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East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyar…

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· Salem, Henry, Iowa
10 acres hosted by East Grove F.
1 tent site
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Best in Iowa: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
East Grove is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Located in Southeast Iowa, East Grove Farms Winery and Vineyard specializes in honey wine (also known as mead) made from various fruits like Elderberries. Our headquarters is the O.A. and Emma Garretson House, which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm itself is the oldest continuously-settled farm in Iowa, and was established in 1837. The farm served as a station on the Underground RR and farm founder Joel C Garretson was the stationmaster. All are welcome to visit during our open hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm (or by appointment) for free wine and mead tastings. During the summer we offer wagon rides, and in the winter (weather permitting) we offer sleigh rides. East Grove Farms focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, and strives to be pesticide-free whenever possible. Feel free to wander through the fields, go hiking through the timber, fish for dinner in our pond. Learn more about this land: 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, and shade.  Firewood is available if you ask.  PLEASE TAKE NOTE THERE ARE NO ELECTRICAL HOOKUPS, WATER, OR TOILET AND SHOWER FACILITIES. WE NO LONGER HAVE A PORTA JON AT CAMP! TOTALLY PRIMITIVE CAMPING.   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.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. 
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66 ratings · 56 reviews
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Eyad H.recommends
October 29, 2023
Freedom Seekers Camp
Holy mackerel this was amazing
Jole, Steph and the whole experience was amazing!! My friends and I had a great time fishing, and playing cards. We caught a ton of bass and a 12 oz red eat sunfish!!! But I think our favorite part was that Jole invited us to his birthday party on the second day. Overall they were extremely welcoming and helpful. This campout was to celebrate my 14th birthday and I’m thinking it might be the site of my 15th too!!
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Danielle H.recommends
September 3, 2023
Freedom Seekers Camp
This was a perfect little retreat. The hosts are very friendly and there's so much history to the land surrounding them. They make tasty wine and mead that they're happy to let you taste. The site has a perfect combination of shade and sun, and it's well maintained. It was nice to be secluded with views of the vineyard and woods.
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Christine H.recommends
July 31, 2023
Freedom Seekers Camp
Beautiful place to camp for the perfect private getaway. The campsite is tucked into the back of the property by the woods, giving it lots of shade and space to set up camp. There was no toilet on site as is listed in the description, but the hosts graciously provided us a shovel to use. There is also a well stocked pond to fish and swim in that we enjoyed using very much, especially the adorable row boat! The hosts were absolutely amazing and even gifted us some veggies from their garden! We'll definitely be staying again!
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Gara N.recommends
June 24, 2023
Freedom Seekers Camp
Weekend Getaway!
This was the perfect little getaway! Only about an hour from where I live but felt so secluded! The hosts were great and made sure we had everything and were very easy to communicate with! Between the fishing, swimming, and fire out it makes a perfect spot for a weekend away! We will definitely be back!
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Kenneth B.recommends
October 31, 2022
Freedom Seekers Camp
Camping at East Grove
The site was clean and ready as usual, the campsite was mowed and easy to get to. All details of the booking were perfect.
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Trica T.recommends
October 8, 2022
Freedom Seekers Camp
Magical!
Such a beautiful location! Being a host myself they took care with details to ensure their guests have a welcoming and clean site. I highly recommend!
Location
Salem, Henry, Iowa, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Peoria, oθaakiiwaki‧hina‧ki (Sauk) & Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by East Grove F.Joined in March 2016
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