12 Best Cabin Rentals Near Jefferson, IA, US 2025

Cabin camping in Jefferson offers over 250 spots where you can swap city noise for a real roof and four walls. You’ll find cabins tucked along forest trails, near lakes, and on quiet ranches. The average night runs $15, with some cabins staying at that price point. Guests mention Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure (206 reviews) as a reliable pick for clean spaces and easy access to snow sports. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure, Rock N Ranch Events & Campground (114 reviews), and Cabin in the Woods (2 reviews) top the list. Most spots welcome pets, have wifi, and offer toilets. Hiking and swimming are easy to access from your doorstep, so you can get outside without much planning. If you want a low-fuss way to sleep close to the woods—without pitching a tent—this area keeps it simple, affordable, and practical.

98% (358)

Top-rated campgrounds

Cabin camping in Jefferson offers over 250 spots where you can swap city noise for a real roof and four walls. You’ll find cabins tucked along forest trails, near lakes, and on quiet ranches. The average night runs $15, with some cabins staying at that price point. Guests mention Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure (206 reviews) as a reliable pick for clean spaces and easy access to snow sports. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure, Rock N Ranch Events & Campground (114 reviews), and Cabin in the Woods (2 reviews) top the list. Most spots welcome pets, have wifi, and offer toilets. Hiking and swimming are easy to access from your doorstep, so you can get outside without much planning. If you want a low-fuss way to sleep close to the woods—without pitching a tent—this area keeps it simple, affordable, and practical.

98% (358)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

98%

(208)

30mi from Jefferson · 14 sites · Lodging · Menlo, IA

Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.

2. Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

96%

(492)

38mi from Jefferson · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Earlham, IA

This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and mature beautiful trees. Hiking trails, playground equipment, dog park, shelterhouse, showerhouse/restrooms, community fire pit, all sites have fire pits and picnic tables, laundry area, rec room, and welcoming staff!

3. Timberline Cabins, Waukee

100%

(3)

40mi from Jefferson · 15 sites · Lodging · Waukee, IA

Discover the unique charm of Timberline Campground, where the tranquility of nature meets the convenience of urban life. Located on the outskirts of Waukee, Iowa, this gem offers a peaceful retreat while being easily accessible from Interstate 80, just a mile and a half away. Timberline Campground features a variety of spacious cabins and (New in 2025!) glamping area known as Horseshoe Bend. The newest section of our camp includes vintage sleeping campers inspired by characters from the iconic series Yellowstone. Horseshoe Bend campers each sleep up to 4 and make a fun and memorable spot for family gatherings, reunions or twinkling star getaways. Guests consistently rave about the pristine facilities and pool, weekend youth activities and special entertainment like themed grill outs, band appearances and more. You must check out Waukee Best Mascot Myrtle the Turtle in the camp store! After a day of adventure, you can enjoy local restaurants and shops that are just a short drive away. Explore nearby hot spots, including Raccoon River Valley Trail, Vibrant Music Hall, Barn Town Brewery and Jordan Creek Mall to name a few. Let your hosts at Timberline Campground show you how to enjoy country camping with all the conveniences of city life!

Public campgrounds near Jefferson

Springbrook Campground

17mi from Jefferson · 111 sites · Tents, RVs · in Springbrook State Park

Dolliver Campground

30mi from Jefferson · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dolliver Memorial State Park

Black Hawk Campground

38mi from Jefferson · 128 sites · Tents, RVs · in Black Hawk State Park

Stories from the community

R

Robin

2 weeks ago

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Beautiful property, lots of trails to explore, pond and complete relaxation. Hunters Havin sleeping cabin was awesome. Great for cooler weather and beautiful surroundings for campfire. We can’t wait to return in the summer with the grandkids.

M

Michael A

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Timberline Cabins, Waukee

Rented one of the cabins by the pond. From the moment arriving we were greeted with such great customer service. We enjoyed every moment of our stay especially sitting by the pond having a fire and just enjoying the stars and all the deer that were roaming bye. We will definitely be back again.

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Katie

October 2025

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Gorgeous property. Booked the sight above the pond which was beautiful and peaceful. Great sunset spot.

Holly

October 2025

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

The host was super friendly and flexible, even when we got in around midnight. The space was safe and views were lovely the next morning. I'd recommend staying!

E

Eric

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

Absolutely love the cute little cottage and the fun playground areas.

Rayven

October 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We had a great stay! The cabin was cozy and clean, tucked on the outskirts of Des Moines in a quiet little RV park and campground. The host was super friendly and helpful, and we appreciated that it wasn’t crowded at all. There were fun swings to discover around the property, and we enjoyed a perfect evening campfire—firewood was conveniently available on-site. Would definitely stay again!

A

Arjan

October 2025

4 nights at Timberline Cabins, Waukee

We stayed a few nights in this cabin. It was nicely situated with view on the small lake. Liked the firepit. Staff was very helpful.

A

Anna

September 2025

With kids

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

My kids and I stayed here while just passing though the area on a road trip. We ended up staying in “The Loft” and we loved it! Perfect for kids. The little cabin was clean, cozy and the host was so kind and accommodating with our late arrival. The surrounding property is beautiful and it was the perfect place to stop after a long day of driving. We only wish we could have stayed longer. Will for sure be back!

K

Kyra

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

I was only able to stay one night on my road trip, and I wish I had alloted another for this site! Linda was so so sweet and set me up with her favorite spot and it didnt disapoint <3

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Nolan

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

Great place to have a camping trip close to Omaha. Plenty of open space, fishing, hiking, and the sights are awesome. We were blown away at the brightness of the stars. Thanks Linda!

Allie

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

I love Rock N Ranch! The property is beautiful & well taken care of. I appreciate the quiet and feel of isolation. Linda is easy to reach and so helpful. My family and I have camped here multiple times and we’ll keep coming back!

C

CJ

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

We were only there for one night, but the whole setup of the land was really cool and our tent sites were out of the way and secluded for the most part. Other than the bugs trying to eat us alive, and the heat, it was a great campsite, and perfect stopping location for our trip across the US!

Devon

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

The Ranch is a hidden paradise for a person like myself!! Very peaceful with a Creek,Pond, and Trails!!!! We had a Full moon during the stay and it’s amazing view every night! 10/10!!! 5 Star!!! MUST SEE!!!

MICHAEL

August 2025

3 nights at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

This place is a hidden gem and we will continue to come back year after year. The family is very kind and we absolutely love coming to camp here.

T

Tyler

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

My girlfriend and I booked Hunter’s Havin for a 2 night stay with our dog and it was amazing. The quiet atmosphere with tons of privacy was exactly what we were looking for. We were greeted by Linda with a big smile and a tour of the land. We were able to unwind and relax to our heart’s content. On the 2nd day, the heat became unbearable for us and our dog, and Linda was very accommodating, allowing us to move to the Honeymoon Cabin for our final night, which included air conditioning. We will definitely be back in the future, and highly recommend Rock N Ranch and Linda to anyone looking for a quiet getaway out in nature.

T

Toni

July 2025

2 nights at Shadybrook Camping and RV Adventure

We were in town for the Midwest National Softball tournament and found this little place to make our home for 3 nights. It's out of the way....but pretty close to interstate traffic noise. Although with the air conditioning running, it wasn't an issue. The entire compound was very clean and set up to be private Nice hot showers only a short ways from the cabin. We fell in love with the small town of Earlham. It's like the perfect quintessential town depicted in movies. The downtown bar and grill has great food. And short drives on dirt roads to visit the covered bridges of Madison county. We would certainly recommend Shady Brook to others considering a stay in the Des Moines area.

D

Diane

July 2025

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

I only stayed one night at this very picturesque place, but was glad I got there a bit earlier in the day. Linda met me and helped me pick one of the more shaded sites. I ended up with a nice view of the pond and a kind of medium length walk to the 'unisex bat room'. A little bug spray was all that was needed to complete an enjoyable evening listening to the wind and the frogs down by the pond. My only advice is to grab some water if you need it as you're coming in because the water spigots are only in one spot. I will certainly keep this spot as a favorite for future trips.

A

Austin

July 2025

With pets

3 nights at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

I loved staying at Rockin Ranch. There is nice pond caught many fish. Very secluded and quiet. 10/10

A

Avinash

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

This camping spot is absolutely gorgeous! Our family had an amazing time. The owners are super friendly and always willing to lend a hand.

M

Megan

June 2025

1 night at Rock N Ranch Events & Campground

My travels become chaotic and I was unable to make my reservation. The host was very understandable and respectful! She did everything to try and accommodate me and I appreciate that effort! I WILL make it to the cabin one day!