Cabin rentals near Ogden, Iowa are concentrated in county and state parks throughout the region. Elevation in this part of central Iowa ranges from 1,000 to 1,200 feet above sea level, creating rolling landscapes where campgrounds are often situated near small lakes or rivers. The camping season typically runs April through October, though select accommodations remain available year-round with varying winterization features.
What to do
Hiking trails at Ledges State Park: This park 23 miles southeast of Ogden features unique sandstone formations and challenging terrain. "The hiking trails are cool. I would say it was a challenging hike. A lot of up and down terrain, stone steps, etc. The ledges along the river were beautiful and depending on the river height you can walk right along them," notes Jennifer M.
Kayaking on local waterways: Several parks offer water access for paddling. At Don Williams Park, visitors enjoy the 150-acre lake. "Camped by tent, basic amenities on-site-fire ring, table, etc. Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff," shares James M.
Off-grid relaxation: For those seeking to disconnect, Springbrook State Park offers a true break from technology. "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. That's definitely not a bad thing since that's exactly what we were looking for," reports Jesse P.
What campers like
Lakeside camping sites: At Don Williams Park, waterfront sites are popular for their views and convenience. "Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views," according to Ryan M. The park offers tent and RV sites along with cabin accommodations.
Family facilities: Jester County Park receives high marks for its kid-friendly setup. "Fun easy spot near salorville mouth. Good fishing nice open areas and trails to explore. Lots of cool kid activities. Buffalo ranch near by which is cool as well as Pingora outdoor supply store near by where you can purchase firewood and other camp supplies," writes Luke C.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the value of county park cabins in the region. At Sportsman Park, visitors find excellent amenities at reasonable prices. "I rented a cabin for $50, because it was only about $10 more expensive than what we were planning on spending for a campsite in Minnesota," one visitor notes. The park features cabins with convenient amenities.
What you should know
Tent site locations vary significantly: At Ledges State Park, tent camping requires planning due to site placement. "If you want to tent camp, bring a cart or something to haul everything with. The parking lot is a LONG WAY from any private tent site. Youth group camp, the ones with all the energy and strength, is next to parking lot," cautions Lena H.
Cabin reservations required well in advance: Demand for cabins near Ogden increases significantly during summer months. At Spring Lake County Park, reservations fill quickly. "This place is really family friendly. Plenty of camping spaces, some right next to the lake. Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends," explains Korey A.
Limited cell service: Many parks in the region have poor or no cellular connectivity. At Springbrook State Park, visitors report: "No cell reception, which could be a 'con' but we like that it forces us to unplug," and another adds, "No cell service down at the campground. You could call that a pro or a con!"
Tips for camping with families
Check for unique activities: Spring Lake County Park offers roller skating during summer months. "The best waterfront camping we have found near us. Small friendly community of camping. Door to door ice and concession delivery. Awesome open air roller skating rink and nightly grilling parties at the beach," shares Jodi H.
Look for accessible facilities: Several cabin options in the region are designed with accessibility in mind. "Our cabin had a bathroom with an ADA shower, toilet, mirror and sink," reports one visitor about cabins at Don Williams Park. Similar accommodations can be found at other county parks.
Consider cabin options for unpredictable weather: Cabins provide security against Iowa's variable conditions. At Dolliver Memorial State Park, one visitor recalls: "We had a nice and cold adventure camping Easter weekend this year (March 31). Wish we would have rented one of the cute little cabins that have fire places. This park has great hiking trails."
Tips from RVers
Advance planning for water and electric: Some campgrounds in the region offer limited hookups. At Little Wall Lake County Park, RVers find good options: "This little gem is a great place to stay. Small lake. Some sites are reserveable online and some are first come first serve. We had water and electric on site," notes Mary.
Prepare for variable site conditions: Level sites can be at a premium in the region's parks. "Spots kind of level, lots of choices of pull thru or buddy sites. Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities," explains Mia L. about the Des Moines West KOA Holiday.
Check dump station availability: Many parks provide dump stations, but some have limited facilities. At Jester County Park, the facilities receive exceptional reviews: "I've never been to one so thought out and efficient. Weird favorite thing but if you know you know," according to Jim S.
