We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Waterloo. Finding a cozy cabin in Iowa has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect cabin for your Iowa cabin camping excursion.
Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here. The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.
Pine Lake State Park is a hidden gem with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views in the midst of Iowa’s rolling farmland. Historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) can be found throughout the park, including the Pine Lodge, beach house and stone cabins, which have been carefully restored. Pine Lake is filled with beautiful picnic areas to enjoy a quiet setting by the river or an overlook of the park’s lake. The park originally was home to Iowa’s southernmost stand of native pine trees which were wiped out by a severe hailstorm in August 2009; today hundreds of caged tree seedlings are scattered throughout the park as part of a reforestation effort. Stay overnight in one of four cozy cabins at Pine Lake, with stone fireplaces and outdoor fire rings. One cabin is ADA accessible, and all cabins include a full kitchen and bath, along with heating and air conditioning for year-round stays. The park’s campground offers electric sites with modern showers and restrooms and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced campsite and cabin reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Pine Lake State Park.
$18 / night
$14 - $22 / night
$11 - $16 / night
ScoutThis review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.
Legend
Loved this campground! We just stayed for one night, but wish it had been two. Small and quiet. A few trails to hike and a horse camp that I didn’t have time to explore. Nice lending library as well. Bathroom/shower combos are nice (1 is ADA). Not far off the interstate. Some sites are off with level & weird (ie stairs/door open on an incline and away from the table), and our picnic table was sloped. So pick your site carefully. 19E was ok - table not level and high stairs required from TT but good for Starlink connection and close water spigot (elec only at these sites)
Scout
We stayed here towards the end of May. They hadn’t cut the grass but was in the process of cutting it. This caused swarms of bugs. We are from Ky backwoods and are use to bugs but this was awful. The bathhouse was clean. The campground is right off the main highway so easy getting off and right back on.
Traveler
The tent area is on a small mound, not a very level area. But was able to make it work. $18 a night for tents
Traveler
This is a quiet and nice park. Lots of pull through lots. I am missing a swimming pool but they do have a beach by a pond if that interests you. Bathrooms are cleaned daily but at times are quite nasty. Not their fault people are just nasty.
GuideWe stayed at started at the Lost Island water park KOA for just one night while passing through the area. We were in our class C while slowly making our way across the country. We had no problems getting a spot here. 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. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a playground, beach and fenced dog area. Cost was very good for the amenities provided.
The campground had a store, gas station and propane available.
We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well. We enjoyed our brief stay at this campground. We will stay again when traveling this way.
Guide
Stayed in march it was cold but very nice park , restrooms were nice shower house was closed and locked but the scenery on the hiking trail was amazing
GuideThis campground was large. The lake reminded me of a puzzle I did with my grandma as a kid. It was fall, and it was just gorgeous. There was a wedding the weekend we were there, but we were lucky to explore the tower the day prior. The nearby communities offer ameneties, which were needed as I sprained a knee hiking the backbone trail my third go. Absolutely adored the weekend we spent here. Wonderful neighbors, great spacious, level sites. I want to say we had electric only, and service was definitely spotty in most areas of camp. We used Verizon, and could not hulu.
Traveler
Wilder Park is a beautiful city park. Very much a gem, quiet and peaceful . 50 + sites with about half of them full hook up. Costs for a full hook up in 2022 was under $25 a night. The park has two fishing areas, a dog park,pickle ball, volleyball mini golf, basketball and two playgrounds. A beautiful walking and bike path connects the parks to the neighboring cities. A free dump is also available. We highly recommend this park. 1
ScoutStayed in The Plains area. Water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table.
Traveler
Great place to spend a weekend. Very comfortable and cozy
Traveler
Very quiet and relaxing! Several options for different outdoor activities
GuideThis campground has no shippers but is secluded and quiet and only 5 dollars. There’s a barn with electricity running water and real toilets.
TravelerVery nice great hiking couldn’t swim on our stay but nice beach canoe rentals small store bathrooms were very clean
GuideGreat clean campground with lots to do. Mini golf, basketball, paddleboat on a small pond, horseshoes, and plenty of swings and playscapes for kids. Beautiful spot with lovely people.
Guide
Site 70 is not level, the driveway was just long enough for us and the view was great! The sites are spacious enough; cell signal was the same. The dumpsters we full when we got there on Sunday the same on Tuesday. Recycling was not offered! The bathrooms are very nice-a room with 3 stalls and 4 individual showers. The trail is superb, we rode our bikes both days we were there. It’s an easy (ebike) ride to Eldora.
Guide
This was a nice campground next to a small town- nice quiet sites. Sites were kind of close together. Mostly seasonal spots here. The office he’d strange hours limiting the use of some of the amenities ( tubing, kayak and paddle boat rentals) the party floats were not accessible as advertised on the website. Nice showers in the back section it camp- restrooms were clean but limited on tp ( always brought my own). Seasonal residents were very friendly. Nice pond/lake to swim in and large area to go for a walk. There weren’t many staff around if you had questions or issues and the grounds didn’t seem to be monitored. Overall nice camp and we would stay here again.
GuideWe stayed here 4 nights. They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that. That’s why they didn’t get 5 stars. I feel if your paying to stay you should get that as included, They have river rafting, a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting. Lots of things for kids to do!
GuideQuiet well kept campground. Showers were nice, sites were decent in size, with some shade. Kids had fun at the swimming pond.
GuideThis park is beautiful and there is tons to do. The playground is fantastic and keep the kids entertained all day. The water is great for fishing, swimming and boating. Central City also has everything you need within minutes of your site. There is boat rentals and the new showers are amazing.
GuideLovely views, great walking paths, quiet and picturesque lake. Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept. We will definitely be back.
GuideWell run campground with full hookups available for$35/ night. Bathrooms are clean and lots of warm water for showers. Great place for a night or two. Near the highway but road noise is minimal.
GuideGood little campground with tent,cabins and rv sites and reasonable
ScoutL. Brandt’s Crazy Acres Campground is a quiet and peaceful campground. 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. The weekend we camped there was their Halloween trick or treating and all the campers were very nice. It was a very relaxing weekend!
RangerUnion 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, which are my favorite. The campground is quiet.
Amenities:
Showers and toilets
Dump station
Water
2 cabins
Things to do nearby:
Enjoy the lake
Matchstick Marvels in nearby Gladbrook
RangerThe 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.
While camping is no longer allowed in Tower Rock park, you can still enjoy a walk down to the river or bicycling on the paved bicycle trail. Tube rentals are available nearby for the Iowa River, and a local outfitter will rent a boat for the day to fish Pine Lake or the small lake northwest of Steamboat Rock.
Pine lake is not that far away either and offers many fun activities.
GuideGreat place to kick back and relax. 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 do area. We all took the trail into town and found a BIT Brewery where we enjoy woodfired pizza and brought some beer home in a growler for around the fire that night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Waterloo, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Waterloo, IA is Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 16 cabin camping locations near Waterloo, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
