Cabins near Riverside, Iowa range from basic rustic structures to modern vacation rentals with full amenities. Located in eastern Iowa's Johnson County, the area sits at approximately 640 feet above sea level in a region characterized by rolling hills and the Iowa River watershed. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F, while summer highs reach into the 90s with moderate humidity, affecting cabin rental availability and pricing throughout the year.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Darling State Park provides excellent fishing access from cabin areas. "The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available. Paddle boats, canoes, and other options," notes a visitor who rated the park highly.
Wildlife viewing: Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow features a duck lagoon near cabin accommodations. "My kids loved it and we had a lot of fun feeding our feathered friends," writes Stuart K., who visited the campground's pond area with hundreds of ducks.
Hiking trails: Lake Iowa County Park offers trail access directly from cabin areas. A camper reported: "The area around the lake and near by pond, is not overly developed. There are wild raspberries and mulberries, lots of wildlife. We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through."
Water recreation: Palisades-Kepler State Park cabins provide access to paddling on the Cedar River. "Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations. Campground offers pads, firings, electric, tables, and there is a dump station," notes James M.
What campers like
Modern facilities: Little Bear Campground features three cabin rentals with full amenities. "Gas station right next door. Owner was very friendly and helpful. No reservation needed. We came in after hours and owner greeted us and made sure we got settled," writes Julie J.
Private accommodations: Calyx Creek Creekside Treehouse offers a unique lodging option with modern features. "Treehouse is located near lavender farm store and offers: heated floors, internet, loft sleeping, heat/AC, kitchen, views," notes James M.
Scenic views: Lake Iowa County Park cabins provide excellent vantage points. "Very few sites have a view of the lake. To walk to the lake or near by pond you must go down hill, which could be a problem for any one with mobility issues... I would say if you can try and get sites, 67-70. They have beautiful views," advises Leslie P.
Shower facilities: Beyonder Getaway maintains clean bathroom buildings. "The bathroom/shower room was large and clean," reports Kathy C., while another reviewer noted, "Clean bathrooms & showers. Didn't use the pool, but it looked nice."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Deep Lakes Park Cabins requires advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Neat, newer cabins nettled along the sand pit lakes. Well maintained park with bike trail running through, fishing, hiking, paddling all within areas of cabins," states James M.
Site leveling: Little Bear Campground cabins sit on more level ground than camping areas. "We only spent one night in a tent area in our van. Many RV's appeared to be seasonal campers. A downside was that the tent/grassy area was not flat," notes Kathy C.
Off-season limitations: Lake Darling State Park reduces cabin services during winter. "The full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table. Sometimes getting a whiff of black water waste while trying eat dinner leaves a little to be desired," warns Douglas P.
Cell service: Lake Darling State Park has limited connectivity. "And generally limited cell signal might be better that way eh?" notes a camper who found the disconnected nature of the experience beneficial.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Keokuk County Belva Deer Park offers clean facilities for families. "$12 a night for primitive camping and you get nice warm showers by the main entrance and nice bathrooms by the main entrance," reports Keith B. who gave the park a perfect rating.
Playground access: Beyonder Getaway includes a children's play area. "This campground has many amenities for the whole family. From tent sites, to Airbnb cabins for 9 people they have a site for everyone. They have laundry, showers, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, fishing and a swimming beach," writes Iris A.
Rental equipment: Lake Darling State Park provides family-friendly amenities. "The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available. Paddle boats, canoes, and other options," shares a visitor who enjoyed the accessibility of equipment.
Wildlife encounters: Lake Iowa County Park provides opportunities for nature viewing. "We had a blue jay that visited us regularly at our campsite, along with deer walking through," reports a camper who appreciated the wildlife observation opportunities for families.
Tips from RVers
Proximity to services: Beyonder Getaway provides good highway access. "Called the camp ground with our concern and they were more than accommodating. Very friendly on the phone. Once we arrived (late) everything was set out with a map. Pull in trailer options, so worth it!" reports Sadie S.
Seasonal considerations: Lake Iowa County Park cabins serve as alternatives when RV camping isn't ideal. "Shower house and bathrooms were really nice! Wasn't expecting to want to take a shower but couldn't pass up the opportunity when we saw them. Very hot water," notes Claudia M.
Parking limitations: Little Bear Campground requires planning for larger rigs. "Super nice staff. We stayed here for a few weeks while working in the area. The land is not flat. The spots are good and most are pull-throughs but some are too short for a 30' camper," explains Erik W.
Utility availability: Beyonder Getaway offers full hookups but with some site limitations. "Not only did it look like EVERY site was uneven this place was extremely outdated," reports a camper who faced challenges despite the amenities available.
