Cabin accommodations near Roland, Iowa range from rustic to modern options with many available year-round. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter temperatures frequently below freezing. Several parks maintain cabin facilities with varying price points between $50-100 per night depending on amenities and size.
What to do
Hiking at Ledges State Park: Located about 20 miles west of Roland, the park offers challenging terrain with sandstone formations. "This is the best park in the state of Iowa, so much fun going thru the low water crossings!" notes Kent B. about Ledges State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple bodies of water near cabins provide fishing access. At Little Wall Lake County Park, one visitor observed, "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." The lake has multiple shore fishing spots.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks maintain natural habitats for viewing native animals. James D. explains, "It is a quiet park that had a lot of local dog walkers and would be a peaceful place to stay with the kids if stopping through the area. There is a playground on site and you can fish out of the Des Moines River."
Golfing options: For cabin guests seeking recreational activities, Briggs Woods Park combines overnight stays with a course on-site. "There are sites with full hookups, H2O and Elec, or Elec only," reports Judy B., who also noted, "The wonderful thing about the park is the magnificent trees."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Many cabins have access to recently renovated bathhouses. A reviewer at Pine Lake State Park Campground remarked, "They've recently updated the bathroom/shower houses to be shared bathroom spaces with individual shower 'closets' on the opposite side of the building. Excellent upgrade!"
Proximity to water: Cabins situated near lakes or rivers rank highly in reviews. "We loved camping at ledges! Tons of beautiful views and fun hiking! We went a bit off the path with our dog, which made it a bit more fun!" shares Elizabeth K.
Year-round availability: Some cabins remain open through winter months when campgrounds close. About Pine Lake State Park, a reviewer noted, "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."
Cabin amenities: Visitors appreciate modern touches in rustic settings. At Tower Rock, Kerry M. explains, "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."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Some cabin locations have poor connectivity. About Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground, Jeannie D. advises, "Antenna coverage is fine for catching your evening weather report, but cell service cuts out as you drive down into the park, and does not resume until you come back up and out."
Reservation windows: Many cabins require booking well in advance, especially during summer months. "Dolliver State Park was our maiden voyage in our travel trailer and it was obvious we were pitiful newbies! The park staff were friendly and very helpful as were our fellow campers," shares Lorraine H.
Noise considerations: Proximity to roads or other campers impacts some cabin locations. Cari W. noted about Briggs Woods Park, "We stayed Sun-Wed in May. Closest other campers were about a football field away. Very quiet park, we stayed in the back."
Weather impacts: Iowa's variable conditions affect cabin accessibility and comfort. Bill M. cautions about Little Wall Lake County Park: "This is a nice small camp area that only has one downfall: a lack of wind break. We went when the wind was blowing in typical Iowa summer fashion."
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal activities: Family programs vary throughout the year at many cabin locations. At Jester County Park, Luke C. shares, "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."
Creek access for kids: Several cabin sites feature water play areas. About Thomas Mitchell County Park, Willy W. reports, "Great place to go tent camping, very clean and quiet. They sell firewood bundles for $5. Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat."
Educational opportunities: Nature programs enhance family stays at certain locations. Matt S. describes Jester County Park: "A lot has changed since then. The County has invested a lot of resources into this park making it a great place to stay when enjoying the fun at Saylorville Lake."
Group accommodations: Multi-cabin options exist for extended family gatherings. One visitor to Briggs Woods Park noted, "There are several campsites, cabins, golf course, access to canoeing or kayaking on the Boone River, along with hiking trails, swimming and fishing. One area is good for a group of campers as the sites are in a circle."
Tips from RVers
Parking considerations: Sites accommodate various vehicle sizes, but some have limitations. At Don Williams Park, Steve B. recommends the "Peaceful camping with lots of room, 50 amp hook ups and water easily available."
Utility connections: Full-hookup cabin sites provide additional convenience. Jim S. shared about Jester County Park: "Only spent two days there but could make it a two week vacation and never get tired of it. Okay, let's address the dump station, I've never been to one so thought out and efficient."
Site selection strategy: Specific locations offer advantages within each park. Lorraine H. explains, "The sites are mostly level with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites range from shady to sunny and the reservation website depicts the sites with a small photo and details about the amount of slope and shade."
Seasonal closures: Not all cabin facilities remain operational year-round. James M. notes that Don Williams Park offers "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."
