Camping cabins near Clarion, Iowa dot central Iowa's rolling plains, where the average summer temperature ranges from 65-85°F. The area contains several lakes and rivers with elevations around 1,150-1,200 feet above sea level. Winter cabin rentals remain popular despite temperatures often dropping below freezing, with many parks maintaining year-round availability.
What to do
Hiking trails: Pine Lake State Park Campground offers extensive hiking options with trails circling Lower Pine Lake. A visitor noted, "We love hiking here, and the cabins and campground are very nice."
Kayaking and canoeing: At Briggs Woods Park, visitors can access both the lake and Boone River for paddling. "Boone River, Briggs Woods Lake good for paddling with rentals available, fishing, beach, shower house, cabins," according to one camper.
Golf nearby: Briggs Woods Park includes a golf course adjacent to camping areas. "There are several campsites, cabins, golf course, access to canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River, along with hiking trails, swimming and fishing," explains a reviewer.
Fishing spots: Multiple parks offer fishing access, with Little Wall Lake County Park providing shoreline spots. One visitor mentioned, "This lake is great, lots of fishing spots and camping spots."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some cabins provide more seclusion than others. At Joe Sheldon County Park, one reviewer appreciated the "beautiful pull through campsites some full hook ups others with electronic and water."
Observation tower: Pilot Knob State Park contains a historic CCC-built tower worth visiting. A reviewer noted, "The observation tower, entrance gates, and picnic shelter were all constructed by the CCC and were beautiful."
Beach swimming: McIntosh Woods State Park Campground offers lake access with beach swimming areas. "Beautiful shaded campground near the lake, not far from town if you forgot something. Clean bathroom facilities in area. Short hikes. Fishing nearby," wrote one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. One camper at Pilot Knob State Park mentioned, "When driving to my site two fawns were laying near the playground."
What you should know
Cell service varies: Dolliver Memorial State Park has limited connectivity. A camper reported, "Cell service cuts out as you drive down into the park, and does not resume until you come back up and out. There's no wifi, and I'm not sure how satellite service would fare down here."
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking during peak season. For Little Wall Lake County Park, "Some sites are reserveable online and some are first come first serve."
Firewood restrictions: Due to invasive species concerns, outside firewood may be prohibited. A Dolliver Memorial State Park visitor advised, "You can't bring in any wood outside the area because of the Elm Tree Borer possibly being transported, so you will need to go to Ft Dodge to buy some."
Site layout considerations: Some parks have tighter spacing between sites. One Dolliver Memorial visitor noted, "Sites can be a little squat in the middle loops, and no fhu [full hookups]."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: L. Brandt's Crazy Acres Campground offers multiple recreation options for children. "The kids had fun playing mini golf, swimming at the beach and playing at the playgrounds," reported a family.
Safety considerations: Little Wall Lake County Park provides open spaces but lacks natural barriers. One visitor advised, "This is a nice small camp area that only has one downfall: a lack of wind break."
Swimming options: Several parks offer beach areas with no lifeguards. A McIntosh Woods visitor explained, "There is a beach for swimming but there is no lifeguard on duty."
Special events: Some campgrounds host seasonal activities. A visitor to L. Brandt's noted, "The weekend we camped there was their Halloween trick or treating and all the campers were very nice."
Tips from RVers
Site layouts: Briggs Woods Park has areas suited for group camping. One RVer explained, "One area is good for a group of campers as the sites are in a circle. A walking bridge links the back loop to the other loop that has the bathhouse making it a shorter walk."
Utility hookups: Lizard Creek Ranch Camping provides full hookup options with good maintenance. A camper described it as "very nice park with a nice restaurant and many things to do in the area. Very pretty and taken care of."
Leveling challenges: Not all sites provide level parking. At Pilot Knob State Park, a reviewer reported, "Our space was out of level but manageable, and the bath house and outhouse were on the rustic side."
Seasonal considerations: Parks maintain different operating seasons. Pilot Knob State Park remains open year-round with winter camping options at $12/night for 30AMP hookups according to visitor reports.
