Top Cabins near Runnells, IA

Looking to cabin camp near Runnells and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Find the best information on cabin camping near Runnells, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. When you're looking for a quiet location in nature, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect cabin rental.

Best Cabin Sites Near Runnells, IA (17)

    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park

    1. Jester County Park

    27 Reviews
    45 Photos
    97 Saves
    Granger, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park

    2. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    57 Photos
    57 Saves
    Mitchellville, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground

    3. Ledges State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    57 Photos
    204 Saves
    Boone, Iowa

    Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape.

    The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA

    4. Newton KOA

    10 Reviews
    30 Photos
    18 Saves
    Kellogg, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground

    5. Timberline Campground

    12 Reviews
    6 Photos
    41 Saves
    West Des Moines, Iowa

    Timberline Campground is nestled on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, which is located just a few miles west of West Des Moines. It is conveniently situated one and a half miles away from Interstate 80, but your ears won’t be able to tell.

    From the shady campsites to the immaculate facilities, Timberline Campground continues to delight its guests time and time again. Let your hosts show you how Timberline Campground provides country camping with city convenience! ​

    Timberline is private property, not public property, and shall not be used as public property. Check in at the office and register all guests and planned activities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    6. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    22 Reviews
    33 Photos
    43 Saves
    Earlham, Iowa

    We are very excited to provide you and your family a memorable Iowa camping experience at the best rated Des Moines RV Park & Campground. If it's been years since you've camped at Des Moines West KOA, make it a point to stop back in to see all the new and exciting improvements, including 2 Dog Parks, Huge Jumping Pillow, Jump Shot (Trampoline Basketball), Water Wars, Paddle Boats, Organized Weekend Activities, Ladder Ball, Horseshoes, & Hunt Brother's Pizza & Wings. We promise you'll be pleasantly surprised. The park is nestled 1.5 miles north of I-80, off exit 106, amongst beautiful Iowa farm fields, in a peaceful rural setting, where the only thing you'll hear are the songbirds singing!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park

    7. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    28 Photos
    46 Saves
    Winterset, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $22 / night

  • 8. Waterfront Cabin

    1 Review
    13 Photos
    4 Saves
    Carlisle, Iowa

    Enjoy our relaxing cabin on an 8-acre pond just a couple of miles outside of the city. Highway access to a secluded spot in this 266-acre property. The cabin is “off the grid” so it can be run by a generator or wood burning stove, lamps, etc. There is a waterfront deck, firepits, tree swing, dock, and many other ways to enjoy the peaceful scenery. A generator will be supplied for a “not so off grid” experience if preferred. UTV rentals are an option when available ($250/day) if you want to explore the property and have some fun.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $200 - $300 / night

    • No image available

      9. Cuttys Des Moines Camping Club

      1 Review
      5 Saves
      Urbandale, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • No image available

        10. Eveland Access

        3 Reviews
        3 Saves
        Oskaloosa, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • RVs

        $20 / night

      Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

      Recent Cabin Reviews In Runnells

      143 Reviews of 17 Runnells Campgrounds


      • Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
        September 22, 2024

        Sportsman Park

        JJSploit

        This piece of writing is certain to attract the interest of readers from a wide variety of backgrounds due to the abundance of insightful content and topics that are pertinent to the topic at hand. JJSploit Official

      • Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
        August 31, 2024

        Winterset City Park

        Great city park on a cute town

        Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        May 23, 2024

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        Nice modern KOA

        Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs and also tent campers. Gravel sites require some leveling. Not much privacy between sites nor shade. Bathhouses were clean and private. Laundry available. Off leash dog area available. Convenient to John Wayne’s birthplace and covered bridges of Madison County. Bulk propane tanks were on site for winter campers. Camper cabins available. Small store with Hunt Brothers pizza to order. Gathering room on site and pedal car racetrack. Verizon cell signal was good. Garbage dumpster and dump station on site.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
        April 13, 2024

        Jester County Park

        camping

        we love it here people are great price is Right Showers are hot every time it a WOnderfull place •to be .

      • Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
        April 1, 2024

        Newton KOA

        This KOA Deserves Your Attention

        Literally a single stone’s throw from I80, one of the busiest thoroughfares you’ll find yourself on here in the great ‘Hawkeye State,’ this is one campground that very much deserves your attention, despite being a KOA. In fact, this campground outpost is so close to the highway that you’ll be hard pressed not to see or hear it during your entire stay. While this KOA does sit down a bit from the hustle & bustle that comes with a major interstate highway, a good number of the available RV sites sit on a sloping hill that is the same elevation as the highway itself, so if you do have the choice, opt for the lower sites (more on that later). 

        Sitting just 30 minutes east of Des Moines, Newton KOA offers up about 100 sites for RVs and 5th wheelers offering up all the standard hook-ups (water, sewage and 30 / 50 amp- but be careful because some sites only offer 30 or 50, while some do offer both, so be sure to ask when making your reservation). For mi tent pitching bredren, there’s about a dozen or so sites to choose from and all are fairly intermingled with the RV sites, although each site does sit on a plush patch of grass, so this KOA does a nice job on that front of integration. Oh, and if you don’t have an RV, 5th wheeler or a tent, on worries, this KOA will rent you one of its three cabins. 

        As this is a KOA you can expect a ton of amenities and this place does not disappoint with: catch & release fishing pond w/ fish cleaning station (that is oddly placed about as far away from the fishing pond as you can get), disc golf course, K9 camp for the puppies, cable TV, WiFi, in-ground pool (available 5/25 until 9/3) with ADA pool lift, horseshoes, meeting rooms, firewood for sale, LP gas refueling station, pool table, shuffleboard, social lounge, two kids playground, laundr-O-mat, basketball court, restroom & shower facilities, mini-market with basic groceries, ping pong, jump pad, game room, gaga pit, designated dumpster and dump station and of course the scattered fire pits and picnic tables. Just to go above and beyond, this KOA serves up free breakfast of flapjacks on Saturdays. Yahoo! 

        Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Whether you are pitching a tent or pulling up in your RV, the best sites IMHO are those in the lower valley, but located right in front of the main office, where there are 6 RV slots numbered #45 – 50 and 6 tent sites numbered T1 – T6; (2) Should you get hungry and might want to try some local fare, check out Taco John’s and La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant, which I guess stand for ‘local’ around here, although there is Newton Family Restaurant. If you are looking for something really different and amazing, I would suggest heading on over to Dan’s Sandwich Shop, which feels like real Americana from a bygone era, complete with a diner-esque vibe and matching elbow counter to warm up to over a nice piece of apple pie, scoop of ice cream washed down with a hot mug of coffee; (3) While this KOA has a mini-market, you will find a bigger selection with better prices just down the road at the local Walmart, where just due west of this, you’ll find a Hy-Vee Grocery store with a wine & spirits shop positioned there as well. Further down the road, you have excellent fresh cut meat from Fareway Grocery, but check out the local hotspot, Newton Market as well; and (4) While what you will discover from an outdoor standpoint at Newton KOA is interesting, if you want something more substantial, head to Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for 6 acres of family-friendly landscape to explore with more displays and demonstrations that you can shake a stick at! Seriously, there’s a butterfly garden, peony border and nearly 200 individual species of trees here to check out. 

        Happy Camping!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Eveland Access
        October 26, 2023

        Eveland Access

        Glendale Access

        20 bucks a day you submit your fill out sheet at the service area and drop it off in a drop box.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
        October 14, 2023

        Thomas Mitchell County Park

        Nice campground although not too many spaces.

        Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site, none of them were reserved. Bathroom/showers were clean.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
        August 28, 2023

        Thomas Mitchell County Park

        Clean and quiet in tent

        Spent 2 nights tent camping here. We stayed at site 4, glad I read reviews on here. I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent “sewage lagoon”

        Shower house was clean, pretty quiet, and only 5 miles off the highway

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        July 27, 2023

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        One of our favorites !

        Have stayed here several times, one of our grandkids favorite KOA's. Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
        July 26, 2023

        Sportsman Park

        Awesome

        Great camping sites! Can’t beat the price. Showers and toilets that were clean. Very peaceful. Best place we camped from Michigan to Washington!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Newton KOA
        July 24, 2023

        Newton KOA

        A decent option along the freeway

        Our stay here was fine. Check-in was easy and courteous. We were escorted to our site. All of the staff that we interacted with was great. It seems like this park has an original section and then expansion sections tired up a hillside. The original section is the only section with any mature shade trees. Our site, and it looked like the others in the tiered hillside section, were in full sun all day. We selected an upgraded patio site. It was spacious and the patio area was made from pavers. It was equiped the same as the other sites though, just a fire pit and a picnic table (that was in rough shape). Our experience at other KOAs is that the patio sites have some better patio furniture. The fire pit wasn't functional for cooking. The cooking grate was rusted and set about 1" off the bottom of the fire pit leaving no room for charcoal. Pool looked nice but we didn't use it. The bathrooms and showers were clean but the showers could use a place to set your dry clothes.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        July 18, 2023

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        Unbelievable !

        Stayed here for five nights attending a family reunion. First time staying at a koa and it was awesome. From the site service firewood and food delivery, to the location and people who stopped here in their travels. I will definitely stay at a KOA again!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        July 4, 2023

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        Very laid back

        QUIETEST KOA IN AMERICA. no hiway no traintracks or airport! Well kept.. bathrooms are a little scarce and WET.. but very nice little campground and VERY friendly staff.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
        June 21, 2023

        Winterset City Park

        Beautiful setting and quiet

        Wonderful setting and quiet place to stay. Beautiful views with quick access to Bridges of Madison County. Great hook ups and utilities!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
        June 7, 2023

        Timberline Campground

        Wish we could’ve stayed longer

        Marta and crew were so friendly and helpful! Clean bathrooms, beautiful property. Close to hwy but far enough away. We called ahead to arrive after hours and had to get back on the road in the morning. Wish we could’ve stayed longer!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
        May 25, 2023

        Ledges State Park Campground

        It's okay

        Great vibes. Camp's pretty far from the bones of the park, but the hike's relatively plesant. Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, LLC
        February 26, 2023

        Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, LLC

        Interstate to close

        You could literally throw a rock from the entrance and hit a passing semi. Would be a possible extended stay for construction folks. Not for any peace and quite camping. Have never stayed at the campground, only scouted. So can't comment on operators, or residents.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park Campground
        October 9, 2022

        Ledges State Park Campground

        Nice Campground

        Canyon road and limestone cliffs are awesome. Secluded spots in the trees. If you have Verizon and rely on data this may not be the campground for you.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
        September 26, 2022

        Timberline Campground

        Beautiful forested overnight stay

        We called ahead to see if they had sites available that night. Arrived just before the office closed at 7pm. They were ready for us and escorted us to our pull-through full-hookups site near the front of the campground. This is a huge property but laid out in different sections that each have their own flavor. The pull-throughs near the front are level, gravel pads with grass all around. Other areas are forested and some are hilly. Full-hookups worked fine. We stayed in site 121, which faces an open grassy area backed by a little forest that echoed with beautiful wildlife sounds in the evening. There are no campground lights except at the restrooms, so it’s great for stargazing! The restrooms were good.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
        August 26, 2022

        Thomas Mitchell County Park

        Lovely campground, mostly RVs/Camper Vans

        We rolled up to this campground past 10pm on a Thursday night just looking for a safe spot to sleep and hopefully a shower before getting back on the road. This place was great. The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time. There was no camp office that we could find, but we were pleasantly surprised when we found an open spot that we could make a same day reservation and payment online ($29 for an electric site after fees). There are QR codes at each site that you can scan to quickly and easily do this on the spot. You can reserve online ahead of time as well. The bathhouse was very clean and had two showers that had hot water. We could not hear the highway from our spot despite it being close by, and the other campers around were very quiet. My only somewhat negative note about this place is I am not sure at all where tent campers are intended to go. We were in a van and this was perfect for us, but for non-vehicle campers this may not be as ideal.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        July 17, 2022

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        What can I say…KOA!

        Everything you expect from a KOA. Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA Holiday
        July 17, 2022

        Des Moines West KOA Holiday

        Wonderful Quick Stay

        Stayed here overnight while heading to Colorado. Extremely friendly staff, very clean site, easy check-in and points redemption, and tons of activities for the kids. We would absolutely come back to stay for a full weekend!



      Guide to Runnells

      Camping near Runnells, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Hiking and Exploring: Ledges State Park Campground is a popular spot for hiking. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals." The scenic trails are perfect for both summer and winter hikes.
      • Water Activities: At Rock Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy a no-wake lake with boat and kayak rentals. A reviewer noted, "The campground area is clean. Showers and toilets are clean. The RV section of campground was nearly full but the tent/non-hook up section had lots of space."
      • Family Fun: Jester County Park offers a variety of activities, including airsoft gun and archery ranges. One camper shared, "Campgrounds amazing views airsoft gun and archery ranges snowshoeing equestrians and cross-country skiing."

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rock Creek State Park Campground said, "Clean facilities."
      • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Cherry Glen Campground, offer spacious sites. One camper remarked, "This campground is big and clean. It’s pretty peaceful & quiet."
      • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a reviewer said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A visitor at Ledges State Park Campground noted, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
      • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. One camper at Rock Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is busy in the summer months."
      • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds, like Prairie Flower Recreation Area, require reservations, especially during peak times. A camper advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly activities. Jester County Park has a kids' playground and hiking trails, making it a great spot for families. One camper said, "The campgrounds are great; the facilities are amazing."
      • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A visitor at Cherry Glen Campground mentioned, "Some sites are close together, but generally spacious."
      • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has food options. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, a camper noted, "Pizza on site is excellent and you can order it ahead for your arrival."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground said, "The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine."
      • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. At Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "Some sites have full hookups, ours had only electrical."
      • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow roads, so be cautious when maneuvering. A visitor at Walnut Woods State Park Campground noted, "The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow."

      Camping near Runnells, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Runnells, IA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Runnells, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.4-star rating from 27 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find cabin camping near Runnells, IA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 17 cabin camping locations near Runnells, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.