Camping near Council Bluffs, Iowa
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Camping near Council Bluffs
The Council Bluffs area offers everything from private outdoor hideaways to family-friendly campgrounds.
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The Fence-Post
21 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · IAI am located to the West of Interstate 29 off exit 95 halfway between Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa. It is near where the Little Sioux River meets the Missouri River. The Loess Hills are nearby and the state forest. There are small lakes in the surrounding areas and Lewis and Clark parks with beautiful views.
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$20
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Horse Creek Adventures
24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Sidney, IAHorse Creek Adventures is a 170 acre ranch that provides an opportunity for visitors to stay one night or several days to enjoy the land and area sights. You have your choice as to how you want to stay. Our "off the grid" cabins offer a special opportunity to camp with a roof. They are extremely popular! Check out the information about them and then check the photos posted by quests and read their reviews to give you lots of ideas of how you could enjoy these one of a kind sites. Tenting is available all over the 170 acres. You can tent by the pond; on top of the hill, or in a valley. These sites allow you to "get away from it all" and let the stress melt away. We have tenting sites close to a road to give you flexibility to see local attractions while enjoying the whole 170 acres. Lastly, we have RV hook-ups with 119, 30 amps and 50 amps The land is part of the famous Loess Hills. There are hilltops to take in the breath taking views and valleys surrounded by trees. A pond full of trophy sized bass , catch and release, no license required. Wildlife abounds including a wide variety of birdsThe area is rich with history-Lewis and Clark; French Canadian trappers and their Lakota wives established French Villages; Mormons came through here on the way to Utah; Jesse James played cards. Waubonsie State Park is close with hiking trails and seven miles of Horse trails.At night you can use a portable corral to have your horse close.End the day around a campfire, look at the stars and the lightening bugs and be serenaded to sleep by the coyotes. Enjoy !!
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$25
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Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
13 sites · Lodging40 acres · Menlo, IAOur retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
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$15
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Come Enjoy the Beauty
59 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Earlham, IAThis property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and mature beautiful trees.
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$28
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Fun Family Farm - Structures
21 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Robinson, KSFun Family Farm (FFF) near Robinson, KS is an organic farm where our hobby is creating fun! This entry is to give you an overview of the farm and also in case you want to hold a laid-back, nature-oriented, special event at the FFF, where our mantra is, “nothing will be perfect, but everything will be fine.” So, if you are looking for artificial perfection, look elsewhere.
---For any of the guest houses, bring your own linens or sleeping bags, or rent from us.
---Turkey House Guest House has a double bed in it, as does the Hippie Van. Both have either air conditioners or heaters as need.
---The Big Yellow Bus has a queen bed and two sets of bunk beds in addition to a wood stove, air conditioner, small refrigerator, and a microwave.
---Braden's Bus has a double bed and a futon, air conditioner, sink and a small refrigerator.
---The Hippie Van is a painted VW van with the seats removed and a double bed built in. AC and Heat are available.
Some of the fun we create on the farm includes:
---Super-deluxe horseshoe pit and dart board
---900-lb counter-weighted trebuchet for throwing pumpkin, watermelons, or bowling balls over 400 feet
---Lots of rural roads, paved and unpaved for bike riding (bring your own bike)
--- Smallish pond with a beach for swimming
---Creek for wading and looking for fossils
---Several fire-pits with seating
---Lots of shaded sitting areas for visiting and flowers for viewing
---Mowed trails through the woods
---Lawn games including lighted bocce ball
---Playground equipment and a large sandbox for the kids
---Cows, pigs, ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens at various stages of growth depending upon the time of year.
---If the weather is right, an ice skating rink
---Friday night potlucks (often with live music) which you may join if you so desire
Amenities Include:
---An Outdoor shower
---Fire-pits with hot dog sticks, grates, and seating
---Gas Grill
---Access to town water for drinking
---Access to well water for sand and water play
---Two NICE outhouses in the barnyard (one is known to the local children as “the magic bathroom” due to its blue lighting)
---Seldom used outhouses at the pond and in the woods
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$16.50
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Green Hills Tiny Houses
2 sites · Lodging80 acres · NEDiscover the simple beauty and tranquility of Living Tiny while surrounded by soft, green hills. Sip a cup of coffee while gazing at greenery from the living room or back deck. Lounge in a hammock, meditate or write, explore the 80-acre property, or relax on the back deck by the outdoor fire pit. Enjoy a breath-taking view of the stars from the outdoor hot tub. Come in after enjoying nature and relax with a glass of wine in an elegant, modern tiny house. A perfect, peaceful get-away.
To watch a short video showing the space, search this phrase on Youtube:
"Tiny House Stephanie Bock" (a 2 minute video, the first one that comes up).
The entire footprint of this home is 12x32 (not including decks)--but for a tiny house, it actually is quite spacious! Huge windows with beautiful views of the Nebraska countryside, fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, in-ceiling speakers, wifi, Netflix/Amazon Prime, large back deck, front deck, 3'x5' shower, washer/dryer, indoor fireplace (turned off during summer months), outdoor propane fire pit, oak floors, reclaimed barnwood accents throughout. All on a spacious property of rolling hills and spectaular views.
My tiny house has a wide-open feel first because of the landscape (rolling hills and NE plains), and next because of all the windows that let that nature in. I designed and built this house myself, and wanted two things in order to give it an open, bright ambiance: High ceilings and big windows. I wanted to look at nature all the time, and tried to "bring the outside in". It turned out exactly how I wanted! This house is one of those "Not-so-tiny" tinies. Once inside, it feels bigger than you'd think, but it's still technically only 342 sq feet on the bottom level. Since I was custom building it for myself, I had to include a few luxuries and wish-items! My favorite features are: the heated floor throughout the bathroom and bedroom, the fire place, the big back deck/carport, in-ceiling speakers throughout the house, the electric fireplace by the master bed, the hardwood oak living room/kitchen floor, the reflective ceiling tiles (create an illusion of space and 'bigness'), the look of the storage stairs, the off-grid water system, the barn wood that I incorporated throughout the house, and the huge picture window in the living room. My desire for everyone who stays in my home is first, that you feel valued and valuable, and second, that you feel and enjoy the peace that I feel in this space.
Please be aware that like most tiny housers, I have a composting toilet—it’s environmentally friendly, saves a ton of water, and I love it! (I also built it!). But please be conscious of this fact before you book, and know to expect it. I know this type of thing isn’t for everyone, though most people seem to adapt just fine. If you are unsure about it, just ask.
More about the space: This tiny house is on a vast 80-acre property! My friends John and Audrey live on the property about 400 feet north in a farmhouse on the other side of the grove of trees, and I live on the property in the neighboring teeny tiny house! We are building a tiny house community! We all love Jesus, and have a passion for seeing Him heal and restore people.
The entire tiny house is yours! For food: You have access to all kitchenware, myriad spices, anything in the pantry, cupboards or fridge, coffee/coffee maker, etc. Some breakfast foods are provided in the fridge and pantry--various flavors of bagels and cream cheese, breakfast sausage, bacon, oatmeal, pancake mix, and coffee. There are also various condiments in the fridge. The grocery store and local pizza joint are an 8-minute drive east, there's a yummy burger dive (Bob's Bar) 9 minutes south, and a large variety of restaurants is a 30-minute drive East. If you're staying for three days or more, and enjoy cooking new meals at home (like I do!), I can also arrange to have Blue Apron deliver meals for you to make. More details about that below.
You'll also have access to the entire property: 80 acres! Feel free to go exploring--except the space with the cows. Don't do that. But overall, just let loose and be free! Hike the big hill by my house; the view is truly unparalleled. Or you may just prefer to sit on the back deck and take in the lovely views from there, or walk the trail circling two acres of the property.
You may see other people around the property, as the tiny house about 100 feet north of mine is also rented on Airbnb (this is included in a few pictures). Also, I live in the teeny tiny house 150 feet away from the Big Tiny House. Both other tiny houses are screened from view with privacy fence sections. Additionally, Audrey lives with her family in the house behind the grove of trees (about 400 feet north) and will be around at all times to answer any questions you might have.
During the late Fall and Winter months, this will be a peaceful oasis; there won't be people working outside much--too cold! During the temperate months of the year, this is a working farm, so expect us to be investing in and improving the land and property during the day; we may be working on the garden or food forest or the pond. Let us know if you’d like to get your hands dirty by helping John with some permaculture work (he does this on the weekends and in the late afternoon/early evening on week days)--or just relax!
1.5 miles from my tiny house is Powder Creek Lake--which is great for fishing or kayaking/canoeing. And I do have a canoe on the property for your use! You will need to have a vehicle with a hitch (1 7/8” ball ) to transport the canoe on my utility trailer to and from the lake. But just let me know in advance and I will get it set up for you! Also, I don’t know if you can ice-fish on it in the winter; I would assume so!
If you prefer a real wood fire, free to use the fire-pit across the yard from my house! Chairs and wine glass holders are provided.
Transportation to the property:
It’s a good idea to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, as the 4-mile-long gravel road out to my place can get tricky to drive on if it’s raining or during the winter if it snows and plows have not come through yet. If it snows, I do have someone come out and plow my driveway; yet, once in the past when the snow was extremely deep and city plows hadn’t yet come through to clear the main road, my plow guy couldn’t make it out to my property with his bobcat until the next day. This only happened once in the last three years. But just be aware that there is a chance of being snowed in during your stay, and be okay with that before you book in the winter time! Having said that, if you have a 4-wheel-drive, high clearance vehicle (I.e. a truck or SUV), you shouldn’t have any problems. I have a Jeep Cherokee and it has been perfect in the snow!
**There is another lone Tiny House about 1/4 mile north of Big Gray that is under construction. It is gray, white, cedar, and has blue doors. Do not turn there; that tiny house a new project, and not ready for visitors. If you keep going for another 1/4 mile, you'll see Big Gray Tiny House, where you'll stay! If there's any confusion, please call :)
-There may or may not be other people renting out the tiny houses 100 feet North and 150 feet South of the house.
-During the summer months there may be some activity going on! Generally not loud, but there may be people about, tending to the garden, etc.
-A deep-cleaning of the entire tiny house is done between each and every guest stay. That means:
-Fresh, clean linens are always used
-The furniture (chairs/couch/lounging area) is sanitized and cleaned
-All touched surfaces throughout the house are cleaned (every surface but the walls)
-Audrey and her husband John have three small boys. In the winter months you will not see them (unless requested!) and in the summer they will mostly be playing by their house on another part of the property where you may see them from time to time, especially if John is working in the gardens. They like to "help" him.
-If you are staying for at least three days, I do have a subscription to a fresh meal delivery service called Blue Apron so you can cook your own dinner without needing to shop or bring groceries beforehand. If requested, I would be happy to order a few fresh food delivery meals for you to cook and enjoy during your stay. Blue Apron offers two meals for two people for $53, three for around $70 (plus up-charges for substitutions and additions), and four meals for $85. Blue Apron also offers meals for 4 people for an additional cost. We can schedule the meals to be delivered on almost any day you'd like--just not Sunday or Monday. I personally have really enjoyed trying new recipes and discovering delicious new meals! It's also wonderful not to have to go grocery shopping. If you book a few weeks in advance and would like to try this option, let me know. I will send you the meal options for that week and we will work out the order details!
Winter ONLY:
During the winter months in order to avoid freezing water lines, there is a chance the tiny house may use its off-grid water system, which includes a water container inside the couch and a small water pump to get the water to all the house water pipes. The pump is not excessively noisy, but does make some noise, and it comes on whenever you turn on a faucet; so just be aware of that before you book. It wasn't used or needed these last few years, but just know that there's a chance it could be needed.
Our property is so peaceful! Away from the city, away from the stress. You can see the stars at night and listen to the birds chirp in the morning. I also have two very friendly cats who would love a little pet if you have a second. And we have cows, of course! There is a lot of farm land and hills surrounding us, and some beautiful gardens next to the tiny house. Walking the trails through the trees is a must! It is beautiful. Such a tranquil, remote setting, but only an 8-minute drive into town, where you'll find a few restaurants, a grocery store, gas stations, and all the basics you'll need.
I highly recommend visiting Ponca State Park and hiking the trails there. It is beautiful! I've also seen people biking along the roads in the park.
We are far out into the countryside, so if you like off-roading or want to bring your snowmobile or snowshoes in the winter, it is perfect for those types of activities. I also have a canoe you can take to the nearby lake (it's on a small trailer, if you have a hitch and 1 3/4 ball to pull it), and lawn games in the summer (a corn hole set, bocce ball, and various other games).
About my community: We are a few friends living in community together on the Food for Rest property outside of Ponca, NE. This Tiny House is about 150 feet east of another tiny house (I call it my "Teeny Tiny Cabin") that I'm currently living in. It is also about 100 feet south of another cabin (which is rented out on Airbnb by my friends). Strategically-placed sections of privacy fence effectively screen the other tiny houses from view. The land owners live in the original farmhouse on the property (about 400 feet north of the Tiny House, through the tree grove). If I am not on the property, my co-host Audrey is there most of the time and can answer any questions you have. John and Audrey are amazing people, and I hope you are as blessed by them as I have been!
My tiny house is secluded in the middle of the Nebraska countryside, about 8 minutes from the nearest town and 20ish minutes from the nearest "big" town. There is no public transport out here, so you will need your own transportation. We have a good little walking path that circles the property--maybe .3 miles long. You can also hike to the top of the hill east of my house to see a beautiful landscape of rolling hills.
Driving:
During seasons when it is very wet, it is a good idea to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to traverse the 4 miles of gravel road leading to my house. The road tends to become quite muddy and can be tricky to drive in, so 4-wheel drive is best if there is a massive amount of snow melting, or after days of heavy rains. Additionally, snow is usually cleared out by the city fairly quickly after snow falls, but occasionally they have waited a day or so to do so. This can make it difficult to drive in the meantime in a vehicle without medium to high ground clearance (I have a Jeep Cherokee, which works great). Before your stay, I will be in communication with you about potential weather issues and give details about the terrain then if you or I have concerns.
Nearby:
The town of Ponca is an 8-minute drive East of my house, and there you will find a grocery store, a few pizza places, a gym, post-office, pharmacy, doctor's office, etc. If you want a larger town, South Sioux City, NE and Sioux City, IA are a 30-minute drive East. Normal cities--population of about 120,000--so lots of shopping, eating places, etc, in that area. Vermillion is another medium-sized town that is about 20 minutes West of us. It is a university town (USD), and has some cool places to check out as well. I have specifics and details about different places nearby which you will find in the Tiny House Manual when you arrive at the tiny house.
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$120
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Tobeyland
3 sites · Lodging21 acres · MOWe are just off I-29 in northwest Missouri between St. Joseph and Platte City.
This tiny cabin is across the driveway from our house on flat ground. Our property is 21 acres and includes a yard of 6 acres and fields (alternating corn and soy beans) and a wooded area.
There is a fishing pond down the hill behind our house. There is also a fire pit to the left (north) of the cabin. Around the fire pit are swings and benches. We call this area Geriatric Park. It used to be a playground for our grandkids, but when they outgrew it we adults took it over!
We have a gravel driveway which services our house and the cabin. You park next to the cabin. There is a kitchenette with the necessary essentials and a small bath with a shower and toilet. There is also heat and AC.
If you love nature and want to relax, walk in the fresh air, or even be put to work, just let us know. We want your stay here to be enjoyable and hope you look forward to coming back!
We are in the country not too far from the Pigeon Hill firing range, so you may hear gunfire from there or the neighbor's target practicing.
Nearby are several wineries, the McCormick Distillery in Weston MO, and historical St Joseph MO (where the Pony Express began and Jesse James ended), as well as several antique stores. Just a little further southwest is Leavenworth KS, which has a huge amount of history and more antiques, and Fort Leavenworth (the Army's Command and General Staff College (CGSC)). To the east is Jamesport MO, our local Amish colony.
This is a farm. If the thought of a bug, spider web, or strand of hair makes you cringe, this probably isn't the place for you. The cabin is clean and sanitized between each visitor, but is not prepared for a forensic inspection. Thanks for understanding!
Learn more about this land:
This property was just a farm field when we bought it. We love how it is turning out and can't wait to share it with you.
We have Pekin ducks. Pekins are the white ducks, like the Aflac duck, or like Donald Duck. They are bred for meat and eggs, so they are fat and cannot fly, so cannot be released into the wild. We keep them happily spoiled. We don't eat our ducks, but love the eggs when they decide to lay them.
In the cabin is an informational book that tells about our rules, local restaurants, things to do, how to work the TV, microwave/air fryer combo, and hot plates.
Our pond is fed by underground springs, so the water is very cold. We keep it stocked with 6 kinds of fish (blue gill, crappie, big mouth bass, small mouth bass, catfish and 1 carp). If you choose to fish, please don't keep the albino's or the carp (he keeps our pond clean). If others are dinner size, enjoy your fresh meal!
The farmer behind us has cows, so you may see or hear them. We also see visiting deer and turkey on occasion.
If you bring your pets, do not leave them outside alone. Being in the country, we have coyotes, bobcats, skunks and raccoons. None of those are pet friendly.
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$75
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Theilen Produce Gardens
3 sites · RVs, TentsSchuyler, NEBefore the bailey's homesteaded the land the only other inhabitants could have been the migratory Pawnee. For the last hundred + years the farm has been in the bailey family, from a father with many children passing land to his sons, and eventually it would fall in the hands of his grandaughters' family who would eventually have a daughter herself who would start a produce business with a vision for living along the creek. So come here the many stories of times gone by and get a feast of what's to come!Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent next to the Shell Creek, access to a picnic table and a fire ring. You will have privacy and also the ability to help out with farm life if you are so inclined.There is access to water and a composting toilet.A Great Pyrenees lives here. She's the livestock guardian, she keeps watch over the farm at night. Please don't bring your dogs.Pack it in. Pack it out. Leave no trace.
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$50
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Pfanny's Farm
3 sites · Lodging, RVs11 acres · Randolph, NEWelcome to Pfanny's Farm-we love sharing our little slice of heaven with our visitors :)
A love for gardening and providing healthy home-grown fruits and vegetables for our family has supplied us with an abundance of produce for over 35 years. We have canned, dehydrated and frozen the excess but the kids have flown the coop and we have expanded our operations in order to provide our patrons with that same grown-with-love nourishment! Our geo-thermal greenhouse and 2 high-tunnels are the main attractions of our farm...we raise citrus in Nebraska! And now we are also delving into agritourism by allowing overnight visitors to stay and experience life on the farm. Tours are available for a fee-don't miss out on this experience :)
A children's "trail-tale" can be enjoyed during a walk on our 1/2 mile trail. The trail is partially lined with antique machinery for your viewing pleasure.
The "binzebo" area, equipped with picnic tables and a nearby firepit are always a big hit. Enjoy a game of horseshoes or cornhole while waiting to watch a beautiful sunset, followed by a night sky that is unhindered by light pollution. The view of the Milky Way is fantastic! These are shared areas, so you might see us and our other visitors out there-join in and make some friends!
We do have a very friendly dog-his name is Beau. He is known to hang out with our guests and beg for belly rubs :) Our chickens are occasionally free-range, so we require that your pets be on leash.
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$35
/ night
KSM Prairie
6 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Rutland, IA18 acres of River front pasture around an old homestead. Located at the end of a dead end street in a small quiet town. One block from a public park. Land divided into four sections divided by fences and trees. Wild berries grown around the property. Easily accessible flat grass land for tents or campers.
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$35
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Blackthorn Retreat
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · KSThe most unique feature of this property is that it was unaltered for the last 50 years. Purchased in 2015 by us for use in outdoor skills instruction as Blackthorn-USA. In 2018 we developed Blackthorn Retreat as a private campground. Densely wooded and home to many animals this property is unlike any other place in the area.It was, and is, our intention to create campsites and usable space without the use of heavy equipment to maintain the natural setting and diverse wildlife habitat. While we are now altering the property, we are working with our land as opposed to forcing it to our will.Come see us. Adventure awaits!
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$25
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Perdue Homestead Farm
3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Edgerton, MONestled in historic Platte County, Missouri, our property provides an rural agritourism experience off-grid out in the natural environment. We are 20 minutes from historic Weston, MO, 30 minutes from historic St. Joseph, and 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City.
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$24
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