Cabin camping near Story City, Iowa provides overnight shelter within forested settings and lakeside environments. Located in the Des Moines Lobe landform region, the area features glacial deposits that created the rolling terrain and small lakes dotting the landscape. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making heated cabin accommodations particularly valuable from November through March.
What to do
Hiking through sandstone formations: Ledges State Park Campground offers unique geological features uncommon in central Iowa. "This is the best park in the state of Iowa, so much fun going thru the low water crossings!" reports Kent B. The park's trail system includes stone steps and varied terrain with distinct elevation changes.
Paddling on multiple waterways: Visitors can access both river and lake paddling opportunities. "Pine lake is not that far away either and offers many fun activities," notes Kerry M. about Tower Rock cabins. At Don Williams Park, "Great sites right on the lake. Trails, fishing and beautiful lake views," according to Ryan M.
Roller skating at historic rink: Spring Lake County Park maintains a unique amenity rarely found at campgrounds. "There is a roller rink and a concession stand. This is a very busy campground in the summer," explains Dave M. The skating rink operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What campers like
Cabin proximity to recreation: The cabin locations allow for easy access to multiple activities. At Pine Lake State Park Campground, one visitor shared, "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." Hiking trails begin right outside several cabin locations.
Modern amenities: Tower Rock cabins receive praise for their updated facilities. "The two cabins are fairly new and have all of the amenities," notes Kerry M. Similarly, at Little Wall Lake County Park, a visitor mentioned, "This little gem is a great place to stay. Small lake. Some sites are reserveable online and some are first come first serve."
Location variety: The terrain around Story City provides diverse settings from lakeside to woodland cabins. At Briggs Woods Park, "We stayed in the back. We had water/power but no sewer hookup. Only downside to this park is there are no garbage cans," reports Cari W. Cabin placement ranges from waterfront to secluded wooded sites.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. At Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground, "Cell service cuts out as you drive down into the park, and does not resume until you come back up and out. There's no wifi, and I'm not sure how satellite service would fare down here," advises Jeannie D.
Reservation timing: Demand fluctuates seasonally with distinct peak periods. "Stayed Sun-Wed in May. Closest other campers were about a football field away," reports Cari W. about Briggs Woods Park. For weekend stays during summer, reservations need to be made well in advance.
Weather considerations: The open landscape can create challenging conditions. At Little Wall Lake County Park, Bill M. notes its "one downfall: a lack of wind break. We went when the wind was blowing in typical Iowa summer fashion." Winter cabin rentals should prepare for potentially difficult access during snow events.
Tips for camping with families
Water access for children: Multiple parks offer shallow water areas appropriate for supervised play. "Kids were having a blast in the water," shares Shannon G. about Thomas Mitchell County Park. The park features "a creek that flows behind the sites with large stairs to get down to it."
Recreation rentals: Equipment availability varies by location and season. At Spring Lake County Park, "There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand," reports Dave M. Some parks offer boat, kayak, and recreation equipment rentals during peak season.
Playground proximity: Several cabin locations include play structures within walking distance. "Great access to river a short drive away for fabulous river tubing and kayaking. The campground has nice bathroom facilities," notes Abby F. about Pine Lake State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Facilities for RV waste disposal vary between parks. At Thomas Mitchell County Park, campers should "avoid sites 18 and 19" as they are close to the "sewage lagoon by the RV dump spot," warns Thomas B. Several parks offer freshwater fill alongside dump stations.
Site leveling requirements: The terrain creates challenges for larger rigs. At Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground, "Sites can be a little squat in the middle loops, and no fhu," reports Jeannie D. Some cabin sites can accommodate RVs alongside for extended family camping.
Power hookup variations: Electrical service differs between locations. "There are sites with full hookups, H2O and Elec, or Elec only," explains Judy B. about Briggs Woods Park. Most cabin areas feature 50-amp service where electrical hookups are available for adjacent camping.
