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It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a swinging treehouse tent with a queen-sized bed? Well, whatever it is, it’s one of the most unique overnight stays in all of Iowa!
Iowa has its fair share of campgrounds, from Okoboji to Decorah and on down to the southern side of the state. And they each come with their own attractions.
However, it is a fact that you will be hard pressed to find more than a couple of places you can camp out in a tree, and even fewer where you can sleep in a floating treehouse! Shady Brook’s Floating Bed tent offers both.
Located near Earlham, Iowa - that's about 20 miles west of Des Moines - Shady Brook Campground has two of these tents which they also dub “ascending tree tents.” And yes, it's just like it sounds. Your cylindrical tent can be adjusted to the height that you want, from a foot off the ground to way up in the tree. It can be tethered for stability or left to sway in the breeze.
Skeptical you would get any sleep hanging from a tree? Think again; this tent is king sized with a memory foam mattress. A special waterproof cover keeps the dew and rain where they are supposed to be, while a screened window allows you to look out and enjoy the view if you do happen to ascend to the higher reaches.
And if you're thinking it would be like sleeping in a hammock, think again (although you can do that at Shady Brook Campground, too). By design, these tents are stable and will not unceremoniously dump you out on the ground.
Each campsite offers a picnic table, a fire pit, parking, and even a storage box for a bit more space for items such as shoes. The campground also features a playground and a pool. Bring sleeping bags and pillows for an adventure in this one of a kind Iowa accommodation.
To learn more or book your stay at this one-of-a-kind campsite, visit Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures on Airbnb or the web. For more unique adventures around Iowa, try a meal at this floating restaurant.
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