating, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and group camping. Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Walnut Woods State Park →Dolliver Memorial State Park
Things to do include historic sites and hiking. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, and showers). There are also cabins for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Dolliver Memorial State Park →Pine Lake State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Pine Lake State Park →Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Visitors come for boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park →Rock Creek State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Rock Creek State Park →Union Grove State Park
Visitors come for boating and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Overnight options include campsites, with RV sites with full hookups and showers. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Union Grove State Park →Springbrook State Park
Popular activities here are swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 12 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Springbrook State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Ames
- Ledges State Park 13 mi west · Campground listed
- Brushy Creek State Recreation Area 31 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Walnut Woods State Park 34 mi south · Campground listed
- Dolliver Memorial State Park 34 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi northeast · Campground listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Ames
- Walnut Woods State Park 34 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Dolliver Memorial State Park 34 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Union Grove State Park 47 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Springbrook State Park 47 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
Swimming near Ames
- Big Creek State Park 18 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Brushy Creek State Recreation Area 31 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Rock Creek State Park 44 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Springbrook State Park 47 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Ames
- Ledges State Park 13 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Big Creek State Park 18 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Brushy Creek State Recreation Area 31 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Walnut Woods State Park 34 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Dolliver Memorial State Park 34 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
+ 5 more in the list above
Fishing near Ames
- Big Creek State Park 18 mi south · Fishing listed
- Brushy Creek State Recreation Area 31 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Pine Lake State Park 37 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park 40 mi south · Fishing listed
- Rock Creek State Park 44 mi southeast · Fishing listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Ames
What is the closest state park to Ames?
Ledges State Park is the closest, about 13 miles west of Ames in a straight line. Next are Big Creek State Park and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
How many state parks are near Ames?
10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Ames have camping?
8 parks list camping, the nearest being Ledges State Park, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area and Walnut Woods State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Ames?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Ames?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Des Moines, IA31 mi south
- Near Newton, IA38 mi southeast
- Near Fort Dodge, IA44 mi northwest
- Near Carroll, IA64 mi west
- Near Oskaloosa, IA72 mi southeast
- Near Waterloo, IA72 mi northeast
- Near Mason City, IA80 mi north
Or see all Iowa state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.