8 Best Lakefront Rentals In Iowa, USA - Updated 2024

Anaanya
Anaanya 
Updated
| 4 min read

Iowa is a state in the US, that is bordered by the Mississippi River and the Missouri River. Known for its cornfields, rolling plains, river views and various lakes, the landscape of Iowa is gorgeous indeed. There are quite a few popular tourist attractions and famous landmarks in Iowa, such as the Des Moines Art Center, 19th-century State Capitol Building, Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Cedar Rapids’ Museum of Art. Fun fact, Iowa is known as the birthplace of sliced bread! Also, Iowa earned itself the nickname ‘The Hawkeye State’, in 1838. If you’re planning a nice relaxing family vacation, here are some of the best lakefront rentals in Iowa, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to a lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.

1. Beautiful and modern lakefront cottage (from USD 800)

Located right next to the lake, this spacious and modern house is perfect for a family vacation. With six bedrooms, two bathrooms, two super large living rooms, a fully equipped kitchen and an outdoor patio that overlooks the lake, this cottage has everything you can ask for. Surrounded by trees and nature, located right opposite a lake, and boasting a private beach, this property will meet your expectations and more! Guests also have full access to two canoes, life jackets, fishing poles, bikes and more. What else could you ask for?

Stayed at this property?

75.4 km (46.9 mi) from Lake Wapello State Park
25 reviews  
cottage 16 Guests 6 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 16
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
feedback to owner: the property easily accommodates a dozen people but that’s challenging with 2 bathrooms
lots of space to relax and large dining room table to accommodate all of us
it would have been nice to have a second tv in the basement for the kids
the kitchen was great and we had plenty of room to eat around the table
Cleanliness:
property very clean and we really enjoyed our stay
lots of space modern clean with comfortable linens
Host:
a big thank you to the owner for all his help
the owner was made aware and i’m sure this will be repaired
brandon (owner) is super flexible and communication beforehand and during was on point
the big table in dining room was great for hosting meals
Location:
town is close so grabbing supplies at walmart or dinner is easy
nearby pella has cute shops bakeries and a fantastic aquatic center
it was close to town which made for easy trips to the bakery dinning etc
quiet cul de sac but easy access to town bike trails parks and marina
Read more reviews
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

2. Private cottage next to a gorgeous lake

This homely and private two-bedroom cottage is located along the banks of Black Hawk Lake. Think of this place as our home away from home, with just one minor difference being that you get to enjoy gorgeous waterfront views. With a cozy living room, a small kitchenette, lots of indoor and outdoor seating and two super comfortable bedrooms, this property is perfect for you. Relax by the deck, enjoy a swim in the lake, try your hand at fishing or just spend time in nature: all you need to do here is relax.

Stayed at this property?
Lake View, Iowa, United States
260.38 km (161.8 mi) from Lake Wapello State Park
31 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cottage 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
homey and fully equipped for a comfortable stay the patio is divine
beds were comfortable with nice bedding and plenty of blankets
Cleanliness:
the cabin is clean comfortable and charming
the home is very clean comfortable and cozy
though small the space is used perfectly and very clean
lovely cozy well supplied very clean wonderful patio and sandy lakeside area
Host:
beth is a great host and is very responsive with any questions or needs
highly recommend this cabin very fun town and beth was a great host
our hosts were highly communicative and the space was perfect
the neighbors were extremely friendly as well
Location:
lovely location warmly decorated
the town has much personality and the bike trail was close and beautiful
place is super quiet and relaxing
perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway to black hawk lake
Read more reviews

3. House with easy access to the lake

Literally a few steps away from the lake, this beautiful three-bedroom lake home is perfect for you and your friends. Not too far from the city and totally surrounded by nature, this place allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, indoor and outdoor seating, and a fully equipped kitchen, this property is perfect for three couples. Guests also have access to two inflatable boats that they can use on the lake.

Stayed at this property?
Lake View, Iowa, United States
261.67 km (162.6 mi) from Lake Wapello State Park
81 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the warm bathroom floor was very much appreciated this time of year
Cleanliness:
the house was very clean and comfortable
very nice and clean place
gorgeous house and clean beyond expectations
the house was very clean and very relaxing
the house is clean well decorated and spacious
Host:
emilie was very responsive to our questions
everyone was so friendly
great little lake house with a host who responds to your questions/concerns in a timely manner
awesome little town and an amazing host would definitely book again
the host is very down-to-earth and super accommodating
Location:
great location in a quaint town right on the lake
you will love the location and friendly small-town atmosphere
wonderful park in town that our boys loved to play at
Read more reviews

4. Fabulous getaway with jaw-dropping views (from USD 375)

Literally just steps away from East Lake Okoboji, this gorgeous lakehouse is perfect for you and your friends. With four bedrooms and seven beds, the property can easily accommodate twelve guests. Basically, this property has a main house that consists of two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a full kitchen. There’s also a guest house that has two bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. The lake has a large deck that can be used for sunbathing, fishing, relaxing, or even swimming! Of course, guests are allowed to bring their own boats and tie them to the deck.

Stayed at this property?
Spirit Lake, Iowa, United States
354.17 km (220.1 mi) from Lake Wapello State Park
43 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 7 Beds 12 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 12

Top guest reviews
Host:
the the place is wonderfully decorated and elizabeth was very responsive
elizabeth was responsive and easy to communicate with
Location:
location was great and having the two homes was ideal for our family situation
guest house and main house very close together and perfect for two families
Read more reviews

5. Expansive house near the lake (from USD 281)

Located right next to Lake Rathbun, this four-bedroom house is great for a trip with your family or friends. With a lush yard, a small kitchen, a cozy living room and a pool table, think of this place as your home away from home. Just a short walk from the water, the location is pretty great! All in all, it’s a wonderful place to stay.

Stayed at this property?
Mystic, Iowa, United States
30.51 km (19.0 mi) from Lake Wapello State Park
64 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 7 Beds 13 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 13

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds are comfortable with nice sheets and pillows
Cleanliness:
very clean home with welcoming neighbors
the house is spacious and was very clean
very clean and lots of amenities
Host:
great home owners to work with
host communication was excellent
Location:
awesome house at a great location close to the lake
great time with friends location is great as is house
Read more reviews

6. Spacious home with stunning views of the lake (from USD 1050)

First and foremost, let’s talk about the most prominent feature of this house - the spacious outdoor deck that literally overlooks the lake and provides a 360-degree view of the water. This six-bedroom house is located on the banks of Lake Red Rock, which is one of the biggest lakes in Iowa. Perfect for a family reunion or a trip with your friends, this property is perfect for large gatherings. With six bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen and a spacious living area, the property is big enough for everyone. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a pool table for the guests to enjoy.

Stayed at this property?

81.8 km (50.9 mi) from Lake Wapello State Park
1 review  
House 14 Guests 6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 14
Minimum Nights: 6
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

7. Beautiful lakefront cabin in the woods

Recently renovated from head to toe, this gorgeous one-bedroom lakefront cabin is nestled in a secluded part of 3 Fingers Campground. Surrounded by nothing but woods and greenery, with gorgeous views of the lake and a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city, this cabin is perfect for you and your partner to spend some quality time together. This cabin has a queen-sized bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living area, and all the modern amenities that you could ask for. P.s, every room has a water view!

Stayed at this property?

288.47 km (179.3 mi) from Lake Wapello State Park
33 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great fully equipped kitchen and bathroom with washer and dryer comfy bedroom that walks out onto the peninsula
Cleanliness:
the lake is clean and not weedy at all
Read more reviews
Oops, this listing is currently inactive. Check out these alternative properties in the same location.
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

8. Beautiful apartment with a lake view

Located along the shores of Carter Lake, this one-bedroom apartment provides beautiful views of the lake. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some quality time with your partner, a place with great views and easy access, then this property is perfect! Barely 10 minutes away from downtown Omaha and not too far from the airport, this apartment is rather centrally located. And the views from this apartment are too good to be true!

Stayed at this property?
Carter Lake, Iowa, United States
284.38 km (176.8 mi) from Lake Wapello State Park
49 reviews  
Entire apartment 2 Beds 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we immediately felt comfortable and welcomed
Host:
julie is an amazing host
we had a wonderful time & julie was an amazing host
they are exceptional hosts & we would love to visit again
she was very quick to respond which was very helpful especially when asking for food recommendations
they were very nice and attentive while we were there but definitely gave us our space
Location:
thirdly it's a great location for kids
we will definitely be keeping this place in mind should we travel toward utah in the near future
such an inviting place to stay relaxing & very tranquil
Read more reviews

Escape to the lakeside

There are some beautiful lakefront houses in Iowa, which are great for family vacations, trips with your friends, and vacations with your better half. Which one of these amazing lakefront rentals in Iowa, USA are you going to book?

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

A freelance content writer by profession, Anaanya is an avid traveller whose main goal in life is to visit as many new places as possible. Anaanya enjoys travelling, not just because of her love...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Iowa
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.