Top Cabins near Des Moines, IA

Looking for a place to cabin camp near Des Moines? Find the best information on cabin camping near Des Moines, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Iowa cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.

Best Cabin Sites Near Des Moines, IA (22)

    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park

    1. Jester County Park

    27 Reviews
    45 Photos
    100 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park

    2. Ledges State Park

    39 Reviews
    57 Photos
    207 Saves

    Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape. The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA

    3. Des Moines West KOA

    22 Reviews
    33 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground

    4. Timberline Campground

    12 Reviews
    6 Photos
    43 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park

    5. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    57 Photos
    57 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park

    6. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    28 Photos
    46 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA

    7. Newton KOA

    10 Reviews
    30 Photos
    18 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterfront Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterfront Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterfront Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterfront Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterfront Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterfront Cabin

    8. Waterfront Cabin

    1 Review
    13 Photos
    4 Saves

    Enjoy our relaxing cabin on an 8-acre pond just a couple of miles outside of the city. Highway access to a secluded spot in this 266-acre property. The cabin is “off the grid” so it can be run by a generator or wood burning stove, lamps, etc. There is a waterfront deck, firepits, tree swing, dock, and many other ways to enjoy the peaceful scenery. A generator will be supplied for a “not so off grid” experience if preferred. UTV rentals are an option when available ($250/day) if you want to explore the property and have some fun.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Cabins
    • Trash

    $200 - $300 / night

    • No image available

      9. Cuttys Des Moines Camping Club

      1 Review
      5 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park

      10. Sportsman Park

      3 Reviews
      11 Photos
      11 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
    Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

    Recent Cabin Reviews In Des Moines

    159 Reviews of 22 Des Moines Campgrounds


    • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Don Williams Park
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Don Williams Park

      Quite and nice

      Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice

    • c
      Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Sportsman Park

      JJSploit

      This piece of writing is certain to attract the interest of readers from a wide variety of backgrounds due to the abundance of insightful content and topics that are pertinent to the topic at hand. JJSploit Official

    • Deb M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
      Aug. 31, 2024

      Winterset City Park

      Great city park on a cute town

      Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

    • Amanda W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
      Apr. 13, 2024

      Jester County Park

      camping

      we love it here people are great price is Right Showers are hot every time it a WOnderfull place •to be .

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
      Oct. 14, 2023

      Thomas Mitchell County Park

      Nice campground although not too many spaces.

      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. Bathroom/showers were clean.

    • Ben K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
      Aug. 28, 2023

      Thomas Mitchell County Park

      Clean and quiet in tent

      Spent 2 nights tent camping here. We stayed at site 4, glad I read reviews on here. I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent “sewage lagoon”

      Shower house was clean, pretty quiet, and only 5 miles off the highway

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
      Jul. 27, 2023

      Des Moines West KOA

      One of our favorites !

      Have stayed here several times, one of our grandkids favorite KOA's. Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.

    • Ashley M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Sportsman Park

      Awesome

      Great camping sites! Can’t beat the price. Showers and toilets that were clean. Very peaceful. Best place we camped from Michigan to Washington!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
      Jul. 24, 2023

      Newton KOA

      A decent option along the freeway

      Our stay here was fine. Check-in was easy and courteous. We were escorted to our site. All of the staff that we interacted with was great. It seems like this park has an original section and then expansion sections tired up a hillside. The original section is the only section with any mature shade trees. Our site, and it looked like the others in the tiered hillside section, were in full sun all day. We selected an upgraded patio site. It was spacious and the patio area was made from pavers. It was equiped the same as the other sites though, just a fire pit and a picnic table (that was in rough shape). Our experience at other KOAs is that the patio sites have some better patio furniture. The fire pit wasn't functional for cooking. The cooking grate was rusted and set about 1" off the bottom of the fire pit leaving no room for charcoal. Pool looked nice but we didn't use it. The bathrooms and showers were clean but the showers could use a place to set your dry clothes.

    • Les W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
      Jul. 18, 2023

      Des Moines West KOA

      Unbelievable !

      Stayed here for five nights attending a family reunion. First time staying at a koa and it was awesome. From the site service firewood and food delivery, to the location and people who stopped here in their travels. I will definitely stay at a KOA again!

    • Charity T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
      Jul. 4, 2023

      Des Moines West KOA

      Very laid back

      QUIETEST KOA IN AMERICA. no hiway no traintracks or airport! Well kept.. bathrooms are a little scarce and WET.. but very nice little campground and VERY friendly staff.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
      Jun. 21, 2023

      Winterset City Park

      Beautiful setting and quiet

      Wonderful setting and quiet place to stay. Beautiful views with quick access to Bridges of Madison County. Great hook ups and utilities!

    • j
      Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
      Jun. 7, 2023

      Timberline Campground

      Wish we could’ve stayed longer

      Marta and crew were so friendly and helpful! Clean bathrooms, beautiful property. Close to hwy but far enough away. We called ahead to arrive after hours and had to get back on the road in the morning. Wish we could’ve stayed longer!

    • Jeannie D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Spring Lake County Park
      May. 25, 2023

      Spring Lake County Park

      Family Tradition

      We love to return here every year! 

      Recently updated two-way fresh-fill/santiary dump station. There is Ice Cube Consessions and the skating rink from Memorial Day through Labor Day every year. Great long-term hosts really make this park feel like going home.

    • Jeannie D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
      May. 25, 2023

      Ledges State Park

      It's okay

      Great vibes. Camp's pretty far from the bones of the park, but the hike's relatively plesant. Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.

    • Cire C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Middle River Point
      Apr. 13, 2023

      Middle River Point

      One of my favorites

      This is a beautiful spot. Was an absolute blast staying at this place. We loved Corey and his buddies!

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, LLC
      Feb. 26, 2023

      Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, LLC

      Interstate to close

      You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi. Would be a possible extended stay for construction folks. Not for any peace and quite camping. Have never stayed at the campground, only scouted. So can't comment on operators, or residents.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Waterfront Cabin
      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!

    • b
      Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
      Nov. 19, 2022

      Des Moines West KOA

      Great Setting, Nice Campground

      Very courteous staff and clean campground. Pizza on site is excellent snd you can order it ahead for your arrival.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
      Sep. 26, 2022

      Timberline Campground

      Beautiful forested overnight stay

      We called ahead to see if they had sites available that night. Arrived just before the office closed at 7pm. They were ready for us and escorted us to our pull-through full-hookups site near the front of the campground. This is a huge property but laid out in different sections that each have their own flavor. The pull-throughs near the front are level, gravel pads with grass all around. Other areas are forested and some are hilly. Full-hookups worked fine. We stayed in site 121, which faces an open grassy area backed by a little forest that echoed with beautiful wildlife sounds in the evening. There are no campground lights except at the restrooms, so it’s great for stargazing! The restrooms were good.

    • Reese W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
      Aug. 26, 2022

      Thomas Mitchell County Park

      Lovely campground, mostly RVs/Camper Vans

      We rolled up to this campground past 10pm on a Thursday night just looking for a safe spot to sleep and hopefully a shower before getting back on the road. This place was great. The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time. There was no camp office that we could find, but we were pleasantly surprised when we found an open spot that we could make a same day reservation and payment online ($29 for an electric site after fees). There are QR codes at each site that you can scan to quickly and easily do this on the spot. You can reserve online ahead of time as well. The bathhouse was very clean and had two showers that had hot water. We could not hear the highway from our spot despite it being close by, and the other campers around were very quiet. My only somewhat negative note about this place is I am not sure at all where tent campers are intended to go. We were in a van and this was perfect for us, but for non-vehicle campers this may not be as ideal.

    • Therese T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
      Aug. 9, 2022

      Springbrook State Park

      Nice park

      Quiet, there were only a couple other campers in the whole park. Bathroom facilities adequate. Nice lake for the kids to go fishing. Lots of nice hiking trails. Park rangers are good ppl. They had a little nature center which was closed but the nice lady opened it for my kids to go in and let them hold snakes and turtles! They were so excited!

    • Shawn S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
      Jul. 17, 2022

      Des Moines West KOA

      What can I say…KOA!

      Everything you expect from a KOA. Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp.

    • Scott C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
      Jul. 17, 2022

      Des Moines West KOA

      Wonderful Quick Stay

      Stayed here overnight while heading to Colorado. Extremely friendly staff, very clean site, easy check-in and points redemption, and tons of activities for the kids. We would absolutely come back to stay for a full weekend!



    Guide to Des Moines

    Camping near Des Moines, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
    • Fishing and Boating: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."
    • Family Activities: Jester County Park has a playground and various recreational options. One family said, "We love it here; people are great, and the price is right."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground noted, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean."
    • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A review for Yellow Banks County Park highlighted, "Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table."
    • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. One reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

    What you should know:

    • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Iowa Ledges State Park mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI."
    • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. A visitor at Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "It was ran over with loud radios and flashing lights."
    • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it's best to book in advance. A camper at Prairie Flower Recreation Area advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for places with playgrounds and clean facilities. One family at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "The park was nice and well maintained with walking trails."
    • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or games to keep kids entertained. A camper at Bob Shelter Recreation Area mentioned, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."
    • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make things easier. A visitor at Lake Anita State Park Campground noted, "A bit noisy when I stayed... Overall a good place to stay."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Des Moines West KOA Holiday mentioned, "Gravel sites require some leveling."
    • Look for Full Hookups: If you want convenience, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, "Some 30 amp and some 50 amp sites."
    • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Yellow Banks County Park warned, "Other campers warned us not to leave anything out at night because teenagers come through sometimes looking for stuff to steal."

    Camping around Des Moines, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Des Moines, IA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Des Moines, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.4-star rating from 27 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find cabin camping near Des Moines, IA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 22 cabin camping locations near Des Moines, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.