5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Runnells, IABend River Farms 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 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 your glamping experience. Private showers, complimentary firewood, a jungle gym, a communal outdoor dinning area and a saltwater hot tub await!
Please understand that our property is a working farm. We are not a state park campground or "all inclusive" resort. Instead, we offer your wandering heart a place to rest. Bend River Farms is a place to enjoy wild spaces and recharge.
Our farm is located just 13 miles off Interstate 80. Travel to the farm is on all 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 food at one of the two local taverns, or check out the local ice cream shop or our Tuesday 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 option during checkout!
Amy, our own resident biologist, will give you an opportunity to learn about livestock husbandry and the local wildlife. The farms front 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! Check the extra options available 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 ecosystem 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.â