Updated for 2022
Fall is always a great time to enjoy a little family getaway. What better way to do that than with a cozy cabin escape? Plus, almost all of the cabins listed below are located in local parks, where you can watch the leaves drift down from the trees, go on a hike and enjoy the season in all its glory. We rounded up just a handful of our favorite rustic retreats that are located just a short drive from Des Moines.
For even more ideas for things to do with your family this fall in central Iowa be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide and Events Calendar.
Here’s 25+ cozy cabins for a fall getaway near Des Moines:
Cordova Park Cabins
1378 Highway G28 • Otley, IA 50214 • (641) 627-5935
Cordova Park in Marion county has seven cabins available for rent. Four two-bedroom and three three-bedroom lodges sit atop a wooded bluff overlooking Lake Red Rock. Cabin amenities include heating/air conditioning, refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, and a flat screen TV with satellite. Campers will need to supply bedding or sleeping bags, cooking, and eating utensils and other camping supplies.
Don Williams Recreation Area Cabins
610 H Avenue • Ogden, IA 50212 • (515) 353-4237
Three beautiful four–season cabins are located at Don Williams Lake in Boone county and offer a wonderful fall family vacation location. They boast a fully furnished kitchenette, a full bathroom, TV and DVD player. Vacationers need to supply bedding and towels.
Horn’s Ferry Hideaway Cabins
1136 198th Place • Knoxville, IA 50138 • (641) 780-9440
Horn’s Ferry Hideaway offers luxury vacation rental cabins set in seclusion for the perfect getaway at Iowa’s largest lake where you can boat, fish, or swim until your heart’s content. The property is nestled between a 38-acre wooded eagle refuge and a federally managed prairie and savanna refuge.
Jester Park Cabins
12130 NW 128th Street • Granger, IA 50109 • (515) 323-5338
Four modern cabins are available for rent in Jester Park. Stay, unplug, and reconnect with family this fall. You can hike, fish, bird watch, hunt, or just sit and enjoy the scenery surrounding the cabin. The cabins are fully furnished. Campers will only need to bring toiletries and food.
Pammel Park Yurts
1818 Pammel Park Road • Winterset, IA 50273 • (515) 462-3536
Pammel Park was originally one of the first State Parks in Iowa. There are two 24’ diameter Yurt style cabins available to rent. Each cabin has a small kitchenette and a few furnishings. Cabin renters must use the bathrooms in campgrounds (there are no bathroom facilities located inside the cabins). Campers must also provide their own bedding, cooking utensils and other camping necessities.
Sportsman Park Cabins
13821 130th Street • Dawson, IA 50066 • (515) 465-3577
There are two all season cabins available for rent in Sportsman Park by Dallas County Conservation Board. Both cabins accommodate up to five people and amenities include bathroom, microwave, small refrigerator, electricity, and heat/air conditioning. Campers need to provide linens and any other camping supplies.
Thomas Mitchell Park Cabin
4520 NE 108 Street • Mitchellville, IA, 50169 • (515) 967-4889
A modern three-bedroom cabin (capacity 6) is just 10 minutes from Altoona and provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy Thomas Mitchell Park in comfort. Gather with friends and families around the fire-pit, play yard games, hike nearby woods, or explore via kayak, which is included with your rental. Guests need to provide bedding, towels, and other camping necessities.
Twin Oaks Cabin Retreat
Pella, IA 50219 • (641) 780-4802
This modern cabin is located on a private four-acre pond, surrounded by nature. This serene setting can be enjoyed by relaxing on the deck and soaking up the beauty of your surroundings. The three-bedroom cabin is furnished with a full kitchen and all of the amenities of home.
Got cabin fever? Let us know if your family has stayed in a cabin near Des Moines!
