20 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Visitors seeking cabins near Glenwood, Iowa can find several options in state parks and recreation areas. Platte River State Park offers rustic and updated cabin accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Basic cabins provide beds and refrigerators, while more luxurious units feature full kitchens, modern furniture, and updated fixtures. "We stayed in the recently renovated Owen #4. The renovations really updated it with new appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival," noted one visitor. Hitchcock Nature Center provides cabin rentals with access to extensive hiking trails, while Waubonsie State Park features cabins that offer access to scenic overlooks of the Missouri River valley.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. The KOA Holiday in West Omaha/NE Lincoln offers cabin rentals that provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping, with one reviewer noting "The Kabins are really nice! A part of our group had rented one and it was a great base for gathering for meals, and had a decent firepit area." Eugene T. Mahoney State Park maintains year-round cabin availability, while Viking Lake State Park's cabins operate seasonally from April through December. Many cabins allow pets, though specific policies vary by location. Arrowhead Park provides waterfront cabin options with access to canoe and paddle boat rentals at reasonable rates.
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Basic cabins typically include a refrigerator and beds, while more equipped units may feature kitchens with cookware and dishes. Some cabin rentals, particularly at Platte River State Park, supply most kitchen essentials, though one reviewer noted the absence of a corkscrew. On-site camp stores at locations like the West Omaha KOA offer basic supplies, and many cabins include outdoor fire rings with picnic tables for meal preparation. Electrical hookups are standard in most cabin units, with heating and air conditioning available in premium accommodations.
"The area has a few tent sites with tables/fire rings along with four gravel RV pads with 50 amp hook ups. There is a single water spigot in the middle of the RV area."
"Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent."
"Love Platte River State park. Lots to do, especially fun for kids. Cute cabins. Camp sites are decent and bathrooms are clean."
from $35 - $340 / night
Check Availability"Did some backcountry camping at the Badger Ridge location, overall the stay was great!"
"The tent campsites are close together in the campground all of them have fire rings with grates. There is a vault toliet just up from the site."
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Picked up our pull-behind and drove straight here on a recommendation from the dealer. Great location, pretty grounds."
"Mahoney State Park. There are challenging trails overlooking the Platte River and railroad line. Bring your camera."
from $25 - $485 / night
Check Availability"Great views of the Missouri river even from the fire pit and closer places to sit and appreciate beautiful sunset views. It’s awesome how you can get so close to the river there."
"We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!"
from $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
"Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating."
"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."
"Sites were gravel, with a picnic table, fire ring, and electrical hookup. Our site was well shaded with trees."
"It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie."
"Waubonsie’s camping area has tent and rv, power and no power sites. Modern restrooms and showers are available. Trails are beautiful and quiet, with several scenic overlooks."
from $15 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring."
"No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available."
from $10 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Great campground with restaurant, beach and boat rentals."
"Has a water park you can rent golf carts and cabins lots todo very family friendly"
from $16 - $48 / night
Check Availability
LegendTents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent. Tons od trails and many of them a taylored to mountain biking. There are 2 types of cabins, basic that has a bed amd refrigerator. Then there are luxury glamping cabins.
GuideOur 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. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.
GuideLove Platte River State park. Lots to do, especially fun for kids. Cute cabins. Camp sites are decent and bathrooms are clean. Lots of hiking on well maintained trails, the pool is usually pretty busy on weekends.
ScoutIf you enjoy some extra comforts, rent one of the train cabooses which feature a small kitchen, bathroom, AC and beds with mattresses. Our kids loved the lofted full sized bed (but we kicked them to the bunk beds). There are charcoal grills outside, a close by swimming area, and lots of space to wander.
GuideIt 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. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
LegendPlatte River State Park is a beautiful, full service park with plenty of amenities. There are playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids, canoe rentals, and plenty of trails to hike or bike. Sites are concrete pads with full hookups and include a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also has a bathroom and dog park. 5 bars of AT&T @ 120Mbps!
GuideDid some backcountry camping at the Badger Ridge location, overall the stay was great! The park has multiple hike-in backcountry locations, tent camping spots near the road, RV pads with water and electric, as well as a few small cabins. The scenery is amazing! The shower house was also clean and well maintained.
LegendThe tent campsites are close together in the campground all of them have fire rings with grates. There is a vault toliet just up from the site. There are also a lot of hike in sites that are equiped with a fire ring, no bathrooms though. Tons of hiking trails ranging from hard to easy. Plenty of RV spots and they have cabins
RangerHitchcock Nature Center is north of Crescent, IA and just let outside Omaha, NE. A short drive from the city and you are in the Loess Hills that were explored by Lewis and Clark on their trek west. The is a $3 day use pass or a $20 yearly pass available.
This place has a lot to offer anyone. They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc. There are miles of trail available with backcountry camping available for $10 per night. RV camping is also available for $15 per night with electric, showers/bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, etc. They also offer a couple cabins for rent.
The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below. All trails are marked and the a multiple different trailheads, many which start around the visitors center/tower Overlook. During the winter they even over snowshoeing events. It is really a nice place to get outdoors anytime of the year.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor amenities are available with cabins in Glenwood?
Cabins in the Glenwood area offer a wealth of outdoor amenities for visitors to enjoy. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground provides well-equipped cabins with access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and recreational facilities. Many cabin locations like Memphis Lake State Rec Area feature lakeside settings with picnic tables, fire rings, and swimming areas. Common amenities include access to water activities (kayaking, paddleboating, fishing), extensive trail systems for hiking and mountain biking, playgrounds for children, and nature observation opportunities.
How far is Glenwood, Iowa from Omaha for a weekend cabin getaway?
Glenwood, Iowa is approximately 25-30 minutes (about 20 miles) east of Omaha, making it perfect for a quick weekend cabin getaway. Hitchcock County Nature Center is just outside Omaha in the Loess Hills and offers a convenient option with beautiful surroundings. For a slightly longer drive but excellent cabin options, Waubonsie State Park Campground near Hamburg is about 45-50 minutes from Glenwood, offering scenic views and trails for a relaxing weekend retreat.
Are there cabin rentals available in Glenwood, Iowa?
While Glenwood itself has limited cabin options, there are excellent cabin rentals within a short drive. Platte River State Park Campground offers two types of cabins - basic cabins with beds and refrigerators, and more equipped options. The park is popular for family stays with well-maintained facilities. For a unique experience, consider the Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA, which feature small kitchens, bathrooms, AC, and beds with mattresses, offering a novel accommodation option that kids especially enjoy.
Keep Exploring
