Cabin camping near Glenwood, Iowa offers access to the unique Loess Hills, a rare landform of wind-deposited silt found in only one other place globally - China. The region's rugged terrain varies from 150 to 400 feet above surrounding flatlands, creating diverse camping conditions across all seasons. Most cabin facilities remain open year-round despite Iowa's temperature swings from winter lows averaging 10°F to summer highs reaching 90°F.
What to do
Hiking the Loess Hills: At Hitchcock Nature Center, exploratory trails range from easy to challenging with unique geology. "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. I was very impressed on the hike in campsites... The views from the two south east campsites are amazing, looking over the Missouri River valley and the Omaha skyline in the distance," notes Aaron A. from Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Birdwatching opportunities: Several parks feature observation platforms for spotting migratory birds. "When your done with your hiking, climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle," recommends Matt S. about the hawk watching tower at Hitchcock.
Fishing access: Viking Lake State Park provides lake access directly from some cabin sites. "The lake is large with plenty of areas with downed trees for prime fishing. It is a no wake lake, so it is perfect for small boats and kayaks," explains Caralee D. Fishing licenses cost $19.50 for Iowa residents, $48 for non-residents.
Winter activities: Some parks maintain winter programming. At Hitchcock Nature Center, "During the winter they even over snowshoeing events. It is really a nice place to get outdoors anytime of the year," mentions Pat V.
What campers like
Budget-friendly cabins: Arrowhead Park offers waterfront cabins at rates significantly below private resorts. "Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged," says Sarah H. about Arrowhead Park Campground.
Scenic overlooks: Waubonsie State Park cabins provide access to views of the Missouri River Valley. "If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West," recommends Wayne H. The park features multiple trails with varying difficulty levels leading to these vistas.
Peace and quiet: Memphis Lake cabins offer a retreat from busier parks. "It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule," reports David L. about Memphis Lake State Rec Area.
Educational programs: Nature centers attached to several parks run regular educational events. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping," notes Lynn G. about Hitchcock.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Cabins at popular locations fill quickly, especially at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying!" warns Charlie B. Most parks open reservations 90-120 days in advance.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some parks. "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds," shares Jennifer M. about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Off-season limitations: Services vary seasonally. "It's January, so I chose my spot for the internet," explains one Viking Lake visitor, noting that "Verizon is 2 bars of 4g. And Starlink is only possible in select places, as there is a lot of trees."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities range widely between parks. At Memphis Lake, "The bathrooms could use a upgrade or a good cleaning, and the one by are site was locked up and not open," reports Tony B. Waubonsie visitors note: "There was one single vault toilet available for all of the campers; it was reasonably clean."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programming: Schedule visits around park events for added value. "They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc.," says Pat V. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday. "Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site."
Activity planning: Many parks offer family-specific amenities. "This campground had amazing staff, was clean, and had great amenities. The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive," advises Rebekah S. about the KOA.
Age-appropriate trails: Several parks feature trails for different abilities. At Hitchcock, "There's all levels of hikes. They have a hawkwatch tower. Lots of information about Hawks and nature conservation. We love doing their extra classes," explains Karen W.
Swimming options: Water features vary by location. Viking Lake offers "a great sandy beach area for swimming," according to Caralee D., while Mahoney State Park provides "a wave pool" that costs "$10 for adults (even as a non swimmer) and $8 for kids plus $3 to rent a tube."
