The
River Valley Lodge and Campground near Farmington, IA has a lot to
offer
as you will see on this website but I want to list a few on this page
that do not have their own separate spot on the menu. Just because they
are not listed separately on the menu does not mean that they do not
add a lot to the complex, because they definitely do and add to the
comfort and convenience of campers. Listed below is a
brief description of eight (8) items that help to make River Valley
Lodge and Campground the great place that it is. Following all the
descriptions you will find a titled picture of each item mentioned.
Shower
House - this is a separate building that is divided into
two (2) sections, one for men and the other for women. The men's side
is decorated with camo walls, western lights, and deer blind seats.
The women's side is decorated in copper, cedar, and pine, and includes
a makeup area. Of course both sides also include showers and restrooms
and the facilities are handicapped accessible.
Laundry,
Family Restroom, & Office - this complex was built
on a location that was originally a limestone and gravel quarry and the
original scale house was totally remodeled and converted into
a coin operated laundry, family restroom and office. The scales are
still intact which makes this a unique structure with a very practical
use.
Bunk
House -
the bunk house is actually another historical
building that was on the property. It is the former 19th century
historic one room Salubria Schoolhouse. Although it has been totally
remodeled to look like a log cabin inside, it still has an original
chalkboard from another old school in the immediate area. This unique
building will sleep six (6) individuals (some say more than that) and
offers heat, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and lights than can be
dimmed. The bunk house includes a mini fridge and microwave. Bring your
own bedding/sleeping bags, pillows, dishes, etc. If you don't have a
camper this is excellent for overnight
accommodations. The daily price of $75.00 includes one stall.
One
Room Cabin - It may look like an old log cabin
but it is new and cozy. The
cabin is air conditioned and heated and includes a mini
fridge, microwave and a great front porch. Bring your own
bedding/sleeping bags, pillows, dishes, etc. The daily price of $50.00
includes one stall. This
distinctive one room cabin would make for quaint honeymoon or
anniversary lodging. Of course, it does not have to be a special
occasion to rent the cabin for a night or two.
The
Iowa Territory "Injun Fort" - the kids will
think that this is the ultimate western playground. Complete with a
sand
play area, a jail house door, and wooden guns to guard the fort. There
is no doubt that the "Injun Fort" will be the perfect sitter.
Two
Horse Barns - each barn has twenty (20) 12' by 12' covered
box stalls and one is included with each campsite that is rented.
People that have more than one horse may put two (2) horses in one (1)
stall or they can rent another stall for a small fee. Another barn is
in the plans and will probably be built in the near future.
Horse
Wash and Rolling Area - this is just another amenity for
the horses which Steve and Carolyn think should be as comfortable as
their
owners. Although Farmington does not have a car wash, it definitely has
a horse wash (see picture below).
Horse
Arena - the horse arena is very well fenced and measures
140' by 250'. A full one (1) foot of sand was hauled in to make an
excellent base for the arena. This is a great area for warm up riding
or even training.
A Look at Everything Mentioned Above (click
on images to
enlarge)