1 / 100

Bend River Farms

100%

· Runnells, Polk, Iowa

50 acres hosted by Amy B.

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

Big rig-friendly

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

Family-friendly

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

Best in Iowa: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Amy is a Star Host

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

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

Biking

Boating

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Field

Wetlands

100%

130 ratings · 113 reviews

Andrew A.recommends

October 17, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

We had a great time staying in the geodesic dome tent! It was very remote, but so close to town. The salt water hot tub was on point, and shower room was key! We didn't do any laundry, but the fact that it was an option is stellar! For their first yr in operation they have it goin on! We were told of the plans to come, and can't wait to see this gem evolve! If we don't make it back this year, we'll definitely be checking in next spring/summer! Oh, I didn't even mention the dogs! Are two pups loved it as well! A wonderful alternative to a motel, particularly when you have pet friends along for the journey!!!

Shay V.recommends

October 7, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

We had an incredible stay at this beautiful dome on a stunning farm! From the moment we arrived, Amy, David, and Josh made us feel welcome and at home. They were not only friendly but also genuinely kind, always just a text away if we needed anything. We loved that the farm is cat-friendly—just remember to leash your cats! The adorable, friendly cats and dogs on the property added to the warm atmosphere. We had the unique experience of feeding chickens and horses, which was a highlight of our visit. The brunch they prepared was absolutely amazing—David’s quiche was a standout! We also enjoyed watching Amy showcase her impressive hawk handling skills; it was a fascinating experience that added to the charm of our stay. They are wonderful people to talk to, making us feel like we were truly at a home away from home. Overall, our time here was magical, and we can’t recommend this place highly enough. We can’t wait to return!

Judy E.recommends

October 6, 2024

Trappers Hideout (Primitive Site)

We will be back!

We really appreciated the heartfelt attention to detail and the warm welcome. Making sure we had fire wood at our site, the site was level and clean and private! This was our last sight after traveling cross country try and made for a wonderful evening. I would camp here again.

Ashley T.recommends

September 23, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

Glamping with horses

We loved camping on Amy and Daves land! The work they put in on the Dome is beyond amazing. They went our of their way to make this stay absolutely magical. The views were beautiful and directions to the farm were clear. We had an opportunity to love on the horses, see both Amy and Dave work with the red tail hawk, listen to live music and hang by the fire. This weekend was more than we could ever imagine. We both feel relaxed, renewed, and closer to nature. We would 100% recommend staying with them!! Bonus part about the dome is seeing the moon and stars while your inside!! We will be back again!!!

Keri P.recommends

September 15, 2024

Galaxy Glampsite

Great 1st Glamping experience!!!

We loved glamping at Bend River Farm. The camp site was private, well furnished, and clean. You will need a 4x4 truck or SUV to reach the site or Amy will take you out in their vehicles. We added extras for a picnic for 2, smores kit, and the campsite dinner. All the food was amazing. We are already planning our next trip and would like to gift a weekend trip to friends an family.

Gloria H.recommends

September 5, 2024

RV Slip

If you are looking for a beautiful country setting this is the place. Close to downtown Des Moines. Hosts were great and provided everything you would need. The roosters made their noise but were quite beautiful.

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