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Bend River Farms

100%

· Runnells, Polk, Iowa

50 acres hosted by Amy B.

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

Big rig-friendly

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

Best in Iowa: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Amy is a Star Host

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

Private sites

97% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

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.”

Activities

Biking

Boating

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Wetlands

100%

125 ratings · 108 reviews

Gloria H.recommends

September 5, 2024

RV Slip

If you are looking for a beautiful country setting this is the place. Close to downtown Des Moines. Hosts were great and provided everything you would need. The roosters made their noise but were quite beautiful.

Mia W.recommends

September 2, 2024

Prairie Pasture (Group Campsite)

Camping on the farm!

Dave and Amy were incredible hosts. Kind, accommodating and a pleasure to be around. I came for a weekend with my 5 year old niece for a "hands on" farm school experience. She groomed, fed and learned about horses, collected eggs, fed chickens and so much more. The land is beautiful and secluded. Plus all the extras were great- complimentary firewood, towels, clean bathrooms, hot tub, play area etc. 10/10 recommend.

Stephen P.recommends

September 2, 2024

RV Slip

Amy and Dave provided me and my dog with great hospitality during a quick overnight stay. The area was so beautiful , I regretted not taking a couple of more days. But even for an overnight, I truly appreciated the hospitality, from the thoughtfulness of my skiddish Lila, to the superb egg sandwich for breakfast...fantastic. I continue to enjoy their farm fresh eggs and the delicious honey while in the road. Thank you again!

David D.recommends

September 1, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

Loved the area. Very accommodating. Great amenities.

Rex F.recommends

August 26, 2024

Trappers Hideout (Primitive Site)

Very private, secluded, beautiful site. Would def stay here again if in the area.

Jaclyn Z.recommends

August 25, 2024

Trappers Hideout (Primitive Site)

This property is well loved by the warm and friendly owners and it shows in every intentional detail. We had beautiful nature and privacy and knew if we needed anything we could ask. What a gem!! Will definitely return.

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