Best Cabin Camping near Clear Lake, IA
Rustic log cabins at Pilot Knob State Park Campground and McIntosh Woods State Park provide affordable accommodation options within an hour's drive of Clear Lake. Both locations feature cabins with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Most cabins contain basic furnishings including bunk beds or futons for sleeping arrangements, though layouts and amenities vary by location. McIntosh Woods offers two yurts with bunk beds, futons, and indoor tables with chairs. The bathhouses at both parks provide clean shower facilities with hot water. "Beautiful shaded campground near the lake, not far from town if you forgot something. We stayed in one of the two yurts- bunk bed plus a futon and table/chairs inside," noted one camper about McIntosh Woods.
While some cabin facilities operate year-round, others like McIntosh Woods State Park are seasonal, open from April 1 to December 31. Pilot Knob remains accessible throughout the year, with cabin rates starting at approximately $10-18 per night depending on whether electricity is included. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. Most cabins permit pets, though specific policies may vary by location. KOA cabin options can be found at Albert Lea-Austin KOA, open mid-April through mid-October, offering more furnished accommodations with additional amenities compared to state park cabins.
Most cabin rentals provide beds with mattresses but require visitors to bring their own linens, pillows, and sleeping bags. Basic cooking facilities typically include outdoor fire rings with grates, though some cabins may offer limited indoor cooking options. Water spigots are generally available near cabin sites, but not necessarily with direct hookups to the cabin itself. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the clean bathhouses at both parks, with one noting that "standard site without electric was only $10.00 a night which includes a nearby water spigot to fill your tank with." Firewood is available for purchase at most locations, and several campgrounds feature small camp stores with essential supplies, though selection is limited.
