Best Cabin Camping near Central City, IA

Several campgrounds near Central City, Iowa provide furnished cabin rentals with varying amenities and comfort levels. Pinicon Ridge Park offers cabins with electricity, heating, and air conditioning, making them suitable for year-round stays. Backbone State Park features family cabins that sleep up to four people with modern conveniences including heat, air conditioning, kitchenettes with stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, and bathrooms with showers. "Our cabin had a common area with a kitchenette. The bathroom included a toilet and shower. The small, but cozy bedroom included a mattress along with a sink," notes one visitor to Backbone State Park. Matsell Bridge Natural Area provides more rustic cabin options with basic amenities, while Rolin Wapsi Campground has cabins situated along the Wapsipinicon River with water views.

Cabin types range from rustic log structures to modern family-sized units with full kitchens. Many state park cabins require a two-night minimum stay, particularly during peak summer and fall seasons. Pet-friendly cabin options exist at several locations, though policies vary by campground. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow offers cozy cabins with running hot and cold water plus electricity, located near fishing ponds. The Kestrel Cabin at Wapsi River Environmental Education Center sleeps six people and includes "modern amenities: stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower, AC/heat, and covered porch," according to a recent visitor. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area maintains clean, well-kept cabins that receive positive reviews for their condition and maintenance.

Most cabin rentals provide basic furniture and appliances but require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen supplies vary significantly between locations, with some offering fully equipped kitchens while others provide only basic cookware. Firewood can typically be purchased on-site or at nearby stores, though Iowa regulations require firewood to be obtained within the county where you're staying due to invasive species concerns. Central City has grocery stores and supply shops within a short drive of most campgrounds. Visitors staying at cabins with limited cooking facilities should plan accordingly by bringing prepared foods or simple-to-cook meals. Outdoor amenities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to shared facilities like showers and restrooms.

Best Cabin Sites Near Central City, Iowa (20)

    1. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    1 mile
    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. "

    "This park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The playground is fantastic and keep the kids entertained all day. The water is great for fishing, swimming and boating."

    2. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    3 Reviews
    Anamosa, IA
    9 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."

    3. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    17 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! "

    4. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    28 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."

    5. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    20 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."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello

    2 Reviews
    Monticello, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 465-4665

    $35 - $105 / night

    7. Rolin Wapsi Campground

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

    $15 - $25 / night

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

    8. South Lake Campground — Backbone State Park

    2 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $15 - $33 / night

    "Great shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available"

    "All reservable spots...clean bathrooms, showers and spots. Beautiful park!"

    9. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    13 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    38 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."

    10. Eden Valley Refuge

    6 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 847-7202

    "It's a little hike in for the dispersed sites, but worth it to be in a secluded woodsy site. Was peaceful and relaxing."

    "We stayed in the RV/Camper side of the campground which is on the other side of the road from the refuge and trails. We stayed in spot #10 with was nice and roomy."

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Cabin Reviews near Central City, IA

115 Reviews of 20 Central City 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Short Jog to This Campground Outpost From I80

    If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to pull over for a decent escape to nature, then you may very well want to consider Sleepy Hollow, which is just a few minutes north of I80. Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped both the non-stop whir of incessant highway traffic and the unsightly view of a heavily trafficked main roadway. Add on top of this that you’ll find this location is perfectly suitable to the RV crowd as much as it is the tent-pitching bredren that belong to my tribe of outdoor enthusiasts.

    Here at this campground you’ll find RV and 5th Wheel sites offering both pull-thru and back-in sites complete with full hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage). 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. Whether you have a tent, an RV or not, this campground has a small handful of cozy cabins available to rent that come with running hot & cold water as well as electricity and are located close to the fishing pond. What I enjoyed most with the primitive camping area was the serenity offered by the abundance of new growth Oaks that shaded the place, along with unfettered views of the lake itself. Priceless.

    Sleepy Hollow offers a number of amenities including: ‘catch& release’ pond (both swimming and fishing potential), ball pit, kid’s playground, puppy park, designated dumpsters, fairly decent WiFi, community firepits, general market store, laundr-O-mat, shower facility, pavilion, horseshoes, game room, volleyball and basketball courts, artificial beachhead with swim area and windmills. There’s a lagoon with hundreds of ducks, but depending upon how you look at this, it may or may not be considered an amenity, but if you have kids like I do, it’s a great distraction that offers up a lot of duck-feeding fun.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a decent bit of hiking, there’s a nice slice of nature near here at Sleepy Hollow a bit NE called Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area where there’s plenty of trails, shooting ranges and some fairly decent bird watching; (2) When you get tired trying to conjure up that next meal from your cooler or on-board fridge, then head over to nearby Renee’s Roadhouse where this roadside stand serves up standard Americana fare like burgers, sandwiches and wraps. For anything more substantial, you’ll have to take a longer drive east to Iowa City of which I recommend Steak & Shake, Back Berner Bar & Grill or Barrel House; (3) If you’d like to embrace the Amish vibe that exists here in rural Iowa, then head due north to Amana Colonies where you’ll come across hand-made blankets and artisan-crafted cabinetry all while offering you some very warm Midwestern hospitality.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Central City

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

Cabin campers like these nearby activities

  • At Pinicon Ridge Park, families can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating, with a fantastic playground to keep the kids entertained.
  • Palisades-Kepler State Park features intense hiking trails and is close to the Cedar River, making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area offers an 8-mile hiking trail around the lake, perfect for those looking to explore the scenic beauty of the area.

Some prices for cabin camping range from $18 to $35

  • Tent camping at Pinicon Ridge Park starts at $18 per night, providing a budget-friendly option for families.
  • For a more comfortable stay, Lazy Acres RV Park offers full hookups for $35 per night, making it a great choice for RV travelers.
  • Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello provides a family-friendly atmosphere with various amenities, ensuring a fun-filled experience for around $35 per night.

Explore the scenic beauty of Backbone State Park

  • Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park is known for its stunning geological features and offers hiking trails that showcase the park's natural beauty.
  • The campground provides access to a small lake with swimming areas and boat rentals, perfect for a refreshing day on the water.
  • With its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, Backbone State Park is a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil retreat in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Central City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Central City, IA is Pinicon Ridge Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 cabin camping locations near Central City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.