Best Cabin Camping near Cresco, IA

Cabin rentals near Cresco, Iowa include rustic options at Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground with riverside locations, and furnished cabins at Cedar Springs in Decorah. Most cabins provide basic amenities like electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some offer additional comforts such as beds, small refrigerators, and private bathrooms. "We stayed in the cabin and it was a wonderful time enjoying the scenic Upper Iowa River," noted one visitor about their experience at Chimney Rock. The Hideaway Camper By The Cave 2.0 offers a unique cabin-like experience with ready-to-camp accommodations that include drinking water, electric hookups, showers and toilet facilities.

Rustic log cabins and fully-furnished units are both available throughout the region, accommodating various group sizes from couples to large families. Harvest Farm Campground and The Old Barn Resort provide cabin options with nearby amenities like showers and toilets. Most locations allow pets in their cabin accommodations with proper notification. Seasonal availability varies, with many sites operating from April through October, particularly along the Upper Iowa River. A camper described their experience: "Perfect spot to unplug with the family. Excellent staff. One of the best kept campgrounds I've been to, with cabins and water and electrical hookups available."

Many cabin facilities require guests to bring their own bedding, pillows, and towels, while providing basic furnishings and shelter. Kitchen facilities range from basic fire rings with grill grates to small indoor kitchenettes in premium cabins. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park's cabins offer a base for exploring the park's extensive trail system and cave tours. On-site camp stores at locations like Chimney Rock and Eagle Cliff Campground provide essential supplies, though visitors planning extended stays should bring groceries from Cresco or Decorah. Firewood is typically available for purchase at most cabin sites, with outside firewood prohibited in many locations to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Best Cabin Sites Near Cresco, Iowa (27)

    1. Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cresco, IA
    10 miles
    Website

    "We booked a spot for our RV because we wanted to explore the Decorah,IA area and it’s abundant set of activities."

    "Every time I visit I have a wonderful time enjoying the scenic Upper Iowa River. This part of Iowa is a treasure. Deb and her crew are always helpful and accommodating."

    2. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Preston, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 352-5111

    $35 / night

    "Good level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level.  "

    "Mystery Cave State Park is surrounded in in a lush green forest with huge oak and maple trees that hang over the road like a huge living canopy."

    3. The Old Barn Resort

    10 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-2512

    "Nothing but good things here , if your a bike riding family , there are a lot of trails! If you want to float the river they got it ! If you just want to lay by the pool , you can do it !"

    "It was located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running."

    4. Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

    16 Reviews
    Lanesboro, MN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 467-2598

    $30 - $46 / night

    "Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.

    This facility is clean and very well kept."

    "The Root River goes right alongside most of the campsites which creates a really peaceful space. The grounds are super clean including the showers and porta-potties that are available for campers."

    5. Hideaway Camper By The Cave 2.0

    1 Review
    Decorah, IA
    16 miles
    +1 (512) 608-5089

    $100 - $150 / night

    "The Hideaway Camper is hosted by experienced hosts and they're ready to provide a great experience for guests.  Check them out and share some pics from your stay on the Dyrt!"

    6. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Caledonia, MN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 724-2107

    "Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites."

    "Really enjoyed this park. This one seems to fly a little under the radar as we were able to book 2 sites next to each other for the weekend only a few days prior to our stay."

    7. Harvest Farm Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Cresco, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 883-8562

    $25 - $100 / night

    8. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    50 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps."

    "We had a reservation on the North Shore, but switched it to Whitewater when we saw the ice and snowstorms in the forecast."

    9. Hidden Bluffs Resort

    3 Reviews
    Spring Valley, MN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 498-5881

    $65 - $999 / night

    "The scenery is amazing with some easy hiking and fishing available, as well as all of the usual destination type amenities."

    "However, when checking in at night at staying in the "upper campground", be aware that there is another road the is very steep right next to where you go for the upper campground."

    10. Cedar Springs, Decorah

    Be the first to review!
    Decorah, IA
    16 miles
    +1 (612) 267-1403

    $35 - $90 / night

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Cabin Reviews near Cresco, IA

173 Reviews of 27 Cresco Campgrounds


  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

    Great State Forest cabin with trout fishing

    Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable/drink water outside. NO shower/bathroom, must use pit toilet just yards away at trailhead.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2019

    Shady Rest Acres

    Bliss in the middle of the country

    In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.

    Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners.  They are happy to let you meet them with their presence. 

    There are 2 campsites, if you wish.  One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing!  The other is nestled in the woods.  Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet.  But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house.  The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days.  The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night. 

    At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours.  It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food.  So they know where it comes from and how it was treated.  I love it. 

    This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic.  Just what the soul ordered.

  • Tori L.
    May. 26, 2024

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Dream stay.

    Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

    Beautiful & peaceful

    Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.

    Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.

    The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.

    Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.

    Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.

    NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.

    The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.

    Leaves are just starting to change in September.

  • Kayla S.
    May. 27, 2018

    Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

    Perfect set-up

    This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.

    This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.

    This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.

  • p
    Nov. 20, 2022

    Riverside Co Park

    Great full hookup 40 unit campgrount

    40 site Totally renovated 2 years ago nestled along the little Cedar river above the dam. New Shower house/bathrooms. Natural themed kids play area including a huge tree house. City water and sewer with 50 and 30 amp to each site. Man made swimming pond with a lighted waterfall. Volleyball and walking trails with primitive camping across the road. Cabin with air conditioning and fully furnished further up the river on 200 acres of county land. Fishing above and below the dam. Picnic table and fire ring at every site.

  • Brian K.
    May. 7, 2017

    Chester Woods Park

    Great weekend spot!

    Chester Woods is a county park just east of Rochester, MN. It has a campground and man-made lake (created when Bear Creek was dammed for a flood control project) with hiking trails, a horse trail, picnic shelters, a beach, and a playground. The campsites have nice, soft ground for tents, and electrical outlets are available. It can get noisy on the weekend, but the sites are nice along the edge of the campground.

    The lake offers the opportunity to fish for panfish, catfish, and bass. There are a lot of submerged trees from before the Creek was dammed that provide good habitat in deep water, and there is also good shoreline structure and weed beds. There is a fish cleaning house next to the campground which has electric lighting, but no running water.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2024

    Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    Nice state park

    Stayed here for a couple nights on a mini state park road trip. Nice place, like most of the MN state parks. Spotty cell service. Hiked a trail with lots of steps. Fire ring and picnic table are provided at each site. Restroom with showers also available in campground. Site was large and easy to back into and offered some tree cover for shade during certain times of the day. Was unable to hang hammock in specific site we stayed at, but some of the sites looked like they would be suitable.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2021

    Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

    Best Wildplace Camping in Iowa

    Trout streams well fed, campsites spread out well, amenities good for primitive use area. Horses welcome, firewood and ice available. Historical Fire Tower hike/visit is a must. Primitive pack-in sites, 1 cabin available. Modern Cabin is well maintained, electricity, microwave, a full sized refrigerator, and two porches, where one of them is screened in. Sleeps 6.


Guide to Cresco

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

Cabin campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground, you can find well-kept grounds and clean shower facilities, making your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Hidden Bluffs Resort features spacious sites with access to a pool, mini-golf, and a playground, perfect for families looking for fun activities.
  • Harvest Farm Campground offers electric hookups and a market, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips.

Some prices for cabin camping range from $50 to $150

  • Prices at Upper Iowa Resort and Rental vary based on the season and amenities, making it a flexible option for different budgets.
  • At Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging, you can expect competitive rates for cabins that provide a cozy retreat along the Root River.
  • The Old Barn Resort offers cabin rentals that are well-reviewed for their comfort and proximity to local attractions, with prices that cater to various preferences.

Explore local attractions while cabin camping

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Cresco, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Cresco, IA is Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 27 cabin camping locations near Cresco, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.