Does 1860's Botanical Homestead have toilets?

Yes — toilets are available at every site at 1860's Botanical Homestead.

Is drinking water available at 1860's Botanical Homestead?

Yes — potable water is available at every site at 1860's Botanical Homestead.

Does 1860's Botanical Homestead have showers?

Yes — showers are available at every site at 1860's Botanical Homestead.

Does 1860's Botanical Homestead have picnic tables?

Yes — picnic tables are available at every site at 1860's Botanical Homestead.

Does 1860's Botanical Homestead have cooking equipment?

Yes — cooking equipment is available at every site at 1860's Botanical Homestead.

Does 1860's Botanical Homestead have wifi?

Yes — wifi is available at every site at 1860's Botanical Homestead.

Does 1860's Botanical Homestead have trash disposal?

Yes — trash disposal is available at every site at 1860's Botanical Homestead.

How do you get to the sites at 1860's Botanical Homestead?

2WD accessible. Short walk from parking to your site.

Are pets allowed at 1860's Botanical Homestead?

Yes — 1860's Botanical Homestead is pet-friendly. On leash.

Are campfires allowed at 1860's Botanical Homestead?

Yes — campfires are allowed at 1860's Botanical Homestead. Always review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.

What is the check-in process at 1860's Botanical Homestead?

You'll meet and greet with your host Jessica upon arrival.

What is the cancellation policy at 1860's Botanical Homestead?

Full refund 1 week before check in time starts.

What time is check-in and check-out at 1860's Botanical Homestead?

Check-in at 1pm. Check-out times vary by site.

How far in advance can you book, and how long can you stay at 1860's Botanical Homestead?

Same-day bookings welcome, up to 6 months ahead. Stay up to 14 nights.

Does 1860's Botanical Homestead have laundry?

No — no laundry at 1860's Botanical Homestead.

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Bellevue

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1860's Botanical Homestead

Hosted by Jessica · Bellevue, Iowa

2 sites · Tent, Lodging · 2 acres

97%

145 reviews

Best Hipcamps in Iowa

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.

Best in Iowa: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Jessica is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Happy to announce we’ve won "the best of" properties to visit in Iowa! We hope to keep striving and adding more amenities as we go! Thank you to our wonderful guests and hello to future guests! 👋🏽 Built in 1860 by its first caretaker botanist, this homestead was propagated over its many years of life and is busting at the seams with medicinal and edible herbs. We now run a flower farm and vegetable gardens on our homestead. If you’d like to learn about herbs or gardening/ homesteading, we love sharing our knowledge. If you’d just like some farm fresh eggs and enjoy your time alone amongst the songbirds, that's just fine too :) The property is built into the stone hillside allowing for breathtaking views but also stairs to get to the campsites. Please wear comfortable shoes (not flip flops 😉). If you have mobility issues property access will be difficult. Please no children under 5. !CLASSES! We run our small school/business: HOMESTEAD and HAMMER from the property and are bringing classes to YOU! Look in the "EXTRAS" for classes you can partake in on your visit OR for more information on what's included on class weekends check out our website below! Classes include, forAging wild edibles, mushroom identification, homesteading skills, soap making, forging metals and many more! Website: [xxxxxxxx] *For guest and host safety property managed 24-7 by video and security services*

Select a site

Tent-only sites

1 site

Woodsy Campsite

94%

(42)

Tent site · Sleeps 4

Book a unique stay at one of the oldest homes in Bellevue Iowa, dating all the way back to 1860! The property was cultivated by several botanists over its lifetime and is packed full of horticultural delights. The property itself it’s extraordinarily unique being home to 60 different medicinal herbs, flowers and vegetables galore. My husband and I are now the caretakers of this breathtaking property and have been working hard to share its beauty and experiences with others. Great for bird watchers, herbalists, botanists, or anyone looking for scenic views of Bellevue or the Mississippi River. * Land is on an incline and not suited for those with mobility or balance issues * Children welcome (above age 5) * Pets welcome (must be leashed) NO aggressive or reactive pets allowed* Essentials provided * Pagans , LGBTQ+ , all welcome We have one flat area carved out of the hillside for camping. Beautiful hiking trails on the property and over 4 state parks within 30 mins for hiking, kayaking, atv, skiing (snow &water). *Wi-Fi Available *New outdoor shower stall completed! *Property Utilizes a Clean and Sanitary Porta-Potty System.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Lodging

1 site

Bunkie

98%

(134)

Quirky · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet

2024 UPDATES: We’ve revamped the Bunkie again! New bedding, area rug and curtains! A nicer, expandable table and chairs have also been added for your comfort. We look forward to hosting you this year 🙌🏻 —————————————————— We have a one-bedroom glamping Bunkie. Queen size memory foam bed. Electricity, lamps, ceiling fan, coffee maker, 180 degrees of floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the small frog pond, campfire pit or on suite patio directly from your room. Experience our organic homestead full of fresh flowers, herbs, wild fungi and wildlife. We host classes on anything we are doing on the homestead, so at any given time, you can observe/participate in forge activities, knife making, tool making etc. or homestead activities like soap making, cooking from scratch, starting and planting a garden, chicken keeping and many others! Our homestead offers fresh items you may choose to purchase and enjoy at your leisure. We will be as open or as invisible as you wish and will do what we can to provide a great stay on the property! *The Bunkie is attached to the back of the property and IS a part of the main house. However, the BUNKIE and single CAMPSITE are isolated to their own side of the property, away from the bustle of the farm operation. * You also have the option of booking the Bunkie and the lower campsite and having the entire place to yourselves*. *PETS ALLOWED: be sure to add pet deposit to your order upon checkout. This does NOT mean we clean up after your pet outside. Please be a responsible pet owner. NO reactive/aggressive pets allowed. * WIFI available *Heater & extra blankets provided in cooler months. *New outdoor shower stall completed! * Property utilizes a clean and sanitary porta-potty system.

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

Toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Showers

Reviews

97%· 183 reviews

Themes

Review summary
Generated from real Hipcamper reviews
Campers will find a welcoming atmosphere at this homestead, with Jessica as a standout host who makes everyone feel right at home. The property is beautifully maintained, with vibrant gardens and charming features like a frog pond and outdoor shower. Visitors enjoy the cozy accommodations, with the Bunkie offering a comfortable retreat, even in rainy weather. While the majority of guests rave about their experiences, one reviewer noted that the host seemed less friendly during their visit, suggesting a potential for variable experiences.
Sophie C.
Camped at Bunkie, Aug 2026.
Recommends
Beautiful location and accommodating host! I enjoyed the bunkie very much
Noniy B.
Camped at Bunkie, Aug 2026.
Recommends
We really enjoyed our stay on the homestead! Jessica has carved out such a beautiful piece of the hillside. I'm glad we stayed in the bunkie, gave us a nice oasis from the rain. I really enjoyed the workshops she offers. Held my first chicken and learned so much about them. Who knew chickens had so much drama? Their the best reality TV show. Thank you for all the foraging knowledge as well. This was such a unique stay.
Judith W.
Camped at Bunkie, Jul 2026.
Recommends
My friend and I felt very relaxed and comfortable here. The host (Jessica) is very welcoming and we felt at home right away. The house and gardens are very cool, lots of flowers blooming this time of year, nice touches throughout. The Bunkie was clean, quiet and cosy and had everything we needed for our one-night stay. We enjoyed sitting by the fire pit when we got back from dinner. Even though the house is on the outskirts of town, it was very quiet. I would absolutely stay here again.

Amenities

Fire pitsPrivate fire pit at each site · Firewood provided, Firepit, Communal
Portable toilets
Potable waterSpigot, Tap, Hose, Bottled water or jugs
Showers
Picnic tables
Wifi
Trash disposalRecycling bin, Trash bin
Cooking equipmentCommunal, Stovetop or hot plate, Cookware, Cooking utensils, Dishware, Cutlery, Basic seasoning and oils, Sink or other dishwashing station, Grill over firepit, BBQ
No laundry
No hot tub
No playground

Things to know

Walk-in access2WD accessible. Short walk from parking to your site.
Pet-friendlyOn leash.
Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Jessica upon arrival.
Cancellation policyFull refund 1 week before check in time starts.
Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 1pm. Check-out times vary by site.
Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 6 months ahead. Stay up to 14 nights.

Extras

Plant identification/info tour $10.00 per itemWe will take an in-depth tour of the history of the 1860 homestead identifying native plants, medicinal and culinary herbs, mycelium, perennials and other plants along the way. Samples provided throughout the tour. We can answer any questions on cultivating and growing a garden ,as well as, what it takes to run our homestead. Your length: 1 hour average. *guests like to take the tour around a meal time as you can get samples of : lettuce, spinach, eggs, edible herbs and many others that are great for a meal over the fire. *
Homemade Herbal Tea Blends$2.00 per itemStrawberries and Cream Lavander and Lemon Fruit Blends *Options may vary please ask host what flavors are available when booking*
Locally grown bratwurst $5.00 per itemWe have original and pepper cheese bratwurst from the local organic pork farm in maquoketa, Iowa. 4 pack perfect for a quick meal over the fire.
Apothecary Class$25.00 per itemWe will go over the medicinal herbs on the property focusing on 2 herbs currently in season. We will learn about their properties and how best to implement into medicines. Classes can touch base on a variety of options: tinctures, salves, infused oils, homemade tea blends and/or bath soaks. Class takes approximately 90-100 minutes.
Local sausage $5.00 per itemWe have available: local sausage from Prairie Pih in maquoketa, Iowa. This is a family ran farm who loves their pigs and are extremely well taken care of.
Handmade soap $7.00 per itemThe homestead makes its own goat milk soaps: please ask host what scents are available. Possible scents: watermelon, black rose, oats and honey, beach days, wildflower , almond, baked(scent&dyefree), cupcake& plenty more!
Blade Sharpening $20.00 per itemWe will learn how best to sharpen a blade or knife. Wet stone, grindstone and other methods will be introduced. *One free blade sharpening offered per student.
Chicken Keeping Class$20.00 per itemWe will go over, in depth, what it takes to keep a backyard flock. Feed, predators, illness, chicks. Guests get a dozen eggs after the tour.
Soap Making Class$25.00 per itemWe will create a loaf of soap from start to finish. Answering questions along the way. Class takes about 90min. You may choose a bar of cured soap after the class. *disclaimer: because of the involvement of lye students in this class will be observing only. Vocal input and conversation always welcome* *safety gear will be provided by the farm*
Essential oil bug spray $10.00 per item4 oz bottle of homemade bug spray. Deet and aerosol free. Can be used on children 2+
Shop the Farm$0.00 per personIf you’d like an opportunity to come inside and shop all the wonderful things made here on the farm.