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Bend River Farms

99%

· Runnells, Polk, Iowa

50 acres hosted by Amy B.

1 lodging site · 2 RV/tent sites · 1 RV site · 1 tent site

Amy is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Private sites

99% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Big rig-friendly

Spacious, level camping well-suited for travel trailers over 40 ft long.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Bend River Farms is just a short drive from Interstate 80/35. The farm is nestled in the gently rolling hills of central Iowa. Little Camp Creek flows through the property and continues on towards the mighty Des Moines river. Cool woodland meadows provide a comforting back drop to your tent site or glamping experience. All our sites come with complimentary firewood, we offer reduced prices during the summer and a 15% discount on weekday bookings. Our property offers private restrooms, showers, complimentary towels and firewood, 24/7 laundry room, Wi-Fi, a dish washing station, play area with jungle gym, hiking trails, hands on farm animal activities, a communal outdoor dinning area and a saltwater hot tub await your arrival! Bend River Farms was a former junk yard that has now been transformed into a cottage core dream. The farm is operated much like family farms of the 1920's. The focus is on small scale, multi system agriculture, we have fresh eggs, produce and honey for sale. Bend River Farms is not a resort or public camp ground. It is a place to enjoy wild spaces and recharge. Agri-tourism at it's best. Learn about native prairie restoration, regenerative agriculture and sustainable ranching from owners, Amy Buckendahl and Dave Breese. Please understand that our property is a working farm, and our staff are often busy working on projects and have full careers, outside of farming. We do not have the same amenities as a public campground or "all inclusive" camp resort. Instead, we offer your wandering heart a place to rest. All travel to the farm is on paved roads, with no confusing dirt roads to navigate. The property is located near the small community of Runnells, Iowa in rural Camp Township. Enjoy a cold beer or hot food at one of the two local taverns, or check out the local ice cream shop or our local farmer's market on Tuesday evenings during the summer. Don't worry if you forget something! We have a nearby gas station and a general store. Don't forget, we have smores kits, farm fresh honey and eggs available for purchase, check out the EXTRAS option during checkout! Amy, our own resident biologist, will give you an opportunity to learn about livestock husbandry and the local wildlife. The farms orchard boasts several wild bird feeding stations, with edible landscaping! A stay on our farm will provide you with an opportunity to learn about Land Management in an agricultural setting. Learn about carpentry and welding from a master fabricator, or book an adventure to learn about gardening, poultry care, horsemanship, beekeeping and even falconry! These are also available in the EXTRAS option during checkout. Fancy a fireside meal or homestyle dinner? Dave is a trained chef and loves to cook for our guests. Select a meal during checkout. Off-site, but nearby opportunities: miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, kayaking and fishing. The Iowa State Fair Grounds and Adventureland Waterpark is only 20 minutes away, along with big city fine dining, music and art museums are all less than a thirty miles drive; when you need a break from camping and nature. Fee based transportation is available for guests flying in or needing a break from driving, or whenever you need a quick trip into town. Our philosophy: "Here at Bend River Farms we are passionate about regenerative agriculture. We strive to push ourselves and our partners to think of the future and the longevity of our agricultural practices. " Regenerative Agriculture is an agricultural philosophy that both acknowledges the degenerative impact of poor land stewardship, and the positive use of agricultural practices that foster restoration and productivity." Local conditions determine which practices are most appropriate. A well managed food system should improve the long-term health and function of the agricultural system and the communities that depend upon them, physically, culturally, spiritually, and economically. Regeneratively managed businesses protect and improve the natural function of our water, nutrient, and carbon cycles by taking steps to increase biodiversity in the agricultural system, and works to minimize reliance on external inputs, and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals whenever possible.”

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99%

95 ratings · 83 reviews

Colleen C.recommends

June 17, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

First Glaming Success

We stayed at the amazing glamping dome. We had beautiful clear nights and could watch the sunset and stargaze from the deck or the panoramic windows. Lots of nature and wildlife. A baby fawn was a highlight to watch. You definitely need a good four wheel drive to get back to the sites; however if you don’t Amy and Dave are very accommodating and will transport you and your gear to the site. You are definitely in the woods so be prepared mosquitoes and gnats. Yet again Dave came to our rescue, full service, with a digger. We were outside enjoying meals, bonfires and nature each night until the stars came out. Amy and Dave are amazing, knowledgeable, gracious hosts. The extras they offer are well worth participating. They have a wealth of knowledge on sooo many levels and topics. Bend River Farm is a beautiful setting for a getaway.

Kristine T.recommends

June 11, 2024

RV Slip

The Great Escape!

My friend and I stayed in my RV at Bend River Farms to attend an event at the Living History Farm near Des Moines. I always search for a Hipcamp site, as they are the best if you're looking for something different than state parks/public campgrounds. This exceeded my expectations. Communications and directions with the host(s) was excellent. It can be as private and/or social as you wish on their 50 acres. Wildlife and an assortment of farm animals are abundant. Farm fresh eggs are available to buy. 😋 They have thought of nearly everything you may need and beyond. If not, ask. Very approachable. Primitive tent camping, RV and "glamping" are all available. If I return to the area again, this would be my 1st pick!

Morgan L.recommends

June 11, 2024

RV Slip

We really enjoyed our evening on the farm! The RV spot was level and easy to access. We enjoyed the chickens and seeing the horses. They have two friendly doggies that are happy for a belly rub or two! The hot tub was a really nice way to end the day on the road!

Luis Márcio G.recommends

June 9, 2024

Prairie Pasture (Group Campsite)

Amazing experience

Everything was perfect. The facilities are very clean and they provide a high level experience for campers. Hot tub is definitely a plus! 😃 Amy and her family are friendly and nice people. We are planning to come back soon.

Jerred M.recommends

June 9, 2024

Pasture Point (Primitive Site)

Nice secluded tent site plenty of fire wood and not to bad to get to with a truck. Will more than likely go again. Ty!

Sophia B.recommends

June 8, 2024

Trappers Hideout (Primitive Site)

10/10 Will be booking again!

A lovely HipCamp and well kept tent site, Amy was a wonderful host! Great amenities and very private sites! The best HipCamp I’ve been to in the past year, I will be booking again when I’m in the area.

Location

Runnells, Polk, Iowa, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Báxoje Máyaⁿ (Ioway), oθaakiiwaki‧hina‧ki (Sauk) & Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox), Jíwere–Ñút’achi Máyaⁿ (Otoe-Missouria), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Amy B.Joined in June 2023

Response rate: 100%

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