Best Cabin Camping near Harpers Ferry, IA

Recent Cabin Reviews near Harpers Ferry, Iowa

113 Reviews of 27 Harpers Ferry Campgrounds

• M

  Mikala D.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2018

  Neshonoc Lakeside

  Clean campground

  This is a very well kept campground. The bathrooms are clean and so are the sites. Lots of pull through sites and full hook ups. They have two pools and a hot tub! They recently set up a Bloody Mary bar on the weekends and have bands by the lower pool. The lake is awesome and they have a small beach for campers to swim. Overall an amazing campground and we love it!

• 

  Clint G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 20, 2021

  Neshonoc Lakeside

  Great value as a TT member

  This campground came to us through Thousand Trails Collection.  At first we only had a W/E site and later was able to move to a full hook up site.  All sites has a gravel pad with a grass yard, fire ring, and picnic table.  The fire rings are sunk completely into the ground for some reason.  The lots were spacious and the property offered a large pool, hot tub, restrooms, showers, laundry room, fishing and canoeing.  This is a pet friendly park.

• 

  Ashley D.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 23, 2018

  Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

  Fun for the whole family

  This campground has many things to do. This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping. Fun activities include fishing, swimming in a lake and also ground fed springs, boat rentals on the lake, hiking also horse trails, rock climbing, caves, playgrounds shelters for events and parties. I am sure there are even more things to do that I didnt have the time for.

• 

  Jessica H.

  Ranger

  

  May. 9, 2018

  Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

  Backbone State Park

  This has been one of my favorite state parks in Iowa to camp thus far. I've tent camped in April and cabin camped in October. The cabin camping was the better of the two experiences, mainly due to the unusually chilly overnight temperatures in April. During the warmer months you can rent canoes from the concession stand. Climbing/rappelling is also allowed in the park via registration at the park office.

  We stayed in a family cabin that sleeps up to 4 people. You have to reserve cabins and there is a 2 night minimum stay, but the price is extremely reasonable. These cabins also offer heat and A/C. Our cabin had a common area with a kitchenette.The bathroom included a toilet and shower. The small, but cozy bedroom included a mattress - you're responsible for bringing your own linens - along with a sink. Additional amenities included stove, frig, microwave, pots and pans, and even a small coffee maker. And, the couch in the common area pulled out into a futon, providing extra sleeping space. Outdoor amenities included a fire pit and picnic bench. Bonus: The back of our cabin area looked out onto Backbone Lake.

  We purchased firewood in Strawberry Point, a small town just a short drive from the park. Iowa requires that firewood be obtained within the county you're staying in due to the Emerald Ash Borer epidemic.

  We fished for trout and hiked along several trails in the park. The Devil's Backbone was our favorite mainly because of the scenery along the bluff. It was the perfect way to view the changing leaves and watch the Maquoketa River flow by.

  While we did have neighbors on either side of us, the noise level was minimal, and everyone was respectful of parking spaces as there is a common parking area in front of the cabins.

  This is a beautiful spot to visit especially in autumn.

• 

  Daphne D.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 17, 2022

  Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Busy but beautiful

  We stayed at the Big Paint Campground and had a nice time. The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites. Still, it was a lovely place with nice trails and great river access. There are also some breathtaking lookout points to see the countryside.

  We drove through Little Paint Campground and many of those sites were pretty small and crowded, but again, the river access and the views made it a pleasant stay. Nearby Harper's Ferry is a neat little town, so be sure to visit there!

• 

  Kelly D.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 28, 2018

  Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground

  Perfect Spot on Upper Iowa River

  I have been visiting Chimney Rock Camp and Canoe for 20 years. Every time I visit I have a wonderful time enjoying the scenic Upper Iowa River. This part of Iowa is a treasure. Deb and her crew are always helpful and accommodating. They run a great canoe/kayak/tube rental with shuttle service. This is a private campground. I appreciate the laid back vibe. We have been here during the week and have had the place pretty much to ourselves. The weekends are a bit more lively, but with friendly folks. Some of my favorite memories are on the shuttle bus up to the drop in and laughing with fellow campers/ river floaters. We love Chimney Rock and pray this little slice of heaven is available for us to enjoy for years to come. We prefer to stay down by the river sans electricity. We have done this for years in a tent and now in our hybrid camper. There are cabins, electric sites, showers and a dump station.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 23, 2021

  Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

  Best Wildplace Camping in Iowa

  Trout streams well fed, campsites spread out well, amenities good for primitive use area. Horses welcome, firewood and ice available. Historical Fire Tower hike/visit is a must. Primitive pack-in sites, 1 cabin available. Modern Cabin is well maintained, electricity, microwave, a full sized refrigerator, and two porches, where one of them is screened in. Sleeps 6.

• 

  Kerry M.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 21, 2021

  Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

  Two campgrounds to enjoy at Backbone State Park

  Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.

  There are two campgrounds. I have camped in both:

  Modern Campground: This is a large, modern campground with all of the standard amenities found in a modern campground… electric hookups, flush toilets, water. I have camped here twice, both times in my travel trailer. Overall, it is a nice campground with decent space in between campers, however, I tend to avoid it during the busier summer and fall colors seasons.

  Primitive Campground: This is my favorite at Backbone for camping, especially in the autumn after the leaves have fallen off of the trees. As this campground is non-electric, there are not many people camping after it turns colder. I have spent many nights there alone in the primitive campground, watching RVs pull in and then leave after realizing that it has no hookups.

  Nearby trout fishing: Backbone is home to one of the more popular trout streams in Iowa. The fishing is easy as most of the fish are stocked (April-October). Still, it is an enjoyable fishing trip as the stream itself is mostly rocks and gravel, with several deep holes. The water is cold and clear.

  Other activities: Hiking is very popular in Backbone. I have also seen rock climbing and rappelling. There are some nice spots away from the trout stream for wading and a little swimming. Backbone State Park also has a small lake with a swimming area and boat rentals during the summer. Several nice cabins are available for those who do not want to camp.

• 

  Amanda P.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 22, 2020

  Boulder Creek Campground

  Kid friendly

  Great for kids! The water attractions are great for the kiddos and the cabins aren’t half bad either!

• 

  Sharon B.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 20, 2020

  Boulder Creek Campground

  Average

  Can flood with a good downpour. Nice cabins. Close to railroad tracks so you will hear the trains go by. Does have activities for kids , pool, play area.

• 

  Dawn S.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 1, 2018

  Spook Cave and Campground

  Good with the bad

  The train tracks are extremely close to slot of sites. Very loud. K ly bsd thing. Cave tour was great but at extra cost. Lake/swimming/fishing was great. Cabin was clean and nice.

• J

  Jennfer C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 19, 2020

  Eagle Cave Resort LLC

  Unique Cave Camping

  This is a great family camp ground! Winter is best for cave camping! Mostly scouts and church groups during the winter. The cabins are very nice two sets of bunk beds. The best sloppy Joes you’ve ever had!

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 27, 2022

  Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

  Great State Forest cabin with trout fishing

  Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable/drink water outside. NO shower/bathroom, must use pit toilet just yards away at trailhead.

• 

  Melanie Jo L.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 15, 2021

  Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

  Great, amazing, fun, family oriented!

  Great scenery and views! Fun trails, great beach, lighthouse, boat docks, cabins, caves, and much more. Absolutely loved this place! Had a blast got lots of great pics and memories! Loved the trails but most of all the amazing views/scenery! Fun family oriented park!

• 

  Matt S.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 18, 2017

  Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

  Backbone SP is one of the best in Iowa

  I have visited a lot of Iowa parks and campgrounds. Backbone is one on my favorites. Backbone is the oldest state park in Iowa. You can take your canoe out on the lake or hit some of the hiking trails. There are cabins for rent if you don't want to sleep in a tent.

  Click on the following link to download the trail maps: www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/parks/trailmaps/trails_backbone.pdf

  This is a great place to stay but make sure you get your reservations in early if you plan on staying on the weekend. If you want it to be quiet and prefer less crowds but you still want to enjoy the park, I highly suggest taking some time off of work during the week and avoiding the weekend.

  This is a special place, the facilities, the showers, the campsites, the trails, and the lake are top quality.

• 

  Diane A.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 19, 2018

  Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

  Very nice and lots to do!

  There is a variety of things to do here. You can rent cabins, shelters, tent and RV camp, hike the trails especially the “Backbone”, explore the cave, fish trout streams, visit fish hatchery, swim at the beach, canoe, kayak or just have a picnic. Beautiful park! My sons have even repelled the bluffs.

• T

  Trish I.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 5, 2016

  Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

  Peaceful

  Backbone offers 2 different campgrounds, a beach, trout and regular fishing a playground anso electric and water hookups. This park books up fast but offers walk ins so don't give up if booked online. Also offers cabins, beautiful trails, paddle boats, and a snack shack during the day. A little bit for everyone.

• J

  Jeremy L.

  Traveler

  

  May. 22, 2018

  Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground

  Best place to unplug with the family.

  Excellent staff. One of the best kept campgrounds I've been to. Between the campground and the nearby towns, there is easily two weeks of activities to do. More depending on the time of year you go. They offer canoeing, kayaking, tubing, sand volleyball court, shower facilities, water and electrical hookups, cabins, picnic shelter, and firewood on site. Go to http://www.chimneyrocks.com for more information

• M

  MitchRoeschlein

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 12, 2021

  Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground

  Hidden oasis from the city

  We booked a spot for our RV because we wanted to explore the Decorah,IA area and it’s abundant set of activities. The campground is more on the rustic side but they have a nice clean shower house, very well kept grounds and a ton of space to spread out. The lower campground is right next to the river and there are RV, tent and cabin sites available.

• 

  James D.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 29, 2016

  Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

  A little bit of everything for everyone

  Iowa tends to get a bad wrap but this particular park should be love by many. I have family in Iowa and visit often. I decided on one trip to get out exploring a bit and stumbled upon this gem. Now, while there might not be mountains and alpine lakes and such, this is a beautiful park. We decided to picnic and quick day hike, but there are opportunities to do much more. There are designated trails for mountain biking and if kayaking, canoeing, or boating is your thing this place has you covered. Fishing is available for those so inclined. While we didn't stay the night, we did spy the campsites and checked out what they have to offer. They sell bait, firewood, rent boats, have concessions, a real bathroom (and some pit toilets!) and places for your trash. There is the opportunity to go rock climbing and even swimming in the lake. There are standard campsites as well as cabins to rent. While this place is not as primitive as I generally like, and was really busy, it is one heck of a park.

• M

  Megan S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 7, 2018

  Neshonoc Lakeside

  Lake Neshonoc is great!

  Great place to go kayak, decent place to fish, and good access to bike trail. The lake is about 600 acres in size and about 11 feet deep at the deepest point. Lake Sturgeon, Bass, Muskie, Pike, Walleye, and Bluegill can be caught at this location.

  The campground is more for motorhomes/rvs and the "glamper" types. Not ideal for tent campers. You can also rent cabins of all sorts of sizes.

• 

  Amy G.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 27, 2019

  Shady Rest Acres

  Bliss in the middle of the country

  In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.

  Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners.  They are happy to let you meet them with their presence. 

  There are 2 campsites, if you wish.  One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing!  The other is nestled in the woods.  Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet.  But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house.  The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days.  The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night. 

  At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours.  It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food.  So they know where it comes from and how it was treated.  I love it. 

  This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic.  Just what the soul ordered.

• 

  Alyssa B.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 19, 2020

  Upper Iowa Resort and Rental

  Always had a good time

  Wen I lived in Minnesota and my boyfriend was living in iowa, this was our go-to meeting place for our weekend getaways.  We only had a few issues over the 6 times we stayed there relating to reservations....but overall, it was a positive experience.

• 

  Westfork S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 28, 2020

  Westfork Sports Club & Campground

  On the banks of the Westfork of the Kickapoo river

  A beautiful location in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. Near hiking, biking, fishing attractions.  The campground is well groomed with lots of camping spots available. First come First serve with all sites being group sites.  A membership is required and covers all the amenities, well worth the cost. The club raises trout and does conservation work locally helping the environment.  Onsite showers and flush toilets. For rent on site is a cabin, 2 Native lodges and a clubhouse for large groups, events, and meetings.  Reservable from the website.  A very laid back and enjoyable campground with friendly people.

• 

  Susan & Kevin W.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 10, 2022

  Neshonoc Lakeside

  Old school camping fun

  This is a huge campground. It feels like a true old-school “campground” not an rv resort or even an RV park. The kind of campground you loved as a kid. It is hilly with mature trees, although not every site has shade. It is very family friendly. There are RV sites, cabins, tent sites and park models. A lot of long term people live here. The sites are grassy or gravel and are very roomy and level. Lots of activities for the kids…basketball, horseshoes, volleyball, sizeable pool, and playground. This place is older but very clean. Very friendly staff. The lake is absolutely stunning. Snag a spot with a lake view if you can! (See map pic). 1-2 bars on AT+T.

• 

  Erin A.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 20, 2021

  Upper Iowa Resort and Rental

  Lots to do!

  This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River. Had some beautiful sites along the river (couldn’t book one four our stay) but our site was nice (grass pad- spaced out fairly well from others) The best part of this camp is they offer tube canoe and kayak rentals with a shuttle to the put in then you float back to the campground. Also has a “pool”/man made pond with a beach all the way around it. Bathrooms and showers were clean (but very busy) and a nice camp store. Owners and camp hosts were awesome.

• 

  Lourene M.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 29, 2018

  Skip-A-Way Resort

  Very family friendly

  This campground has a lot of fun activities from April 15 thru Oct 15. They have permanent sites and rentals. There is tent sites and rental campers also. Sewer, water and electric. Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids and occasionally a dumping tank for free, also miniture golf. There. Is a store and bar on the grounds as wellas a pavilion for use any time where they also have children's movies every Saturday night during season. New bathrooms with shower's and rentals for canoes and tubes for the River. Very family friendly and affordable.