3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Pilot Knob State Park and Thorpe Park provide cabin rentals near Forest City, Iowa with varying amenities. Thorpe Park features a rental cabin in a grassy and forested area near small lakes, suitable for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat. Most cabin sites include electric hookups, picnic tables, and access to toilets and showers. Cabins at McIntosh Woods State Park include two yurts with bunk beds, futons, tables, and chairs for comfortable accommodation. A review noted, "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."
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Pilot Knob State Park accepts reservations for cabin stays, with rates starting at $18 for electric sites. KOA Kampgrounds of America near Albert Lea offers cabin rentals from April 15 to October 15, providing more amenities than state park options. Reservations are recommended for all cabin accommodations, especially during summer months when facilities fill quickly. According to one visitor at McIntosh Woods, "We can't wait to go back. Our camp was so private and peaceful."
Most cabins require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries while providing basic furniture and sleeping arrangements. Cooking facilities vary by location, with some cabins offering outdoor grills and picnic tables for meal preparation. Flying Goose Campground & Resort provides more furnished cabin options with access to electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Firewood is available for purchase at several locations, including Myre-Big Island State Park and Albert Lea-Austin KOA. Nearby towns offer additional supplies, with Forest City providing most essentials needed for cabin stays.
"Located by New Ulm, MN this campground has plenty of activities in the park or very near the park."
"Pilot knob state park is a great place for a week long stay or just a few hours! The camp ground is on the smaller side but it’s clean and there is a play ground!"
Available next weekend
from $10 - $18 / night
"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. Picnic table and grill outside."
"Sites arranged in a circle around a clean shower house. Potable water. Only 2 non-electric sites. Most sites level. Sites are close to each other, not offering much in the way of privacy."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $60 / night
"This is a rustic state park with limited amenities. There are no water or electric hook ups. However clean water is available in the park. The park does have flush toilets and showers."
"Facilities are top notch and private. The nicest showed and restroom you can imagine. Large tent pads and a quiet area. Not busy when we went. There is a small hiking trail as well."
Available next weekend
from $24 - $34 / night
"Tent pad and fire pit were well maintained. Restrooms were well cleaned, if not exactly maintained (soap and Toilet paper ran light over the weekend, and spiders hung out after a cleaning)."
"Met up with friends to get outside. They brought their dogs and we had a grand time."
from $24 - $85 / night
"A bit rustic but clean campground. There are some piles of tree branches as there was a beetle problem and trees had to be removed. I’m sure it is temporary and will be gone soon."
"They did have a $1 Sunday when we got there which was fun Ice Cream and topping for $1. Then that night they had movies which was nice. A great pool and play area for the kids."
from $15 / night
"Check in was quick, spots were easy to pull into, the bathrooms were really clean, and it was surprisingly quiet despite the proximity to the highway. "
"The showers are one temperature but it’s comfortable and the water pressure is awesome. The dressing room is big enough to actually dress in and your stuff can remain dry."
"Very quiet and clean, goid WiFi. Gary was very helpful. This campground is just beautiful. There is a lake you can fish,swim,rent kayaks and canoe. Laundry and showers."
"Set along the shores of Lake Imogene, which comes out of nowhere surrounded by farm land, and you can’t even see it from the road."
"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."
"Large bath house with restrooms and showers and a little free library inside. Very long parking pads- big rig friendly and very roomy sites."
GuideThe Nonelectric sites at the White Fox campground were very nice. Great size and mostly private. The electric sites were definitely less private. The showers were clean and the vault toilets actually had a light inside! Trails were very nice.
GuideMyre Big Island was a peaceful and relaxing campground to visit. The trees are so tall and beautiful. The island had a few trails and a nice view of the lake.
It did rain while I stayed and site 17E floods a bit but dries up when the rain stops so it wasnt a big deal.
ScoutThis is a smaller KOA, owner off hwy 90. Closed during winter. We were in spot 53, beautiful end site with corn views. Owner is working on fixing the dump portion of the full hookup as it sits to high to dump. Overall the spot was beautiful
GuideThis park is very nice. It has long gravel FHU sites. Bathrooms/shower house is fairly new, but they must have high iron levels b/c the toilets and walls already have brown stains. Kid friendly. walking path. Downfalls: Not much shade yet. You have to register online and some older folks don't like that.
GuideWould have been OK for one night, but we decided ahead of time to spend 4 nights. The entry needs a lot of work.(Several potholes that need to be filled in along the whole driveway both sides. Laundry room was nice although 3 washers and 2 dryers seem odd. Only $2 to wash and /or dry. We didn't use the RR/showers but went in and looked at it and it looked nice. They had a small enclosed dog run. There was a very small playground. No activities for adults or kids while we were there. Just a camp site. They did have a few newer cabins. There was a sign that it was under new management, but no one introduced themselves as the new owners. When asked if we could check out an hour late, the young guy in the office said we don't usually allow that, but I suppose it would be OK if you donate to the children's fund that we sponsor.
ScoutSpacious sites, clean (very clean) shower and bathroom facilities.
GuideI have stayed here 3 or 4 times and have enjoyed my time for the most part. Except the last time I was there (last summer) the raccoons were absolutely out of control. I didn't even have food unpacked out of my car yet and they were rummaging through my stuff while I was standing right there. They had no fear. I had a giant duffel bag full of tarps (not any food at all in it) and around 1am I hear the racoon trying to steal it. So I get up and put it in my trunk. The raccoon climbs into my trunk! While I'm standing right there, I've never seen anything like it.
Honestly everything else about this park is great. The island is gorgeous with beautiful sunsets, the hiking is great, the sites are nice, etc. But I probably will not come back just because of raccoons. Because keeping a clean campsite doesn't seem to matter for these critters.
TravelerThis is a smaller KOA campground under new ownership. The owner and his children are very nice and welcoming. There were other reviews about it being overgrown but everything was nicely mowed when we arrived and I really enjoyed the peaceful setting. Easy off freeway, little freeway noise but not a problem. A bit rustic but clean campground. There are some piles of tree branches as there was a beetle problem and trees had to be removed. I’m sure it is temporary and will be gone soon. All in all a lovely quiet evening in our travels East. Site 53 is at the end of a row and very private location.
RangerMet up with friends to get outside. They brought their dogs and we had a grand time. Windy weather kept us off the lake - there are canoes and kayaks for rent at the state park - but we took several walks around the island. We visited a nearby winery and we went geocaching around the area. Our friends’ site backed up to ours. A group of retirees in RVs were camped on three sides of us, and they spent the weekend hanging out together. One guy shared the PB rice krispie bars he made. They had clean bathrooms with showers. There was an outdoor dishwashing station, convenient for disposing of our washbasin full of gray water.
Cabins near Forest City, Iowa sit in a region characterized by its mix of agricultural land and natural water features. The area has over 35 lakes within a 50-mile radius, with summer temperatures averaging 73°F. Water access points near Forest City are limited to specific maintained boat launches and shorelines at designated state parks.
Hiking trails: Pilot Knob State Park offers multiple paths for exploring wooded areas. "I3rd got a few awesome things to see. Hiking trails. Picnic area. We have gone a few times a year and love it!" reports Nichole L. at Pilot Knob State Park Campground.
Wildlife observation: Watch for local fauna around your cabin site. Lisa P. notes at Pilot Knob State Park, "Got to see turtles laying eggs and deer were all around. Family loved the fishing." The observation tower at Pilot Knob provides elevated viewing opportunities.
Swimming: Natural water features provide cooling options during summer months. Flying Goose Campground offers "a sandy swimming beach" according to one camper who adds they "had it entirely to ourselves!" during a mid-week stay at Flying Goose Campground & Resort.
Mini golf: Some campgrounds provide on-site recreational activities beyond water sports. Flying Goose Campground includes "a mini golf course, volleyball, basketball, the works to keep the kids happy and entertained while you relax in a quiet clean setting."
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies considerably between parks. At McIntosh Woods State Park Campground, one camper noted benefits of their site location: "Sites are arranged in a circle around a clean shower house. Potable water. Only 2 non-electric sites. Most sites level."
Cleanliness: Well-maintained facilities make a significant difference in comfort. At Myre State Park Campgrounds, visitors appreciate "brand new, and very clean" facilities that include "a toilet, shower, and dish washing area."
Wildlife encounters: Natural interactions enhance the cabin experience. One visitor to McIntosh Woods noted, "Short walk to nice lake & marsh. Walking trails. Camped here during waterfowl hunting season, so there were several gunshots nearby at around sunrise."
Proximity to town: Forest City cabins offer convenient access to supplies. Madison L. reported about Pilot Knob State Park: "There is the town of Forest City just a few miles away and it has pretty much everything you need for a stock up for your next adventure!!"
Cabin location considerations: Some parks have cabins in less ideal locations. At Pilot Knob State Park, one visitor observed: "It almost seemed like the campground was an afterthought as it is outside the entrance gates and nowhere near the tower."
Road conditions: Access to some cabin areas requires navigation of unpaved surfaces. A visitor at White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park noted: "The interior roads are dirt roads with a few potholes they are very narrow."
Timing for privacy: Weekdays typically offer a quieter experience. At Flying Goose Campground, visitors found "it was so quiet and calm because ~70% of the spots are taken by seasonal guests who are primarily at the campgrounds on the weekends."
Cabin amenities variance: Expect significant differences in cabin furnishings between parks. A visitor at Myre State Park Campgrounds mentioned facilities include "a toilet, shower, and dish washing area. The park office does sell firewood and other things, so definitely take a look when you check in!"
Playground access: Multiple play areas provide options for children. Flying Goose Campground features "three playgrounds (one at the swimming beach)" according to one visitor.
Water safety: Lakes near Forest City cabins lack lifeguards. Tracy B. at Flying Goose Campground noted: "Lake to swim in - no lifeguard offered."
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season. At Big Island Campground Myre-Big Island State Park, one visitor warned: "We really enjoyed it here! Except for the mosquitoes, so pack repellent!"
Rental equipment: Some parks provide recreational equipment. Karla J. B. at Big Island Campground mentioned: "Windy weather kept us off the lake - there are canoes and kayaks for rent at the state park."
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for potential adjustments. One visitor to White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park reported: "The camping sites are nice sized and relatively private. There is a gravel pad on each site and some have a tent pad. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring."
Pull-through accessibility: Narrow roads can challenge larger vehicles. A visitor at White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park advised: "We were able to drive through the campground with our 40 foot fifth wheel. But just barely, be careful!"
Seasonal site awareness: Year-round availability varies. Tracy B. at Flying Goose Campground observed: "A lot of seasonal/permanent sites. Transit spots were a little tight but owners did what they could to space you out."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Forest City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Forest City, IA is Pilot Knob State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 11 cabin camping locations near Forest City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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