If you’re after a secluded escape, romantic getaway, or family adventure, a cabin might be just what you need! And there are some great cabin rentals in the Des Moines area.
Below are cabin rentals in parks, campgrounds, and RV parks within 40 miles of Des Moines. And if you’re willing to go a little further, we include a list of even more rentals at the end. Some cabin rentals on here are seasonal, but others are available year-round! So in the middle of winter, when you’re itching to get out, a cabin getaway might be the answer.
This article is for informational purposes only. We haven’t personally stayed at Des Moines cabin rentals. So, we recommend further research to find the right cabin for you! 🙂
Jester Park Cabin Rentals
11121 NW Jester Park Dr | Granger, IA 50109
Jester Park is on the west shore of Saylorville Lake, minutes north of Des Moines. It’s a one-of-a-kind, 1660-acre park with excellent hiking, fishing, and bird watching. And you don’t want to miss the golf course, mini-golf course, natural play area, and bison and elk herds!
Jester’s modern cabins are in a beautiful green space nestled in the trees. Decks back to the woods, and front porches offer views of Discovery Pond. Plus, the Nature Center, bird blind, and elk and bison herds are within walking distance.
Each furnished cabin is a two-story walkout, with a modern kitchen, gas fireplace, two bathrooms, showers, and a charcoal grill. A communal fire pit is for all cabin users. Cabins sleep 6-8 people. Check out the cabin slideshow for pictures.
Reservations are available year-round.
Thomas Mitchell Park Cabin
4250 NE 108th St | Mitchellville, IA 50169
Thomas Mitchell Park is a few short minutes east of Des Moines. It’s a small, yet delightful park along Camp Creek and surrounded by woodlands. Fishing, camping, and hiking are among the popular outdoor activities here.
For those who appreciate a shower and comfy bed at the end of the day, the Thomas Mitchell Cabin fits the bill. The modern cabin is ADA accessible and has three bedrooms with cozy amenities. The cabin features an equipped, modern kitchen, a bathroom, modern furnishings, and a fireplace. Outside, you’ll enjoy the spacious lawn and porch overlooking the pond (and kayak, too!). There is no Wi-Fi or television (great for disconnecting!). Bedding and towels are provided but bring dish soap and toiletries.
Reservations are available for a minimum of two nights.
Pammel Park Yurts
1818 Pammel Park Rd | Winterset, IA 50273
Pammel Park was one of the first state parks in Iowa and is now managed by Madison County Conservation. It’s a beautiful 350-acre park about 40 miles southwest of Des Moines. While there, check out the ford over the Middle River and stroll through the old-growth forest. And you won’t want to miss hiking the natural backbone near the campground.
Two round yurt rentals are next to the campground. They offer guests a unique and fun experience, kind of like camping—but not. They don’t have showers or restrooms, but they have heat and a/c, electricity, a kitchenette, beds, and an outside hydrant. Outside is a deck with a picnic table and grill. Bring bedding, towels, table service, soap, and toiletries. Modern restrooms and showers are at the campground.
Reservations are available, seasonally, from mid-April through October.
Timberline Campground Camping Cabins
31635 Ashworth Rd | Waukee, IA 50263 | 515-987-1714
Timberline is outside of Waukee, a few miles west of Des Moines. It’s nestled outside of town, north of I-80. Some of their amenities include an outdoor pool, dog park, picnic area, and camp store.
Timberline has furnished cabins and camping cabins for up to 8 people. No restrooms or modern amenities are in the camping cabins. But the furnished cabins have a bathroom, modern kitchenette, dining table, and porch/patio. Bring bedding, pillows, towels, and toiletries. Modern restrooms are on-site, and they have Wi-Fi available.
See their website for more information and to make reservations.
The Crow’s Nest RV Resort
100 W 17th Ave | Indianola, IA 50125
The Crow’s Nest is a scenic rural RV resort 20 miles south of Des Moines. There, you’re within driving distance of everything Des Moines has to offer. But you can also enjoy activities at the resort, like Friday Movie Nights hayrack rides, as well as the jumping pillow and fishing pond.
The resort has nine camping cabins with kitchenettes and private bathrooms, with electricity, water, heat & a/c. All cabins have queen beds, and some also have bunks. Reservations are accepted.
Des Moines West KOA Holiday
34308 L Ave | Adel, IA 50003 | 800-562-2181
This KOA is 30 minutes west of Des Moines, in a quiet, rural area, and boasts an extensive list of amenities. The jumping pillow, heated pool, and paddleboats are kids’ favorites. Other amenities include two dog parks, a fishing pond, and themed weekend activities.
They offer twelve deluxe cabins, four camping cabins, and two glamping tents. You must provide your own linens for all cabins.
- Deluxe cabins have varying amenities, including modern restrooms, TVs, and outdoor patios. Some offer full kitchens, and others have kitchenettes, and most have showers.
- Camping cabins are no-frills sleeping quarters with TVs and heat and a/c, but no bathrooms or kitchen facilities.
- Glamping tents are one step closer to roughing it—they offer a king-size bed but no a/c, restrooms, or kitchen facilities.
Guests have access to public restrooms and showers, Wi-Fi, the Kamping Kitchen, and other campground amenities. And if you’re not up for cooking, Hunts Bros. will deliver pizza and wings to your site.
Reservations are recommended.
Cordova Park Cabins
1378 Highway G28 | Otley, Iowa 50214 | 641-627-5935
Cordova Park is an 1100-acre park managed by Marion Co. Conservation. Located on the north shore of Iowa’s largest lake, it offers panoramic views from its bluffs. Climb the observation tower, head to the beach, go fishing, or hit the trails.
Cordova Park has seven rental cabins available year-round. All cabins have a modern kitchen, bathroom with shower, living room with a 47” TV, A/C and heat, a porch, and fire ring. You must bring your own bedding, towels, potholders, tableware, soap, and toiletries.
Four cabins are 900-square foot, two-bedroom rustic cabins with views of Red Rock. The other three are 1650 square feet, three-bedroom in a wooded area near Lake Red Rock.
Check out the Cordova Park Cabin brochure and make reservations here.
Horns Ferry Hideaway Cabins
1136 198th Pl | Knoxville, IA 50138 | 641-780-9440
The Horns Ferry Hideaway Cabins are situated in the woods south of the Des Moines River, near Lake Red Rock. They boast quiet, natural surroundings with proximity to Lake Red Rock, Pella, and Knoxville. So, whether you’re looking for a serene escape to the woods, or plenty of things to do, be sure to check them out.
Two studio cabins are available year-round. Both have king-size beds, a jacuzzi tub, a modern, equipped kitchen, a furnished living room with TV, Wi-Fi, A/C, screened porch, gas grill, and fire ring. Towels, bedding, tea, coffee, and popcorn are provided.
Check out their website for more information and make reservations here.
Glissman Lodge
32185 Panther Creek Road | Adel, IA | 515-465-3577
This lodge is about 30 miles west of Des Moines in Glissman Conservation Area. It sits on 60 acres of land and features a 7-acre pond. Whether you want to hike, fish, birdwatch, or just get away from it all, this secluded spot might be what you need.
The lodge has three bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and two bathrooms, with a large deck. Bring your own pillows, bedding, and towels. For more information or to make reservations, see MyCountyParks.com.
Shady Brook Camping & RV Adventures
36026 Jewel Ct | Earlham, IA 50072 | 515-238-1998
Shady Brook Campground is 30 miles west of Des Moines. It’s south of Interstate 80 in a rural area off of 3 miles of gravel roads. Situated among the trees, it makes for a secluded getaway, and it’s also an outdoor wedding venue.
Shady Brook has a variety of rentals, from rustic to modern. They offer a cabin, pool-side retreat, and a camping trailer. And if you’re looking for a unique camping experience, you could try sleeping in a tree tent! Hunting packages are available seasonally. An above-ground pool and restroom/shower facilities are on-site. See their website for reservations.
More cabin rentals near Des Moines…
If you don’t mind going a little further from Des Moines, you might also consider the cabins listed below. They are all around 50-70 miles from Des Moines.
- Sportsman Park, Dawson (along the Raccoon River Valley Trail)
- Little Wall Lake, Jewell
- Country Cabins, Chariton
- Don Williams Cabin Rentals, Boone
- Spring Lake Park, Jefferson
- Union Grove State Park, Gladbrook
- Springbrook State Park, Guthrie Center
- Green Valley State Park, Creston
- Briggs Woods Park, Webster City
- Whiterock Conservancy Rentals, Coon Rapids
- Three Mile Recreation Area, Afton
- Crossroads Ranch Campground and Cabins, Lucas
- Honey Creek Resort Cottages, Moravia
Our list of cabin rentals near Des Moines only includes parks, conservation areas, and campgrounds/RV parks. But, if you haven’t yet found what you’re looking for, don’t forget to check out Airbnb or VRBO for even more options!
And while you’re in the Des Moines area, check out all the excellent outdoor activities! There’s no shortage of parks, rivers, and trails. And if biking is your thing, we’ve definitely got you covered. Hundreds of miles of connected paved trails get you anywhere in the Des Moines metro and beyond.
If you’re looking for even more things to do, check out a local concert, museum, or festival. And in the summer, don’t miss the weekly Farmer’s Market and legendary Iowa State Fair.
Did we miss something? If you have cabin rentals to add, or if we missed important information, please let us know, and we’ll get the list updated! 🙂
