Tall-Grass Prairie and River Stay

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, 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.  

Once on our property, as you drive toward the campground, you'll see a line of heart nut trees and honeyberry bushes to your left and small chestnut trees on the hillside to your right. These are just one part of the edible savanna we are building for the future. We support clean food farms and donate $1 of your stay each night to the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (silt.org) to protect land like this to grow healthy food. We hope you'll check them out and support them too. 

From your campsite, you'll have a river side trail to walk or walk up into the hills to find the pond, search for 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. Please DO NOT GO NORTH - to your left as you face the river - beyond our property. These neighbors have asked that you respect their boundaries. 

Behind you as you face the river 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. 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. If you want total privacy, book both sites. They are only 50 yards or so from each other. 

Our home is at the top of the hill. We are likely to be there if you need anything. We might come by to say hi but will otherwise stay out of your way. Iowa City is about 25 minutes away and Davenport about 35. We're only 10 minutes north of Interstate 80. The best hamburgers around are at the Tipton Family Restaurant about 15 minutes east. Both West Branch and Tipton have locally-owned grocery stores we encourage you to support.