Grinnell

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

Cooking equipment

Windy Goat Acres

We love animals, plants, art, and outdoor recreation and love sharing these things with people! We found the perfect little plot for all of these things we love. Nature, art, animals, and lots of space! The hilly, lush land is also known as the Bohemie Alps and it's quite a beautiful area tucked away in Iowa.

Visit with the llamas, goats, peacocks, potbelly pigs and the horses and hike around the property or stay in for a quiet stay with a good book and enjoy all the sights and sounds. Lots of extra 'add ons' to enhance the experience, like a waffle bar kit, smore's package, hikes, and more!

Semi wooded property with hiking trails, hammocks, aerial silks, campfire pit. 5 mi away is Otter Creek Lake, a recreational park for fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. We have 2 kayaks available. So much to do! Also perfect to just relax, meditate, yoga, sleep...

Electricity Hookup

Water Hookup

Greenhouse Camping

We love this beautiful land that has been in our family since 1917, and think you will too!

 We are located 1/2 mile off I-35 at the north border of the City of Ankeny.
 Here you'll find the best of both worlds just fifteen minutes away from your quiet campsite - Boating, skiing, jet-skiing, fishing at Saylorville Lake.

 Canoe,

kayak
and paddleboat rental at Big Creek State Park.
 Swimming & waterplay for all ages at the Ankeny Aquatic Center.
 Upscale shopping and dining at the District.
 Or venture out
a bit further to concert venues in Ames & Des Moines, local farmers markets, Des Moines' beautiful riverwalk and exciting nightlife, or
the Iowa State Fair.
 It's the best of country and suburban living!
 End your day with a quiet stroll along the mowed walking path that overlooks one of the most beautiful areas of
Four Mile Creek in Iowa, which circles right back to your cozy campfire.

Learn more about this land:

You'll love this relaxing space&nbsp;to camp and enjoy the Iowa outdoors!&nbsp;&nbsp;Very easy access,&nbsp; we are just&nbsp;1/2 mile off of Interstate-35. &nbsp;Our&nbsp;farm is bordered by nature on three sides and the city of Ankeny on the south.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a single campsite, private and quiet. Your campsite has an adjoining mowed private&nbsp;walking trail overlooking Four Mile Creek, and is also within walking distance of Ankeny sidewalks for biking, walking, jogging. &nbsp;It’s the best of both worlds - town and country!&nbsp;

We're&nbsp;a&nbsp;15 minute drive&nbsp;from Big Creek and Ledges State Parks,&nbsp;Jester Park and Saylorville Lake&nbsp;where you can enjoy fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;beach life.&nbsp; You'll find unique shopping experiences, delicious dining, a good movie, a thriving live music scene just&nbsp;15 minutes away in downtown Des Moines, downtown and campus town&nbsp;Ames, and &nbsp;at The District in Ankeny.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon your arrival you'll find the&nbsp;greenhouse mini-fridge is stocked with&nbsp;4 complimentary bottles of water and everything you'll need for making S'mores.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It's the best of both worlds, country and suburban -- we are on the north border of the town of Ankeny, yet surrounded by quiet countryside.  

Lots of morning sun with afternoon shade.

Explore Central Iowa, then cozy up with a campfire in your quiet campsite.  

First class views of  beautiful sunsets right from your campsite.  

The view from your camper, overlooking the beautiful Four Mile Creek valley.

Hot Tub

Wifi

Bend River Farms

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.”

Late summer shadows on the guest patio, charcoal grill, fire pit with grill grate and dinning tables and chairs for alfresco dining

Trappers Hideout: Private picnic area with trash receptacle 

RV Slip: Rural water hook up and dedicated power

All wheel or 4x4 drive recommended. Camper's will have complimentary transportation as requested. 

Guest bathroom located in the main house. Complimentary fresh towels for the shower and hot tub. 

Out side the dome portable fire pit. A perfect spot to watch sunsetting.
There is an additional sitting area behind the dome with another fire pit and picnic table. Additional spaces behind the dome for hammocks car parking etc.

Nature Heaven by lake red rock

We open year-round!! The winter camping is on the way! We believe each season has its special nature-beauty, so we open year-round. This secluded, beautiful, pet-friendly 40 acres of fenced camping site is on hilly land and is rare in Iowa, with a view of 3.5 private fishing ponds and a far view of the Red Rock Lake. There are 10 acres nature timber area that keep you away from the other campers and the rest of the world. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and a solar light.  The drinking water is at the entrance, but no electricity on. There are tons of natural features, you may see deer, rabbits, and other game birds by your campsite. Each camping sites have good distance to keep privacy from each other.

A recently built 20ft diameter geodesic glamping dome tent is for those who want a more climate-controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent gifts. 

For surrounding areas, the nearby White Breast Beach is open from May 23 to September 3, 2026, with boating, hunting, and hiking activities in Lake Red Rock.  For our campers' safety, any hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come hunting with Iowa hunting tags, a couple of public hunting grounds are near our camping ground.

The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on top of a hill.  You will have a fantastic sunset view of ponds and a lake view while enjoying the great nature and having a comfortable stay.

The cell phone signals are good from most providers; you may use your cell phone hotspot work remotely at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^.

Hope you will find joy, peace, and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and the Red Rock Lake areas.

A little history of this land:

These 40 acres of land were a surface mining site. The reclamation works done

during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Master's and PhD in soil and environmental health backgrounds, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for the nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds, hills, and tall grass, Butterflys... The site is totally different from what Google Maps shows now.

Site 3. is on a hill top. One part of the site is in the shade and another part is on a limited open spaces.  This site  have beautiful view of pond, hills and lake.  very nice sunset view if weather permit.

A king size bed. The mattress can be electric heated during winter. A standby electric generator provided so an air conditioner or room heater can be used for colder winter weather. 

Site 1 from the road outside the acreage.  Site 2 is to the left of this, and site 3 is up on the little hill above it.  

Pets are allowed in this fantastic geodesic tent. Sit inside the tent, work through cell phone hot spot.   

Folk School Farm Stay

Come enjoy the natural beauty of a working farm!  In our transition to agroforestry, wetland restoration and perennial ag, you'll find some great spaces to walk your dog, let your children run and learn about land conservation. The farm is also home to a flower cutting garden, a food forest garden, and a folk school.  Guests are welcome to cut flowers for a donation, and enjoy the sheep, chickens and resident cat.  The setting is also great for taking in sunrises, sunsets and star gazing. 

Come explore the landscape, book a farm tour or enjoy some studio space at Land Alliance Folk School.

Pup sleeping on our diy bed in garden shed

build your own bouquet is an option in the garden shed! 

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Red Rock Springs

Private secluded camping area near Lake Red Rock. Two 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)

Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp

We offer one private site on four acres, including a small pond, beach, treehouse, trails and peace and quiet. In addition to the tipi, there are kayaks, canoe, fire ring, wood supply, cooking equipment, dutch ovens, hammock, and tables and chairs. Campers will need to bring sleeping bags and food.  Dogs are welcome. There is a rustic restroom (outhouse), with an outdoor shower. Water and electricity are available at the restroom and campsite. 
In addition, Navigation Play-Williamsburg, provides outdoor play opportunities at the farm on a seasonal basis. If interested, find her on her facebook page.
Our dream was to restore an old farmstead to prairie and woods,  grow our own food, make some wine and create a wonderland for grandchildren. The tipi and pond campsite is our way of sharing our place. We love meeting new people, especially those that are looking for a new camping experience.  


Kayaking the pond is great for all ages. 

a small fire pit is allowed instead the tipi; can be removed for more room

Nothing better than a dip in the pond on a hot summer day!

Dutch ovens are provided for those who want to try their had at camp cooking. 

The tipi includes a fire ring for cooler nights. 

Birdwatching and wildlife watching are encouraged around the pond and along the trails. Binoculars are available on request. 

Relax at the end of the fishing jetty and watch the fish go by. 

Blueberry Farm on a Hill

Welcome to our idyllic 10-acre historic farmstead in rural Johnson County, Iowa (about 8 miles west of Iowa City). We are a bookish, quiet couple with an 8-year-old daughter, 2 llamas, 4 chickens, 2 babydoll sheep, 3 housecats, and 5 barn cats. In June and July, we open our farm to the public for U-pick organic blueberries. 

Campers have access to a private firepit with 4 chairs, a bathroom shed with a composting toilet, a campfire coffee percolator, and a prairie trail. We're looking for Hipcampers who are respectful and clean. 

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