1 / 170

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.

Big rig-friendly

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

Private sites

98% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

Bend River Farms is just a short drive from Interstate 80. The farm is nestled in the gently rolling hills of central Iowa. Camp Creek flows through the property and continues on towards the mighty Des Moines river. Native prairie restoration, regenerative agriculture and sustainable ranching are the focus of owners, Amy Buckendahl and Dave Breese. Bend River Farms is a place to enjoy wild spaces and recharge. Bend River Farms was a former junk yard that has now been transformed into a cottage core dream. Cool woodland meadows provide a comforting back drop to your tent site or glamping experience. Private showers, complimentary firewood, a jungle gym, a communal outdoor dinning area and a saltwater hot tub await your arrival! Please understand that our property is a working farm, and our staff are often busy working on projects. We are not anything like a state park campground or "all inclusive" resort. Instead, we offer your wandering heart a place to rest. Our farm is located just 13 miles off I-80. 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 Tuesday night farmer's market during the summer. Don't worry if you forget something! We have a nearby gas station and a general store. We have farm fresh honey and eggs available for purchase, check 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. Or learn about carpentry and welding from a master fabricator. Come learn about gardening, poultry care, horsemanship, beekeeping and even falconry! These are also available in the EXTRAS options 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 regeneratively 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, works to minimize reliance on external inputs, and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals whenever possible.”

Activities

Biking

Boating

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Wetlands

Select a site

Filter by

Loading sites...

99%

73 ratings · 62 reviews

Josselyn S.recommends

May 12, 2024

Trappers Hideout (Primitive Site)

Great location, beautiful site, friendly hosts, fantastic communication. Will be back to spend more time taking in the learning opportunities of a working farm!

Amanda P.recommends

May 12, 2024

RV Slip

Such great customer service and we felt right at home. Perfect for a “lazy” camping experience. We went there for our anniversary and chose to add on the meal option, and that was the icing on the cake. Amy and Dave were fabulous hosts and we look forward to going back in the future.

Meredith J.recommends

May 12, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

Beautiful views & the best hosts!

The Galaxy Glampsite was amazing! We had everything we needed, the best part was our fantastic hosts! The view of the stars and landscape was beautiful. We did the fireside dinner, which was delicious. Our campfire was ready to go for us, a nice added touch. Our girls enjoyed the hot tub and it was nice to have the bathroom nearby to change and clean up. Amy and Dave are very knowledgeable and have lots of interesting info to share about their farm and nature in general. We will be back! Like my 6 year old said, “10 stars!”

Audra H.recommends

May 11, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

10+ Perfect Blend of Bougie &Rustic

The Galaxy Glampsite was such a fun experience and a perfect evening. From an welcoming check in and tour by host Amy, to an fabulous campsite meal by resident chef and host Dave, they go all out. The dome and outdoor space they have created are beautiful. Cozy and inviting, this place is a little bit of heaven. The view from the dome is wonderful but so are the views from the campfire. There is a lot of space around the dome and mowed trails., The lights around the platform are beautiful at night The bed was very comfortable and the chair was nice to sit and watch the sunrise. Very clean with nice neutral decor. I got beyond lucky in my stay and was able to experience the Northern Lights, which is a rare phenomena here in Iowa but the dome made the views even more amazing. The stargazing through top of the dome were perfect. Can't wait to book again!

Jason B.recommends

May 10, 2024

Pasture Point (Primitive Site)

The site was updated with a new bench for our return trip here, which was cool. The area was muddy when we got there so we were driven to the campsite in a UTV, and when storms came in Amy and Dave made sure we stayed out of them with good communication and offering us the use of their guest bedroom. We also took a walk to see wildflowers with Amy which was fun, found an orchid and frog umbrellas. Staying here was great we will be back.

Marilyn M.recommends

May 6, 2024

Prairie Pasture (Group Campsite)

Camping at the farm

Amy and Dave’s farm is the perfect getaway for families, couples, singles and honestly just about anyone looking to dabble back into the outdoors or is a little reluctant on doing so or loves camping/farms. This farm will make you wish you had one (a farm of course) or at least will have you coming back. Super friendly and kind, they took the time to show us their land and allowed us to also interact with the farm animals, chickens and horses. My 4 & 7 year old got to help collect eggs and feed the chickens and horses. Amenities like you have never seen before, from hot showers to bathrooms, salt water hot tub and anything else you might required. Best location hands down! Thank you Amy and Dave, we enjoyed our stay.

Location

Runnells, Polk, Iowa, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Báxoje Máyaⁿ (Ioway), oθaakiiwaki‧hina‧ki (Sauk) & Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox), 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%

Things to do nearby

More camping spots nearby