A family farm in Calhoun County made it onto Hipcamp’s 50 Favorite Places to Camp in America list.
You won’t be sleeping with the cows (or the fishes), but you could find yourself paddling down the Raccoon River, enjoying a peaceful waterfront.
“Many of our guests come looking for a quiet place to camp by the river, and we love being able to offer them a safe, serene space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and spend time on the land,” Rainbow Raccoon Ranch owner Stephanie Wetter said in a news release.
The ranch is south of Lake City, IA. It offers a campsite for a maximum of eight people near the river.
This is the second year in a row that an Iowa location has made Hipcamp’s list. Last year’s pick was a Hobbit House in eastern Iowa.
What is Rainbow Raccoon Ranch?
First and foremost, Rainbow Raccoon Ranch is a family farm. The Wetters raise cattle, pigs, corn and soybeans. They specialize in raising Scottish Highland cows, a breed known for their furry coats and docile nature.
The Wetters like to host campers to help connect people to agriculture and the land.
“When campers are interested, we’re also happy to answer questions, introduce them to the animals, and help build a better connection to agriculture and where their food comes from,” Wetter said in the release. “For us, this recognition is meaningful because it reflects the kind of experience we hope people have here: peaceful, authentic, and connected to the land, the animals, and the people who care for both.”
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How do I book a stay at Rainbow Raccoon Ranch?
You can find more details about tent camping at Rainbow Raccoon Ranch via Hipcamp. Reviewers rate the location highly for its private, serene feel.
One night is $18 with service fees and can accommodate max eight people, as of July 13, 2026.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: See why an Iowa farm was named one of the best camping spots in the US
Reporting by Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
