Union Grove State Park offers cabins near Shell Rock where visitors can fish in the small lake or enjoy non-motorized water activities. The cabins provide electric hookups with some situated directly on the water. Most camping areas have dedicated RV sites, while a few campgrounds maintain tent-only spaces away from larger vehicles. Cedar Falls' campgrounds balance accessibility with natural surroundings within 30 miles of Shell Rock.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Hickory Hills Park provides an 18-hole disc golf course within its 700-acre grounds where campers can play between fishing sessions. The park combines recreational activities with accommodation options, including cabins. "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," notes Ronnie N.
Kayaking on calm waters: Pine Lake State Park Campground offers paddling opportunities on both upper and lower Pine Lake with boat launches accessible from the camping area. "Can get busy on the weekends but if you camp mid-week you may be the only folks around. Very peaceful," shares MitchRoeschlein, who appreciated the tranquility for water activities.
Swimming at the lake beach: Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA provides a swimming beach at their on-site lake along with boat rentals for family recreation. "Very pretty Campground with colorful Kabin's and a lake for swimming or paddle boats. Level sites but not much shade," reports Mary D., highlighting the water recreation options.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Camping cabins near Shell Rock benefit from recently updated facilities, particularly at Pine Lake. "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!" reports one camper who appreciated the privacy and cleanliness.
Mini-golf and recreation: Wilder City Park offers family-friendly activities alongside cabin accommodations. "They have sand volleyball pickle ball miniature golf and huge checkers plus a couple playgrounds for the kids. It's a nice quiet family campground," says Jeremy N., highlighting the variety of on-site recreational options.
Year-round availability: Several cabin sites remain open through winter months, unlike traditional tent camping areas that close seasonally. "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," notes Kerry M., who describes the all-season accessibility.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially during summer when occupancy rates reach 100% on weekends. Weekday stays typically offer more availability and quieter surroundings.
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Union Grove State Park Campground offers basic cabins with electric but minimal furnishings. "Union Grove is known for having good lake fishing. The lake is also a great place for kayaking or canoeing. The campground has mostly RV sites, but there are a handful of smaller tent sites at the back," explains Kerry M.
Access to town services: Most cabin campgrounds sit within 15 minutes of small towns where campers can purchase supplies. "The town of Eldora, just outside the park has groceries, gas and some low grade restaurants available," notes Brian F. regarding services near Pine Lake cabins.
Tips for camping with families
Animal viewing opportunities: Hickory Hills Park maintains a small zoo area where children can observe various animals. "This is a great quiet park with animals for visiting and a very clean shower house," reports Andi A., making it suitable for educational family outings.
Seasonal activities: L. Brandt's Crazy Acres Campground & Cabin Rental hosts special events like Halloween trick-or-treating among campers. "The weekend we camped there was their Halloween trick or treating and all the campers were very nice. It was a very relaxing weekend!" shares Nichole P., emphasizing the community atmosphere.
Multiple playgrounds: Families appreciate the dedicated children's areas at most cabin campgrounds near Shell Rock. "The kids had fun playing mini golf, swimming at the beach and playing at the playgrounds. The people that run the campground are so nice," notes a visitor at L. Brandt's Crazy Acres.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RV campers seeking cabins for non-RV guests should note which parks offer both accommodation types. "50 + sites with about half of them full hook up. Costs for a full hook up in 2022 was under $25 a night," reports michelle about Wilder City Park's facilities.
Site selection considerations: Tower Rock offers modern cabins that accommodate visitors who prefer not to use RVs. "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," shares Kerry M., noting that traditional camping is no longer permitted at this location.
Buddy site layouts: Big Woods Lake Recreation Area features specially designed sites where cabins and RVs can set up facing each other. "Sites are well planned out though, giving each camper plenty of space. Several buddy set ups, allowing two campers to set up with main doors facing each other," explains Steve T.
