Bend River Farms

Bend River Farms sits along Little Camp Creek in rural Camp Township, a short paved drive from Runnells, Iowa. The property was once a junk yard and is now run as a small-scale, multi-system farm, with fresh eggs, honey and produce for sale alongside glamping and tent sites tucked into woodland meadows.

The glamping tent sleeps four across one bedroom, with a saltwater hot tub, Wi-Fi, a fire pit, and access to private restrooms, showers, complimentary towels and firewood. A communal outdoor dining area, dish-washing station, and 24/7 laundry room round out the shared facilities, and pets are welcome. Owners Amy Buckendahl and Dave Breese live and work the land themselves, so this isn't a staffed resort; it's a working farm that opens part of itself to guests who want quiet and a change of scenery.

Guests can walk the hiking trails, take part in hands-on farm animal activities, and, as optional add-ons at checkout, book sessions on beekeeping, poultry care, horsemanship, gardening, carpentry, or even falconry. Dave, a trained chef, offers fireside or homestyle meals by request, and the farm sells s'mores kits, honey and eggs as extras.

Off the property, there's hiking, biking, kayaking and fishing nearby, plus two local taverns, an ice cream shop, and a Tuesday-evening farmer's market in season. The Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland Waterpark are about 20 minutes away, with Des Moines' restaurants and museums under thirty miles out. Booking runs through Hipcamp, where seasonal and weekday discounts are listed.