100% (180) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Albia
Bend River Farms
1. Bend River Farms
99%
(192)
44mi from Albia · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.”
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$28
/ night
Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging
2. Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging
100%
(14)
50mi from Albia · 3 sites
*NEW 2023*Prairie-Schooner Wagon*You are invited to stay where the buffalo roam in a beautiful Conestoga Wagon! These unique wagons have heat & a/c, a king bed, twin/twin bunk beds and locking front door. Enjoy the beauty of the sunset along the rolling hills. Stargaze while cuddled around your private fire pit. Wake up to our bison herd grazing near by. Private luxury shower house w/ heat & a/c. The wagons do NOT have a kitchen. They do have a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, toaster and grill & more.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$179
/ night
Chief’s Lookout
3. Chief’s Lookout
30mi from Albia · 3 sites
Two cozy guest cabins (Amish made)that can sleep up to 4 a piece and a kitchen cabin (Chief Keokuk) that also sleeps four. Tucked in a serene wooded cove with a small pond, great for swimming and fishing. Located just two miles North of the Missouri border, and 7 miles south of Moulton, IA. The kitchen cabin has a full bathroom and full kitchen. There is a community fire pit on the patio with three picnic tables offered, horse shoe pit, and a deer hanging post and first come first serve dog kennel with dog house. It is located 2 miles away from 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Iowa, called Sedan Bottoms and a couple miles away from about 3,500 acres of public hunting in Missouri and it’s called Rebels Cove.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$75
/ night
Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
4. Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
100%
(1)
36mi from Albia · 1 site
We invite you to turn off your phone and unwind on the front porch rocking chair as you watch one of our breathtaking sunsets or sunrises. Pasture and grassland with 7 ponds are accessible by a short hike along the cattle trails. A marked perimeter trail follows Wolfe Creek, home to wildlife and a shady cool spot during the hot days of summer.
Mulberry Cottage is at the northeast corner of a 200-acre cattle ranch where we practice rotational grazing on ten paddocks. The cabin, surrounded by Mulberry and Osage Orange (Hedge Trees) are host to berry eating birds and mammals. (And the occasional marsupial). Cattle are fenced outside the cabin area but may be close by where you hear them and see them. Deer and coyotes are common on the property as plenty of birdlife. The cabin is a farm-stay experience with farm fresh eggs, and Mulberry preserves for your baked goods in the morning.
You will need your muck boots and cowboy hat to hike our cattle trails and wade in the creeks. Try your hand at "frogging" in the marshes of one of our 7 ponds. Bottle-feeding a calf or collecting eggs are some of the chores you are welcome to participate in. You'll be amazed at the variety of wildflowers and birding opportunities. The head cowboy himself will invite you to chore time or have a farm tour of our grazing and regenerative practices. Our natural beef and tallow products are all for sale at the farm or grill up some "Ohnemusbeef" available at our farm store.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$60
/ night
Timberline East RV Campground, Cabins & Glamping Sites
5. Timberline East RV Campground, Cabins & Glamping Sites
47mi from Albia · 7 sites
Discover the unique charm of our centrally located KOA, where you immerse yourself in the beauty of an open, rolling landscape. We offer spacious cabins and the cutest vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters in the popular series Golden Girls (we are lovingly referred to as the Silver Sisters).
Take a refreshing dip in our pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or relax by our catch and release fishing pond, full of bluegill, bass, and channel catfish.
We are close to many Central Iowa attractions and events, including Alta House Wedding and Event Center, the Iowa Speedway, Knoxville Nationals, Pella Tulip Time and downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. Our campground features spacious RV and tent sites too; check out the Newton/Des Moines East Campground listing on Hip Camp for more information.
It's always a Great Day at Newton/Des Moines East KOA!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$111
/ night
100% (180) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Albia
Bend River Farms
1. Bend River Farms
99%
(192)
44mi from Albia · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.”
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$28
/ night
Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging
2. Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging
100%
(14)
50mi from Albia · 3 sites
*NEW 2023*Prairie-Schooner Wagon*You are invited to stay where the buffalo roam in a beautiful Conestoga Wagon! These unique wagons have heat & a/c, a king bed, twin/twin bunk beds and locking front door. Enjoy the beauty of the sunset along the rolling hills. Stargaze while cuddled around your private fire pit. Wake up to our bison herd grazing near by. Private luxury shower house w/ heat & a/c. The wagons do NOT have a kitchen. They do have a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, toaster and grill & more.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$179
/ night
Chief’s Lookout
3. Chief’s Lookout
30mi from Albia · 3 sites
Two cozy guest cabins (Amish made)that can sleep up to 4 a piece and a kitchen cabin (Chief Keokuk) that also sleeps four. Tucked in a serene wooded cove with a small pond, great for swimming and fishing. Located just two miles North of the Missouri border, and 7 miles south of Moulton, IA. The kitchen cabin has a full bathroom and full kitchen. There is a community fire pit on the patio with three picnic tables offered, horse shoe pit, and a deer hanging post and first come first serve dog kennel with dog house. It is located 2 miles away from 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Iowa, called Sedan Bottoms and a couple miles away from about 3,500 acres of public hunting in Missouri and it’s called Rebels Cove.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$75
/ night
Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
4. Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
100%
(1)
36mi from Albia · 1 site
We invite you to turn off your phone and unwind on the front porch rocking chair as you watch one of our breathtaking sunsets or sunrises. Pasture and grassland with 7 ponds are accessible by a short hike along the cattle trails. A marked perimeter trail follows Wolfe Creek, home to wildlife and a shady cool spot during the hot days of summer.
Mulberry Cottage is at the northeast corner of a 200-acre cattle ranch where we practice rotational grazing on ten paddocks. The cabin, surrounded by Mulberry and Osage Orange (Hedge Trees) are host to berry eating birds and mammals. (And the occasional marsupial). Cattle are fenced outside the cabin area but may be close by where you hear them and see them. Deer and coyotes are common on the property as plenty of birdlife. The cabin is a farm-stay experience with farm fresh eggs, and Mulberry preserves for your baked goods in the morning.
You will need your muck boots and cowboy hat to hike our cattle trails and wade in the creeks. Try your hand at "frogging" in the marshes of one of our 7 ponds. Bottle-feeding a calf or collecting eggs are some of the chores you are welcome to participate in. You'll be amazed at the variety of wildflowers and birding opportunities. The head cowboy himself will invite you to chore time or have a farm tour of our grazing and regenerative practices. Our natural beef and tallow products are all for sale at the farm or grill up some "Ohnemusbeef" available at our farm store.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$60
/ night
Timberline East RV Campground, Cabins & Glamping Sites
5. Timberline East RV Campground, Cabins & Glamping Sites
47mi from Albia · 7 sites
Discover the unique charm of our centrally located KOA, where you immerse yourself in the beauty of an open, rolling landscape. We offer spacious cabins and the cutest vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters in the popular series Golden Girls (we are lovingly referred to as the Silver Sisters).
Take a refreshing dip in our pool, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or relax by our catch and release fishing pond, full of bluegill, bass, and channel catfish.
We are close to many Central Iowa attractions and events, including Alta House Wedding and Event Center, the Iowa Speedway, Knoxville Nationals, Pella Tulip Time and downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. Our campground features spacious RV and tent sites too; check out the Newton/Des Moines East Campground listing on Hip Camp for more information.
It's always a Great Day at Newton/Des Moines East KOA!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$111
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Andy
3 weeks ago
With pets
We absolutely loved our stay here. The hosts where amazing and so helpful and accommodating. Will definitely return for another getaway!
See more
N
Nicole
October 2025
2 nights at Bend River Farms
Bend River Farm is just as it is described. Amy and Dave are amazing hosts. Accommodating, helpful, they go above and beyond. We were looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, peaceful surroundings and That was delivered. It is primitive, but with some comforts like a comfortable bed, solar lights, a wood stove. The trail to get to camp will get muddy with rain, as described and they will transport you back and forth in the side by side if needed. Be prepared to cook over the fire, bring all the supplies, if something is needed or forgotten Amy and Dave are super helpful and willing to help out. If you get a chance to relax in the salt water hot tub, I definitely recommend it! If you enjoy nature you will very much appreciate Bend River farm. We cannot wait to go back.
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Tara
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Bend River Farms
We had a great time at the private space for the dome glamping. The dome was really nice and comfortable. It was also very clean both inside and out.
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O
Olivia
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Bend River Farms
Super beautiful site. We loved the galaxy dome! It was so homey and such a fun cool experience. We enjoyed using the salt water hot tub and also having access to the shower area by the main house. It was great that we could drive over to the main house to have running water but have plenty of privacy at the globe! Amy had so many good suggestions for restaurants and activities. We loved being only 15 min away from Neil Smith wildlife refuge. It was crazy how in the middle of nowhere our site felt but in like 20 min we could be eating ice cream in Runnels.
Amy also sent us home with some eggs and apples which was such a fun treat!
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Jessica
September 2025
With kids
We loved staying in the wagon — it was a dream come true. It was serene and you could tell this property is prayed over and seasoned in love and care. Everything was as described or BETTER! It was cozy and clean! We loved the two cats on the property and seeing the bison in the morning. The beds were very comfortable and the amenities are too numerous to detail. We went out of our way to stay here and it was WORTH IT! Thank you so much to our hosts for their hospitality, faith, patriotism, hard work, and care that is displayed even in their absence!
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M
Mike
August 2025
1 night at Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging
Great place and just as described/pictured, including utensils if you want to grill or cook over the fire pit. Sitting outside and watching the bison graze was a nice “activity” in of itself. If it were closer to us, we’d come for weekend stays :-)
See moreR
Rosie
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Bend River Farms
This is our 3rd stay at Bend River Farms. Amy and Dave are the best! The Galaxy Dome is beautiful and the peaceful atmosphere makes for a relaxing stay. We enjoyed having the outhouse on-site. The dome is one of the more remote sites, and in our welcome messages they did warn us about inclement weather making the roads difficult without four wheel drive. With the crazy amount of rain we had, we totally took advantage of our host’s offer to drive us to our campsite. They even came and carted us around to shower and enjoy the saltwater hot tub. They definitely know how to make us feel welcome and we’d recommend staying here if you’re a novice camper or seasoned travelers. Amy gave us all kinds of advice on places to go and things to do during our stay.
See moreC
Carly
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Bend River Farms
Awesome stay at the bubble tent! So peaceful and secluded, definitely would stay again.
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Karen
July 2025
Weekend Trip to Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging
This is hands down the best place we have ever stayed. The covered wagon is beautiful with air conditioning, huge bed, table and chairs, full bathroom and little touches throughout that make it homey. Outside is a fire pit area with chairs, a picnic table, a couch with a gas fire pit and a cow tank for a pool and a huge gas grill. On top of all of that, the beauty of the Iowa farmland as well as horses and bison are just the icing on the cake. This was our 2nd time back and definitely won't be our last!!!!
See moreK
Ken
July 2025
With pets
Great setting, for this glamping site!
First experience with a composting toilet and were pleasantly surprised with the lack of smell!
Loved being amongst the beautiful wildflowers!
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J
Jim
July 2025
1 night at Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging
We loved our stay! Bethany has put so much care and effort into providing an amazing glamping experience. The wagons are comfortable and equipped with everything you need. The AC and cowboy tubs were great on a hot day. We took a walk to see the bison herd, and sat in the comfy furniture with the fire pit going, and watched the stars come out. It was also wonderful to have our own clean bathroom. Much better than staying at a state park. We can’t wait to return!
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Beth
May 2025
With kids
It was absolutely beautiful! The whole process was extremely easy. All instructions or special notes are very clearly laid out. Both the wagon and the bathroom were very clean, smelled great, felt great! It was a very nice experience. The bison are really neat to look at from the wagon. Would definitely come back!
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Paula
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Hoofs 'n Horns Ohnemusbeef Farmstay
Beautiful and relaxing get away. Cute cottage and wonderful host. We will definitely be back.
See moreR
Ryan
May 2025
With kids
This was a wonderful place to stay. It was magical. Very quiet. Great place for a campfire and star gazing. Wagon was cozy and well put together. Would absolutely recommend.
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J
Jake
October 2024
2 nights at Bend River Farms
The camp was beautiful and both Dave and Amy were very helpful and knowledgeable. Our favorite part was feeding the chickens, and going for a mid day hot tub. If you want to get closer to nature while also having an educational experience, this is the place for you!
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