18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several state parks and private campgrounds within an hour of Fairfield, Iowa offer furnished cabin rentals with varying amenities. Lake Darling State Park features "five season cabins" with electricity, running water, and climate control systems for year-round comfort. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park provides cabin accommodations with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Indian Lake Park in Farmington offers reasonably priced cabins alongside a stone lodge for larger gatherings. Most cabins include basic furniture, beds, and electricity, with some providing kitchen facilities and private bathrooms. "The cabins are small but clean," notes one visitor to Lake Darling State Park, where a concrete multi-use path connects the cabin area to the main lake.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location and price point. Pet-friendly options exist at most parks, though specific policies vary by campground. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow offers "cozy cabins with running hot and cold water along with electricity" located near their fishing pond. According to one reviewer, "They even have cabin rentals for the more glamping lifestyle. They do book up quick in advance, but there is usually walk up spots available the week of too." Cabin sizes range from small units suitable for couples to larger family-sized accommodations sleeping up to nine people. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when occupancy rates are highest.
Most cabins provide beds with mattresses but require visitors to bring their own linens, pillows, blankets, and towels. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, from basic setups with microwaves and mini-refrigerators to more complete kitchenettes with stovetops and cookware. Guests should plan to bring cooking utensils, dishware, and food supplies. Firewood is sold at many campgrounds, including Lacey-Keosauqua State Park where "the host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice. Cheap too." Fairfield offers several grocery stores for stocking cabin kitchens, while smaller convenience stores near the campgrounds provide essential items. Cabin campers should also pack flashlights, insect repellent, and appropriate outdoor clothing regardless of the season.
"I absolutely loved this state park. There is so many options for fishing and camping. They even have cabin rentals for the more glamping lifestyle."
"Our family has been camping at Lake Darling for the past couple of years. We very much like the campground and the lake area."
from $15 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks."
"Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice."
from $15 - $36 / night
Check Availability"We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there."
"Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."
"This park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced."
"it has full hookups, tent site swim beach, fishing, canoes,and f, playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers some sites just have electric and water on site and there are some full"
from $8 - $50 / night
Check Availability"12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance."
"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. "
from $15 - $100 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 / night
Check Availability"Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs."
"The park is clean and family friendly. The beach is a great addition for some family fun."
"There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots."
"Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins."
"Clean rest rooms and coin op showers. There were a lot of ticks, but the camp was quiet. I saw many people fishing."
from $15 - $26 / night
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GuideI absolutely loved this state park. There is so many options for fishing and camping. They even have cabin rentals for the more glamping lifestyle. They do book up quick in advance, but there is usually walk up spots available the week of too. Definitely reccomend.
LegendIf you’re looking for a family-friendly place to pull over for a decent escape to nature, then you may very well want to consider Sleepy Hollow, which is just a few minutes north of I80. Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped both the non-stop whir of incessant highway traffic and the unsightly view of a heavily trafficked main roadway. Add on top of this that you’ll find this location is perfectly suitable to the RV crowd as much as it is the tent-pitching bredren that belong to my tribe of outdoor enthusiasts.
Here at this campground you’ll find RV and 5th Wheel sites offering both pull-thru and back-in sites complete with full hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage). There’s 7 tent sites that are very well shaded, have a decent patch of land and include picnic tables, fire pits and scattered stand-up BBQ grills. Whether you have a tent, an RV or not, this campground has a small handful of cozy cabins available to rent that come with running hot & cold water as well as electricity and are located close to the fishing pond. What I enjoyed most with the primitive camping area was the serenity offered by the abundance of new growth Oaks that shaded the place, along with unfettered views of the lake itself. Priceless.
Sleepy Hollow offers a number of amenities including: ‘catch& release’ pond (both swimming and fishing potential), ball pit, kid’s playground, puppy park, designated dumpsters, fairly decent WiFi, community firepits, general market store, laundr-O-mat, shower facility, pavilion, horseshoes, game room, volleyball and basketball courts, artificial beachhead with swim area and windmills. There’s a lagoon with hundreds of ducks, but depending upon how you look at this, it may or may not be considered an amenity, but if you have kids like I do, it’s a great distraction that offers up a lot of duck-feeding fun.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re looking for a decent bit of hiking, there’s a nice slice of nature near here at Sleepy Hollow a bit NE called Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area where there’s plenty of trails, shooting ranges and some fairly decent bird watching; (2) When you get tired trying to conjure up that next meal from your cooler or on-board fridge, then head over to nearby Renee’s Roadhouse where this roadside stand serves up standard Americana fare like burgers, sandwiches and wraps. For anything more substantial, you’ll have to take a longer drive east to Iowa City of which I recommend Steak & Shake, Back Berner Bar & Grill or Barrel House; (3) If you’d like to embrace the Amish vibe that exists here in rural Iowa, then head due north to Amana Colonies where you’ll come across hand-made blankets and artisan-crafted cabinetry all while offering you some very warm Midwestern hospitality.
Happy Camping!
LegendShould you be traveling east-west on one of the country’s busiest thoroughfares – Route 80 – and find yourself in central Iowa and looking either for a place to pull over for a day or for much longer than that, then you may very well want to consider Beyonder Getaway at Sleep Hollow. Given its proximity to a busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped the busy hustle and drive-by buzz of non-stop traffic.
This campground oasis planted square in the middle of the 'prairieland' of the Hawkeye State, you’ll appreciate that there is a decent-sized lake here that is perfect for a quick dip should you want to get some swimming in and cool down from the blistering Midwestern summer heat or perhaps you’d like to put a kayak or canoe in to get some decent oar exercising in or cast a line to try your luck and some mild ‘catch& release’ fun – whatever the reason … up to and including no reason at all … the mini lake that is front and center here at Beyonder is both a good distraction as well as makes for a great landscape.
As for the campground itself, there’s RV sites offering up pull-thru and back-in sites complete with full hook-up water, 30+ 50 amp electric and sewage lines. If you’re a primitive camper like me, there’s a handful of sites (7 by my count) that include picnic tables, fire pits and scattered stand-up BBQ grills. And if you don’t have either a tent or an RV, no worries, Sleepy Hollow will easily rent you one of their 3 cozy cabins which are located up front and close to the fishing pond, where these structures come with running hot and cold water along with electricity.
With amenities in mind, Beyonder packs a punch with offering the following: horseshoes, kid’s playground, dog run/ puppy park, designated dumpsters, fairly decent WiFi, community firepits, general market store, laundr-O-mat, shower facility, pavilion, game room, ball pit, volleyball and basketball courts, man-made beachhead with swim area and windmills. Oh, and there’s a lagoon with hundreds of ducks, but depending upon how you look at this, it may or many not be considered an amenity. My kids loved it and we had a lot of fun feeding our feathered friends.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you get tired of digging through your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge, then head on over to nearby Renee’s Roadhouse where this roadside stand serves up standard-fare Americana fare like burgers, sandwiches and wraps; (2) For anything more substantial, you’ll have to take a longer drive east to Iowa City of which I recommend Foundry Food+ Tap, Back Berner Bar& Grill or Casa Tequila Tiffin; (3) Should you be looking to explore a nice slice of nature while here at Beyonder’s then head due northeast to Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area where there’s plenty of trails, shooting ranges and some fairly decent bird watching; (4) If you’d like to embrace the Amish vibe that exists here in rural Iowa, then head due north to Amana Colonies where you’ll come across what looks like German colonies that have been expelled from the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) where this displaced utopian outcrop will sell you anything from blankets and cabinetry all while offering you some nice wienerschnitzel and apfelpflanzen. Auf wiedersehen!
Happy Camping!
ScoutOur family has been camping at Lake Darling for the past couple of years. We very much like the campground and the lake area. Opportunities for improvement would be that the full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table. Sometimes getting a whiff of black water waste while trying eat dinner leaves a little to be desired. Eh? If a person camps in the regular electric only sites this is not a problem. However, this requires ( for most campers) the use of the shower house. The bathroom facilities are clean and well kept but the showers could use some updating and better cleaning maintenance. The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available. Paddle boats, canoes, and other options. There is a long concrete multi use path along the lake and into the cabin area. The cabins seem nice, though we have never been in them or stayed in them. Book early they are usually booked up I am told. All in all a great weekend get away place. And generally limited cell signal might be better that way eh?
LegendI’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated feedback, some additional pics and a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground offers full-hookup RV sites, including pull-throughs and back-ins, along with tent and cabin options that altogether works for a wide range of camping styles; (2) The atmosphere is very family-oriented, with play areas for kids, golf cart rentals, weekend activities and even a communal fire pit near the pond; (3) Amenities are plentiful, with laundry, a small on-site store, free WiFi, kid’s playground, horseshoe pits, a basketball court and plans for a pool; (4) The views are attractive, with sunsets over the pond that create an easygoing, picture-perfect backdrop for evening campfires and s’mores; and (5) The park is Good Sam verified, has a history of positive impressions, and promotes eco-friendly practices.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) There are definitely sites that are uneven or in a few cases, poorly maintained, requiring extra leveling work or creative parking to get set up properly; (2) A few of the facilities feel worn down, with issues like broken water hookups, muddy access points or bathrooms that could use more attention; (3) Inconsistency of maintenance and site quality – sometimes it just depends upon what day of the week you show up to find out whether or not things are organized and in good condition; (4) The beach area near the pond is not especially inviting, as it can be covered in goose and duck doo-doo, which detracts from the idea of relaxing at the shoreline; and (5) Reservations are handled by phone rather than online, which works for some people, but I find it inconvenient and very 1983.
Happy Camping!
GuideThis park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced. Most of the sites are nice and shady and level. A bathhouse with showers. A stone lodge for large parties. There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends. Hiking,fishing, swimming, kayaking,bird watching. There are many things to keep you busy here.
GuideThis site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.
TravelerI was only able to stay one night but i loved it. We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there. I only drove past the RV campground and the campsites were close together. The equestrian area is the way to go in my opinion but i love the quiet. Picnic tables and fire rings are at each campsite.
ScoutClean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.
Cabin rentals near Fairfield, Iowa provide outdoor accommodations in the gently rolling terrain of southeast Iowa, where elevations range from 550 to 850 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Winter cabin camping remains available at several locations that maintain year-round operations, including Indian Lake Park and Wilson Lake Park.
Hiking trails: Lake Wapello State Park offers extensive hiking opportunities around its 289-acre 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," notes a visitor to Lake Wapello State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The cabin areas at Lake Wapello provide access to diverse wildlife observation. "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," according to a Lake Wapello State Park reviewer.
Winter activities: Cabins at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park remain open through December, allowing for late fall and early winter recreation. One visitor to Lacey-Keosauqua State Park reports, "Stayed for a week in mid November. Although we had a storm at the beginning and end the overall stay was great. Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night."
Affordable pricing: Indian Lake Park maintains reasonable rates for its cabin rentals and camping facilities. A reviewer at Indian Lake Park states, "This park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced."
Clean facilities: Cabins and amenities receive regular maintenance at most parks. "Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean," notes one Indian Lake Park visitor. Another adds, "Tony and his wife are the camp hosts. Tony was so helpful and nice. The camp sites are spacious and clean."
Waterfront locations: Many cabin sites offer direct lake access for fishing and boating. "Nice campground with a decent sized fishing pond. Campground host is super friendly!" reports a visitor to Wilson Lake Park. The reviewer continues, "We stayed at site 2 which is a little smaller than we would've liked but it is all concrete and has full hook ups."
Reservation timing: Popular cabin locations fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. According to one Big Hollow Recreation Area visitor, "If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."
Bathroom access: Some cabin locations have limited bathroom facilities or seasonal operations. "The only real complaint we had was that there was no lights in the bathrooms, we didn't want to use the campers bathroom for just one night. There were other bathrooms but they were locked," notes a Wilson Lake Park camper.
Seasonal amenities: Swimming areas and water activities have limited seasonal availability. A Big Hollow Recreation Area visitor cautions, "We tent camped here a few weeks ago and it was pretty nice. The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you're wanting to fish or swim, this isn't the place for you!"
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. At Pollmiller Park, "The park is clean and family friendly. The beach is a great addition for some family fun," according to one visitor. Big Hollow Recreation Area also offers "a large playground and shower house."
Swimming options: Beach areas provide supervised swimming during summer months. A Pollmiller Park visitor reports, "They have a good swimming area were u can rent canoes and different things which isnt very expensive!!"
Nature exploration: Family-friendly trails suitable for younger hikers are available at multiple parks. "It's a nice small place with a nice little pond," notes a Wilson Lake Park visitor, while another Big Hollow Recreation Area camper mentions the park has "a beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch."
Site selection: For groups traveling with multiple RVs, specific sites offer better arrangements. A Big Hollow camper advises, "The campground is well laid out. If you are in a group you can reserve spots 8 and 9 together or there are some long spots in the Eastern part for double occupancy if you want."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup options for cabin areas vary by location. "This is a great campground. Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!!" shares a Big Hollow Recreation Area visitor, while another notes, "$20 a night but worth it we think. Nice concrete slabs and all hook ups."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Fairfield, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Fairfield, IA is Lake Darling State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 18 cabin camping locations near Fairfield, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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