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Best Cabin Camping near Derby, IA

73 Reviews

Cabin accommodations near Derby include sites at Little River Recreation Area where three cabins are available for rent along the lakeshore. Nine Eagles State Park Campground also offers cabins with upgraded facilities, including electricity, heating, and beds. Cabins at Honey Creek State Park Campground provide modern amenities with access to clean shower facilities and toilets. Some locations offer full hookups with water and sewer connections, particularly useful for family stays. "Facilities are available and very convenient and comfortable. Nice lake to swim and fish. Absolutely beautiful park and really nice trails," noted one visitor about Nine Eagles State Park.

Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during summer months when availability becomes limited. Little River Recreation Area cabins are not reservable, while state park cabins can be booked through Iowa's reservation system. Winterset City Park features cabins within a scenic setting that provides a natural escape while remaining close to town amenities. Pet policies vary by location, with some cabins at Honey Creek and Nine Eagles allowing pets while others prohibit them entirely. Campers should verify specific rules before arrival. "We enjoyed a long weekend here reconnecting with friends. The campground is well maintained and has a camp host on site," mentioned a visitor at Winterset City Park.

Visitors should bring personal linens, pillows, and cooking supplies as these items are typically not provided in most cabins. Basic furnishings often include beds, tables, and sometimes refrigerators, though amenities vary significantly between locations. River Oaks RV Park offers cabins with more comprehensive amenities, including WiFi access in a clean, well-maintained environment. Grocery stores are available in nearby towns like Leon and Winterset for food and camping supplies. Firewood is available for purchase at several locations including Winterset City Park and Little River Recreation Area, though availability may be seasonal. Some campgrounds feature small markets or camp stores with limited provisions.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Derby, Iowa (18)

    1. Little River Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Leon, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 446-7307

    "Nice little campground 4.5 miles of the freeway...9 minutes away from a small town with stores that stay open till 9. A bait shop onsite, closes early."

    "General: This small county park (16 electric, 14 tent sites plus three cabins) is not reservable which might be an issue on summer weekends but on a Sunday in April, was no problem."

    2. Singing Mesa Ranch

    Be the first to review!
    Lucas, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 919-3671

    $15 - $75 / night

    3. Nine Eagles State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Davis City, IA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 442-2855

    $10 - $75 / night

    "Nine Eagles is near Lamoni, Iowa near the Iowa-Missouri border right off of Interstate 35. I camped here with my son and his Boy Scout troop in the youth group part of the campground."

    "After a short debate we opted to pay the extra money for an electric site - based solely on the fact that the water wasn't turned on in the basic site loop (we later discovered it was also off at the swimming"

    4. Honey Creek State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Moravia, IA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 724-3739

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop."

    "Honey Creek State Park is located on the north side of Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa. Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading."

    5. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    Winterset, IA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 462-3258

    $15 - $22 / night

    "The Shower/restrooms were clean and stocked.  Firewood is available for 8$ a bundle.  Sites are gravel base and  fairly level.  The city park has a edge maze that is unique. "

    "We will definitely return, we loved this park. The bridges of Madisin County, Clarke Tower, cute local ice cream shop, John Wayne Museum! So much fun in a cute Iowa community!"

    6. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $35 - $80 / night

    "Playground was next to us but it was fun watching the kids play. Full sun in the morning but afternoon was shaded by trees. Restrooms and shower was clean and close walking distance."

    "We called ahead to see if they had sites available that night. Arrived just before the office closed at 7pm."

    7. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site, none of them were reserved."

    8. Green Valley State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Creston, IA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 782-5131

    $15 - $92 / night

    "We didn't have a reservation but was able to get one of the last tent sites available. Nice spot, fire pits have nice swinging grates on them. There was a picnic table at our spot as well."

    "Very nice place, close to the lake. Beach at walking distance through the trail. Fishing area, two kid playgrounds and at around 15 minutes to any grocery stores and gas stations."

    9. Lake Wapello State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Drakesville, IA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 722-3371

    $15 - $100 / night

    "excellent way to spend a day with family. boat rentals were a blast and added bonus."

    "Some campsites are close to the lake.  Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery. "

    10. River Oaks RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Runnells, IA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 989-0574

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought."

    "We stayed here to go to the Iowa State Fair. It was easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Derby, IA

5 Photos of 18 Derby Campgrounds

Cabin Reviews near Derby, IA

73 Reviews of 18 Derby Campgrounds

  • Eugene B.
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Little River Recreation Area

    Rv/tent sites on a big lake... Fish, fish, fish

    Nice little campground 4.5 miles of the freeway...9 minutes away from a small town with stores that stay open till 9. A bait shop onsite, closes early. Most rv sites with power, walk in tent sites w/o. Rates are great $12/15. Showers and flush toilets onsite as well as cabin rentals, canoe rental and fire wood available. Downside is a lot of flying bugs...not really biting just annoying. The lake has a lot of fish in it I hear... Family friendly.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Jan. 25, 2023

    Waterfront Cabin

    Off-Grid Cabin by the pond

    Jake from the Dyrt here!  I had a chance to learn a little about this awesome cabin, they offer the opportunity to get off-grid and hangout on the porch overlooking a pond.  Check them out and leave a review on The Dyrt!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2022

    Little River Recreation Area

    Off the beaten path and very quiet

    General: This small county park (16 electric, 14 tent sites plus three cabins) is not reservable which might be an issue on summer weekends but on a Sunday in April, was no problem. Including us, only three sites were occupied. The rates are very reasonable -$15 for electric, and $12 for tent sites. 

    Site Quality/Facilities: Each site has a generous-sized picnic table and fire ring. Some sites are better than others, however. Sites 2 and 3 (both electric) are sloped down and the driveway is a bit overgrown. No physical separation between sites which when we were there was not an issue but might be when more crowded. Some of the sites have a direct water view but again, some are more sloped than others. 

    Bathhouse: A short hike uphill from all sites but it was very clean when we were there. The showers also looked clean, but I did not use them so cannot comment on how well they worked. 

    Activities/Amenities: Fishing! We saw a few boats on the water when we were there and there were two docks, one of them handicapped accessible. Swimming is not allowed but there is a nice day-use area not far down the road with a nice beach and picnic area. There are also horseshoe pits and a small but very nice playground. No hiking trails that I could discern. There was also a small little free library. 

    When we were there, we appreciated the quiet, out-of-the-way setting. It is close to the town of Leon but we circumvented it on the way in and out so I don’t know what services might be available.

  • Lauri C.
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Nine Eagles State Park Campground

    Overall nice park

    Nice park, a little run down, but there's a new park ranger in town who is trying to fix it up. New rental cabin almost finished, clean beach, boat ramp and fishing. Clean spacious bathrooms, nice playground for the kids and a really cool equestrian section. No store, no wood so get what you need before you get here.

  • Jim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2018

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Nice, clean campground

    Campsite was pretty packed on a Saturday night in late September. We didn't have a reservation but was able to get one of the last tent sites available. Nice spot, fire pits have nice swinging grates on them. There was a picnic table at our spot as well. Great view of the lake from here. We were in Campsite 092. Only drawback is that there must be a cow farm somewhere to the south as you will hear cows mooing all night at this campground.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 24, 2016

    Honey Creek State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Goal Zero Light House 250 at Honey Creek State Park

    Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop. We pulled into camp after dark and between the headlights of our vehicles and our lanterns (My Goal Zero Light House 250) we set up camp in the dark.

    We explored the campground, there were some nice trails and nice spots to camp. The bathrooms were clean but they were a little bit of a walk from the Group Site. The weather was great and the bugs weren't bad. I would recommend Honey Creek State Park.

    Ranger Review: The Goal Zero Light House 250 is a nice lantern. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. The light settings are perfect. You can use half of the lantern or the full lamp power. You can adjust the lighting power by turning the knob on the front. It can be charged with a wall charger, a solar panel, or the green hand crank on top of the lantern.

    We used it when setting our tent up in the dark and it did a good job. At 250 lumens it is just the right amount of light to let you see what you need with out blinding you in the dark. We did not start a campfire that night, instead we placed the Goal Zero Light House 250 on the ground and we surrounded the lantern with our camp chairs as if it was a camp fire. We were up for three hours talking and never did the lantern light weaken.

    I like this light. It is too heavy and bulky for backpacking but it is great for car camping. There is a smaller model but I don't know if it will work for backpacking.

  • Matt S.
    Jul. 15, 2017

    Three Mile Lake Recreation Area

    Three Mile Rec Area is clean and beautiful

    I have to say, of all of the campgrounds and parks that I have visited in southern Iowa near highway 34, Three Mile is the best.

    This park is clean with nice amenities and a beautiful lake. During the week you can almost have the place to yourself... it is a different story on the weekends.

    You can tent camp or pull your camper and just enjoy the setting. If you don't like to tent camp and don't have a camper, don't worry, there are several cabins for rent.

    There are showers and bathrooms and an awesome playground for the younger kids.

    I am definitely adding this to my list for regular stays with my family.

  • Matt S.
    Aug. 14, 2016

    Nine Eagles State Park Campground

    Nine Eagles - Youth Campground

    Nine Eagles is near Lamoni, Iowa near the Iowa-Missouri border right off of Interstate 35. I camped here with my son and his Boy Scout troop in the youth group part of the campground. I can't speak for the rest of the park's camping facilities, but the youth group site is a large open space surrounded by tall trees. The grass is well maintained and the campsite is clean and beautiful. There are not any bathroom facilities at the campsite which is why I give it four instead of five stars, but the park is beautiful and a peaceful place to camp. I wish I would have had my camera with me to take some pictures to share.

  • J
    Jul. 8, 2025

    River Oaks RV Park

    Clean & quiet

    Made a quick trip here to de how the new puppy likes camping. Nice size campground, sites have good spacing and full hookups that were installed with some thought. Only used one stinky slinky, could have hooked up water with a 6’ hose, and the electrical was near the back of the site. Sites are gravel and it looked like most campers had to use blocks.

    Free WiFi was good; we streamed tv. It did freeze a few times but hard to tell if it was the WiFi or the provider.

    A new bath house, community room, and “shop” is being built. Bath house & laundry are complete. Very nice and spotless.

    The camp is quiet and well maintained.

Guide to Derby

Cabin accommodations near Derby, Iowa range from rustic to modern options within a 30-mile radius. Most locations operate seasonally from April through November, with winter availability limited to specific sites. Several state and county parks offer cabin rentals with varying amenities and reservation requirements.

What to do

Fishing access: Little River Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities with dock facilities including one that is handicapped accessible. "We saw a few boats on the water when we were there and there were two docks, one of them handicapped accessible," notes a visitor. Swimming is prohibited at the main campground, but there's "a nice day-use area not far down the road with a nice beach and picnic area."

Hiking trails: Green Valley State Park Campground features an extensive trail system ideal for both hiking and biking. "There is a nice trail to ride your bike around the lake and through the park. Don't leave your bike at home," advises one camper. The park's lakeside setting provides scenic views at sunrise and sunset.

Wildlife viewing: Lake Wapello State Park Campground offers rich wildlife observation opportunities while kayaking or hiking. "Quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking—muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water. Also seen: deer, bald eagles, frogs, toads, turtles," reports one visitor who enjoyed the park's extensive Lakeshore Trail.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Timberline Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Very pretty and clean. We got in pretty late, staff was awesome even showed us to our spot," shares a reviewer. Another notes, "The staff are all extremely friendly and accommodating. Facilities are all very clean and well taken care of."

Quiet atmosphere: Thomas Mitchell County Park offers a peaceful environment despite its proximity to major routes. "Nice little county park just east of Des Moines with fairly easy access to I-80. Several other campers in the tent area, but very courteous and quiet," explains one visitor. The park features several creek-side sites with "large stairs to get down to it. Kids were having a blast in the water."

Historical attractions: Winterset City Park provides easy access to local points of interest. "Cute little park just in the town of Winterset. There is a two mile loop that leads you up Clark's Tower where you can see the rolling hills of gorgeous Madison county," notes one camper. Its location offers convenient access to covered bridges and the John Wayne Museum.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many cabin rentals near Derby require advance booking, particularly during summer months. At River Oaks RV Park, cabins are modern and well-maintained. "Nice campground. Clean. Well kept," reports a visitor who found it "easy to park here and catch a shuttle to the fair."

Site characteristics: Campground terrain varies across the region. At Honey Creek State Park Campground, one camper advises, "We camped in spot #20 of the north loop. I would not recommend any spot in the center second of the loop. It was more like parking than camping." Site selection matters for privacy and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Derby, IA is Little River Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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