3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several cabin rental options are available in the Guthrie Center area, with properties such as Springbrook State Park Campground and Des Moines West KOA Holiday offering various furnished accommodations. Cabins at Springbrook State Park provide electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with modern restroom facilities nearby. "Very nice sites with lots of trees and the streams are pretty. Shower house/bathroom isn't super modern, but was clean," noted one visitor. Middle River Point and Sportsman Park also provide cabin accommodations with electric service, though amenities vary by location. Most cabins include basic furnishings like bunk beds and seating areas.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, cabins include mini-refrigerators, air conditioning, and some have private bathrooms. According to one visitor, "Cabin was beautiful inside and out!" Springbrook State Park's cabins are more rustic but situated in a wooded setting that offers privacy. Most properties require reservations, especially during summer months when demand increases. Pet policies vary by location, with many campgrounds allowing pets in designated cabin units for an additional fee.
Cabin guests should plan to bring their own bedding, pillows, towels, and personal items. While KOA cabins typically provide more amenities, including kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators, state park cabins generally offer more basic accommodations. On-site camp stores at locations like Des Moines West KOA Holiday stock essential supplies, firewood, and some grocery items. For more extensive shopping, the town of Guthrie Center has grocery stores and supply shops within a short driving distance from most cabin locations. Most cabins feature outdoor fire rings and picnic tables for cooking and dining, though indoor cooking facilities are limited at more rustic options.
"Pros: Not a far drive from Des Moines, but still quite remote
-Lots of nice hiking trails
-Easy access to large, mostly clean modern bathrooms
-The lake is a peaceful spot to spend the early mornings"
"You’ll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $200 / night
"Very nice campground with running water,electricity and wifi. It's opened year round."
"Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available."
"First time here,this place is very nice &peaceful, beautiful lake,spacious sites power & water at sites,15,30&50 amp."
"Lots of space around your site. Fills up fast on weekends. Would recommend this park."
"Only downside was there were no bathrooms."
from $15 - $32 / night
"Set off the road a bit in a tiny little town in Iowa, it's along a river and very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89 mile loop trail (paved) that goes through several towns and counties."
"Dawson is such a cute little park. I rented a primitive tent site for two nights and it was $20. The self-registration was super simple! They say there’s a live-in park employee."
from $18 / night
"One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."
"One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $25 / night
"Each site as a gravel drive and then open gravel area with a picnic table and fire pit with grill grate. Plenty of room for camp chairs and other furniture you may want to set up. "
"Fire rings, picnic tables, level gravel sites."
from $20 - $25 / night
"We were lucky and got a spot right along the lake. This park is peaceful (only slight downfall is the trains you can hear a bit-not too loud though)."
"Plenty of camping spaces, some right next to the lake. Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends. My favorite childhood camping spot."
from $20 / night
"Playground was next to us but it was fun watching the kids play. Full sun in the morning but afternoon was shaded by trees. Restrooms and shower was clean and close walking distance."
"We called ahead to see if they had sites available that night. Arrived just before the office closed at 7pm."
from $35 - $80 / night
"Reserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa!"
"This park surrounds the whole lake and you can explore everything thing by trail or water. Lots of fishing and swimming, we went looking for wildflowers along the lake trails."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $50 / night
ScoutWe camp here lots during the summer. No issues to speak of. Although it would be nice if they didn’t dig their fire pits deep. Mine. Is below ground level by 6 inches or so. Can barely see the fire. Today it rained and now it’s 6pm and my pit is full of water. It’s done raining. Kind of hard to have a fire now.!!!!
ScoutGreat stop, perfect for kids - trampoline, jumping pillow, and a playground. Spots are close together (as with most KOAs) but easy off I-80 and a great pit stop for a night or two with family.
GuideLevel sites and very quiet. Great hiking location and photo opportunities.
RangerThere’s not a lot going on in the vicinity of this state park, which is on the smaller side, and you will hear some cows, but all in all the campground exceeded my expectations for the two nights I stayed. This was partially because my site, 65, offered ample room away from the neighboring sites and backed up to a small green area with the road further back (minimal noise, aside from the random loud dirt bike). It also had a good mix of shade and sun if you’re hoping for a bit of solar charging, though no shore power or water. The site was long and mostly level with just the smallest tilt, but not enough to be a bother even without leveling blocks. The dumpster is nearby, but it’s a tiny one and was well maintained (aka not smelly). The brand new shower house was within easy walking distance as well. I had enough service (Verizon) to send texts and watch a bit of YouTube (buffering times were a smidge slow), but you likely wouldn’t have a strong enough signal for much more.
TravelerQuiet and clean campground. Bike/walk trail surrounding the lake. Lots of amenities for fishing and sightseeing on the lake
ScoutGreat spot in the woods. Lots of trails. They have a bison and elk sanctuary. Also a nature center. A playground. They have several RV spots. Most are pre book but they have a section for first come first serve. Also lots of tent camping. A few group camping areas. Showers are ok. I believe the non shower house bathrooms are all vault toilets. Overall a great place to stay!
ScoutLove this place. They have have the racks on their firepits for cooking!
ScoutVery nice campground with running water,electricity and wifi. It's opened year round.
TravelerI’ve been here multiple times tent camping. Tent sites are right on the shore. Many spillways for fishing. ~10 mile loop you can hike or MTB. Restrooms, including the vaulted toilets, are kept clean. This is where we go for a low key weekend for fun.
Camping cabins near Guthrie Center, Iowa lie within Iowa's fertile farmland, with terrain averaging 1,100 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s°F, creating optimal conditions for outdoor activities from late spring through early fall. Campgrounds in the area often feature modern cabin accommodations amid rolling hills and woodlands that characterize this central Iowa landscape.
Hiking on woodland trails: At Springbrook State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple hiking paths through mature forests. "You'll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at. The park has multiple nice trails to go hiking on," notes Jesse P.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes and ponds in the Guthrie Center area provide excellent fishing spots for anglers. "The lake is pristine and great for some canoeing or kayaking," according to Matt S. at Springbrook State Park, while Spring Lake County Park offers shoreline access directly from campsites.
Wildlife viewing: Jester County Park provides unique opportunities to observe local fauna. "There is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing," explains Larissa C. The park maintains a small bison enclosure where visitors can safely view these impressive animals.
Privacy between sites: Many cabins at Prairie Rose State Park Campground offer separation and views. "I paid extra for an electric site to be close to the lake. It is 9 or so miles north of the highway so it was actually quiet," reports Brian F., who appreciated the solitude of the park.
Swimming facilities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for cooling off during summer months. At Spring Lake County Park, campers enjoy beach access and water activities. "Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends. My favorite childhood camping spot," mentions Korey A.
Unique recreational options: Beyond standard camping amenities, some parks offer distinctive activities. "Spring Lake has an awesome open air roller skating rink and nightly grilling parties at the beach," shares Jodi H., highlighting the park's community atmosphere and family-friendly environment.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in wooded areas have poor connectivity. At Springbrook State Park, Chelsea G. notes, "We have Verizon & AT&T and had no service. This is the first place we have been to without voice service (other doesn't matter). Just a bit worrisome in case of emergency."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin accommodations require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. "Timberline Campground has great, safe, and quiet campground. Beautiful site on a pond, clean bath houses, cool weekend amenities, and since we came in October, pretty empty after Labor Day during the week," explains Paul C.
Facility variations: Sportsman Park offers different levels of cabin amenities. "They had two wooden cabin-style buildings with little front porches. Inside, you had two bunk beds, and the bottom bunk of one was a pull out futon. There was also a bathroom with an ADA shower, toilet, mirror and sink," details Amy G.
Check playground accessibility: Campgrounds with play equipment provide entertainment for children. At Prairie Rose State Park, one visitor mentioned, "Playground was directly behind us which is a plus for us." This convenient placement allows parents to monitor children while still enjoying their campsite.
Look for interactive programs: Ledges State Park Campground offers educational opportunities. "They have a fun 'eagles view' point that overlooks the ledges. Nice picnic areas are also available," notes Jennifer M., highlighting features beyond standard camping.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are better suited for families needing quiet evenings. "Very quiet. Accommodating," reports Katherine H. about Timberline Campground, while at other locations, campers note varying levels of evening activity.
Site leveling considerations: At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, Pavel P. cautions, "Very lacking on trees and very packed in. Site 31 is a 'buddy site' and you are sitting on top of your neighbors with no privacy. It works pretty good if you actually have a 'buddy', but if you come alone it's not private at all."
Dump station access: For RVers staying in cabins with RV connections, note the dump station situation. "One dump, long wait. Nearest store 10 miles away, weak cell, down in river valley," advises Kelly about Springbrook State Park.
Year-round availability: Some campgrounds with cabin rentals operate beyond summer months. "Now open year round. Office is open until 7pm which was very helpful as we arrived a little later than expected. Well kept, clean bathrooms with space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold," shares Iris A. about Des Moines West KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Guthrie Center, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Guthrie Center, IA is Springbrook State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 23 cabin camping locations near Guthrie Center, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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