Yellow River State Forest and Backbone State Park feature prominently among cabin options near West Union, Iowa, located in the Driftless Area where bluffs and valleys create unique camping terrain. Cabins throughout the region operate in varying seasons, with winter availability limited primarily to Backbone State Park and select private campgrounds. Most cabin rentals require advance reservations and have specific check-in times between 3-4 PM.
What to do
Explore limestone formations: The unique geology near Skip-A-Way Resort provides excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. "This campground has a lot of fun activities from April 15 thru Oct 15. They have permanent sites and rentals. There is tent sites and rental campers also," notes Lourene M., who recommends "canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake."
Visit ancient effigy mounds: Several parks in the area preserve Native American burial sites. At Pikes Peak State Park, "On your way to the falls, just north of the main overlook, you will notice Bear Mound, an effigy built by ancient American Indians who inhabited the area from 800-1200 A.D. There are 63 mounds in the park, most of them conical or linear in shape," explains Tori K.
Experience cave tours: Explore underground systems near several cabin locations. "Cave tour was great but at extra cost. Lake/swimming/fishing was great. Cabin was clean and nice," reports Dawn S. about her stay at Spook Cave and Campground, though she notes "The train tracks are extremely close to slot of sites. Very loud."
What campers like
Fall colors viewing: October offers spectacular foliage displays in the region. At Backbone State Park, "We went camping at Backbone for a friend's wedding that was taking place at the park's lodge. While most of the wedding guests stayed in town, we opted to camp, during October. It was gorgeous!" reports Larissa C.
Swimming in rivers and lakes: Natural water features provide relief during summer months. "We stayed at the Big Paint Campground and had a nice time. The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites. Still, it was a lovely place with nice trails and great river access," shares Daphne D. about her experience at Yellow River State Forest.
Trout fishing access: Stocked streams attract anglers year-round. James M. notes, "Trout streams well fed, campsites spread out well, amenities good for primitive use area. Horses welcome, firewood and ice available. Historical Fire Tower hike/visit is a must. Primitive pack-in sites, 1 cabin available."
What you should know
No cellular service in valleys: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Beaver Creek Valley State Park, "There is no cell reception because of the valley. This great if you want to get away from it all, but if you're staying a while and need to work, this isn't the place to do it," advises Kat C.
Seasonal water systems: Outside summer months, water access may be restricted. "We were very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective," reports Stuart O.
Variable shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between parks. Sandy M. shares her experience: "The bathrooms and showers here were very gross though. The hiking here had great views but trails were not labeled well. The Big Spring was also a great natural water feature to relax in after a hot hike!"
Tips for camping with families
Sand bottom pools: Some campgrounds offer unique swimming options. "Loved the sand bottom pool, owners were so nice and kids loved getting hard ice cream everyday from the shop! Clean, quiet, friendly place!" raves Sheena B. about her stay at Upper Iowa Resort.
Rental equipment availability: Many sites offer outdoor gear for visitors without their own. "This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River. Had some beautiful sites along the river (couldn't book one four our stay) but our site was nice (grass pad- spaced out fairly well from others) The best part of this camp is they offer tube canoe and kayak rentals with a shuttle to the put in then you float back to the campground," explains Erin A.
Organized children's activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular events. "Some weekly activities include canoeing, tubing down the Turkey River, swimming, fishing and paddle boats in the Lake, a splash pad for kids and occasionally a dumping tank for free, also miniture golf. There is a store and bar on the grounds as well as a pavilion for use any time where they also have children's movies every Saturday night during season."
Tips from RVers
Water crossings: Some campgrounds require driving through streams to reach sites. "Tent sites further back in the campground through multiple water crossings (ok for cars). Campsites beautiful wooded sites in the bluffs. Definitely a campground to see!" advises Stephanie K.
Limited RV site privacy: Many parks have open layouts. At Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground, "The campground is more on the rustic side but they have a nice clean shower house, very well kept grounds and a ton of space to spread out. The lower campground is right next to the river and there are RV, tent and cabin sites available," reports MitchRoeschlein.
Electrical hookup variations: Not all sites offer the same power options. Danny J. notes, "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa's state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!"
