[Status Report: The ground is saturated in April 2019. Please don't drive any heavy vehicles near the river, but instead keep them on higher ground. Thanks.]
Experience some of what Native Americans enjoyed on 75 acres of restored prairie and timber as you campalongside one of Iowa's most scenic rivers, the Cedar, in Eastern Iowa. Meet the wildlife of the prairie - hear the
[Status Report: The ground is saturated in April 2019. Please don't drive any heavy vehicles near the river, but instead keep them on higher ground. Thanks.]
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 honey berry 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 - that's 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.
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- On arrival: Go straight to camp
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 6 months out Weeknight discount: 30% off
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Fishing
Bring your fishing license and drop a line in the river!
Hiking
75 acres of woods and prairie, as well as a 3-mile hike along the river and over fallen trees.
Paddling
If you're strong or the river is low, you may be able to paddle on it. The pond is a little small for paddling but could be fun.
Snow sports
Cross country skiing, snow shoeing and sledding available.
Swimming
Best done in the one-acre pond at the center of the property.
Wildlife watching
Deer, turkeys, pheasants, hawks, bald eagles and more.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Tall-Grass Prairie and River Stay in Iowa.
Farm
We are a large acreage that has transitioned from conventional corn farming to regenerative perennial farming. The river camper...Read more
Ranch
We are a large acreage that has transitioned from conventional corn farming to regenerative perennial farming. The river camper...Read more
The vibe at Tall-Grass Prairie and River Stay
Places to see near Draco Hill Farm
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.
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.
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
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.
It seems like a great place to stay if you have already a lot of experience camping. Unfortunately it was the first night we set up a tent and arrived very late at night. We recommend the site for avid and experienced campers.
Alma learned an important lesson for her first time camping - always show up at unfamiliar campsites in daylight or expect an adventure! And of course, always bring a flashlight. :)
- Property
- Draco Hill Farm
- State
- Iowa
- $20/night
- 2 Sites
Thanks for the extra photos Lauren! So glad you enjoyed the site.