Best Cabin Camping near Waterloo, IA

Several cabin rental options exist within a 30-mile radius of Waterloo, Iowa, with accommodations ranging from basic to fully furnished. Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers cabin rentals with modern amenities including electricity, heating, and air conditioning. Big Woods Lake Recreation Area provides cabins with air conditioning in Cedar Falls, just north of Waterloo. Backbone State Park, located about 45 minutes from Waterloo, features family cabins that sleep up to four people with kitchenettes, bathrooms with showers, and climate control. "This has been one of my favorite state parks in Iowa to camp thus far. The cabin camping was the better of the two experiences. Our cabin had a common area with a kitchenette. The bathroom included a toilet and shower," noted one visitor about Backbone State Park.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Tower Rock County Park offers two modern furnished cabins for rent, though no tent or RV camping is permitted at this location. Pine Lake State Park Campground provides cabins with stone fireplaces and small kitchens. Most cabins require advance reservations, with popular locations like Backbone State Park implementing a two-night minimum stay policy. Pet policies vary by location, with many campgrounds allowing pets in designated cabins. A visitor to Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA mentioned, "Great RV park. Lots of room and cabin rentals for folks that don't have an RV. The fenced dog park was fantastic for those of us with dogs."

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Backbone State Park cabins provide mattresses, but guests must supply their own bedding. Kitchen facilities vary widely between locations, with some offering full kitchenettes including refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and basic cookware, while others provide only minimal cooking equipment. Firewood can typically be purchased on-site or in nearby towns, though Iowa regulations require firewood to be obtained within the county where you're staying due to invasive species concerns. Grocery stores and supplies are available in Waterloo and surrounding communities like Cedar Falls, Eldora, and Central City, all within reasonable driving distance from most cabin locations.

Best Cabin Sites Near Waterloo, Iowa (17)

    1. Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    10 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 233-3485

    "Great RV park. Lots of room and cabin rentals for folks that don’t have an RV. The fenced dog park was fantastic for those of us with dogs."

    "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."

    2. Big Woods Lake

    2 Reviews
    Cedar Falls, IA
    6 miles
    +1 (319) 266-6813

    "Nice park with a bike path around the lake. A few nature trails, but nothing I would call hiking. Two vault toilets placed on the bike path. One modern bathroom with showers in the campground."

    "As far as RV parks go, this one is young and the lack of shade is only evidence of that. Sites are well planned out though, giving each camper plenty of space."

    3. Hickory Hills Park

    3 Reviews
    Evansdale, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 342-3350

    "This campground has no shippers but is secluded and quiet and only 5 dollars. There’s a barn with electricity running water and real toilets."

    "This is a great quiet park with animals for visiting and a very clean shower house."

    4. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $12 - $25 / night

    "This has been one of my favorite state parks in Iowa to camp thus far. I've tent camped in April and cabin camped in October."

    "This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping."

    5. Pine Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 858-5832

    $12 - $90 / night

    "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. There are flush toilets and showers."

    "My family and I rented on eof the cabins here. They were nice cabins just off the bank of the river! The cabin comfortably fit 4 of us."

    6. Wilder City Park

    2 Reviews
    Clarksville, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 267-2245

    $14 - $22 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Union Grove State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Garwin, IA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 473-2556

    $18 - $90 / night

    "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."

    "Union Grove is known for having good lake fishing. The lake is also a great place for kayaking or canoeing."

    8. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    6 Reviews
    Shellsburg, IA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 436-7716

    $12 - $60 / night

    "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. visited in July"

    "Cabins were nice - not luxury or glamping but clean and in good condition.  The gentleman that takes care of the campground takes great pride in his work and it shows - kudos to him! "

    9. Pinicon Ridge Park

    9 Reviews
    Central City, IA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 438-6616

    "Dump available on entrance/exit.  The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table.  Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "

    "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."

    10. Tower Rock

    4 Reviews
    Steamboat Rock, IA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 648-4361

    "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."

    "The cabins were perfect, with lots of places to hike all around the area."

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Cabin Reviews near Waterloo, IA

92 Reviews of 17 Waterloo Campgrounds


  • Jessica H.
    May. 9, 2018

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Backbone State Park

    This has been one of my favorite state parks in Iowa to camp thus far. I've tent camped in April and cabin camped in October. The cabin camping was the better of the two experiences, mainly due to the unusually chilly overnight temperatures in April. During the warmer months you can rent canoes from the concession stand. Climbing/rappelling is also allowed in the park via registration at the park office.

    We stayed in a family cabin that sleeps up to 4 people. You have to reserve cabins and there is a 2 night minimum stay, but the price is extremely reasonable. These cabins also offer heat and A/C. Our cabin had a common area with a kitchenette.The bathroom included a toilet and shower. The small, but cozy bedroom included a mattress - you're responsible for bringing your own linens - along with a sink. Additional amenities included stove, frig, microwave, pots and pans, and even a small coffee maker. And, the couch in the common area pulled out into a futon, providing extra sleeping space. Outdoor amenities included a fire pit and picnic bench. Bonus: The back of our cabin area looked out onto Backbone Lake.

    We purchased firewood in Strawberry Point, a small town just a short drive from the park. Iowa requires that firewood be obtained within the county you're staying in due to the Emerald Ash Borer epidemic.

    We fished for trout and hiked along several trails in the park. The Devil's Backbone was our favorite mainly because of the scenery along the bluff. It was the perfect way to view the changing leaves and watch the Maquoketa River flow by.

    While we did have neighbors on either side of us, the noise level was minimal, and everyone was respectful of parking spaces as there is a common parking area in front of the cabins.

    This is a beautiful spot to visit especially in autumn.

  • Leslie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Outback Campground & Resort

    Wallaby Cabin Review

    This 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.

  • L
    Aug. 22, 2020

    Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    Something for everyone

    Great RV park. Lots of room and cabin rentals for folks that don’t have an RV. The fenced dog park was fantastic for those of us with dogs. A lake with beach area and an area for fishing founded it out! Would recommend!

  • Ashley D.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Fun for the whole family

    This campground has many things to do. This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping. Fun activities include fishing, swimming in a lake and also ground fed springs, boat rentals on the lake, hiking also horse trails, rock climbing, caves, playgrounds shelters for events and parties. I am sure there are even more things to do that I didnt have the time for.

  • Clint  G.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    Perfect County Campground

    We stayed at this campground for 7 nights with W/E hook ups.  Dump available on entrance/exit.  The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table.  Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles.  The bathrooms and shower were very clean with lots of hot water.  There is hiking in the park and very little road noise.

  • David S.
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Pinicon Ridge Park

    Nice clean and generally spacious

    Stayed 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2020

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Great park!

    I tent camped at Six Pines Campground for 3 nights in August. The park has two campgrounds and this one is non electric with pit toilets and water. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with a really nice grill. The sites are large and flat and the ones on the outside of the loop are well shaded. Two trails can be accessed from the tent campground - Six Pines trail and West Lake trail. There are two shower houses that you can use at the RV campground but it takes about 15-20 minutes to drive across the park to that campground. The park is very large with about 20 miles of trails. There is a spring fed creek and, if you stay away from the trout fishing area, you can play and wade in the creek. It has a sandy/rocky bottom and sandy banks. It felt wonderful on a hot day. There is a swim beach on the lake but it was closed due to E. coli in the water. There’s a small camp store too. At night in this campground there are no lights except in the registration kiosk so it’s perfect for star gazing. The Field of Dreams movie site is just 45 minutes away and makes for a fun side trip. There is a town about 10 minutes away with a couple restaurants and coffee shops. The Six Pines trail can be taken from the campground to the Backbone trail. The Backbone trail is along a rocky ridge. There are side trails down to the base of the cliffs and lots of rock climbing to do. Very fun to explore the side paths and climb up the rock walls.

  • Kerry M.
    Aug. 25, 2021

    Tower Rock

    Modern cabins and a beautiful park

    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.

    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.

  • A
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    Well maintained with trees!

    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. visited in July


Guide to Waterloo

Cabins near Waterloo, Iowa sit in the Cedar Valley region at approximately 850 feet above sea level, where the Cedar River influences the climate patterns. Seasonal variations affect cabin availability, with summer temperatures averaging 82-85°F and winter lows regularly reaching below freezing. Rental cabins typically operate year-round but offer different amenities based on season.

What to do

Fishing on multiple lakes: Pine Lake State Park Campground provides two connected lakes for fishing. "This campground is near home so I know it well. Paddle on upper or lower Pine Lake. Fishing, shore or boat (lake, stream, or river)," notes a regular visitor to Pine Lake State Park Campground.

Hiking around glacial formations: Backbone State Park offers unique geological features with limestone ridge trails. "Great scenery and views! Fun trails, great beach, lighthouse, boat docks, cabins, caves, and much more. Absolutely loved this place!" shares a visitor to Backbone State Park.

Miniature golf and outdoor activities: Wilder Park offers recreational activities beyond standard camping. "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," reports a camper at Wilder City Park.

What campers like

Private tent sites with prairie flowers: Pleasant Creek offers natural site separation. "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," notes a summer visitor to Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

Storm shelters for safety: Pinicon Ridge provides weather protection. "Clean, and even NEW showers that are outstanding. Storm shelter right on site. Playground is awesome for kids of all ages. Hiking trails are well marked and all over the park," explains a camper at Pinicon Ridge Park.

Modern bathroom facilities: Several parks have updated their facilities. "Bathrooms and shower rooms are new and super clean. Campground is well kept," states a visitor about Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

What you should know

Cabin availability varies by season: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during summer months. "We stayed in a 25 foot travel trailer in the middle of the week. Weekends are pretty much sold out," notes a camper at Pleasant Creek.

Vehicle restrictions at campsites: Some parks limit the number of vehicles. "The Ranger Man enforced a 2 car per campsite rule. He forced 3 over 65 couples to drive to a parking lots and I shuttled them back and forth," reports a visitor at Pleasant Creek.

Lake water quality concerns: Water conditions can affect swimming. "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it," warns a visitor about Big Woods Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with multiple playgrounds: Pinicon Ridge offers exceptional play areas. "Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages," shares a family camper.

Seek out cabin options with proximity to activities: Tower Rock offers convenience. "The two cabins are fairly new and have all of the amenities. 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," notes a visitor to Tower Rock.

Consider cabins with additional sleeping capacity: Different parks offer various configurations. "We went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate," reports a group leader at Backbone State Park.

Tips from RVers

Use mid-week stays for better site selection: Many campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. "We stayed 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," recommends an RVer at Waterloo Lost Island Waterpark KOA.

Choose sites based on utility access: Hookups vary between campgrounds. "Campsite and facilities were very nice and clean, though the restroom/shower house is in desperate need of ventilation. Only visited for one night, but would recommend for families," notes a visitor about Lost Island KOA.

Check for level sites and accessibility: Site conditions can vary. "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," advises a camper at Union Grove State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do cabin rentals cost in the Waterloo area?

Cabin rental costs in the Waterloo area vary widely based on amenities and location. Basic cabins at Pinicon Ridge Park are generally more affordable, with clean facilities and amenities like water and electric hookups nearby. Outback Campground & Resort offers cabins with more amenities like bathrooms with showers and kitchenettes at a higher price point. Most state park cabins in the region range from $50-100 per night for basic units to $100-175 for cabins with more amenities. Private resorts and KOAs typically charge $75-200+ depending on size and features.

What cabin rental options are available in Waterloo, Iowa?

The Waterloo area offers diverse cabin options to suit different needs. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area Campground provides cabin accommodations with beautiful surroundings and privacy. Tower Rock features newer cabins with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Other options include rustic cabins at state parks for nature enthusiasts, fully-equipped family cabins with kitchens and bathrooms at private campgrounds, and deluxe cabins with amenities like air conditioning, heat, and furnished interiors. Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during summer months.

Are there family-friendly cabins near Waterloo for kids?

Yes, the Waterloo area has several family-friendly cabin options kids will enjoy. Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA offers cabin rentals with access to great kid-friendly amenities including a fenced dog park, lake with beach area, and fishing spots. The nearby waterpark makes it an excellent family destination. Backbone State Park also features family-friendly cabins with numerous outdoor activities like fishing, swimming in a lake, boat rentals, hiking trails, rock climbing, caves, and playgrounds that kids will love.