4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several cabin rental options exist near Carroll, Iowa at state and county parks within driving distance. Swan Lake State Park Campground in Carroll features cabins with electric hookups, picnic tables, and access to showers and toilet facilities. Yellow Smoke Park in Denison offers three cabins that can be rented together, ideal for small family reunions. The cabins include basic amenities with nearby water and electric hookups. Most cabins require visitors to bring their own bedding, though all provide at least basic furniture. One camper noted: "This campground was perfect for a small family reunion. We rented out their 3 cabins and had a whole area to ourselves."
Rustic cabin rentals are available at Hagge County Park in Sac City, which offers one cabin for rent at what reviewers describe as a reasonable price. Black Hawk State Park in Lake View provides cabin accommodations with modern amenities including electricity, sewer hookups, toilets, and showers. Pet-friendly policies vary by location, with most parks allowing pets in cabin areas but requiring they remain leashed when outside. Reservations are typically required for cabins and can be made through individual park websites or mycountyparks.com for county-managed properties.
Most cabins in the region include beds and basic furniture but require visitors to bring their own linens, pillows, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering only outdoor fire rings for cooking while others provide indoor kitchenettes. Firewood is available for purchase at several parks including Swan Lake and Prairie Rose State Park. While some campgrounds like Spring Lake County Park operate year-round, others such as Hagge County Park are seasonal, typically open from April through October. Basic supplies can be found at camp stores where available, though most visitors bring provisions from larger towns.
"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!"
"You can camp at the waters’ edge. We love to fish and can fish off the back of our RV. Most sites are spacious, some a bit smaller."
from $150 / night
"Many types of sites available from full hook to dry camping. Some paved but most are gravel sites. Utility location did require us to use a longer hose and extension cord to reach from our site. "
from $16 - $50 / 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."
from $20 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $200 / night
"Hagge Park has only 15 sites available with full hookups, but it is a great, quieter place than most. Nice shaded areas. There are some primitive sites too."
"We rented out their 3 cabins and had a whole area to ourselves. The kids could walk down to the sand and a bridge."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $50 / night
"First time here,this place is very nice &peaceful, beautiful lake,spacious sites power & water at sites,15,30&50 amp."
"Lots of space around your site. Fills up fast on weekends. Would recommend this park."
from $25 / night
TravelerMy wife and I are Camp host in this campground? It is a river Ravine campground lots and lots of trees. Fishing campground itself has electricity only but you can fill your campers up the water by the pump very nice and relaxing place to be.
ScoutWe stay here as much as we can. There is lots of trees with a bit of shade at most all sites. You can camp at the waters’ edge. We love to fish and can fish off the back of our RV. Most sites are spacious, some a bit smaller. It only has electric hook ups, but you can fill up with a hose at water sites. Has a dump spot by bathrooms. Bath and toilets are clean. Over Al this camp is our favorite!
ScoutLove this place. They have have the racks on their firepits for cooking!
LegendLots of spots with water and electric and right on the lake. Very friendly staff. 20 bucks a night. They were winterizing it during my stay and came by to tell me the services still open.
TravelerDawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple!
They say there’s a live-in park employee. I never met him/her, which was a bummer. Theres two cabins, ten electric sights and five primitive, a shelter, a playground with slides and swings, and a bigger building you can reserve. I clocked four water spouts.
The place was well maintained, people were polite, modern restrooms and showers. Everything was handicap accessible. You can tell the employees put a lot of care into their work. So glad I was able to stay here.
ScoutI stayed at this campground a week after Memorial Day weekend along with my dogs in our minivan/tent. I butted up against woods with neighbors to one side which made me feel like I had a pretty private area to myself. Other than the bugs, which it is that time of the year, I enjoyed our time and the almost non-existent cellphone service. However, I was able to text my family via satellite to let them know I was okay. It could be seen as a pro or con, but I think we all need no phone time at some point to just set still and relax. I look forward to camping here again soon!
RangerGreat sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views.
Guidesimple quiet spot! far from the interstate! great views of the lake with gorgeous sunsets! only problem is that there is only 2 bathrooms far from eachother so if you were to be in the middle it would be hard! which i was!
RangerHad a great time but it was hot and windy. Wind was shaking the camper and the neighbor decided to leave because of the heat and wind. The view of the lake is worth it all though. Nit into fishing but lots of people out in boats, kayaks, and on the shore. I’ll be back soon…
Carroll, Iowa sits at an elevation of approximately 1,230 feet with mild summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winters dipping well below freezing. The surrounding area features rolling hills and prairie landscapes with several water bodies offering cabin rentals within a 30-mile radius. Cabin accommodations vary significantly in price depending on season and amenities.
Roller skating: Spring Lake County Park offers a unique open-air roller skating rink that operates weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "Door to door ice and concession delivery. Awesome open air roller skating rink and nightly grilling parties at the beach," notes camper Jodi H.
Disc golf: Spring Lake County Park includes a disc golf course as part of its recreational offerings. "There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline. There are approximately 100 sites. There is a playground and disc golf," reports Dave M.
Lakeside hiking: Several parks offer paved trails ideal for biking or hiking around their lakes. At Swan Lake State Park Campground, "Great trail all the way around the lake, we took a bike ride around it was about 3 ish miles," shares Shane T.
Affordable cabin rentals: Carroll County's cabin options include budget-friendly accommodations. At Hagge County Park, there is "1 cabin for rent at a reasonable price" according to Lori N., who also notes the park has "nice shaded areas" and well-maintained trails.
Lake views: Many cabins near Carroll offer direct waterfront positioning. At Prairie Rose State Park, sites feature "great views of the lake with gorgeous sunsets" as Kaelyn H. points out, adding that it's a "simple quiet spot! far from the interstate!"
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at most parks. "Bathroom facilities adequate. Nice lake for the kids to go fishing. Lots of nice hiking trails. Park rangers are good ppl," notes Therese T. about Springbrook State Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between parks. At Springbrook State Park Campground, "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," reports Jesse P.
Reservation systems: Most cabins require advance booking. County-managed cabins can be reserved through mycountyparks.com, which one reviewer at Spring Lake County Park specifically mentions: "There are reservable sites on mycountyparks.com."
Seasonal operations: While some parks operate year-round, many cabin facilities close during winter months. Littlefield Recreation Area maintains some services later into fall: "I stayed 3 nights, the second week of November... Water was on and the bathrooms were open and clean!" according to Roger.
Playground access: When booking cabins with children, check for nearby play areas. At Spring Lake County Park, Chelsea G. notes there are "spacious campsites" and "lots of trails to choose from," making it ideal for families wanting both outdoor activities and play structures.
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming beaches for cooling off. At Littlefield Rec Area, families appreciate the "park, beach, covered shelter area and showerhouse" mentioned by Laura B.
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities. Therese T. shared that at Springbrook State Park, "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!"
Site spacing: Cabin areas often intermingle with RV sites. At Black Hawk State Park, Bruce P. notes: "Nice level campground right on the water and in town. Many types of sites available from full hook to dry camping. Some paved but most are gravel sites."
Utility connections: When renting cabins that include hookups, be prepared for varied placement. At Black Hawk State Park, "Utility location did require us to use a longer hose and extension cord to reach from our site."
Dump station access: For RV owners, dump stations may have long waits during peak times. At Springbrook State Park, one camper noted: "1 dump, long wait. Nearest store 10 miles away, weak cell, down in river valley."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Carroll, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Carroll, IA is Swan Lake State Park Campground with a 4.0-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Carroll, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 cabin camping locations near Carroll, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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