Cabins near Ocheyedan, Iowa provide access to outdoor recreation in the northwest Iowa prairie landscape at approximately 1,470 feet elevation. Seasonal temperature variations affect cabin availability, with most accommodations closing after October until early May when temperatures average 30-80°F. Several recreation areas feature small lakes and river access points within 30 miles of town.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Shetek State Park offers excellent fishing in its shallow 10-foot deep lake. "The lake and grounds are well maintained. The showers are decent but take quarters to use them," notes a visitor to Lake Pahoja Recreation Area. "The Lake offers terrific fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Awesome hiking path surrounds the lake with benches to take breaks and educational signs to help you learn about the area!"
Swimming areas: Rock Rapids provides swimming options with beach access. "Very cheap, 15$ a night for rv with electric and water, 5$ for tents. Huge swimming area with slides for kids, and river with a lot of fish! Brand New shower houses," reports a camper at Island Park. Rivers Bend Campground also features "a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail."
Hiking trails: Multiple parks offer walking paths ranging from shoreline loops to forest trails. "Beautiful lake setting. LARGE well maintained walking trails, most are flatter so easy to walk," writes a visitor about Sunrise Campground at Lake Shetek State Park. "We saw and heard many birds including songbirds, woodpeckers, geese, turkeys, pelicans, turkey vultures, and a nesting swan."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campgrounds in the region typically offer well-separated cabins and tent sites. "The sites in the sunrise campground were the largest we've ever setup camp on," shares one visitor. "We had a great view of the lake from our tent site. Sites were very large for a state park."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in reviews. "Bathroom/shower buildings are VERY CLEAN, well maintained and showers work great and have very warm water," reports a visitor to Oak Woods Campground. Another camper notes, "Restrooms, and showers are clean and better than I have experienced at other state parks."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "We saw deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and a mink. We heard coyotes the first night," writes a camper. "Lots of deer, raccoons and turtles roam through campground often."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many cabin rental facilities close during winter months. "Campground Currently Closed. Drove over tonight excited for my stay at this neat looking park. Unfortunately it appears that the June 2024 flood damaged the campground and it's currently closed for repair," reports a recent visitor to Island Park in Rock Rapids.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience periodic noise issues. "The night we stayed, there was racing going on at Rapid Speedway that lasted well into the evening. Extremely LOUD. Make sure to check the race schedule the night you want to stay and move on down the road if a race is happening," advises a camper at Island Park.
Grocery access: Stock up on supplies before arrival as major stores can be distant. "Stock up on groceries as large grocery stores are approximately 40 minutes away," notes a visitor to Sunrise Campground. Jackson KOA provides a market on-site, with a reviewer mentioning, "I've been to several KOAs while traveling and this one does not disappoint. Clean and updated bathrooms, nice pool and friendly staff."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. "A very nice playground for the kids. Small lake where boating is permitted but no gas motors," writes a visitor to Mill Creek State Park. "Also nice for canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Nice paths for hiking or biking."
Entertainment options: Local attractions provide family-friendly activities. "I met the previous owner of the park and his wife, and told about some cool things to do in the area including the Jeffers Petroglyphs, a fort in the town of Jackson, and the town from Little House on the Prairie," shares a Jackson KOA visitor.
Swimming beaches: Several parks feature dedicated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "The actual swimming beach gets flooded out easily, however there are secret beaches all over!" notes a Sunrise Campground camper. "Swimming was great and fishing was fun on the rocks!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy levels. "Tent camping spots are large and separate from RV spots. $15 a night for tents. Only problem was the distance to the bathroom," reports a visitor to Martin Area County Park. "We had a very nice spot on the lake. Large grassy campsite with shade."
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections differ between parks. "Sites are level, easy to get into, and had a nice tree providing some shade. Water pressure was good, no issues with electric," notes a Jackson KOA visitor. Rivers Bend Campground offers "decent size spots with lakefront views at just about all of them."
