Tucked in the Midwestern region of the United States, Iowa is a perfect destination for a family vacation. Also known as the Hawkeye State, the state is famed for its idyllic landscape that’s blessed with lush rolling hills and spectacular cornfields. Amongst other top things to do in Iowa, don’t miss visiting the capital Des Moines and marvel at the 19th-century gold-domed Capitol Building. Nature lovers and art buffs alike will especially love the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, which boasts visually striking sculptures amid serene cityscapes. If you’re traveling with family, visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, where kids can learn about the state’s rich culture and ecosystem. In case you’re planning a trip here, you’ll need a quiet place to rest your head. Read on for our list of the best secluded cabins in Iowa, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and remoteness of location. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Cozy cabin close to Trout River, Decorah (from USD 117)
Treat yourself to a lovely vacation in this modest cabin that’s found close to the Trout River. Ideally suited for solo adventurers and couples alike, this unpretentious cabin boasts a snug bedroom and a clean bathroom.
Though a bit tiny, this romantic cabin in Iowa has a functional kitchen where you can enjoy the freedom of making your own meals. You will also love the front porch, which makes the ultimate spot to chill out and take in the panoramic vistas of the scenic Trout River Valley.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioning was quiet and worked great on the hot sticky daysit way more fun than an institutional room at a hotel and the views are spectacularsuper comfortable great functional kitchen the perfect stayserene simple and cozy abodethe cabin was actually larger than we had expected and very comfortableCleanliness:
exceptionally clean as wellsuper clean and charmingeverything was very clean thoughtfully furnished and comfortablethe cabin was clean and well decoratedthe cabin was clean eclectic and privateHost:
paul is a friendly hostthe hosts have refurbished it perfectlypaul is a super attentive host and easy to communicate withpaul is an awesome host we also had the pleasure of meeting his welcoming parents during our staypaul and his family were very welcoming and friendly and gave some great tips about the areaRead more reviewsLocation:
short walk to good fishingdowntown is a wonderful place toothe cabin was great beautiful location hike down to the trout river it is worth itwalking distance to gorgeous streams and great hikingits not too far from decorah but far enough away that you get the benefit of the quiet
Superhost
2. Woodsy cabin with a deck, Fort Atkinson (from USD 175)
Soak up the tranquility of Iowa from the comfort of this charming woodsy cabin. A beautiful spot to call your own, this cabin boasts vaulted ceilings, log beams and a floor-to-ceiling limestone fireplace, which adds to its appeal.
The main space is an open floor plan with a well-appointed living room and a fully equipped kitchen. Upstairs is the loft suite with a king-size bed and a private bathroom. Guests will also love the deck, a serene spot where you can wind down and take in the surrounding beauty.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it is always very clean & extremely comfortableit is a beautiful cabin - so clean well organized and fully equippedHost:
property owner is very attentive to your needs and extremely friendlyproperty and property owners couldn’t be nicerwe loved our stay at the knotty pine guest house the owner is very accommodating and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
a pretty quiet and secluded location
3. Serenity Valley, Decorah (from USD 333)
Traveling with your family? Choose this lovely cabin as your next home base for exploring the rest of Iowa. A beautiful home away from home, this vacation rental comes with everything you might need and more for a splendid vacation. It boasts modern comforts such as themed bedrooms with plush bedding and a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances. It also has a lovely patio with a fire pit where guests can sit and admire the beautiful outdoors.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and pretty much anything you would need on handHost:
spacious quiet lovely decor and friendly hostsfantastic hosts who have created a majestic property to unwind and relaxRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for groupsif you are looking for a place to get away and enjoy the quiet outdoors
4. Beautiful cabin for the entire family, Decorah (from USD 188)
If you’re traveling with your family, then this beautiful cabin is the one you must check out. Nestled in a lush wooded lot near a scenic pond, it makes a perfect hideout where you can be one with nature. Inside, you’ll find an inviting open floor plan space with an elegantly furnished living area and a fully equipped kitchen.
The cabin also has three queen rooms with plush bedding and a full and a half bath. Other amenities available here include a laundry room, free WiFi, and safe parking.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable beds great kitchen and showerCleanliness:
cabin was very cleanwe loved it here it was so peaceful very clean and well stocked with everything you needRead more reviewsHost:
kristine and kevin were wonderful host and the property was beautifuli would recommend this place and the owners to everyone
5. Charming cabin amidst nature, Sioux Falls (from USD 395)
Discerning guests craving to see more of the state’s beauty will surely enjoy their stay in this charming retreat near the Big Sioux River. Ideal for families and large groups, this lovely cabin features five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms and can sleep up to ten guests. Make yourself at home and curl up next to the fireplace in the snug living room. One of the very popular cabin rentals with a hot tub in Iowa, this one also has a fully equipped kitchen for those who wish to prepare their own meals.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the great room soars overhead and the loft balcony was a favorite place of the kidsgreat house with lots of roomRead more reviewsLocation:
plenty of yard space for outdoor activities and a peaceful secluded location
6. Cedar Bend Cabin, Charles City (from USD 188)
This one-bedroom cabin getaway in Iowa is found just a few steps away from the river. Here, you and your loved ones can indulge in several outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing, canoeing, and birdwatching. After the end of an adventurous day out, soak in the hot tub and watch the sunset. You’ll also have access to a fire pit, where you can curl up and get cozy as you roast your marshmallows under the starry night sky.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the big sectional couch (with foldout bed) was super comfy(maybe an electric fireplace in the living room?) the positives definitely outweighed the few criticismsCleanliness:
property was clean well equippedbeautiful scenery clean environment great place to rejuvenatevery clean comfy house right on the rivereverything was clean and as described in the listingif you want a clean quiet cabin with scenery and a hot tub this is the placeHost:
communication with the host was fantasticRead more reviewsLocation:
we decided to venture away from city life and this place was perfectwe would highly recommend this location and hope to be backwe had a great time the place was so nice and cuteenjoyed a quiet weekend get away
7. Unique A-frame with spectacular lake views, Eldora (from USD 60)
A total of eight adventure-seekers can spend their nights in this unique A-frame cabin, undoubtedly one of the best Airbnb vacation rentals that you’ll find in Iowa. Thanks to two bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room, guests here will enjoy a good night’s rest. This cheap cabin in Iowa also borders Pine Lake State Park and makes a great spot for indulging in outdoor activities such as ice-fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, and bike riding. If you’re traveling with your four-legged friends, you’ll be glad to know that this cabin is pet-friendly.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very cozy and had plenty of amenities which was a nice surprisebeds were comfortableCleanliness:
very clean and cozy cabineverything was nice and clean and well stockedthis was a clean neat quiet houseit was comfortable extremely clean cozy and warmit was clean and taken care ofHost:
pat is a wonderful hostpat was a great hostwonderful hosts that had thorough instructions and an overall wonderful spacefantastic place on the lake responsive hostthanks for hosting us in this nice cabinRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to get awaythe river and tubing is so close as wella great location of the cabin we enjoyed walks around the lakehad a great time cute place right off the trailit is close to a beautiful walking trail that circles the lake
8. Modern cabin with a wood-burning fireplace, Keosauqua (from USD 91)
Overlooking the scenic waters of the Des Moines River, this modern cabin on the waterfront is a charming hideout for those seeking to enjoy a relaxing break away from their daily grind.
Thanks to the queen room and the queen-size futon in the living room, a total of four travelers can call this cabin their home. And with a wood-burning fireplace to set the tone, not to mention the fully equipped kitchen, what you get here is a jolly space to rest your head.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the tv has netflix and other apps to watch movies very peaceful nice views good vibeswhen we weren’t outside we would watch movies using the roku tv or play card gamesCleanliness:
the cabin was clean and cozyvery clean and had everything we neededit's clean cozy and quietsuper clean and exactly like the picturesbeautiful remote cabin very clean and well maintainedHost:
she is very responsive and helpful if you have questions or need assistance during your staythe host was extremely helpful with weather issues due to heavy rainsgreat host great communicationgreat place to stay in the area hosts are great at communicating with you when it’s neededRead more reviewsLocation:
was a very great location and so relaxingthe location was beautiful and secluded which is what we were looking forthe cabin was beautiful and it’s location was perfecta beautiful place to get awayrustic secluded and comfortable place for outdoor lovers
9. The Rookery Cottage, Coon Rapids (from USD 100)
Nestled smack dab in the middle of the Middle Raccoon River Valley, this one-bedroom cottage offers a beautiful getaway into the wild. It is conveniently located on a private acreage overlooking a scenic garden and prairie.
Active guests can visit Whiterock Conservancy, which is less than a five-minute drive away from the property and can access picturesque hiking and biking trails or float on the nearby river. Additionally, this cottage is only a short walking distance to nearby fishing ponds, adding to its charm. In the evening, warm up by the outdoor fire pit and make use of the charcoal grill to prepare a barbecue dinner.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very nice and comfortable cottagepeaceful spacious super comfortable and most important during the heat wave ac great communication between hosts and guestsCleanliness:
her place was clean and had all the right touches for a nice staywhat a great place to stay very clean comfortable and cozythe cottage was very clean and comfortable with some games and puzzles that my kids lovedHost:
emily is a great host who made sure we felt at homeemily and matt were wonderful hostshosts are excellent tooemily was very responsive to any questions i had and was a fantastic hostemily and matt were fantastic hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
very peaceful locationcute place to stay and in an awesome location within whiterocka nice place to get away and relaxgood location for us during a visit with our son and his familythe rookery is a great place to get away and relax
10. Quiet cabin in the woods, Dubuque (from USD 166)
If you’re looking to spend time in nature, consider this cabin in the woods. With a queen-size bed in the bedroom and two single beds in the common area plus a full bathroom, a total of four adventure travellers can call this their home. There are several hiking trails nearby.
In the evening, you can curl up by the fireplace in the common area with a good book in hand, indulge in fun board games, or watch TV. You’ll also have access to a riverside deck where you can enjoy a barbecue as you take in the beauty of the scenic Mississippi River.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable bed and beautiful view of the riveramazing cozy cabin with a breathtaking viewfantastic views fun trails and a super cozy private spotall amenities were top notch and room was cleanwe had a very thoughtful welcome basket and beautiful flowers on the tableCleanliness:
everything was immaculately clean and comfortablethe cabin was lovely clean and comfortablethe beds are comfortable cabin is clean and marie was a perfect hostan amazing location with an adorable cabin that was so clean and welcomingHost:
the staff were very communicative friendly and helpfulmarie is a great host and the cabin has everything you needmarie is so warm and friendly and very hospitablemarie was very responsive and helpful definitely would visit againRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location overlooking the mississippi rivergreat cabin great location beautiful scenerycute cabin great little place to stay close to galenareally a one of a kind locationthis was such an amazing and perfect place to get away from all the chaos
Explore the great outdoors in Iowa
Iowa is a lovely destination for a fun-filled vacation, especially for those who’d like to take some time off their daily grind. And with our listing above featuring some of the best secluded cabins in the area, you’ve got no reason not to visit. So go ahead, rent out your ideal space and start planning your trip now.
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