Best Cabin Camping near Cedar Rapids, IA

Several cabin options around Cedar Rapids provide rustic accommodations with varying amenities. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground offers cabin rentals alongside traditional camping, with modern restroom facilities nearby. The cabins include basic furnishings but require guests to bring their own linens and cooking supplies. A visitor noted that "cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition," highlighting their simplicity and functionality. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area also features cabin accommodations with some electric hookups and access to showers, making it suitable for visitors seeking more comfort while maintaining a natural setting.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Pinicon Ridge Park provides cabin options with amenities like drinking water, electric hookups and access to showers and toilets. Many cabins require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes limited. Calyx Creek Creekside Treehouse offers a more unique cabin experience with features like heated floors, internet access, and kitchen facilities. According to one visitor, it provides "views" and is "located near lavender farm store," offering a distinctive experience beyond standard camping.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering kitchenettes while others provide only basic outdoor fire rings. Hannen County Park and Little Bear Campground both offer cabin accommodations with nearby amenities like drinking water and electric hookups. Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides more primitive cabin options without running water, making it essential to bring sufficient supplies. Grocery stores and supplies are available in nearby towns, though distances vary by campground location. Several parks sell firewood on-site, eliminating the need to transport it from outside areas.

Best Cabin Sites Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa (22)

    1. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $15 - $80 / night

    "Park offers lots of amenities and recreation opportunities. Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done."

    "Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it."

    2. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 436-7716

    $17 - $60 / night

    "The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade. visited in July"

    "Cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition.  The gentleman that takes care of the campground takes great pride in his work and it shows - kudos to him! "

    3. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "Dump available on entrance/exit.  The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table.  Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "

    "Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table."

    4. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    13 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 628-6900

    $45 - $65 / night

    "There’s 7 tent sites that are very well shaded, have a decent patch of land and include picnic tables, fire pits and scattered stand-up BBQ grills."

    "If you’re a primitive camper like me, there’s a handful of sites (7 by my count) that include picnic tables, fire pits and scattered stand-up BBQ grills."

    5. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    3 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 892-6450

    "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."

    6. Calyx Creek, Creekside Treehouse

    1 Review
    Oxford, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 900-5992

    $275 - $295 / night

    "Treehouse is located near lavender farm store and offers: heated floors, internet, loft sleeping, heat/AC, kitchen, views."

    7. Hannen County Park

    4 Reviews
    Marengo, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 454-6382

    "Nice park with plenty of sites and nice beach."

    "Be prepared for a couple of hills in the park."

    8. Little Bear Campground

    8 Reviews
    West Branch, IA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 627-2676

    $22 - $49 / night

    "Little Bear Campground is located right off I-80 at the West Liberty exit. It is right next to a trailer park. There are a few tent sites ($22/ night)and Rv sites($33/night)."

    "Very cute campground right off highway. I called while traveling and Mike was very accommodating. Full hookups and showers. Even got a pool. Gas station nearby full of character."

    9. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $15 - $25 / night

    "This has been one of my favorite state parks in Iowa to camp thus far. I've tent camped in April and cabin camped in October."

    "This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping."

    10. Rolin Wapsi Campground

    1 Review
    Wyoming, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 721-8854

    $15 - $25 / night

    "They offer a few cabins for rentals. They have a dump station also."

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Cabin Reviews near Cedar Rapids, IA

126 Reviews of 22 Cedar Rapids Campgrounds


  • Jessica H.
    May. 9, 2018

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Backbone State Park

    This has been one of my favorite state parks in Iowa to camp thus far. I've tent camped in April and cabin camped in October. The cabin camping was the better of the two experiences, mainly due to the unusually chilly overnight temperatures in April. During the warmer months you can rent canoes from the concession stand. Climbing/rappelling is also allowed in the park via registration at the park office.

    We stayed in a family cabin that sleeps up to 4 people. You have to reserve cabins and there is a 2 night minimum stay, but the price is extremely reasonable. These cabins also offer heat and A/C. Our cabin had a common area with a kitchenette.The bathroom included a toilet and shower. The small, but cozy bedroom included a mattress - you're responsible for bringing your own linens - along with a sink. Additional amenities included stove, frig, microwave, pots and pans, and even a small coffee maker. And, the couch in the common area pulled out into a futon, providing extra sleeping space. Outdoor amenities included a fire pit and picnic bench. Bonus: The back of our cabin area looked out onto Backbone Lake.

    We purchased firewood in Strawberry Point, a small town just a short drive from the park. Iowa requires that firewood be obtained within the county you're staying in due to the Emerald Ash Borer epidemic.

    We fished for trout and hiked along several trails in the park. The Devil's Backbone was our favorite mainly because of the scenery along the bluff. It was the perfect way to view the changing leaves and watch the Maquoketa River flow by.

    While we did have neighbors on either side of us, the noise level was minimal, and everyone was respectful of parking spaces as there is a common parking area in front of the cabins.

    This is a beautiful spot to visit especially in autumn.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2023

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Nice Family cabin in quite park

    Park is a nature preserve with only 1 cabin for rent (Kestrel Cabin) sleeping six. Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven,micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River.

  • Leslie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Outback Campground & Resort

    Wallaby Cabin Review

    This review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest

    Cabin has all amenities for six. Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.

  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, 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 of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • L
    Aug. 22, 2020

    Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    Something for everyone

    Great RV park. Lots of room and cabin rentals for folks that don’t have an RV. The fenced dog park was fantastic for those of us with dogs. A lake with beach area and an area for fishing founded it out! Would recommend!

  • Ashley D.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Fun for the whole family

    This campground has many things to do. This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping. Fun activities include fishing, swimming in a lake and also ground fed springs, boat rentals on the lake, hiking also horse trails, rock climbing, caves, playgrounds shelters for events and parties. I am sure there are even more things to do that I didnt have the time for.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Caylx Creek, Shepard Hut

    Neat cabin tucked in woods

    New! Has everything you need to get away-kitchenette, queen bed, AC, trails, large lavender farm! Farm store offers foods, drinks, lavender harvesting.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2022

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Great County park with cabin along Wapsipinicon River

    Cabin sleeps 6, full modern kitchen, ADA accessible, fire ring, grill, wood at no cost, picnic table, hard surface parking for 2 cars, bird feeder for viewing, River Trailhead right outside Kestrel Cabin! No city like that so night sky shines with stars. Trails wind and through forests and prairie areas. Outdoor/ environmental programs offered. Wapsi River access for fishing, paddling, etc.


Guide to Cedar Rapids

Cabin camping near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the conveniences of home.

Explore the Scenic Trails at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

  • Enjoy hiking around the lake with well-maintained trails at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
  • The area features a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing and kayaking, making it a great spot for adventure seekers.
  • With clean cabins and a dedicated staff, this location ensures a pleasant stay while you explore the scenic surroundings.

Family Fun at BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres

  • BEYONDER Getaway at Lazy Acres offers a range of activities for families, including mini-golf, paddle boating, and playgrounds for kids.
  • The campground is well-equipped with amenities like clean showers and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
  • With spacious sites and a friendly atmosphere, it’s an ideal choice for families looking to create lasting memories.

Affordable Cabin Camping Options

  • Prices for cabin camping can vary, with options like Pinicon Ridge Park offering tent sites starting at around $18 per night, making it budget-friendly.
  • For a more luxurious experience, consider Calyx Creek, Creekside Treehouse, which provides unique accommodations with modern amenities.
  • Many locations, such as Hannen County Park, offer affordable rates while providing access to beautiful natural settings and recreational activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are included in cabins at Cedar Rapids campgrounds?

Cabins near Cedar Rapids offer various amenities based on their type. At Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr., the Kestrel Cabin features modern amenities including a full kitchen (stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator), coffee pot, toaster, ADA accessibility, shower, air conditioning/heating, covered porch, and complimentary firewood. Many cabins in the region include outdoor amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and charcoal grills. Some properties like Caylx Creek, Shepard Hut feature kitchenettes, queen beds, and air conditioning, while providing access to trails and natural attractions nearby.

How much do cabin rentals cost in Cedar Rapids compared to other accommodations?

Cabin rental costs in the Cedar Rapids area vary based on amenities and location. At Outback Campground & Resort, the Wallaby cabin with bathroom, shower, three beds and kitchenette represents a mid-range option. Generally, cabins in this region range from $60-120 per night for basic units to $150-200+ for premium cabins with full amenities. Pinicon Ridge Park offers more affordable camping options with water/electric hookups as an alternative. Cabins typically cost 30-50% more than tent camping but 20-40% less than comparable hotel accommodations while providing kitchen facilities that help offset food expenses and a more immersive outdoor experience.

What cabin rental options are available near Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

The Cedar Rapids area offers diverse cabin rental options. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park provides cabin camping in a scenic setting with access to outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, and boat rentals. Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers cabin rentals alongside RV sites, with amenities like a fenced dog park, lake access with beach area, and fishing opportunities. Other options include the Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, conveniently located near I-80, and the unique Shepard Hut at Caylx Creek that sits on a lavender farm. Most cabins are available year-round with varying amenities from rustic to fully modern.