The best tiny home rentals in Iowa

Sandwiched between the Mississippi, Missouri, and Big Sioux Rivers, Iowa is characterized by a mix of plains and hilly countryside, farmlands, lakes, and rivers. This Midwestern state is full of spots to get out and adventure, with about 83 state parks and nearly 6,000 campsites spread among them. The state also has an extensive river system—with numerous lakes and reservoirs—and boating and angling are among the most popular summer activities here. Like elsewhere in the Midwest, the winter months often bring with them plenty of snow, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

99% (45)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sandwiched between the Mississippi, Missouri, and Big Sioux Rivers, Iowa is characterized by a mix of plains and hilly countryside, farmlands, lakes, and rivers. This Midwestern state is full of spots to get out and adventure, with about 83 state parks and nearly 6,000 campsites spread among them. The state also has an extensive river system—with numerous lakes and reservoirs—and boating and angling are among the most popular summer activities here. Like elsewhere in the Midwest, the winter months often bring with them plenty of snow, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

99% (45)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Pine River Campsites

93%

(29)

11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cresco, IA

This secluded property is just off Hwy 9 five miles west of Cresco, Iowa. It has 50/30/20 amp service with water, sewer, garbage and internet. The property has a view of the north branch of the Turkey River, walking tails, fire ring, picnic table and firewood available for purchase. Open all year, winter rates apply. Daily, weekly, monthly rates also available. Message for special rates. Pet friendly.

2. New Hope Farm

100%

(12)

1 site · Lodging · La Motte, IA

This farm is ancestral land of the Sauk and Fox peoples and has been our home since 2001. It offers diverse natural beauty including fresh springs and the Tetes des Morts Creek, quiet woods on sloping bluffs, various songbirds and other wildlife. We tend a few sheep and a flock of 20 laying hens, a small orchard and large vegetable gardens. Our black Labrador retriever wanders around here freely. The tiny house is equipped with a camp cookstove with an extra propane bottle, cooking and eating utensils, press coffee pot, 2 gallons drinking water, full bed, rocking chair, writing table, woodstove for winter heat. It has a back porch and front deck with patio furniture. There’s a firepit with two Adirondack chairs. Firewood provided for $5/bundle.

3. Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

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(5)

2 sites · Lodging · Norwalk, IA

Come home to luxury in nature in this spacious, double king-bed treehouse and sleep among the stars. Expansive views of rolling hills greet you as you sip your pour-over coffee on the wrap around balcony twenty feet above ground. Rain? No problem. Tuck away on the three-season screened-in porch to watch the iconic Iowa pink sunsets. Built with special touches including stained glass and intricate woodwork, this treehouse boasts warmth throughout and is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime get-away. The scent of pine will carry you through a wooded trail that opens to this spacious treehouse towering 30 feet above the ground. Climb the unique staircase, thoughtfully crafted with historic details, wrapped around a 75 year old tree. Inside, two lofts, each boasting a king-size bed, welcome you to sleep easy or sleep late, because there's no need to rush and nowhere to be, unless you want -- This unique treehouse has its own space on our 22-acre property, centrally located and close to Des Moines. The treehouse is 350 sq ft with a cozy couch and chair, plus spacious kitchen with a dining table for four, a two-burner propane stove, electric kettle and Chemex for pour-over coffee, and fridge for your use. There is a mini-split system to make sure you're comfortable no matter the outside temps. Sleep among the stars in your own private loft with a latching door. Each loft has a roomy king bed with cozy, cotton bedding, plus a remote controlled fan, and you’ll find blackout curtains hidden in the headboard for your deepest sleep. Enjoy morning birdsongs (maybe catch an owl nesting in its nearby box) on the wrap-around balcony where you can see for miles in the distance, or find yourself surrounded by stars each night. Our property is loved for its low light pollution. Sneak out the stained-glass door for a midday nap or a board game on the screened-in porch, where rain and bugs will be no bother. Two lower-level outdoor seating areas make for easy meals or enjoying an evening fire. You’ll find a picnic table, a two-person hammock, and benches around a fire pit with chopped wood stocked nearby. Feel free to cook dinner on the charcoal grill, or upstairs in the kitchen.

4. Chief’s Lookout

4 sites · Lodging · Moulton, IA

Two cozy guest cabins (Amish made)that can sleep up to 4 a piece and a kitchen cabin (Chief Keokuk) that also sleeps four. Tucked in a serene wooded cove with a small pond, great for swimming and fishing. Located just two miles North of the Missouri border, and 7 miles south of Moulton, IA. The kitchen cabin has a full bathroom and full kitchen. There is a community fire pit on the patio with three picnic tables offered, horse shoe pit, and a deer hanging post and first come first serve dog kennel with dog house. It is located 2 miles away from 3,000 acres of public hunting land in Iowa, called Sedan Bottoms and a couple miles away from about 3,500 acres of public hunting in Missouri and it’s called Rebels Cove.

5. Wooded Retreat Tiny House

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(11)

1 site · Lodging · La Motte, IA

Imagine this: a wooded creekside. Bird song and wildflowers. Campfire and starlight. Our 8' x 16' tiny house offers the essentials for a back-to-nature getaway without the trouble. We provide a full bed, cookstove, basic cooking and eating utensils, 2 gallons drinking water, outdoor eating area, firepit, and hammock. Bath facilities are on the rustic side including a shower bag and port-a-potty. Short hiking path into the woods and up to the meadow are marked. Creek stomping and fossil hunting are encouraged. Caves, state and county nature areas, canoeing and kayaking are all nearby.

Stories from the community

M

Matthew

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Pine River Campsites

Couldn’t be better than this little cabin. Always clean and has anything you could ask for. On top of that, a beautiful view including a dabbling brook right behind the fire pit. I would recommend this cabin to anyone.

Full size bed with featherbed and down comforter.

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Lucille

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to New Hope Farm

This was a perfect, off the grid cozy stay. It was pretty chilly while we there, but we were still able to see a variety of birds and wildlife!

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Lee

October 2025

3 nights at Wooded Retreat Tiny House

The tiny house was so cozy, with everything we needed. We loved being able to dabble in the creek, and watch the sunset over the meadow. It was a great spot to stay while we visited the many awesome local parks.

Jay

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Wooded Retreat Tiny House

I can’t say enough good about this place, I had a phenomenal experience, from the hospitality to the general upkeep of the cabin. I was lucky enough to catch two amazing moonrises that lit up the entire valley. Visits from various birds including hummingbirds to the feeder near the deck. Cool, clear and calming evenings. Mary and Rick were extremely kind and responsive to questions along the way. Highly recommended.

Wood bridge you walk over to go toward the woods.

Beth

August 2025

3 nights at New Hope Farm

For me it was a time to see all types of wildlife. I saw small birds as the harry woodpeckers and large as the great blue heron. A mink even came to visit from the stream. Two lovely dogs also came for a short visit as well. I place catch with one of them. The cabin is immaculate and ready to meet your needs. The hosts communicate with you and willing to help in anyway possible. There is a small library and my favorite were the Flannery O’Conner stories. I sat in the hammock outside as I read. At night I sat by a fire and watched the half moon rise. The cabin is private and looks out on a meadow on the front and the back screened in porch has a view of the stream gently flowing. You can walk the land and find a path leading into the woods then to a huge meadow. It is a wonderful get away from it all place just to Be.

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Kara

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Luxury in Nature Near Des Moines

This was an amazing spot. Even though we only stayed one night it was so peaceful and beautiful! We got married in December aka we enjoyed a smallish honeymoon. We caught tons of fish and just enjoyed being together in nature. We definitely will be back.

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Analog

July 2025

2 nights at Wooded Retreat Tiny House

Need a little private getaway?Give this tiny house a stay

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Nicole

June 2025

3 nights at New Hope Farm

My cabin stay on New Hope Farm was everything I was hoping for and more! Private and serene, with plenty of land to wander. The cabin is quaint, with thoughtful details and supplies for renters. Many birds and wildlife. Location is perfect for those who want to explore the country and also be close to Dubuque for quick runs.

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Anna

June 2025

2 nights at New Hope Farm

We loved our stay at the cabin. It is in a beautiful and private setting. Mary was very responsive and helpful. We hope to visit again!

Anita

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Wooded Retreat Tiny House

Mary hosted a great spot! Quiet and clean a great place to relax. Easy spot to find. Mary was very responsive and pleasant when messaging.

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Claire

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Wooded Retreat Tiny House

We had such a nice stay at Mary and Rick’s, we enjoyed some time relaxing by the fire and having our morning coffee. Their land is a hidden gem! Tiny home was stocked with the essentials and very cozy.

C

Chantel

November 2024

Weekend Trip to Wooded Retreat Tiny House

If you’re looking for a secluded quiet spot this is it. The directions to the location are clear and everything you need is there. Mary is quick to respond with anything you need and Cleo’s morning visits were great. This was just what we needed and will be back next year!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best tiny homes in Iowa guide

Where to go

Northwest Iowa

Northwest Iowa has lots of parks and camping opportunities along the Des Moines River, including the massive Brushy Creek State Recreation Area and Dolliver Memorial State Park. The Lakes Region—home to West and East Okoboji Lakes and Big Spirit Lake—is particularly popular among boaters, anglers, and birders, with a number of state parks and wildlife preserves across the region. Camping is available at Gull Point State Park.

Southwest Iowa

Southwest Iowa is characterized by wide-open farmland and pretty woodlands. Cyclists can take a tour of this region on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which stretches for 63 miles from the Missouri border up to Council Bluffs near the Nebraska border. The region's Loess Hills State Forest is one of the more popular areas for outdoor recreation, offering a fishing lake and more than 60 miles of trails.

Northeast Iowa

Iowa's Northeast is ideal for getting outside, with miles of recreation opportunities, from trout fishing to canoeing, on the Mississippi River and its Upper Iowa River tributary. Popular spots in the region include Backbone State Park, which offers camping, fishing, and cycling and hiking trails. The Effigy Mounds National Monument, which preserves hundreds of ancient effigy mounds built by Indigenous people during the first millennium, is also worth a visit.

Southeast Iowa

There's no shortage of lakes in Iowa's southeastern region, including Lake Keomah, Indian Lake, and Lake Bonnefield, in the charming town of Fairfield. This region is home to Lake Red Rock—the largest lake in the state—and the lakefront Elk Rock State Park offers camping, boat ramps, and 13 miles of trails. Other lake areas worth checking out include Geode State Park on the banks of Lake Geode and Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, which has camping, cabin rentals, and easy access to Lake Seguma.