99% (238) • 29 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Iowa
Bend River Farms
1. Bend River Farms
99%
(228)
Runnells, IA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bend River Farmsis 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
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
2. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
98%
(171)
Menlo, IA · 13 sites
Our 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
River Camp
3. River Camp
99%
(56)
Iowa City, IA · 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
Secluded riverside ranch
4. Secluded riverside ranch
100%
(47)
Goldfield, IA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This property encompasses 15 acres featuring a mile of mowed trails that weave through wildflower prairies, along a meandering creek, peaceful woods along the river, and a 501(c)(3) animal rescue providing sanctuary to goats, a llama, a miniature cow, an ostrich and more! The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and connect with nature in a private setting, not on a gravel pad at a treeless, overcrowded campground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Red Rock Springs
5. Red Rock Springs
99%
(48)
Knoxville, IA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Private secluded camping area near Lake Red Rock. There are several camp spots spread out over 6.5 wooded acres. There is a Spring-fed stream that runs through this property. Spot Abundant wildlife including turkey, deer, owls and eagles. Several trails wind through this camp. Pull your camper or pitch a tent. (depending on which site you select) The restroom has enough solar power to charge all your devices. This property Borders Army corps of engineers land. Competine Creek is only 1200 feet from this camp and feeds into Lake Red Rock. Great for canoes or kayaks. This camp is Less than a 5 min drive to Lake Red Rock boat ramp. 8 min to Knoxville, 10 min to Pella.
This is an off grid property with a clean, simple bathroom featuring a composting toilet and hand-washing sink. (sink currently winterized but hand sanitizer provided)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ramsey Creek Natural Area
6. Ramsey Creek Natural Area
100%
(17)
Kalona, IA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
3 acres that were converted from a cornfield 30 years ago to an area containing prairie, woods and creek. A great place to relax and enjoy rural Iowa, guests are welcome to roam the mowed areas and paths while respecting other guests. In the heart of the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi, only 2 miles from Kalona Historical Village. Groceries, gas and food and dump station available in Kalona, firewood available on site, kayak trips may be arranged.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Whitetail Tent Camping
7. Whitetail Tent Camping
100%
(12)
Keosauqua, IA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Camping, (Fishing at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey!
Learn more about this land:
Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people)
You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.
You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on.
If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite.
If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Shawna
1 week ago
jay
3 weeks ago
10 ft pop-up camper
Fun time at the site and near the Iowa river. Close to town and activities. Owner was very accommodating and nice.
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Will
September 2026
25 ft travel trailer
Amy was an excellent host and her site was exactly what we were looking for. She guides us through a tornado watch, welcomed us when we arrived, and the site was perfect for our trailer and dogs. She went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and we’d definitely stay here again!
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kendall
September 2026
Tent
Super cute and private. Hidden from the road and nice to have the solar lights for the restroom💚
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Shane
September 2026
Tent
With kids
Absolutely private camping, well except for an odd owl that wants to pay you a visit.
The camping sights surround a farm animal refuge that has an inspiring cadre of disabled animals that have a home because the host turned this land from a vehicle junkyard into what it is today.
The Host very proud of his animals and ready to share them and their stories!
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Erik
September 2026
Tent
Group trip
We absolutely, loved this place. Amy is an amazing and very accommodating host. I highly recommend staying here. Thank you, Amy, for having us. I look forward to staying again.
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Renee
September 2026
26 ft travel trailer
We spent the night here as a stop on our way to Badlands. Very welcoming host with good amenities, beautiful sunrises. It was fast and easy to hook up our rv on a level slip. Would def recommend!
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Michael
September 2026
Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
That was a great site. Grounds are extremely well kept, private pond for catch and release,nice fire pits and great pavilion. I would highly recommend
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Victoria
September 2026
41 ft fifth wheel
With pets
Beautiful, private, and well maintained! Our dogs had space to run around (beware the burrs!), and we were close enough to Iowa City if we needed anything. Highly recommend this site!
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Amy
August 2026
Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
We loved the cabins and the land. It is a beautiful place to recharge from the city and spend quiet time with your people. We will be frequent flyers, can't wait to go back.
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David
August 2026
Tent
With pets
James was an excellent host. He has a beautiful property, we look forward to enjoying it again!
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Mia
August 2026
Tent
With kids
We had such a fun weekend at the farm! Amy could not have been a better host! Beautiful, secluded site. Had a nice shady area for tent setup. Quick walk to the bathroom/hot tub. Plus the kiddos loved getting the "farm experience" with one on one horse petting/grooming time, collecting eggs, petting and learning about the chickens, holding a quail! What a unique experience so close to the city! Added perk- ice is a 1 minute drive and ice cream about 5min away. Great getaway!!
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Dan
August 2026
Tent
This is a nice property very close to Kalona yet feels remote. A variety of trees and a tall grass prairie combined with mowed walkways made for an interesting walk. James was wonderful about communication.
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Cindy
August 2026
Tent
We loved camping in the "Group Camp" area. Lots of room and privacy. Bring your own water containers to gather water for drinking, washing dishes, etc. On-site firewood supply was a great plus. The temperature was hot the days we were there so we chose not to try out their Hot Tube. Great nature background sounds provided by the Owl, Roosters, Hens, Coyotes, and family dogs.
See moreMichelle
August 2026
15 ft pop-up camper
With kids
I stayed here during the Iowa State fair. We stayed in the RV slip with our little popup camper. It was great and an easy commute to Des Moines. During our stay, we took one day off from the fair to stay around the farm. My 5 year old was able to swim in the wade pool which was great because it was hot. We played in the flowers, saw chickens, horses and cats and had lots of fun. It was so nice to have a relaxing day after a few days at the fairgrounds! We also had access to community bathrooms and showers. There’s even onsite laundry included. It has everything we needed and more.
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Abby
August 2026
Tent
Lovely evening, came in for one night! Would return, absolutely
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Chelsea
August 2026
Tent
Tyler’s property is not only beautiful, but he also has an incredible program helping animals in need!! We LOVED staying right by the river and getting to meet all of the rescue animals!!! We bonded with Yeti the pug instantly! Thank you, Tyler, we’re so grateful we got to meet you and see your rescue!
See moreBethany
August 2026
With kids
Very nice people, the cabins were very clean and the grounds were very beautiful and maintained. Very much recommend to stay here.
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Shayne
August 2026
Tent
The owner is super kind and helpful, and the animals were all friendly. It was nice having a camping spot all to ourselves and the ability to spread out as we wished.
See moreErica
August 2026
Tent
Group trip
This was such a beautiful and well kept area! It was very cozy and a great amount of space! Feels very secluded and tucked away but road access is right there. Will definitely camp here again!
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