Cabins near Genoa, Wisconsin lie within the Driftless Area, an unglaciated region characterized by steep ridges, forested valleys, and clear streams. These cabins provide rustic shelter during summer highs averaging 80°F and winter temperatures often below freezing. Most cabin facilities remain open from April 15 through mid-October, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground offers streamside fishing opportunities. "Small quiet campground with sites that back up to the creek. Very easy walking trail winding through the park and stream. An easy way to trout fish and enjoy the park," notes Bruce C.
Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours provide optimal viewing times for local wildlife. "Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs" can be seen at Shady Rest Acres, according to a visitor.
Stargazing spots: Clear night skies offer excellent star viewing opportunities. "Going in knowing that there were pit toilets and no potable water, I did not have high expectations for this campsite. I was pleasantly surprised to find it very well maintained with spacious sites," reports Tamsyn K. about Big Paint Campground's open viewing areas.
What campers like
Private creek sites: Campers appreciate secluded spots along water features. "Camped at the furthest out hike-in (this may have been a cart-in but we hiked it in - can't recall). Nice site on a small quite creek. Good space between you and the next campsite so you felt privacy," mentions Rebecca R. about Beaver Creek Valley.
Swimming options: Man-made swimming areas provide relief from summer heat. "Loved the sand bottom pool, owners were so nice and kids loved getting hard ice cream everyday from the shop! Clean, quiet, friendly place!" shares Sheena B. about Upper Iowa Resort and Rental.
Fall color viewing: October visits offer spectacular foliage displays. "Most notable hike: a half-mile wooden boardwalk to one of the park's glens to the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls," notes a visitor to Pikes Peak State Park, adding "October is one of their busiest times of the year due to the fall colors, which peak around Oct 9-15th."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly between locations. "The park has a lot of very well maintained trails. The only thing to know is 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.
Water crossings: Access to some campsites requires driving through shallow water. "A lot of electric sites. Tent sites further back in the campground through multiple water crossings (ok for cars). Campsites beautiful wooded sites in the bluffs," explains Stephanie K.
Off-season opportunities: Big Paint Campground offers late-season options when other facilities close. "Was 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.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Some cabins near Genoa offer organized activities for children. "With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here. The owners were super friendly and helpful," reports Kim L. about Neshonoc Lakeside.
Cultural exploration: Indigenous sites provide educational opportunities. "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 a visitor about Pikes Peak State Park.
Water activities: River locations offer paddling opportunities for families. "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," shares Erin A.
Tips for RVers
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some cabin locations. "Nice pull-through, large enough for our 36' 5th Wheel and pickup tow vehicle, needed more leveling than some. Some sites have power and water, ours only power. There's a water pipe and dump station on the way out," advises Grace D.
Seasonal pricing: Iowa state parks offer competitive pricing for extended stays. "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!!" reports Danny J.
Site selection: Westfork Sports Club & Campground offers spacious sites for larger units. "Huge open sites. Not a lot of trees for privacy but the sites are huge so it's all good! Hot water and flush toilets and hot showers (need quarters)," notes Randall K.
