Take a look at Town and Country Campground in Savage, it's a short drive to the Ames center, 10 minutes to Valley Fair, 20 minutes to the Mall of America, not sure about Water Parks in the area but their must be some, and 15 minutes to the new outlet mall.
I've had friends stay their and haven't heard any complaints.
Do a google maps search and look at it from overhead for an idea of what it's like.
I also have a friend who stays at Lebonen Hills a couple times a year and always speaks very highly of it.
Dakota Meadows is very nice, but more upscale.
Bruce
