Cabin rental options near Plainfield, Iowa include properties located within a 35-mile radius along rivers, lakes, and recreational areas. The region sits in northeast Iowa's rolling farmland at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, with seasonal temperatures ranging from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows below freezing. During peak summer months, cabin availability becomes limited throughout the area, so advance reservations are typically required.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Pine Lake State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems around both upper and lower Pine Lake. According to one camper, "Lovely views, great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept."
River activities: Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground provides easy river access for water recreation. A visitor notes, "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."
Fishing opportunities: L. Brandt's Crazy Acres Campground offers both lake and shore fishing, with rental cabins available. The campground also features mini-golf, swimming beach, and playgrounds. A visitor shared, "L. Brandt's Crazy Acres Campground is a quiet and peaceful campground. The kids had fun playing mini golf, swimming at the beach and playing at the playgrounds."
Wildlife viewing: Hickory Hills Park provides unique wildlife observation opportunities alongside cabin accommodations. As one camper described, "This is a 700+ acre park with hiking, fishing, and disc golf. It also has modern amenities and a small zoo of animals from birds to buffalo."
What campers like
Modern facilities: Riverside County Park receives praise for its newly renovated facilities and cabin options. A reviewer wrote, "Totally renovated 2 years ago nestled along the little Cedar river above the dam. New Shower house/bathrooms. Natural themed kids play area including a huge tree house. City water and sewer with 50 and 30 amp to each site."
Privacy between sites: Skip-A-Way Resort offers more secluded cabin rentals compared to some other locations. A camper observed, "This was a nice campground next to a small town - nice quiet sites. Sites were kind of close together. Mostly seasonal spots here."
Clean bathrooms: Big Woods Lake maintains high standards for their facilities near their cabin rentals. According to a visitor, "Nice park with a bike path around the lake. A few nature trails, but nothing I would call hiking. Two vault toilets placed on the bike path. One modern bathroom with showers in the campground."
Waterfront locations: Several cabin rentals sit directly on waterways. At Pine Lake State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "My family and I rented one of the cabins here. They were nice cabins just off the bank of the river! The cabin comfortably fit 4 of us."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA recommends booking cabins well in advance, especially for summer weekends. A reviewer mentioned, "We stayed at the Lost Island water park KOA for just one night while passing through the area. We had no problems getting a spot here. Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained."
Kitchen supplies needed: While many cabins include basic kitchens, campers should bring their own cookware and utensils. At Tower Rock, a visitor shared, "The two cabins are fairly new and have all of the amenities. My mother-in-law stayed here while visiting recently and we enjoyed spending time at her cabin."
Variable shade conditions: Some cabin sites offer minimal tree coverage. A Big Woods Lake camper noted, "As far as RV parks go, this one is young and the lack of shade is only evidence of that. Sites are well planned out though, giving each camper plenty of space."
Cell service coverage: Connectivity varies by location but is generally available. At Waterloo KOA, a visitor reported, "We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers family-centered activities beyond the waterpark. A reviewer explained, "Great RV park. Lots of room and cabin rentals for folks that don't have an RV. The fenced dog park was fantastic for those of us with dogs. A lake with beach area and an area for fishing founded it out!"
Cabin size considerations: Most cabin rentals sleep 4-6 people comfortably. Pine Lake cabins are described by one visitor: "It had a nice stone fireplace a decent living room, small kitchen, and bathroom. Nice hiking trails right outside the cabin, along the river."
Swimming options: Several cabin locations offer swimming in lakes or man-made ponds. At Riverside County Park, a visitor described, "Man made swimming pond with a lighted waterfall. Volleyball and walking trails with primitive camping across the road."
Pack appropriate gear: Weather can change quickly in northern Iowa, requiring preparation. A Tower Rock visitor recommended, "Great place to spend a weekend. Very comfortable and cozy."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility for larger vehicles: Not all cabin areas can accommodate big rigs. A Chimney Rock visitor shared, "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."
Utility connections: While cabins typically include electric service, amenities vary. At Waterloo KOA, a camper noted, "Quiet well kept campground. Showers were nice, sites were decent in size, with some shade. Kids had fun at the swimming pond."
Level sites: Some locations offer more level parking than others. A Riverside County Park visitor mentioned, "Very long parking pads - big rig friendly and very roomy sites. Nice walking trails on the east and south side of the park."
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close during winter months. A Pine Lake camper advised, "This campground is near home so I know it well. The campground itself is nice, with some decent sized campsites, many having a great view of upper Pine Lake."
