Conestoga Wagon Glamping 101: A Beginner's Guide to Covered Wagon Stays in Iowa

So you've been scrolling through your phone, probably avoiding whatever you're supposed to be doing (I see you), and you stumbled across pictures of those gorgeous covered wagons that look like they belong in a Western movie. And now you're thinking... wait, people actually SLEEP in those?

Yes. Yes, we do. And let me tell you, it's nothing like what your great-great-grandmother experienced on the Oregon Trail. I promise there's no dysentery involved!

Conestoga wagon glamping has become one of the hottest trends in unique travel, and here in Iowa, we're proud to offer one of the most incredible experiences you'll find anywhere. At Sunset Hills Bison Ranch, our 1883-style Conestoga wagons sit right on 48 acres of rolling prairie, with a herd of over 50 bison grazing just steps away from where you'll be sleeping. I know, I know. It sounds too cool to be real. But stick with me, and I'll walk you through everything you need to know before booking your first covered wagon adventure.

What Even IS Conestoga Wagon Glamping?

Okay, let's start with the basics. "Glamping" is basically camping's fancy cousin, you get all the outdoor vibes without sacrificing comfort. And Conestoga wagon glamping takes it up another notch by putting you inside a beautifully crafted replica of those iconic covered wagons that pioneers used to cross the American frontier.

But here's where it gets good. Our wagons aren't some stripped-down canvas tents on wheels. These are legitimate LODGING experiences. We're talking climate control (heat AND A/C at the push of a button!), comfortable beds, and all the little conveniences that make a stay actually enjoyable. You get the romance and adventure of the Old West without, you know, the suffering part.

What's Inside Our 1883-Style Wagons?

I'll be honest, when people first hear "covered wagon," they picture a cramped, dusty space with maybe a scratchy blanket thrown on the floor. Our wagons will completely change that mental image!

Each wagon at Sunset Hills stands about 9 feet tall on the inside (seriously, you won't be hunching over), and they sleep up to four people comfortably. You've got a king-sized bed for the grown-ups and a twin-over-twin bunk bed setup for the kiddos (or your friends, or whoever you're bringing along on this adventure). The beds are REAL beds with real mattresses. Not cots. Not sleeping bags on plywood. Actual comfortable sleeping situations.

And because Iowa weather can be... well, Iowa weather... every wagon has heat and air conditioning. Booking a stay in April when it's still a bit chilly? No problem. Visiting in August when it's humid enough to swim through the air? We've got you covered. Literally.

Inside, you'll also find a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Now, these aren't full kitchens, you won't be whipping up a five-course meal in there, but you can definitely handle breakfast, snacks, and reheating leftovers from whatever amazing dinner you grabbed in town.

The Stock Tank Pool Situation (Yes, Really!)

Okay, here's where things get REALLY fun. Some of our wagons come with their own private stock tank pools. If you've never seen one of these, picture a large galvanized metal tank (the kind farmers use for watering livestock) converted into your own personal little pool. They're absolutely perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day, and there's something ridiculously charming about soaking in a stock tank while watching bison graze in the distance.

It's one of those experiences that photographs beautifully, but honestly? It FEELS even better than it looks. Total relaxation mode.

Glamping Next to ACTUAL Bison

This is the part that makes Sunset Hills different from pretty much anywhere else you could book a Conestoga wagon stay. Our wagons aren't sitting in some random field or generic campground. They're positioned right here on our working bison ranch, where you can watch our herd of 50+ bison roaming the prairie.

I can't even tell you how many guests have told us that waking up to the sight of bison grazing in the morning mist was one of the most peaceful, almost magical moments of their lives. There's something about these incredible animals, so majestic, so powerful, so deeply connected to American history, that just makes you slow down and breathe.

And at night? Grab a seat at your private fire pit (every wagon has one!), roast some marshmallows, and watch the stars come out over the prairie. Iowa has some surprisingly fantastic stargazing, and when you're out here away from city lights with bison nearby... it's pretty special. We also have a large communal fire pit if you're feeling social and want to meet other guests!

What About Bathrooms? (The Question Everyone's Too Polite to Ask)

I get it. This is the real question, right? Nobody wants to rough it TOO much.

Here's the deal: some of our wagons have onsite private bathrooms, and others use a separate private luxury shower house. And when I say "luxury," I mean it—we're talking heat, A/C, and all the amenities you'd expect. No porta-potties, no sketchy camp bathrooms. Just clean, comfortable facilities.

When Can You Book? (Hint: NOW Is a Great Time!)

Our Conestoga wagons are available from April through October, which honestly is the perfect window to experience Iowa at its finest. Spring brings gorgeous green prairie and baby bison season (adorable alert!). Summer is ideal for those stock tank pool dips and late-night fire pit hangs. And fall? The colors across our rolling hills will take your breath away.

Rates start at $179 per night, which, when you think about everything you're getting, is a pretty incredible deal for such a unique experience. Where else can you sleep in an 1883-style covered wagon, watch bison from your bed, AND have air conditioning?

Who Is This Perfect For?

Honestly? Pretty much everyone!

Families love it because kids go WILD for the bunk beds, the bison, and the whole adventure vibe. Couples love it for romantic getaways that are way more interesting than another generic hotel. Friend groups love it for something different to do together. And solo travelers love it for the peace, quiet, and chance to disconnect.

If you've been wanting to try glamping but weren't sure where to start, Conestoga wagon stays are honestly the perfect entry point. You get that outdoor immersion without any of the stress of traditional camping. No tent setup. No fighting with sleeping pads. No waking up with a rock jabbing your back.

Ready to Book Your Covered Wagon Adventure?

Our spring and summer dates fill up faster than you'd think (seriously, people are already booking for the season!), so if you're even a little bit intrigued, I'd recommend checking out availability sooner rather than later. Head over to our lodging page to see the wagons, compare options, and snag your dates.

And hey: if you're still on the fence, that's okay too! Feel free to reach out with questions. We love chatting with folks about what to expect, what to pack, and why glamping with bison is genuinely one of the coolest things you can do in Iowa.

Trust me on this one. Your Instagram will thank you. But more importantly? Your soul will thank you. There's nothing quite like falling asleep to prairie sounds and waking up to bison outside your covered wagon. It's the kind of experience that sticks with you long after you head home.

See you at the ranch!

Please note: Some images shown are conceptual to help you visualize the glamping experience, while others are real photos from the ranch.