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Bend River Farms

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· Runnells, Polk, Iowa

50 acres hosted by Amy B.

1 lodging site · 2 RV/tent sites · 1 RV site

Amy is a Star Host

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

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Big rig-friendly

Spacious, level camping well-suited for travel trailers over 40 ft long.

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.”

Activities

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105 ratings · 90 reviews

Carter W.recommends

July 23, 2024

Trappers Hideout (Primitive Site)

Tent Camping here was fantastic. Has everything you need available just a short walk away, and plenty of privacy as well. The hot tub is a great bonus as well. Would definitely stay here again.

Sabrina C.recommends

July 19, 2024

RV Slip

Amy and Dave were so kind, accommodating and friendly! Their land is beautiful and had so many hidden gems throughout the property. Such a neat experience to camp on the farm! Would highly recommend and will be back for tent camping and to try out the dome. Go check it out and support a local business!

Jorge T.recommends

July 15, 2024

Pasture Point (Primitive Site)

This place was wonderful! Amy is a marvelous host who upgraded our campsite when the what we previously reserved was rendered unavailable by a fallen tree. She also treated us like family, and she prioritized our safety on our last night by letting us stay in the guest room as a huge thunderstorm passed over the region. She and her husband make delicious omelettes! Josh is also great, and he gave us a tour of the property in a fun off-road adventure. Stay here - you'll have no regrets!

Sarah R.recommends

July 15, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

Dome at River Bend

Very good hosts with wonderful hospitality. They made sure we had what we needed, fogged the camp site for bugs, and even let us borrow some wine glasses. The dome was very cute and comfortable.

Brett P.recommends

July 14, 2024

Trappers Hideout (Primitive Site)

Very helpful host, great place and really enjoyed our stay. We will be back!

Sugar B.recommends

June 23, 2024

RV Slip

Beautifully unique location!

Amy is an excellent host! The farm is in a beautiful location, and the RV slip is within very easy access to the main road. There's plenty to see and do right on site if you are wanting to stay in one place, yet it's close enough to other small towns and bigger cities to make a day trip out of it during your stay if you are wanting to drive around and do some sightseeing.

Location

Runnells, Polk, Iowa, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Báxoje Máyaⁿ (Ioway), oθaakiiwaki‧hina‧ki (Sauk) & Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox), Jíwere–Ñút’achi Máyaⁿ (Otoe-Missouria), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking