Cabins near Stuart, Iowa offer overnight stays in a region characterized by rolling hills and agricultural landscapes at elevations between 1,100-1,400 feet above sea level. Most cabin accommodations in this central Iowa area remain open seasonally from early spring through late fall, with limited winter availability. Temperature ranges from 10°F in winter to 85°F in summer affect cabin amenities and comfort considerations.
What to do
Hiking and outdoor exploration: Winterset City Park provides a scenic two-mile loop trail leading to Clark's Tower with views of Madison County's rolling hills. "There is a two mile loop that leads you up Clark's Tower where you can see the rolling hills of gorgeous Madison county," notes visitor Carson O.
Water activities: Green Valley State Park offers fishing, boating, and swimming options at their lake. "Beach at walking distance through the trail. Fishing area, two kid playgrounds and at around 15 minutes to any grocery stores and gas stations," reports Angel E. The park features shoreline fishing access points and rental options during peak season.
Local attractions: Winterset City Park serves as a base for exploring the Bridges of Madison County, John Wayne Museum, and local ice cream shops. "We will definitely return, we loved this park. The bridges of Madisin County, Clarke Tower, cute local ice cream shop, John Wayne Museum! So much fun in a cute Iowa community!" says Adam.
Cycling opportunities: Sportsman Park provides access to the 89-mile Raccoon River Valley Trail. "Set off the road a bit in a tiny little town in Iowa, it's along a river and very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89 mile loop trail (paved) that goes through several towns and counties. It costs $2/person/day if you are 18 or older, or a year pass is $10," explains Amy G.
What campers like
Year-round availability: Some cabin rentals near Stuart operate through winter months despite seasonal closures elsewhere. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, "Now open year round. Office is open until 7pm which was very helpful as we arrived a little later than expected. We'll kept, clean bathrooms with space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold," reports Iris A.
Family amenities: Cabins at Des Moines West KOA Holiday include access to recreational facilities for children. "They have a ton of fun amenities for kids such as a pool, dunk tank, gem mining, ladder golf, horseshoes, jumping pillow, water balloon wars, basketball and more," adds Iris A.
Scenic locations: Jester County Park cabins offer water views and proximity to natural areas. "Jester Park is our go-to camping destination in central Iowa! By far, this county park has a lot of fun activities and access points to the Saylorville waterway circuit. In addition to the water access ways, there is a sweet pond to fish in, several hiking trails, a brand new Nature Center, amphitheater, bison and bird viewing, and even cabins if you want to rent them (fully stocked, linens included!)," explains Larissa C.
Cabin features: Many cabins include unexpected amenities. At Sportsman Park cabins, visitors appreciate the full facilities: "Inside, you had two bunk beds, and the bottom bunk of one was a pull out futon, so you really had room to sleep 5 people... There was also a bathroom with an ADA shower, toilet, mirror and sink. In the room, there was a mini fridge, coffee maker, microwave, little sink and it even had air conditioning!"
What you should know
Bathroom access: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between cabin properties. At Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures, some accommodations lack bathroom facilities. "A great spot for camping and RVing. Super friendly staff and great amenities. Only downside was there were no bathrooms," notes Sarah C. about Middle River Point.
Reservation requirements: Many cabins near Stuart require advance booking, particularly during summer months. At Winterset City Park, the campground has a camp host on site for assistance with reservations and facilities. "The campground is well maintained and has a camp host on site. The Shower/restrooms were clean and stocked. Firewood is available for 8$ a bundle," states Rick D.
Off-season considerations: Some cabin rentals modify their amenities during winter months. Des Moines West KOA Holiday maintains heated facilities during colder seasons: "Bathroom facilities adequate. Office is open until 7pm which was very helpful as we arrived a little later than expected. We'll kept, clean bathrooms with space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold."
Noise factors: Location affects the cabin experience. Shady Brook Camping is positioned near transportation corridors: "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," Kelly warns.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Des Moines West KOA Holiday offers numerous organized events for children. "There are many organized weekend activities for families. Very little shade. Not far from town and other local attractions," shares Debra G.
Swimming options: Several cabin locations provide water access for children. Green Valley State Park features a lake and beach area: "A small friendly campground on a lake. Fish, boat, hike or bike. Sit by a campfire or visit with your neighbor. This is the place to be!" according to Nancy H.
Cabin selection for groups: Some properties offer special arrangements for families traveling together. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday: "We stayed at the West Des Moines KOA for the Nationals Softball Tournament for my daughter in July. There were 6 families that stayed there with us. It was so much fun because we were able to all be either on buddy sites together and one had a patio site. The pool was refreshing for the girls and all of the activities kept them busy and having fun!"
Communication limitations: Cell service varies by location around Stuart. At Springbrook State Park Campground, "You'll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at. That's definitely not a bad thing since that's exactly what we were looking for!" notes Jesse P.
Tips from RVers
Site locations: RV spaces and cabins often have different positioning within campgrounds. At Winterset City Park, "The campground is clean and there is a large space for campers/RVs and a separate spot for tents towards the back of the campground toward the park."
Utility connections: Electric service varies between properties. Timberline Campground accommodates larger vehicles: "Sites were pretty level, sizable that our 43' motorhome and tow fit without unhooking. We just stayed over night since we're heading home. They take you to your site."
Site preferences: Some cabin and RV sites offer better views or privacy than others. Jester County Park offers premium locations: "Our favorite spot to camp is 410 and 409. It's a secluded area within the 400s that is lined with trees on one side and a drop off into the Saylorville water circuit on the other. For $15/night/camping spot, you can enjoy the best view of stars and amazing sunsets."
Level sites: Many cabin and RV areas provide reasonably level spaces. "White rock roads and pads. It has some full hook up sites as well as water and electric sites. Overall a nice place to say," reports Dave M. about Winterset City Park.
