Mount Pleasant, Iowa offers visitors several cabin camping destinations within a 30-mile radius. The area sits amid gently rolling hills at approximately 730 feet above sea level, with the Skunk River and its tributaries creating natural corridors through the landscape. Summer cabin rentals typically require booking 2-3 months in advance, with peak temperatures averaging 83°F in July.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Spring Lake Campground provides a well-stocked lake perfect for various fishing methods. One visitor shared: "I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat."
Hiking trail exploration: Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground offers well-maintained hiking trails even in the off-season. A camper noted: "Trails were well maintained and tended even late into the season. My pups and I loved walking the lake loop (2.1miles) every day."
Horseback riding: Waubonsie Trail Park features dedicated equestrian trails separate from standard hiking paths. A visitor commented: "We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup."
Stargazing opportunities: Big Hollow Recreation Area includes designated areas for telescope use. According to a camper: "There's a gun range, horse farm, playground, bathrooms, and even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!"
What campers like
Variety of cabin options: Wilson Lake Park provides both concrete pad sites and primitive options alongside cabin rentals. One visitor reported: "Nice campground with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins."
Affordability: Indian Lake Park offers reasonably priced cabin accommodations. A reviewer mentioned: "They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced."
Beach access: Several cabin locations include swimming beaches for summer recreation. A camper at Lacey Keosauqua State Park noted: "Nice sites, great beach, and just close enough to town to grab some ice cream from a local shop."
Amenities for extended stays: Cabins at Spring Lake provide comfort for longer visits. A reviewer shared: "Great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabin availability varies significantly by season, with high demand periods requiring advanced planning. A camper noted about Big Hollow Recreation Area: "I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far."
Bathhouse conditions: Shower facilities vary between parks, with some newer than others. A visitor to Lacey Keosauqua State Park commented: "Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."
Site layout considerations: Cabin locations relative to amenities can impact your experience. A camper at Indian Lake Park shared: "Most of the sites are nice and shady and level. A bathhouse with showers. A stone lodge for large parties."
Off-season limitations: Many cabin facilities reduce services during winter months. A visitor to Lacey Keosauqua noted: "Stayed for a week in mid November. Although we had a storm at the beginning and end the overall stay was great. Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lee County Pollmiller Park provides play areas near cabin accommodations. A visitor observed: "Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake."
Budget-friendly weekends: Some parks offer promotional pricing. A visitor to Pollmiller Park mentioned: "i loved it there they had a weekend that u could stay there for free! it was very nice i was the only onevat the campground at the time!"
Water activities for different ages: Multiple cabin locations offer varied water recreation options. A camper at Big Hollow Recreation Area shared: "Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats (whole lake is no wake zone) or kayaks."
Family gathering spaces: Some cabin areas include communal facilities for group activities. A visitor to Waubonsie Trail Park noted: "Horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area were nice surprises. All for under $20 for electric RV site! Great campground for a small group event."
Tips from RVers
Site hookup configurations: Cabin camping areas often share facilities with RV sites, which can affect your cabin experience. At Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground, a visitor advised: "Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern."
Firewood availability: Some locations sell wood on-site for cabin guests. A camper at Big Hollow Recreation Area mentioned: "Campground host was very helpful. Inexpensive firewood. Enjoyed our stay here."
Campground host support: On-site hosts can provide assistance with cabin needs. A reviewer at Indian Lake Park shared: "Tony and his wife are the camp hosts. Tony was so helpful and nice. The camp sites are spacious and clean."
Off-season temperature ranges: For those considering cabin camping beyond summer, weather conditions vary significantly. A Lacey Keosauqua camper reported: "Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night."
