Nature Heaven by lake red rock

This glamping dome is one of several camping options on Tri-pond Farm, a 40-acre fenced property outside Knoxville that overlooks three private fishing ponds and, in the distance, Lake Red Rock. The dome itself is a recently built 20-foot geodesic structure set on top of a hill, giving it a clear line to sunrise and sunset over the water below. Unlike the farm's dispersed tent and RV sites, it offers a more climate-controlled way to stay on the land.

The property is pet friendly and set up for privacy, with 10 acres of natural timber separating campers from one another and from the road. There's no electricity on site, but drinking water is available at the entrance, and each area has a fire pit for cooking. Cell signal is reported to work well with most carriers, enough to run a phone hotspot if needed.

Wildlife is part of the draw here: deer, rabbits, and game birds are common sights around the ponds and tree line. No hunting is permitted on the farm itself, though public hunting grounds exist nearby for those with Iowa tags. A short drive away, White Breast Beach on Lake Red Rock opens seasonally for boating, hiking, and hunting access, and nearby towns like Pella, Newton, and Des Moines are within reach for day trips.

The land has a history worth noting: it was once a surface mining site reclaimed in the 1970s, later restored by the current owners, who hold advanced degrees in soil and environmental health. Booking for this stay runs through Hipcamp, and the host can be reached directly by phone for specific questions about the dome or site conditions.