Cabin camping near Amana, Iowa offers diverse accommodation options in a region with an average elevation of 738 feet above sea level. The area experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching 14°F. Most cabins remain open from April through October, though several properties like Matsell Bridge Natural Area and Hannen County Park maintain year-round accessibility.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Iowa County Park provides excellent shoreline fishing with multiple access points. According to one visitor, "There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through."
Hiking trails: Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks. A camper noted, "Great hiking trails and views of the bluffs over the river." Another mentioned, "Lots of intense trails to explore but some trees were in the way due to a past storm."
Water recreation: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground features an 8-mile lake trail with multiple water activities. As one visitor shared, "There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop. There is a bit of elevation change and not many opportunities to 'bail out' so take water and pace yourself."
Bird watching: Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides prime bird watching opportunities with riverside observation points. A camper recommended it as having "plenty of trails, shooting ranges and some fairly decent bird watching."
What campers like
Privacy features: At Lake Iowa County Park, strategic landscaping enhances cabin site privacy. One visitor observed, "There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade."
Storm shelters: Pinicon Ridge Park includes safety features appreciated during severe weather. A visitor mentioned, "Storm shelter right on site. Playground is awesome for kids of all ages. Hiking trails are well marked and all over the park and state land nearby."
Modern facilities: Hannen County Park maintains updated shower facilities that campers consistently praise. One reviewer stated, "Very quiet and relaxing! Several options for different outdoor activities."
Accessibility: Many cabin locations offer easy highway access for quick weekend getaways. A camper at Little Bear Campground reported, "Very conveniently located off I-80, Fair price, full hook up and pull through site $33.00."
What you should know
Booking timeline: Cabins often require advance reservations, especially during summer months. At Lake Iowa County Park, a visitor advised, "If you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views."
Site topography: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain that affects tent placement. A Beyonder Getaway visitor noted, "The land is not flat. The spots are good and most are pull-throughs but some are too short for a 30' camper."
Seasonal limitations: Windmill Ridge Campground operates from April through early November, closing for winter. According to a visitor, it's "Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers."
Water availability: Matsell Bridge Natural Area offers primitive cabin options without running water. A visitor explained, "Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water" but praised its "rustic peacefulness" as a "best kept secret for primitive and inexpensive camping sites."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pinicon Ridge Park features extensive play areas ideal for children of various ages. One visitor shared, "Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen."
Swimming areas: Pleasant Creek maintains designated swimming zones with graduated entry points suitable for younger children. A camper noted, "There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop."
Wildlife viewing: Lake Iowa County Park offers regular wildlife sightings directly from cabin sites. A visitor reported, "We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through."
Insect preparation: Matsell Bridge Natural Area requires proper insect protection during warmer months. One camper warned, "When I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow requires substantial leveling equipment. A visitor advised, "Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes."
Water access points: Many cabin locations feature water hookups at centralized locations rather than individual sites. A camper at Pleasant Creek noted, "Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in."
Site selection strategy: Pinicon Ridge Park offers different loop experiences for cabin renters. One visitor recommended, "Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use its facilities. Very clean and new bathrooms and showers."
Parking limitations: Some locations enforce strict vehicle limits per site. A Pleasant Creek visitor explained, "The Ranger Man enforced a 2 car per campsite rule. He forced 3 over 65 couples to drive to a parking lots and I shuttled them back and forth."
