Cabins near La Motte, Iowa sit within the rolling hills of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, where elevation ranges between 600-900 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically between 75-85°F during peak camping months from May through September. Winter cabin rentals remain available at select locations, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Eden Valley Refuge, the trail system offers multiple terrain options within 1-2 miles of cabins. "There are about 5 trails to explore nearby. On the main trail to get to the pack in sites there are a few very small caverns you can visit that are accessible by stairs right off the trail," notes Linsey M.
Fishing opportunities: Pride Lake at Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins offers catch-and-release fishing within walking distance of cabin rentals. "Pride Lake is smaller but fun to fish," writes James M., who also mentions the park has "miles to hike, horse and bike trails."
Stargazing sessions: The area's low light pollution makes stargazing a worthwhile evening activity. At Eden Valley Refuge, "At night you can hike about a 1/2 mile to the Watchtower and watch the beautiful sun set over the horizon of treetops and if you stay long enough you can stargaze. It is absolutely pitch black. PERFECT for stargazing on a clear night," shares Linsey M.
What campers like
Spacious accommodations: The cabin at Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. receives consistent praise for its roominess. "Cabin sleeps 6, full modern kitchen, ADA accessible, fire ring, grill, wood at no cost, picnic table, hard surface parking for 2 cars, bird feeder for viewing, River Trailhead right outside Kestrel Cabin!" notes James M.
Private settings: Multiple cabins offer secluded locations for guests seeking quiet. "Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail," writes James M. about the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center cabin.
Proximity to water: Off Shore RV Park provides villa-style cabins with Mississippi River views. "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric. Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park," explains James M.
What you should know
Accessibility considerations: Many cabins provide ADA-compliant features. At Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr., James M. notes the Kestrel Cabin offers "ADA accessible, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails."
Seasonal closures: Most water amenities close during colder months. At Palace Campground, Lauren P. mentions "nice pool (closed right now too cold)," indicating visitors should check seasonal availability before booking.
Train noise: Some cabin locations experience railroad disruptions. At Coconut Cove RV Resort, one visitor reports, "For us, the freight trains crushed the experience. Trains ran all night long, park is near a crossing so trains sound the horn each time they pass."
Reservation requirements: Weekend and summer cabin bookings fill quickly, requiring advance planning. At Eden Valley Refuge, "These sites must be reserved online and are $13 a night. Firewood is available for purchase at the main campground from the campground host," explains Linsey M.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Select cabins with dedicated play areas nearby. "The camp host was very friendly and helpful. There's a nice playground for the kids and a horse shoe pit," shares Chris D. about Eden Valley Refuge.
Educational opportunities: The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center offers wildlife learning experiences near cabin rentals. "Park is a nature preserve with only 1 cabin for rent (Kestrel Cabin) sleeping six. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River," notes James M.
Historical activities: Consider cabins with nearby historical attractions. At Scott County Park, Seth N. recommends, "Pioneer village if you've never been was the absolute bees knees as a kid to go to, especially since you can hike to get there! I loved climbing around in the train cars, eating icecream/candy canes, and watching the blacksmith work."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Cabin campers with trailers should note site characteristics. At Blanding Landing, Tony D. observes, "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level."
Weekend congestion: Plan for increased occupancy on weekends. "The campground was pretty quiet and sparse until Friday rolled around and it filled up fast! All but one site was full!" notes M E. about Bald Eagle Campground.
Utility hookups: Some cabins include RV hookups nearby for hybrid camping experiences. At Palace Campground, "The sites are VERY close together but we were next to very nice people, if you like space you won't like this," explains Lauren P.
