Best Cabin Camping near Audubon, IA

Cabin accommodations near Audubon, Iowa include several state parks and county facilities offering various levels of amenities. Prairie Rose State Park provides cabins with lake views and electric hookups, while Swan Lake State Park features cabins set around a fishing lake with nearby hiking trails. Most cabins include basic furnishings and electric service with access to shared restroom facilities. "The cabins are worth it all though. The view of the lake is worth it all though," noted one visitor about Prairie Rose's accommodations.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Des Moines West KOA Holiday in Adel offers cabin rentals with more extensive amenities than state park options, including electricity, heating, and designated picnic areas. Yellow Smoke Park in Denison and Arrowhead Park in Neola provide cabin options with varying levels of amenities. Most cabins require advance reservations, particularly during the peak summer season from May through September. Pet policies vary by location, with many allowing leashed pets outside cabins but restrictions inside structures.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Firewood is available at several locations including Prairie Rose State Park, Swan Lake, and Des Moines West KOA. Kitchen facilities typically include outdoor fire rings with cooking grates and picnic tables, but indoor cooking options are limited in most cabins. Refrigeration and running water availability varies by cabin type and location. Campground markets with basic supplies can be found at Swan Lake State Park, Arrowhead Park, and Des Moines West KOA, while other locations require bringing all necessary provisions.

Best Cabin Sites Near Audubon, Iowa (19)

    1. Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Harlan, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 773-2701

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Reserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa!"

    "This park surrounds the whole lake and you can explore everything thing by trail or water. Lots of fishing and swimming, we went looking for wildflowers along the lake trails."

    2. Springbrook State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Guthrie Center, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 747-3591

    $10 - $200 / night

    "Pros: Not a far drive from Des Moines, but still quite remote

    -Lots of nice hiking trails

    -Easy access to large, mostly clean modern bathrooms

    -The lake is a peaceful spot to spend the early mornings"

    "You’ll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at."

    3. Swan Lake State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Carroll, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 792-4614

    "I was only tent camper in the electric only sites.  If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it.  Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites."

    "We stayed one night, beautiful park! Great trail all the way around the lake, we took a bike ride around it was about 3 ish miles. Camp host was a gem. Bathrooms were very clean!"

    4. Arrowhead Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 485-2295

    "Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site."

    "Sites were gravel, with a picnic table, fire ring, and electrical hookup.  Our site was well shaded with trees."

    5. Middle River Point

    2 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 231-8904

    $15 - $32 / night

    "Only downside was there were no bathrooms."

    6. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    45 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!"

    7. Yellow Smoke Park

    1 Review
    Denison, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 263-2748

    "We rented out their 3 cabins and had a whole area to ourselves. The kids could walk down to the sand and a bridge."

    8. Spring Lake County Park

    9 Reviews
    Jefferson, IA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 738-5069

    $20 / night

    "We were lucky and got a spot right along the lake. This park is peaceful (only slight downfall is the trains you can hear a bit-not too loud though)."

    "Plenty of camping spaces, some right next to the lake. Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends. My favorite childhood camping spot."

    9. University 40

    7 Reviews
    Lanesboro, IA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 297-7131

    $25 / night

    "I can share with you information concerning the writing service that helped me with my academic trouble."

    "Enjoy drifting& driving awesome cars. Explore beautiful maps, find your favourite drift locations. Do experiments with car tuning."

    10. Lake Icaria Co Park

    9 Reviews
    Corning, IA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 322-4793

    "Easy to get into, plenty of space, fire pit, picnic table, friendly & helpful park officers, lots of activities (hiking, boating, boat rentals, beach, bait shop, close to a race track in Corning, etc"

    "I will first off stay I have not been to a lot of Iowa parks. But I will say the ones I have been to, that this is the nicest or one of them."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Audubon, IA

4 Photos of 19 Audubon Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Audubon, IA

109 Reviews of 19 Audubon 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!!

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • Mike S.
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Lake Icaria Co Park

    Great place that wasn’t crowded

    Very nice place. Full hook up spots were very nice. Easy to get into, plenty of space, fire pit, picnic table, friendly & helpful park officers, lots of activities (hiking, boating, boat rentals, beach, bait shop, close to a race track in Corning, etc). We went the weekend after Memorial Day & there were plenty of spots. Quiet & family friendly. Even have food trucks that serve over by the beach!

  • 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.

  • E
    Aug. 22, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Quiet Campground

    Overall nice, quiet campground.  We reserved a site via the website, and were given our pick of sites once we arrived.  Sites were gravel, with a picnic table, fire ring, and electrical hookup.  Our site was well shaded with trees.

  • N K.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    Peace & quiet

    Reserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa! Paved roads, level gravel sites, wide & mowed trails, clean pit toilets and a layout that isn’t too cramped. The pond has multiple shoreline fishing spots with picnic tables and a cleaning station. Basic playground in front of the beach which is a short drive or a ~1 mile trail walk away.

  • Robert B.
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Great nature, fishing, and camping park.

    Arrowhead campground has 60 RV sites that support both 30 and 50 amp hookups. They have several well water stations to take on water and a sewer dump station. There also lots of tent camping sites. All sites come with picnic table and fire ring. There are numerous nature trails to hike ranging from easy to hard. There is also a nice sized lake for fishing, canoeing, and paddle boats. The lake has a boat ram for small fishing boats. Very well maintained, managed, and friendly atmosphere.

  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • Renee H.
    May. 23, 2024

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Nice modern KOA

    Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers. Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County. Bulk propane tanks were on site for winter campers. Camper cabins available. Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order. Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack. Verizon cell signal was good. Garbage dumpster and dump station on site.


Guide to Audubon

Camping cabins near Audubon, Iowa sit amidst the rolling hills of west-central Iowa where elevations range from 1,200 to 1,400 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers reaching into the 90s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most cabin facilities require advance bookings, particularly during summer weekends when occupancy rates often exceed 85%.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Icaria offers multiple fishing spots with boat rentals available. "I will say the ones I have been to, that this is the nicest or one of them. They have concessions, boat rentals, boating of all types, fishing, and trails," notes a visitor to Lake Icaria Co Park.

Hiking trails: Springbrook State Park features several woodland paths suitable for various skill levels. "You'll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at... Bring some hiking equipment as well as they have multiple nice trails to go hiking on," reports a camper at Springbrook State Park Campground.

Water activities: Swimming beaches and kayaking are available at several lakes in the region. At Spring Lake County Park, one camper noted, "We loved our stay here! Beautiful campground and well maintained. Unfortunately the skate arena was closed for the season. Lots of trails to choose from and spacious campsites."

What campers like

Scenic lake views: Many cabin visitors appreciate waterfront locations. "We were lucky and got a spot right along the lake. This park is peaceful (only slight downfall is the trains you can hear a bit-not too loud though). Bike/hiking trail, disc golf, kayak/paddle boat rentals, swimming beach, historic roller skating rink, playgrounds and more," reports a camper at Spring Lake County Park.

Wildlife viewing: Prairie Rose State Park offers opportunities to spot local birds and animals. "The whole family enjoyed prairie wildlife such as a blue heron, geese, bald eagles, frogs etc. The hiking trails were well cut out and offered views of the lake, woods, and natural prairie," writes a visitor to Prairie Rose State Park Campground.

Modern bathroom facilities: Cabin campers appreciate clean restrooms at many locations. A guest at Arrowhead Park mentioned, "20$ is a really good deal for a nice site with electricity, a picnic table on a cement slab and a hot free clean shower. We were hesitating between this spot and a truck stop with shower. More than happy and satisfied with our choice."

What you should know

Seasonal availability: Many cabin rentals operate from April through October with limited winter options. At Swan Lake State Park, one visitor noted, "Tented camped in late October, the weekend before closing. I was only tent camper in the electric only sites. If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it. Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites."

Bathroom situations: Facility quality varies significantly between parks. A camper at Arrowhead Park Campground reported, "I stayed one night on my way to Colorado. For only $10 dollars this campground has a lot to provided including free showers. First come first serve. Highly recommend."

Cell reception: Several locations have limited connectivity. A Springbrook State Park visitor mentioned, "You'll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at."

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and activities: Several locations offer kid-friendly amenities. "Swiming, fishing, and skating?? Awesome campground with lots to do!" says a visitor about Spring Lake County Park, which features an unusual open-air roller skating rink during summer months.

Swimming options: Look for designated beach areas with safety features. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a guest reported, "We loved this KOA! Itinerary was on point. Lots for kids to do! The pool was up and running perfect! They even had a dunk tank which was pretty funny!"

Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs for children. "They had a little nature center which was closed but the nice lady opened it for my kids to go in and let them hold snakes and turtles! They were so excited!" shares a Springbrook State Park camper.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most cabin areas share campgrounds with RV sites. "Very nice campground with a large lake, and almost empty! Clean showers, hiking. Electric only. Water available in the campground," notes a Prairie Rose State Park visitor.

Site layout: Space between cabins and RV sites varies significantly. At Yellow Smoke Park, a visitor shared: "This campground was perfect for a small family reunion. We rented out their 3 cabins and had a whole area to ourselves. The kids could walk down to the sand and a bridge. Very well kept, you must clean up after yourself - which should always be the case anyway."

Dump stations: Most parks feature single stations that can become congested during peak checkout times. "20$ is a really good deal for a nice site with electricity, a picnic table on a cement slab and a hot free clean shower," reported an Arrowhead Park visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Audubon, IA is Prairie Rose State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 cabin camping locations near Audubon, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.