East Grove Farms invites you to pitch your tent in the former hazelnut thicket that our ancestors and the East Grove community safely hid freedom seekers from Missouri in the 1840's. It is located 1/4 m north of the winery near the vineyard and tree line and you can usually drive to the camp on a grass path thru the elderberry patch. It offers complete privacy and has a f
East Grove Farms invites you to pitch your tent in the former hazelnut thicket that our ancestors and the East Grove community safely hid freedom seekers from Missouri in the 1840's. It is located 1/4 m north of the winery near the vineyard and tree line and you can usually drive to the camp on a grass path thru the elderberry patch. It offers complete privacy and has a fire ring, picnic table, a prep table, porta john, and shade. Firewood is available if you ask. There is no electricity or running water. There is a pond for fishing and some trails, and of course all campers are welcome to visit our headquarters for a free tasting of our wine and mead! Wagon rides can be arranged and on occasion there is live music at the meadery on weekends. For those interested in the underground RR, there is an excellent museum in nearby Salem, the Lewelling Quaker Museum, a National Park Service noted site for abolitionist activity.
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Moderate
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Swimming
Swim at your own risk. We are having issues with aquatic vegetation and are working to remove some invasive plants.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Freedom Seekers Camp in Iowa.
Farm
We grow specialty crops like elderberries, aronia berrys, grapes, and heirloom apples, peaches, and plums. There is currently ...Read more
The vibe at Freedom Seekers Camp
Places to see near East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard
28 Reviews
Whiskey Camp was great! We had a few choices of camp sites, a view of woods on one side and a charming lake on the other, and fell asleep under the stars. Our host shared his awesome fire pit and picnic table with us, and we even scored bathroom access before bedding down. All in all, it was a fine place to rest our heads,
We (a group of five adults and one child) camped during the Folk Music Festival and had the time of our lives. The owners/hosts were as gracious as they could be, and the camping—although not exactly shaded—suited our needs perfectly. The land is beautiful and mead plentiful. The farm has great history too; it was once a part of the underground railroad! We can't wait to visit again next year. <3
We had a great experience camping here. The property is beautiful and Kurt and his family were so warm and welcoming. We loved chatting with them while tasting their delicious meads. Be sure to pick up a bottle or two during your stay, and enjoy the stars and fireflies!
Great camping spot on a small private pond. We parked our tear drop camper right near the just perfect size sand beach. We had views of the woods and the hosts vineyard. Next time, we will try the tasting room! We can't wait to go back. The host was very welcoming. Great experience all the way around.

Our second time at Whiskey Farms. We were greeted by the host and his wife. Very friendly, and welcoming. We love the fiahing, small beach and woods and vinyards. We are already planning our third stay. We have a teardrop camper and park it right up at the beach, but there was a great option at the back of the property near the woods ..which would have been great too..if we didnt plan on fishing the entire time. :)
Great spot. Small beach, fishing and vinyards and woods as a view. Friendly host. 3rd time boondock camping here.

This was a beautiful place to stay. The host was welcoming and responsive. The area is unique - an elderberry farm nestled within fields upon fields of corn. It was a very peaceful place to camp.
No mosquitoes. Nice folks. The only thing that could have improved the experience was some signage directing late-arrivers to the campsite.
Awards
- Property
- East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard
- State
- Iowa
- Country
- United States
- $20/night
- 1 Site