Although Iowa’s beautiful fall has lingered longer than usual this year, camping season will come to a close very soon for most people, if it hasn’t already. But don’t let the changing seasons limit your enjoyment of Iowa’s state parks, or the chance to stay overnight, reminds State Park Bureau Chief Todd Coffelt.
“We have nine parks scattered around the state with beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins,” says Coffelt, “Allowing couples and families, and even larger groups to enjoy our parks in what we sometimes refer to as the ‘off season.’”
A total of 35 year-round cabins are available to rent for two-day minimums for anywhere from $35 per day to $200 per day. Visitors will need to bring their own bedding and towels, and some cooking utensils. Amenities of each cabin may vary slightly. Depending on the type of cabin, they can sleep between two and ten people, and are located in the following parks:
- Backbone (Fayette County)
- Black Hawk (Sac County)
- Honey Creek (Appanoose County)
- Lake of Three Fires (Taylor County)
- Lake Wapello (Davis County)
- Pine Lake (Hardin County)
- Springbrook (Guthrie County)
- Union Grove (Tama County)
- Waubonsie (Fremont County)
“Fall and winter in our parks offers a completely different experience for a lot of people,” says Coffelt. “There is a quiet solitude that is very appealing and we invite folks to come out and experience it, whether they stay in one of the cabins or just drop in for a hike.”
For more details about each cabin and park, visit the Iowa state park reservation system at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 1-877-427-2757. Currently, reservations for the twofamily cabins at Union Grove State Park are made through the park manager by calling 641-473-2556.
Honey Creek Resort State Park’s 28 one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury cottages may be reserved throughout the year. Details are available at www.honeycreekresort.com or by calling 877-677-3344.