The Carpenters Star
This is a Boondockers Welcome host in Ames, IA
Max Rig Size
45+ (ft)
Parking Spaces
2
Same Day Requests
Yes
Preferred Check-in Time
12:00 AM
We are located in central Iowa, 3 miles north of Ames, just 1/2 mile off of I-35. We have 17 acres in a rural farming area. Easily accessible from I-35. In fact, the property is located less than 1/4 mile from I-35 so there is some highway noise, if you are sensitive to that. We have plenty of turnaround room. If you are a true boondocker, we have plenty of room for parking. If you want water/electric hookup, you will need to park close to the barn. (The barn is not used for animals anymore :) ) Ames is the home of Iowa State University. Area attractions include Reiman Gardens, Ledges State park with lots of hiking trails, concerts and plays at Hilton Coliseum, Prairie Moon Winery, Snus Hill Winery, and Boone Scenic Valley Railroad, and much ,much more.
Vehicle Suitability Information
Pets Welcome
Electric Hookup: 30A
Wifi
Slideouts Allowed
Offleash Area for Pets
Generators Allowed
Water Hookup
Separate Tow Vehicle Parking
Campfire Ring Provided
Outdoor Cooking Allowed
House Rules
Fire pit and firewood available weather permitting. If you have an emergency and find that you won't arrive until after dark, please contact us before 8 pm. We would appreciate a text or email that would let us know your approximate arrival time, so we can make sure we are home to assist you with parking. We don't charge for electric or water hook up. You are free to donate whatever you feel is fair. If you run 2 air conditioners for 5 days, in the summer when it is 95, you might want to contribute to the cause. If you just pull in for a place to sleep overnight, you probably didn't use a dollars worth. Just enjoy your stay.
Location
There is 1/2 mile of well maintained gravel road to our property and a 1/4 mile gravel driveway. We have plenty of room for parking a tow vehicle. There is a circle drive around grain bins that is a good turn around, with 30/50 amp hookup. However, in very rainy conditions, this area could be muddy. We have plenty of room for boondocking, but if you want electric /water hookup, you will need to park beside the barn. We have a fire ring and firewood available on request. We would appreciate a text or email to let us know your approximate arrival time so we can make sure we are home to assist you with parking. If you have an emergency en route and won't arrive until after dark, you must contact us before 9 pm.
Parking Surface
Gravel
Hosted By CarpenterStar
Age:
65+
We live on a farm in central Iowa. This farm has been in our family since 1931. We retired a few years ago and love traveling. We have traveled extensively in the US. We have also enjoyed some travel in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. We enjoy visiting with people from around the US. We started out camping with a tent when our children were young. Have camped with a pop up camper, a bumper hitch, a fifth wheel. We've come a long way! We enjoy woodworking and quilting, traveling and meeting new people.
Availability for RV Camping
References for this location from other RVers
andrewdawn
3 days ago
We had to cut our stay short here, but wish we could have stayed longer! Easy access and parking, even a turn around for a big rig, and some of the kindest, friendliest people we've encountered. My only suggestion if staying here: bring a fan or something for some white noise. It's a bit close to the freeway, so the noise is noticeable. With a fan running, we didn't hear a thing and slept great!
Kevin_and_Nancy
2 weeks ago
The hosts were so welcoming, coming out to see us when we arrived in the rain and left in the snow. We would definitely stay here again!
Sanomlos
3 weeks ago
Beautiful farm very comfortable and Dean and Cindy were hospitable. This was our first time using Harvest Hosts/Boondockers, they were an amazing hosts to us "newbee's".
Johnbonde
3 weeks ago
The hosts were very responsive when booking same day, super easy access, met us as we arrived and offered electricity if needed. Abundant flat parking available. Even though they are close to the freeway, the droning of the traffic did not interfere with our sleep. Would definitely stay again when passing through.
northwoodsoasis
4 months ago
They were very responsive to our on-the road request and had excellent communication. Traffic noise took some time to get used to but an excellent location for an overnight stay while traveling thru.
