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Camping near Blue Grass

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Looking for the best camping near Blue Grass? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Iowa hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Blue Grass.

98% (978) 1,492 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Blue Grass

Miss Effie's Country Flowers

1. Miss Effie's Country Flowers

100%
(37)
15mi from Blue Grass · 1 site
Ms. Effie’s Flower Farm is a gated you pick flower farm located in beautiful rural countryside. Peace and tranquillity is what you will find when you are surrounded by amazing flowers and rolling farm fields. The cornzebo is a unique gathering spot with romantic lighting and comfortable seating. It’s a great place to watch the sun come up! The fire pit is also available for use.
Campfires
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Potable water
Draco Hill Nature Farm

2. Draco Hill Nature Farm

98%
(740)
31mi from Blue Grass · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
As of 9/19, the ground is currently saturated and we have more rain in the forecast. If you decide to reserve, please drive on the ridges of the farm road entering the farm and not in the ruts. If you've never seen the tallgrass prairie, this is your chance! Right now, the prairie is in full bloom. Turkey tail, Indiangrass, partridge pea and many other beautiful native plants are at their best. The orchard trees are also loaded with fruit and nuts. If you've never seen a chestnut burr, a bundle of heartnuts, or Asian pears book now. No picking please - they aren't ripe yet. The weather is great and the campsites are mowed and ready for you! The river is low enough for you to walk down to it. You can only do that from Sun and Swimming and Shade and Swimming so be sure to book one of those if you want to dip your toes in the water. We know everything's expensive these days. Camping is a cheap and easy way to get away. Don't own a tent? Rent one from us. Would rather use a gas stove than struggle with a fire? We've got those too. We've also reduced our Sycamore Site to a super low $20/night for those of you pinching pennies. We hope you can enjoy it at that rate. Remember, a load of firewood is included. Please don't reserve this site if you're towing a trailer. Book over the October 17 weekend and catch our Chestnut Festival. Come any time for privacy at your site or a hike trails. Take a dip in the pond if you dare! Learn more and see map at our website. A convenient 7 miles north of Interstate 80 but feels like an oasis away from it all. Enjoy nature in a private, wooded river valley setting. And check out our extras! -- Fatwood for starting fires easily -- Up to 3 extra bundles of firewood -- A 7-person tent for rent -- A Coleman stove, matches and tank of fuel -- A personal tour of the exotic fruits and nuts and ecological restoration we're growing here. NO generators or large RVs please. Campers like to go to sleep under the stars to the sound of frogs, cicadas, coyotes, deer and the rustling wind through the tallgrass prairie. Wake to an amazing sunrise over the river. Enjoy a hike through our 4 miles of trails on 75 acres of rolling woodlands and prairie, picking berries, finding mushrooms, scaring up a turkey or pheasant in the brush or listening to the birds. (Pull out your Merlin app to see who's singing!) Play in the river or upland pond, cut cattails and prairie grasses for souvenirs and enjoy being unplugged for a while. Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. This is "socks and shoes, jeans and boots" kind of camping. You're visiting wild places and a working perennial farm, so please dress appropriately for your optimal enjoyment. If you go off trails and other mowed places, you increase your chances of contact with poison ivy and ticks. Please research these ahead of time and be prepared. We live here and encounter them frequently without more than a slight inconvenience.
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Geneseo Campground

3. Geneseo Campground

96%
(41)
32mi from Blue Grass · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located just north of the charming city of Geneseo, IL, our little campground has it all! Whether you’re traveling with a tent, van, tow-behind or a big rig, we can accommodate you. Our RV sites have 30 and 50 amp electric connections as well as water and sewer connections on most sites. We have three cozy cabins on property as well as a yurt that can accommodate 5-8 guests. If it’s fun and adventure you’re looking for, we’re situated right on the Hennepin Trail which offers miles of hiking and biking paths as well as fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Your furry friends will enjoy our wonderful enclosed dog park! Our newly renovated camp store has everything you might need including ice, firewood and much more. Our community room is perfect for meetings and gatherings and even has arcade games to keep the kids happy. Our restrooms are modern and very clean. Need to top off your propane tank? We have you covered! In the event you need to stay connected and productive during your stay, the entire campground has access to fast, fiber-powered WiFi. Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Geneseo Campground! For more camping options - including group reservations - please call 309-442-2662.
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Electrical hookup
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Mississippi River

4. Mississippi River

100%
(1)
Park 20mi from Blue Grass · 97 sites
Discover a scenic section of one of America's most iconic rivers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

5. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

100%
(2)
Park 20mi from Blue Grass · 152 sites
Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

6. Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

98%
(45)
34mi from Blue Grass · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind. Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you. We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.
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Electrical hookup
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#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

7. #JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

99%
(154)
37mi from Blue Grass · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
# About Welcome to our private **15-acre clothing-optional sanctuary**, located at our personal residence in eastern Iowa. One of the state's few private clothing-optional destinations, JTRidge offers a peaceful, natural setting where you can experience the freedom of clothing-optional recreation surrounded by woods, river bluffs, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're curious about your first clothing-optional experience or have enjoyed nudism for years, you'll find a welcoming, respectful environment where you can simply be yourself. Many of our guests—especially women seeking a peaceful escape—appreciate the opportunity to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy body-positive freedom without judgment or unwanted attention. We proudly welcome LGBTQ+ guests, solo travelers, couples, friends, and people of every background, body type, gender identity, sexual orientation, and experience level. Come alone or with those you care about—you'll be welcomed exactly as you are. Guests often tell us they appreciate the sanctuary's peaceful atmosphere and the chance to truly unwind without feeling watched, rushed, or judged. Here, you can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature at your own pace. Unlike large commercial campgrounds, JTRidge offers only a handful of secluded campsites, a private primitive cabin, and Day Passes. With very few guests on the property at any given time, you'll enjoy exceptional privacy, tranquility, and plenty of room to breathe. This isn't a campground filled with organized activities or noisy neighbors—it's a quiet retreat created for rest, reflection, and genuine connection with the outdoors. Our Day Pass is perfect for a relaxing afternoon, a peaceful lunch break, or simply a few hours away from everyday life. Stretch out in a reclining lounge chair, explore wooded trails, relax in a hammock, read beneath the trees, practice yoga, meditate, or simply bask in the sunshine. If you need assistance with Hipcamp's Day Pass booking process, we're always happy to help. As stewards of this special property, we're honored to share it with those who appreciate privacy, nature, and the freedom of a clothing-optional environment. Clothing is optional throughout the property, but nudity is never required. Many first-time visitors quickly discover how natural and liberating the experience feels, while others choose to remain clothed throughout their stay. Both are equally welcome. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the sanctuary at their own comfort level while respecting one another's privacy, personal boundaries, and individuality. Our goal is to foster a body-positive, inclusive atmosphere where every guest feels safe, accepted, and comfortable. As your hosts, we're committed to making every guest—especially first-time visitors—feel genuinely welcome and completely at ease. There is never any pressure or expectation beyond treating one another, the land, and the peaceful atmosphere with respect. Our hope is that you leave feeling refreshed, restored, and more connected to yourself and the natural world. Nestled along the scenic Wapsipinicon River, the sanctuary features mature hardwood forests, dramatic limestone bluffs, scenic hiking trails, open sunny spaces, and abundant wildlife. Listen to birdsong (the Merlin Bird ID app is a favorite here), watch cattle grazing peacefully in the neighboring pasture, cast a fishing line into the river, or simply enjoy the quiet rhythm of nature. As evening arrives, colorful sunsets give way to brilliant star-filled skies free from city light pollution. Gather around a campfire, listen to the gentle sounds of the river, read a favorite book, capture photographs of the landscape, or simply embrace the luxury of doing absolutely nothing. Looking for a little adventure? Launch your canoe, kayak, or tube in Olin and enjoy a scenic 3- to 4-hour float directly to our riverfront. Several Iowa state parks, fascinating caves, Iowa's only Presidential Library and Museum, and the Great Jones County Fair are all within a short drive, making JTRidge an ideal base for exploring eastern Iowa. Whether you're seeking peaceful solitude, quality time with someone special, or simply a place to unplug and recharge, we hope you'll discover that JTRidge is more than a place to camp—it's a place to breathe deeply, reconnect with yourself, and experience nature as it was meant to be enjoyed. We're always available if you need us and enjoy getting to know our guests, but we equally respect your privacy and personal space. Whether you'd like local recommendations, have questions, or simply prefer quiet solitude, we're happy to accommodate your style of visit. Many guests arrive expecting a one-time experience and leave already planning their return. We look forward to welcoming you to our peaceful corner of Iowa.
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River Camp

8. River Camp

99%
(53)
40mi from Blue Grass · 2 sites
Learn more about this land: Private 28 acre parcel with scattering of cabins and houses. Includes many feet of river frontage with private road along river that makes for good biking or walking. Some trails in forest. Lots of birds and wildlife. Large 100 year old oak trees, giant sycamores and cottonwood trees on the property. Short trail to river provides access for kayaking or fishing. Put in at Sturgis Ferry Park by airport in Iowa City and kayak to campsite or go further to Hills Access at Hills, Iowa. Camp site is close to Iowa City, but the quiet site seems 100's of miles away. River Camp is close to Ryerson's Woods State Forest Preserve, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and a 10 minute drive to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Pets
Full hookups
Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

9. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

99%
(46)
48mi from Blue Grass · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience. Every site looks out over the water with a beautiful sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, hammock and dog friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where Big Slough of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground. We offer canoe and kayak rentals (message us to arrange a rental in advance). The lake is a great place to paddle but be aware there is a lot of plant life in backwaters (closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. The water in spigot is tested and "potable" but we recommend using it for hand washing and bringing drinking water. The nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area, such as hiking at Mississippi Palasades State Park, "troll hunting" in Clinton, IA, shopping in Fulton or Galena etc but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view! We are a small privately owned campground. The grounds are separated into two regions. as you enter the property off off "Riverview" Road, there is a "T" intersection. As Hipcampers, you will turn right. The north side of the campground is for Hipcamp drop in camping only; tents and small campers like teardrops etc exclusively. (The south end of the campground is for our seasonal campers with bigger Rvs.) You will turn right and drive past the small camp store, a vintage trailer we are renovating and one Rv that is ours. The beach sites listed here are on the left along the shore line. We offer well maintained port a potties and there are water spigots on property as well. *There is no power or water at the sites ("primative") *pets are allowed- 2 per site maximum, must be leashed and no excessive barking allowed *while maximum capacity 4, if you are a family with more kids please submit a specific request. We can make exceptions for families camping with their children.
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Wildcat Den State Park

10. Wildcat Den State Park

100%
(1)
State park 6.7mi from Blue Grass · 28 sites
Discover the rugged beauty of Wildcat Den State Park.
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Maquoketa Caves State Park

11. Maquoketa Caves State Park

100%
(5)
State park 42mi from Blue Grass · 29 sites
Take a hike, go spelunking, and learn about bats.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Coralville Lake

12. Coralville Lake

80%
(5)
Park 47mi from Blue Grass · 480 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Coralville Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Prophetstown State Recreation Area

13. Prophetstown State Recreation Area

State park 45mi from Blue Grass · 43 sites
Prophetstown State Recreation Area is a 53-acre flat and wooded area along the south bank of the Rock River. Tree life largely consists of maple, cottonwood, oak and walnut you will likely encounter squirrels, rabbits, ducks, muskrats, raccoons and deer during your visit.Anglers use a convenient concrete boat ramp to cast lines in the Rock River and fish for smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, bullhead, carp, sauger and walleye. There are no limitations to how powerful your motor is, but you can also cast lines into nearby Coon Creek for a change of pace. Swimming is prohibited, but there is an indoor pool only four blocks away from the park. The town of Prophetstown may be tiny, but it likes to Party In The USA more than Miley Cyrus and is known for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display.
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n*Everland Barnyard Camping

14. n*Everland Barnyard Camping

99%
(254)
49mi from Blue Grass · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
We live outside the Matrix and march to the beat of our own drummer! We love sharing our space with those seeking true connection to nature and themselves. Privacy or community connection, whichever you prefer, we have 20 acres in Anamosa, Iowa at the end of a cul-de-sac just 5 blocks from Main Street. We think it's a slice of heaven and we bet you agree! NOTE: We don't have number/names of sites, just book and move through that portion as you are able. All the sites have ample privacy. Do you want to hike into a site? We have a few sites in the woods that are not easily accessible by car, if you want that kind of experience just mention it when booking. Follow us on Facebook to stay abreast of our current events! We are not very active on FB though, so we may miss your message if you reach out to us that way. FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: Please reach out to us in messaging to determine if this is the right fit for your family vacation as we feel there are better options in the area for kids, but we do make exceptions for the well-behaved and respectful older children. Thank you for your understanding. ABOUT THE BARNYARD: n*Everland Barnyard is an eccentric art installation space created from found, recycled, and repurposed building materials in the heart of Grant Wood Country in Jones County, Iowa. We are not a commercial campground. We focus on Zen, mindfulness, peace, and tranquility. Firmly in the realm of Outsider Art, Gothic and rustic, Bob Kellogg has created a place unlike anywhere else in the world that represents freedom and inspires endless creativity. The land provides multiple camp sites for easy access to bike and walking trails taking visitors into town or through the Wapsipinicon State Park across the river from the property. Anamosa offers several restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses all within a 1-mile walking distance from your campsite. We also offer #ProjectCreatePeace, an initiative to create more peace in the world through creativity as an art project. Check out the extras listings to get your art on while you are here! There is a beautiful spring-fed water hole ideal for swimming in the state park, as well as access to the river from our property (although we do not recommend swimming in the river.)
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Frakers Grove Farm

15. Frakers Grove Farm

100%
(48)
49mi from Blue Grass · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Frakers Grove Farm has been part of my family since the 1980s, but its history extends back to 1828, when Michael Fraker arrived and negotiated a peaceful settlement with the local Native American tribes, becoming the first settler in Northeastern Knox County. His grave, along with those of approximately 26 relatives and friends, is located on the property. Camp on a 250-acre farm in Western Illinois, featuring a 1.5-acre pond stocked with bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, and resident grass carp, plus a small creek. The property also has trails and abundant wildlife, including deer, American river otters, beavers, geese, wood ducks, and raccoons. A floating dock with a ladder sits on the pond, and a jon boat is available for guest use. Swimming and boating are at your own risk, there is no lifeguard on duty, and life jackets are not provided, so please bring your own if you plan to swim or use the boat. We offer two campsites: Pondside (drive-in, by the water's edge) and Grove Behind the Pond (walk-in, in a wooded grove), each with a fire ring. Guest WiFi is available near the buildings. Assistance with transporting tents and supplies to and from your campsite on check-in and check-out days is available upon request, using our side-by-side. Facilities include a porta potty near the pole barn. Please note: neither campsite has water, electric, or sewer hookups, and there is no dump station on the property, guests should plan to be fully self-sufficient. We maintain the property using a Yarbo robotic lawn mower. Feel free to ask us about it, or even see a demo! If it's actively mowing, please stay at least 20 feet away, as some obstacle detection is turned off in certain areas of the farm. Note: This is an active farm with considerable activity involving heavy machinery during spring and fall. We have chickens on the property. If it's rained recently, 2WD vehicles may have difficulty reaching the campsites due to our dirt and grass access roads.
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Vintage Spring Lake Campground

16. Vintage Spring Lake Campground

98%
(150)
50mi from Blue Grass · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Spring Lake Campground was est. in 1943. This “vintage campground” has provided a place for families to relax in nature and make memories for generations. The lake is a backwater Mississippi River refuge, so there is always something to see and learn about. The Great River Bike Trail runs right through, so bring your bike! It’s a beautiful ride from the campground to nearby Savanna, IL. We rent kayaks and canoes through September. The lake is great to paddle but be aware there is a lot of plant life on the backwaters. (The lake closes for all boat traffic Oct 1 to provide a refuge for migrating birds during duck hunting season. If you enjoy birding, plan a trip during October) With this abundant plant life, shore fishing becomes challenging as the summer progresses. We offer canoe and kayak rentals as an option to get out on the lake. There is so much to do in the surrounding area: hiking and climbing at Palisades State Park, restaurants, bars and shopping in Savanna, "Troll hunting" in Clinton, IA, museums and more. But enjoying a peaceful time at the campground, having a bonfire, watching the sunset on the lake and seeing the stars at night is really what it’s about. True old school camping, enjoying the wildlife sanctuary. Instead of pavement, we have trees. Our best amenity is nature! Get outside, unplug and relax. *While is says maximum capacity 4, if you are a family with more kids submit a specific request. We can make exceptions for families camping with their children. *We DO allow small campers on the peninsula like teardrops and Scamps but no generators please. *We ask that our campers please arrive before dark to find their site and set up to avoid disrupting other campers. It gets really dark! We do not have street lights so people can see the stars. *please note you are Requesting the site not instantly booking. We will respond to your request ASAP and all requests are pending.
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Electrical hookup
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Oak Tree Homes

17. Oak Tree Homes

100%
(1)
14mi from Blue Grass · 3 sites
Authentic Iowa homestead and hobby farm experience! Come enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by chickens, guineas, peacocks, goats, and sheep. Please let us know in advance if you need a 50 amp, 30 amp, or 20 amp hookup, and whether you’re flexible between 50 or 30 amp. We currently have (1) 50 amp hookup, (2) 30 amp hookups, and multiple 20 amp options. Knowing your needs ahead of time helps us get everyone settled comfortably. While we’re not a traditional campground, we enjoy sharing our calm and welcoming space with fellow travelers. Our electricity is powered by our on-site solar array. Fresh water, recycling, and limited trash disposal are also available. No dogs allowed without prior coordination, please. We love dogs and have a working Great Pyrenees named Hank. He’s a friendly 120-pound “puppy” who can get very excited around other dogs and may be a bit overenthusiastic when greeting newcomers. While he is not aggressive, he is still in training and has been known to jump up, including on vehicles. If you are approved to bring a dog, please understand it is at your own risk. For safety, we recommend keeping windows up as you arrive. Hank is contained by an underground wireless fence and won’t approach vehicles on the road, but once you enter the driveway, you’re in his territory. Introducing dogs carefully is encouraged. We are a working farm family sharing our home—not a commercial campground—so we appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you’re uncomfortable around large, energetic dogs, this may not be the best fit. That said, well-behaved traveling pups are welcome with prior approval. There’s plenty of space to relax and explore, plus a fire pit with wood provided, beautiful sunsets, and a swing set for the kids.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
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1951 Dream

18. 1951 Dream

79%
(7)
22mi from Blue Grass · 1 site · Tent, RV
This is an 82 acre property of approximately 65 percent old growth forest, 20 percent row crop and 15 percent of alfalfa/vegetable garden. It is a working farm which naturally takes people, but it is unlikely you will encounter any other campers. Please keep in mind, the only running water is the creek and the only electricity comes from a single solar panel. We truck water in for showers and provide enough port-a-potties to match the event.
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Campfires
Cottage on the Bay

19. Cottage on the Bay

100%
(3)
26mi from Blue Grass · 1 site
This Sears kit home was originally built in 1941 and has been remodeled to give it a more cabin like feel. It sits on 1.38 acres of land with mature trees and direct access to Boston Bay which connects to the Mississippi River. Enjoy the view from the new deck or take your boat or jet ski down the road to one of 3 public boat launches. This area is known for boating, fishing, hunting, camping and snowmobiling.
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Sun Retreats Rock River

20. Sun Retreats Rock River

100%
(1)
29mi from Blue Grass · 236 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Situated in the heart of the Midwest, Sun Retreats Rock River, formerly known as Sunset Lakes Resort, provides a premiere camping experience in Hillsdale, Illinois. At this award-winning resort, campers can set up their RV on our new seasonal sites with concrete pads and patios. You can also stay in one of our fully furnished two-bedroom vacation cottages. Cool off in our huge outdoor swimming pool, or stay active with outdoor recreations like a gem mining, basketball, horseshoes, tennis, and our rolle bolle court. Our pet-friendly campground also features a dog park for your four-legged family members. You'll find exciting attractions in The Quad Cities including riverboat cruises on the along the Mississippi River, just 15 minutes away.
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Full hookups

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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