Cabin camping near Woodburn, Iowa offers several options within heavily wooded areas that provide shade during summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-90°F. Most cabins in the region are situated within 50 miles of Woodburn, with the closest options located at Three Mile Lake Recreation Area and Green Valley State Park. Weather patterns in this part of Iowa can shift rapidly, particularly during spring and fall.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Green Valley State Park features a trail network surrounding the lake and extending into the town of Creston. "There is a nice trail to ride your bike around the lake and through the park. Don't leave your bike at home," advises one camper at Green Valley State Park Campground.
Visit covered bridges: The Winterset area provides access to historic covered bridges made famous by the novel and film. "We will definitely return, we loved this park. The bridges of Madison County, Clarke Tower, cute local ice cream shop, John Wayne Museum! So much fun in a cute Iowa community!" notes a visitor to Winterset City Park.
Creek exploration: Thomas Mitchell County Park offers creek access for cooling off during hot summer days. "Easy trails for the kids to go hiking and playing in the creek to cool off in the heat. There is even a pond for fishing that you can take a trail from the campsite to," reports a camper.
What campers like
Lakeside views: Cabin locations at Green Valley provide scenic water views. "What I personally like is that at Green Valley SP you can get a nice campsite right by the lake. This makes for great views when the sun is setting and rising," shares a visitor.
Family activities: Des Moines West KOA Holiday provides numerous recreational options. "Looked to be lots of fun, kid oriented amenities," notes one reviewer, while another mentions "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."
Peaceful settings: Thomas Mitchell County Park offers a tranquil experience despite proximity to urban areas. A recent visitor shared, "The drive into the grounds was a little confusing, but I imagine that in the daylight we would have had an easier time. We could not hear the highway from our spot despite it being close by, and the other campers around were very quiet."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, particularly at popular locations like KOA Holiday. "We stayed one night in a basic cabin. AC was on upon arrival- check in/out was quick and easy!"
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds with cabins now operate year-round. A camper at Des Moines West KOA Holiday reported, "Office is open until 7pm which was very helpful as we arrived a little later than expected. Well kept, clean bathrooms with space heaters running to ensure they're warm during the December cold."
Site selection considerations: At Three Mile Recreation Area, lakeside cabin location matters. "Cabins are located near fishing access points and offer views of the lake," according to park information.
Bathroom access: Some cabins have dedicated facilities while others require using communal bathhouses. "Bathhouse: A short hike uphill from all sites but it was very clean when we were there," notes a visitor to Little River Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks offer play equipment for children. At Little River Recreation Area, a camper found "a small but very nice playground," making it suitable for families with young children.
Swimming options: Beach access varies by location. "Beach at walking distance through the trail," reports a camper at Green Valley State Park. Another notes, "Clean beach, boat ramp and fishing" at nearby facilities.
Budget considerations: Cabin rental rates vary significantly. One camper at Three Mile Recreation Area South Campground reported, "Cabins are very clean the bunks allowed for four to sleep. Beautiful sunsets overlooking the lake."
Food service options: Some locations offer on-site dining. "Pizza & Chicken ordered on site was a delicious dinner when we were just to tired to fuss with our own gear," notes a visitor to Des Moines West KOA, which can be helpful for families arriving late or during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Off-season cabin rental: Several parks leave water systems operational during colder months. A visitor to Timberline Campground shared, "Office is open until 7pm which was very helpful as we arrived a little later than expected."
Accessibility concerns: Some cabins require walking to reach bathhouses. At Little River Recreation Area, facilities are "a short hike uphill from all sites," which may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
Wildlife awareness: Deer are common at many parks in the area. One visitor to Honey Creek State Park advised, "Be careful driving around the park as I don't think there was a day we didn't see at least 8 deer wandering around the campsite or near roads."
