Campsite area
Bring your own tents, vans, trailers, rv & moto...
Hosted by
Experience some of what Native Americans enjoyed on 75 acres of restored prairie and timber as you camp alongside one of Iowa's most scenic rivers, the Cedar, in Eastern Iowa. Meet the wildlife of the prairie - hear the honking of pheasants, the gobble of turkeys nesting, the grunting of bucks as they walk through the tall prairie grass or the woods. Listen to thousands of Continue reading...
Experience some of what Native Americans enjoyed on 75 acres of restored prairie and timber as you camp alongside one of Iowa's most scenic rivers, the Cedar, in Eastern Iowa. Meet the wildlife of the prairie - hear the honking of pheasants, the gobble of turkeys nesting, the grunting of bucks as they walk through the tall prairie grass or the woods. Listen to thousands of frogs serenading each other from the pond to the river and back and in the morning, watch the sun come up over the trees across the river.
From your campsite, you'll have a river side trail to walk or walk up into the hills to find the pond, search for edible mushrooms or pick berries depending on the time of year. Our neighbor to the south owns 300 acres of limestone cliffs and timber and doesn't mind people walking along the trail but please stay on the trail and respect his privacy. Behind you from your campsite is a permaculture garden full of apples, cherries, pears, honeyberries and more you are welcomed to pick when ripe. Hammock camping is allowed at Site 2 in our stand of sycamore trees. Please note separate directions to drive to that site - do NOT attempt to drive across the culvert near the river. Site 2 is a tighter space and we recommend it only for cars and small trucks.
Our home is at the top of the hill, you can't miss it, and we'd be glad to help if you need anything. We might come by to say hi but will otherwise stay out of your way. You'll be about 25 minutes from Iowa City and 35 from Davenport, and only 10 minutes north of I-80. The best hamburgers around are at the Tipton Family Restaurant about 15 minutes east. There's good Mexican in Tipton as well, but also in West Branch about the same distance west. Both towns have locally-owned grocery stores we encourage you to support.
No. of sites
2 bookable sites
Access
Park at listing
Group sizes
Up to 4 people per site
No potable water
Bring your own water, purify from river or stre...
Fires allowed
Firewood provided, fire ring
No toilet
Dig a cathole, pack it out
Pets allowed
Off leash
No showers
Bath in lake, bath in river or stream
Pack it out
Have a question? Send Suzan a message!
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- On arrival: Go straight to camp
- Minimum nights: None
- Accepts bookings: 6 months out Weeknight discount: 30% off
The vibe at Tall-Grass Prairie and River Stay
668ftListing's elevation
9 Reviews
Tons of privacy on the river!
Turn by the mailboxes (pictured), pick a campsite to stay at, and enjoy your vacation. The river is basically your back yard so you can swim and cool off at your own risk - you'll see a few boats go by. There are trails around the property and quite a bit of hiking to do.
Great for large groups with a firepit and seating provided!
Gracious host, directions were exactly as written, great location. I would recommend it in a second. Will revisit in the near future.
This property and the sites are amazing! Right on the Cedar River. Very peaceful. If your looking for a quiet get away for primitive camping I highly recommend this location. Suzan and Paul are fantastic! They let you enjoy their property without interruption.
Response from Suzan, the Host, on May 6th, 2018
William is an experienced camper and knew how to take care of himself and the site. Thank you William for a great first Hipcamp experience! We've also now posted an aerial photo of our land so next time you come, you can hike the whole place comfortably.
I would highly recommend this spot to anyone who enjoys primitive camping. My wife and I camped on the prairie next to the Cedar river. You're tucked away enough that there's very little man-made noise, other than the odd boat on the river. The hosts provided our site with plenty of firewood. There's some excellent hiking through the woods along the river, as well. We went to sleep to the sounds of owls, crickets, and the howls of coyotes. It was lovely. Hope to stay here again soon.
Response from Suzan, the Host, on May 20th, 2018
So glad you both enjoyed it! Please offer any suggestions for improvements any time and hope to be able to host you again some time soon.
This was our first time using hipcamp, and we were immediately impressed. From how easy it was to find the property from the instructions provided, to the beautiful peaceful surroundings. We had a amazing river view from our campsight, a stone fire ring with plenty of wood for our use. Even faced with a incredible amount of nats brought with the heat, our host Suzan again delivered, with some nat deterant! Thanks Susan for the Absorbine Jr!!! We will be back, and hope to bring family to tent camp with us. Loved the privacy the camp provided. 5 star camping experience
Response from Suzan, the Host, on May 30th, 2018
Enjoyed watching these folks revel in the place with their new tear drop camper! They left the place as good as they found it, which is always welcomed! Bring Bug Soother or Anbesol with you for the gnats any time before mid-June when they should die back.
The site was even more beautiful than I had imagined! Wonderfully kept and with beautiful views and trails. I can’t wait for the chance to return! Highly recommended spot. Thanks, Suzan!
Gorgeous, pristine, area! The mowed trails through the woods and prairies made for fun walks with our kid and our dogs. Our spot by the river was just right, quiet and peaceful. We awoke to the sound of many different birds. We picked wild black raspberries off the side of the trail. I would stay here again, it was heaven.
- Property
- Draco Hill Farm
- State
- Iowa
- $20/night
- 2 Sites
Thanks for the extra photos Lauren! So glad you enjoyed the site.