10 Iowa State Parks with Cabins that are Perfect for Families

Iowa state parks with cabins are perfect for a camping trip, family vacation, or reunion.

If you want to enjoy Iowa’s unique natural spaces and have a fun time doing various outdoor activities, you should definitely make a reservation in one of over 90 cabins within the state. 

Sounds interesting? If yes, continue reading to find the state park that suits you.

Backbone State Park

Types of cabins	12 family modern; 4 family deluxe
Max number of people	4-8 in family modern; 11 in family deluxe
Pets allowed	Depending on the cabin
Price per day	$100-$150 family modern; $200 family deluxe
Location	1347 129th St, Dundee, IA, United States

Park-specific rule: You should leave the heat at 68 degrees during winter or air conditioning at 70 degrees during summer when you check out.

Dolliver Memorial State Park

Types of cabins	2 family basic
Max number of people	Up to 6 people
Pets allowed	Yes
Price per day	$50
Location	2757 Dolliver Park Ave, Lehigh, IA 50557, United States

Lake Darling State Park

Types of cabins	5 camping cabins; 6 families modern
Max number of people	6 in camping cabins; 6 in family modern
Pets allowed	Depending on the cabin
Price per day	$50 camping cabins; $110 family modern
Location	Iowa 52540, USA

Park-specific rules: When you check out, you’ll have to sign a clean-up checklist to confirm you leave the cabin in good condition. You should also know that the parking space near your cabin is for only one vehicle.

Lake of Three Fires State Park

Types of cabins	6-family cabins studio
Max number of people	6
Pets allowed	In all except one
Price per day	$75
Location	2303 Lake Rd, Bedford, IA 50833, United States

Park-specific rules: You shouldn’t turn off the heater during winter months. Also, make sure to clean up after your pet.

Lake Wapello State Park

Types of cabins	13 family modern
Max number of people	6-10
Pets allowed	Depending on the cabin
Price per day	$75 – 1 bedroom; $100 – 2 bedroom
Location	15248 Campground Rd, Drakesville, IA 52552, United States

Park-specific rules: You’ll find various cleaning supplies, such as dust pans, brooms, multi-purpose cleaners, mops, etc. When leaving, you’ll have to sign a checklist to confirm you’re leaving the cabin in good condition.

Palisades-Kepler State Park

Types of cabins	4 family modern
Max number of people	6
Pets allowed	In all except one
Price per day	$80
Location	700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, United States

Park-specific rules: Make sure you notify the park staff when you check out. Also, don’t forget to take all garbage to the campground trash receptacle.

Pine Lake State Park

Types of cabins	2 family modern; 2 family studio
Max number of people	4-6 in family modern; 4 in family studio
Pets allowed	Allowed in family modern cabins
Price per night	$90 – 1 bedroom; $75 studio
Location	22620 Co Hwy S56, Eldora, IA 50627, United States

Park-specific rules: The dumpster is located in the parking lot. Also, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t use the fireplace during the summer months because hot weather will prevent the chimney from drafting properly.

Springbrook State Park

Types of cabins	1 multi-family cabin
Max number of people	14
Pets allowed	No
Price per night	$200
Location	2437 160th Rd, Guthrie Center, IA 50115, United States

Park-specific rule: You’re allowed to park only in the designated parking lot behind the cabin.

Stone State Park

Types of cabins	3 camping cabins
Max number of people	5-6
Pets allowed	Depending on the cabin
Price per night	$50
Location	5001 Talbot Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103, United States

Park-specific rule: Deposit the trash in the dumpster by the park office or in the campground.

Waubonsie State Park

Types of cabins	5 camping cabins; 2 family modern; 1 family studio
Max number of people	4-12 in camping cabins; 8-12 in family modern; 4 in a family studio
Pets allowed	Depending on the cabin
Price per night	$30-$70 camping cabins; $100-$110 family modern; $70 family studio
Location	2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640, United States

Park-specific rules: You can find cleaning supplies in the cabin’s utility closet or in the kitchen cabinets. When checking out, leave the thermostat at 65 degrees.

Things to Consider Before Making a Reservation

Whether you’re a regular or occasional camper or planning your first state park trip, you should never forget that each house has its own rules. As guests, we have to follow the rules and leave the cabin in the same conditions we found.

The important thing to note is that there are general rules, but some regulations differ from place to place. So, once you choose one of the Iowa state parks with cabins, you should carefully read the guidelines and make sure you understand them.

We selected several general rules regarding cabin and yurt rentals from the Iowa State Parks & Recreation Areas Regulations and Reservation Information guide. We’ll share them in the following sections.

However, we highly recommend you read the entire guide for clarity. You should also search if there are any specific rules regarding the cabin you want to rent.

Types of cabins in Iowa state parks

Iowa state parks offer several different cabin types. They differ in size, that is, how many people they can accommodate, as well as the features included inside.

Multifamily cabin

A multifamily cabin comes with a full kitchen, baths, heating, air conditioning, and a fireplace. This place can fit 10-12 guests.

You can find a multifamily cabin in Springbrook State Park. It accommodates ten people, while the maximum number of people allowed to stay in the cabin is 14.

Deluxe family cabin

The deluxe family cabins have two or four bedrooms, and they include full kitchens, full baths, and heat-air conditioning systems. You can find deluxe family cabins in Backbone and Black Hawk State Parks.

These cabins can accommodate nine people. The cabin in Backbone, for instance, fits nine guests, while the maximum occupancy number is 11.

Modern family cabin

The modern family cabins take the largest number of cabin types in Iowa state parks. They can have one, two, or three bedrooms and usually come with heating and air conditioning, full baths, and full kitchens.

Studio family cabin

You can find a studio family cabin in Pine Lake, Waubonsie, and Lake of Three Fires state parks. These cabins don’t have bedrooms (open floor plan). They include a full kitchen or kitchenette, a full bath, and heat/cold systems. They fit four guests.

Basic family cabin

Similarly to the studios, basic family cabins have an open floor plan, kitchenette, and running water. If you want to rent a basic family cabin, you can find one in Dolliver State Park. However, remember that you’ll have to bring your own bedding, pillows, toiletry items, dishes, cleaning items, etc.

Camping cabin

Another open-floor type – the camping cabins are located near campgrounds so that the renters can use the campground sanitary facilities. These cabins may include microwaves and small refrigerators.

Yurt

These tent-like structures are equipped with electricity, beds, tables, and chairs and include an outdoor fire ring or grill. As with the camping cabins, you’ll have to bring your own bedding, pillows, etc., if you rent a yurt.

How much money do cabins in Iowa state parks cost?

Cabin rates in Iowa state parks vary depending on the cabin type and size. The prices range from $30 per day for a camping cabin in Waubonsie and up to $200 per day for a deluxe cabin in Backbone.

Working hours

Iowa state parks open at 4 AM and close at 10:30 PM. You should also know that a rental week begins and ends on Friday.

Are pets allowed in cabins in Iowa state parks?

You can take your dog or assistive animal if you want to rent a cabin or yurt. However, not all cabins are pet-friendly. So, make sure to check the rules before confirming the reservation.