Camping cabins near Toddville, Iowa offer year-round accommodation options within a landscape characterized by rolling hills and the Wapsipinicon River watershed. Winter temperatures in the region typically range from 10°F to 30°F, with summer highs averaging 80-85°F. Most cabin facilities remain open through winter months, though amenities and accessibility vary with seasonal conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: 8-mile lake loop: Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area features an 8-mile hiking trail that circles the lake with fishing access points. "There is a nice hiking trail around the lake, about 8 miles complete loop. There is a bit of elevation change and not many opportunities to 'bail out' so take water and pace yourself," notes Mitch C., who visited the Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground.
Canoe rentals: $15-25 daily: Pinicon Ridge Park offers canoe and paddle boat rentals for exploring the Wapsipinicon River. "The trail through the campground takes you across the river where you can find canoe and paddle boat rentals, and our favorite an off leash dog area," shares Brandon T. who visited Pinicon Ridge Park.
Outdoor recreation: all skill levels: Backbone State Park provides cabin rentals with nearby hiking opportunities suitable for various skill levels. "Great scenery and views! Fun trails, great beach, lighthouse, boat docks, cabins, caves, and much more," reports Melanie Jo L., who stayed at Backbone State Park.
What campers like
Private tent sites: prairie flower borders: Pleasant Creek offers secluded tent sites with natural barriers. "The tent sites are very nice and private. There are waist high prairie flowers between the sites to provide privacy and beauty. New picnic tables. Lots of shade," according to Ann B. who camped at the park in July.
Modern bathroom facilities: daily cleaning: Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA maintains clean bathroom facilities for cabin guests. "Bathrooms are cleaned daily but at times are quite nasty. Not their fault people are just nasty," explains Matthew S. who stayed at Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA.
Level camping pads: for easy setup: Pinicon Ridge Park features well-maintained, level sites. "The site was a level rock pad which was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles," reports Clint G., who spent 7 nights at the park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: weekends fill quickly: Backbone State Park requires advance planning, particularly for summer weekends. "This is a great place to stay but make sure you get your reservations in early if you plan on staying on the weekend. If you want it to be quiet and prefer less crowds but you still want to enjoy the park, I highly suggest taking some time off of work during the week," advises Matt S., who visited Backbone State Park.
Site locations: elevation variations: Hannen County Park cabins sit on varied terrain. "Beautiful relaxing spot. We were in a spot on a hill top," mentions Leslie P., who stayed at Hannen County Park.
Seasonal operations: April-October: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Monticello operates only during warmer months. "This was our first Jellystone experience and will not be our last! Great campground and an amazing staff! Our kids had so much fun," shares Dustin B. who visited during the operational season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: multiple age groups: Pinicon Ridge Park offers exceptional playground equipment. "They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured," shares Chelsea D. from Pinicon Ridge Park.
Swimming areas: designated beaches: Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA includes a swimming pond separate from fishing areas. "Decent sites with full hook ups. Little shade with small trees next to about each site. Gas, propane, laundry room, beach area, small boat rentals, good sized convenience store with ice, beer, snacks, milkshake machine, etc," notes Kimberly E.
Group camping sites: youth organizations: Pleasant Creek provides dedicated youth group campsites. "We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing. I have stayed in a regular tent campground and the youth group campsites," explains Robert F.
Tips from RVers
Utilities access: water/electric sites: Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers full-service sites for RVs. "Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition. Each site had a grassy area with a picnic table," explains Richard who stayed at the campground.
Dump station: located at exits: Multiple parks including Pinicon Ridge provide dump stations for RVs. "Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use its facilities. Very clean and new bathrooms and showers," advises Clint G.
Site leveling: bring blocks: Beyonder Getaway requires additional leveling equipment. "Busy on the weekend. Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes," warns Warren W., who stayed at Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow.
