Best Cabin Camping near Ankeny, IA

Several campgrounds near Ankeny, Iowa provide furnished cabin rentals with varying amenities and comfort levels. Jester County Park offers fully stocked cabins with linens included, situated near Saylorville Reservoir with access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. The Waterfront Cabin provides an off-grid experience overlooking a pond with electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. Most cabins include basic furnishings like bunk beds, mini-refrigerators, and air conditioning units. "We rented a cabin for $50 because it was only about $10 more expensive than what we were planning on spending for a campsite in Minnesota," notes one visitor. "Inside, you had two bunk beds, and the bottom bunk of one was a pull out futon, so you really had room to sleep 5 people."

Rustic cabins and more modern accommodations are available depending on location and price point. Des Moines West KOA Holiday features camper cabins with air conditioning where "AC was on upon arrival" according to one reviewer who appreciated the convenience. Newton KOA offers three rental cabins with access to numerous amenities including a fishing pond, pool, and weekend pancake breakfasts. Pet-friendly cabin options can be found at multiple locations including River Oaks RV Park and Thomas Mitchell County Park. Most cabins require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when weekend occupancy rates are high.

Most cabin rentals provide beds with mattresses but require guests to bring their own bedding, pillows, and towels unless otherwise specified. Kitchen facilities vary widely, from basic setups with microwaves and mini-fridges to cabins with no cooking facilities beyond outdoor fire rings. Visitors should pack cooking utensils, dishware, and food supplies, though some locations like KOA campgrounds offer on-site stores with basic provisions and prepared food options. Firewood is available for purchase at most parks, with some locations like Thomas Mitchell County Park offering delivery to cabin sites. For extended stays, grocery stores in nearby communities provide more comprehensive shopping options.

Best Cabin Sites Near Ankeny, Iowa (23)

    1. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up. "

    "Fire rings, picnic tables, level gravel sites."

    2. Adventureland Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 265-7384

    "The staff was very helpful, plenty of laundry/restrooms throughout the campground and pretty clean overall. Concrete pads with full hook ups (30/50 amp, water and sewage) make setting up quick."

    "There are lots of restaurants near by like Spectators and Jethro’s BBQ.

    As far as the RV park goes it’s pretty busy, mostly small families and older folks."

    3. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site, none of them were reserved."

    4. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    5. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $35 - $80 / night

    "Playground was next to us but it was fun watching the kids play. Full sun in the morning but afternoon was shaded by trees. Restrooms and shower was clean and close walking distance."

    "We called ahead to see if they had sites available that night. Arrived just before the office closed at 7pm."

    6. Cuttys Des Moines Camping Club

    1 Review
    Urbandale, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 986-3929

    "They have indoor/outdoor pools mini golf, camp store, paddle boats, and other camp ground activities. I love cuttys and been thinking about buying a membership myself."

    7. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available."

    "We stayed one night in a basic cabin. AC was on upon arrival- check in/out was quick and easy !Bathrooms were immaculate!"

    8. Waterfront Cabin

    1 Review
    Carlisle, IA
    17 miles
    +1 (402) 957-6970

    $200 - $300 / night

    "I had a chance to learn a little about this awesome cabin, they offer the opportunity to get off-grid and hangout on the porch overlooking a pond.  Check them out and leave a review on The Dyrt!"

    9. River Oaks RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Runnells, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 989-0574

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought."

    "We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair."

    10. Newton KOA

    11 Reviews
    Kellogg, IA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 792-2428

    "HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant"

    "In fact, this campground outpost is so close to the highway that you’ll be hard pressed not to see or hear it during your entire stay."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Cabin Reviews near Ankeny, IA

188 Reviews of 23 Ankeny Campgrounds


  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Sportsman Park

    Beautiful solitude with well manicured campsites

    This was one of the nicest county campgrounds I've ever seen. We've been to a lot of them, but this one stands out. Not to mention that the price was unbeatable! So much more reasonable than at home. Set off the road a bit in a tiny little town in Iowa, it's along a river and very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89 mile loop trail (paved) that goes through several towns and counties. It costs $2/person/day if you are 18 or older, or a year pass is $10. There is also a lodge that you can rent.

    We rented a cabin for $50, because it was only about $10 more expensive than what we were planning on spending for a campsite in Minnesota. Normally, we stay in tents, so we were very pleased to find the options that this campground had to offer at such reasonable cost! If you wanted a tent site without electric, it was only $8. Electric sites were only $12. And the sites were incredibly well groomed. They were clean (I didn't see any trash). And they were tucked into the woods. A caretaker lives on site, and although we rarely saw him, it was obvious that he cared about his job. The bathrooms were clean and cared for too!

    We were in a cabin and they were simple, but suited our needs. They had two wooden cabin-style buildings with little front porches (not screened in, but room under the overhang for chairs). Inside, you had two bunk beds, and the bottom bunk of one was a pull out futon, so you really had room to sleep 5 people. (Must mention: The futon in our cabin was horribly uncomfortable. I would have given 4 stars to the review because of it, but the futon alone shouldn't take away from the rest of the campground, which was immaculate). There was also a bathroom with an ADA shower, toilet, mirror and sink. In the room, there was a mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave, little sink and it even had air conditioning! Tucked in the corner was a folding table and chairs. A few hooks scattered around the walls completed the room. The A/C in ours wasn't at full working capacity, but it did chill the room down enough to be very comfortable. And it was very hot outside! We also had a little fire ring and picnic table, just outside the door.

    The campground could accommodate plenty of tents and campers alike. Some electric, some not. All with very nice grassy pads for tents, all with picnic tables and fire rings. Grass was well clipped and there were plenty of parking spaces. It was very quiet when we were there, but I assume it gets busy on the weekends. The shower/bath house had separate bathrooms (both unisex) and both with toilet, mirror, sink and shower). Both were very clean for a camp bathroom. A little campground for those wishing to camp together was at the back of the park. It, too, had bathrooms. But they were locked, so I couldn't peek inside.

    Bottom line, it was well worth our $50 for the cabin (you can't even get a hotel room for that price any more). I'd love to go back and tent in the quiet of a weekday eve when the crickets are chirping and I can feel the breeze through the tent!

    Please note - there are no trash cans at the campground if you are in tents or RV's (the cabins have them inside). It is a carry in/carry out campground

    There are LOTS of water pumps all over the campground. Yay for water!!

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Jan. 25, 2023

    Waterfront Cabin

    Off-Grid Cabin by the pond

    Jake from the Dyrt here!  I had a chance to learn a little about this awesome cabin, they offer the opportunity to get off-grid and hangout on the porch overlooking a pond.  Check them out and leave a review on The Dyrt!

  • A
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Jester County Park

    Solid campground

    Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice.  This loop was mostly RVs due to the electrical hook ups.  There aren't really trees between the sites, but it is in a wooded area which is nice and there is some space between the sites so you don't feel like you are right on top of the other people.  Generally, people were pretty quiet, especially once it got dark.  Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate.  Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up.  There is a grassy area all around the gravel with plenty of room for multiple tents.  2 bath/shower houses within a short walk from the site- they were both clean and solid to use.  There are some short trails within the park which are generally well marked, but just 1 trail is longer than about 1/2 a mile.  Didn't check it out, but there is also a large lake.  Lots of picnic areas throughout the park.  There's also a volleyball court and free lending library near one of the bathhouses.  Overall, I'd recommend this campground as long as you don't mind seeing your neighbors.  Quick drive into Des Moines too.

  • Kandace F.
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Springbrook State Park Campground

    Small town camping

    Electric sites, no reservations required I don't think. Nice bathrooms, 3 showers for the women's room with a family size shower. Nice playground, volleyball net, basketball court. Picnic tables and fire rings. No cell service down at the campground. You could call that a pro or a con! Really nice campground employees.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Newton KOA

    Highway Roadside Campground Oasis

    Following up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Newton KOA

    This KOA Deserves Your Attention

    Literally a single stone’s throw from I80, one of the busiest thoroughfares you’ll find yourself on here in the great ‘Hawkeye State,’ this is one campground that very much deserves your attention, despite being a KOA. In fact, this campground outpost is so close to the highway that you’ll be hard pressed not to see or hear it during your entire stay. While this KOA does sit down a bit from the hustle & bustle that comes with a major interstate highway, a good number of the available RV sites sit on a sloping hill that is the same elevation as the highway itself, so if you do have the choice, opt for the lower sites (more on that later). 

    Sitting just 30 minutes east of Des Moines, Newton KOA offers up about 100 sites for RVs and 5th wheelers offering up all the standard hook-ups (water, sewage and 30 / 50 amp- but be careful because some sites only offer 30 or 50, while some do offer both, so be sure to ask when making your reservation). For mi tent pitching bredren, there’s about a dozen or so sites to choose from and all are fairly intermingled with the RV sites, although each site does sit on a plush patch of grass, so this KOA does a nice job on that front of integration. Oh, and if you don’t have an RV, 5th wheeler or a tent, on worries, this KOA will rent you one of its three cabins. 

    As this is a KOA you can expect a ton of amenities and this place does not disappoint with: catch & release fishing pond w/ fish cleaning station (that is oddly placed about as far away from the fishing pond as you can get), disc golf course, K9 camp for the puppies, cable TV, WiFi, in-ground pool (available 5/25 until 9/3) with ADA pool lift, horseshoes, meeting rooms, firewood for sale, LP gas refueling station, pool table, shuffleboard, social lounge, two kids playground, laundr-O-mat, basketball court, restroom & shower facilities, mini-market with basic groceries, ping pong, jump pad, game room, gaga pit, designated dumpster and dump station and of course the scattered fire pits and picnic tables. Just to go above and beyond, this KOA serves up free breakfast of flapjacks on Saturdays. Yahoo! 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Whether you are pitching a tent or pulling up in your RV, the best sites IMHO are those in the lower valley, but located right in front of the main office, where there are 6 RV slots numbered #45 – 50 and 6 tent sites numbered T1 – T6; (2) Should you get hungry and might want to try some local fare, check out Taco John’s and La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant, which I guess stand for ‘local’ around here, although there is Newton Family Restaurant. If you are looking for something really different and amazing, I would suggest heading on over to Dan’s Sandwich Shop, which feels like real Americana from a bygone era, complete with a diner-esque vibe and matching elbow counter to warm up to over a nice piece of apple pie, scoop of ice cream washed down with a hot mug of coffee; (3) While this KOA has a mini-market, you will find a bigger selection with better prices just down the road at the local Walmart, where just due west of this, you’ll find a Hy-Vee Grocery store with a wine & spirits shop positioned there as well. Further down the road, you have excellent fresh cut meat from Fareway Grocery, but check out the local hotspot, Newton Market as well; and (4) While what you will discover from an outdoor standpoint at Newton KOA is interesting, if you want something more substantial, head to Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for 6 acres of family-friendly landscape to explore with more displays and demonstrations that you can shake a stick at! Seriously, there’s a butterfly garden, peony border and nearly 200 individual species of trees here to check out. 

    Happy Camping!

  • D
    Jul. 16, 2021

    Jester County Park

    Great campground!

    Tons of trees, very lush, clean bathhouses. Fire rings, picnic tables, level gravel sites.

  • Willy W.
    May. 31, 2020

    Newton KOA

    KOA is OK

    Newton KOA

    This is the primary location for camping in Newton. It’s right off interstate I-80 and is very close to the Iowa Speedway.

    There are places to go tent camping but it’s primarily setup for rvs. The tent camping spots have a picnic table and fire pit.

    The RV sports are pretty nice, most have the usual hookups. This place can get pretty busy when there is a race going on.

    There is a creek in the back and some pretty easy hiking trails to explore. There is a fish cleaning station near the creek. They do also have a pond with bass and bluegill. They also have a pool by the office but it’s currently being painted.

    Overall this is a pretty nice KOA and it’s very clean and maintained. You can hear the interstate but you get used to it.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Newton KOA

    A decent option along the freeway

    Our stay here was fine. Check-in was easy and courteous. We were escorted to our site. All of the staff that we interacted with was great. It seems like this park has an original section and then expansion sections tired up a hillside. The original section is the only section with any mature shade trees. Our site, and it looked like the others in the tiered hillside section, were in full sun all day. We selected an upgraded patio site. It was spacious and the patio area was made from pavers. It was equiped the same as the other sites though, just a fire pit and a picnic table (that was in rough shape). Our experience at other KOAs is that the patio sites have some better patio furniture. The fire pit wasn't functional for cooking. The cooking grate was rusted and set about 1" off the bottom of the fire pit leaving no room for charcoal. Pool looked nice but we didn't use it. The bathrooms and showers were clean but the showers could use a place to set your dry clothes.


Guide to Ankeny

Cabin camping options near Ankeny, Iowa span across 6,200 acres of public parkland throughout Polk County. Most cabin rentals remain open year-round with winter rates typically 15-20% lower than peak summer pricing. The Central Iowa region experiences temperature extremes ranging from winter lows around 10°F to summer highs frequently exceeding 90°F, making climate-controlled cabins popular alternatives to tent camping during July and August.

What to do

Hiking trails access: 15-20 minutes from most cabin sites. Jester County Park offers multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. "The hiking and views were amazing! The only thing we had an issue with was a camp site of noisy people, which was not the parks fault!" explains one visitor at Jester County Park.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn or dusk recommended. The Ledges State Park Campground provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "They advertise Elk and Bison which are smart enough to stay far away from humans, as it should be," notes a camper who appreciated the conservation efforts at Ledges State Park Campground.

Fishing opportunities: Stocked ponds at multiple locations. Timberline Campground maintains well-stocked fishing areas. "It's a lively, large campground. Sites were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking," reports a visitor who stayed at Timberline Campground.

What campers like

Privacy levels vary significantly: Thomas Mitchell County Park offers more secluded cabin options. "The outer loop has a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water," observes a reviewer at Thomas Mitchell County Park.

Off-season value: Winter cabin rates at most locations drop by $10-15 per night. "We were able to stay in a great spot. WiFi was great and the area was clean. Campers near us caught a couple of bass in the pond," notes a guest who visited Newton KOA during shoulder season.

Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events for guests. "The tent camping spots have a picnic table and fire pit. The RV sports are pretty nice, most have the usual hookups. This place can get pretty busy when there is a race going on," explains a visitor at Newton KOA.

What you should know

Reservation windows: 6-12 months in advance for summer weekends. Most cabins require minimum notice, especially during race weekends at nearby Iowa Speedway. "This is the primary location for camping in Newton. It's right off interstate I-80 and is very close to the Iowa Speedway," notes a reviewer.

Sound considerations: Highway noise affects some cabin locations. "While this KOA does sit down a bit from the hustle & bustle that comes with a major interstate highway, a good number of the available RV sites sit on a sloping hill that is the same elevation as the highway itself, so if you do have the choice, opt for the lower sites."

Accessibility varies: Not all cabins offer wheelchair access. "The Waterfront Cabin provides an off-grid experience overlooking a pond with electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables." Review terrain maps before booking if mobility is a concern.

Tips for camping with families

Recreational planning: Book weekday stays for fewer crowds. Des Moines West KOA Holiday provides numerous family-friendly amenities. "Looked to be lots of fun, kid oriented amenities," reports a camper who appreciated the convenience of Des Moines West KOA Holiday.

Budget-friendly options: County parks cost $15-20 less than private campgrounds. Family-sized cabins sleep 4-6 people comfortably. "The facilities are modern and clean and there is some real pride at this park. I highly recommend it," shares a repeat visitor.

Plan for weather extremes: Summer cabin camping requires advance cooling. "Newton KOA offers three rental cabins with access to numerous amenities including a fishing pond, pool, and weekend pancake breakfasts." During hot months, many cabins reach 85°F+ by afternoon without air conditioning running.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Corner cabin sites provide more outdoor space. "Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider," notes a visitor who stayed at River Oaks RV Park.

Cabin accessibility: Most cabin entries have 1-2 steps. "Our site was pretty level and well maintained," reports a camper who appreciated the attention to detail at many area campgrounds.

Seasonal challenges: Spring flooding affects creek-side cabins at some parks. "Great place to go tent camping, very clean and quiet. They sell firewood bundles for $5. Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Ankeny, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Ankeny, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Ankeny, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 cabin camping locations near Ankeny, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.