It’s been a long winter, and being cooped up inside is starting to drive some Iowans crazy! Right now, I think we all need to start planning our spring retreats, so that we have something to look forward to. If you love to get away from the hectic pace of your everyday life, plan a trip to Iowa’s best Log Cabin Campground, Backbone State Park.

Backbone State Park was Iowa’s first state park, in Dundee, Iowa.

Flickr / Matthew Hoelscher The park was dedicated in 1920, named for the Devil’s Backbone, which is the highest point in northeast Iowa. The Backbone was created by the Maquoketa River, which cut into the bedrock to form the unique feature.

Today, the park remains one of the most popular destinations, year round.

Facebook / Backbone State Park On April 2nd, all gates and trails of the park re-open for spring, summer and fall. Currently, the South gate is the only open parking area and trailhead.

Within the park, you’ll find miles of trails, river crossings, and stunning views. Their year-round campground offers Iowans an opportunity to escape into the words for a quiet retreat.

Facebook / Backbone State Park

The Cabin sites and modern campground are open year-round, and sometimes a winter or early spring getaway is exactly what you need.

Iowa State Parks Even in the dead of winter, Cabins and modern campground is open and roads stay plowed. The water to the cabins is shut down, but there are frost free cabins, and the electricity is on.

You’ll feel like a spoiled settler in these modern cabins. Though they’re in the middle of nowhere, they each offer modern amenities.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Each two bedroom cabin is available year-round, and many of the one-bedroom cabins have been renovated and fit out for all seasons. These cozy accommodations will make you feel right at home.

In the cabins, you’ll find full kitchens, comfortable couches, chairs and beds, and modern appliances.

Tripadvisor / Susan M. This isn’t quite the primitive retreat of your childhood! Most of the cabins are pet-friendly, too, so you can bring your family pooch along for the trip.

Take advantage of your campsite’s fire ring to make s’mores, hot dogs, and other traditional camping snacks.

Triadvisor / Jibbs Kids and adults alike will love laying out a picnic on the old-fashioned wooden benches in front of your own personal log cabin.

Be sure to bring your hiking boots! The East Lake Trail will bring you to breathtaking overlooks and views along the river.

Flickr / JD Adelmund Pack a lunch to enjoy at the top of the trail - you’ll want to stay here and take in the sights.

From up here, you can see for miles.

Facebook / Backbone State Park Rock climbers take to this park in the spring and summer for the rugged outcroppings, mountain bikers enjoy over 20 miles of challenging trail, and in the winter, snowmobile and cross country skiing trails are popular with those of us who love the cold.

If you really need a place to get away, head to Backbone State Park’s cabin campground, where you’ll be miles away from it all.

Facebook / Backbone State Park Backbone State Park’s campground entrance is located at 1347 129th St., Dundee, IA 52038. Reserve a cabin online, here, or call 563-924-2527.

For more great, rustic cabins that you can rent in the Hawkeye State, check out this list of 10 Iowa State Park Cabins To Rent For The Perfect Weekend Away

Flickr / Matthew Hoelscher

The park was dedicated in 1920, named for the Devil’s Backbone, which is the highest point in northeast Iowa. The Backbone was created by the Maquoketa River, which cut into the bedrock to form the unique feature.

Facebook / Backbone State Park

On April 2nd, all gates and trails of the park re-open for spring, summer and fall. Currently, the South gate is the only open parking area and trailhead.

Iowa State Parks

Even in the dead of winter, Cabins and modern campground is open and roads stay plowed. The water to the cabins is shut down, but there are frost free cabins, and the electricity is on.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Each two bedroom cabin is available year-round, and many of the one-bedroom cabins have been renovated and fit out for all seasons. These cozy accommodations will make you feel right at home.

Tripadvisor / Susan M.

This isn’t quite the primitive retreat of your childhood! Most of the cabins are pet-friendly, too, so you can bring your family pooch along for the trip.

Triadvisor / Jibbs

Kids and adults alike will love laying out a picnic on the old-fashioned wooden benches in front of your own personal log cabin.

Flickr / JD Adelmund

Pack a lunch to enjoy at the top of the trail - you’ll want to stay here and take in the sights.

Rock climbers take to this park in the spring and summer for the rugged outcroppings, mountain bikers enjoy over 20 miles of challenging trail, and in the winter, snowmobile and cross country skiing trails are popular with those of us who love the cold.

Backbone State Park’s campground entrance is located at 1347 129th St., Dundee, IA 52038. Reserve a cabin online, here, or call 563-924-2527.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.