If you don’t own a camper, and you’ve never been camping – let alone know which gear to purchase or borrow for a stress-free camping trip – pitching a tent and sleeping on the ground can seem a little daunting. Luckily, this Iowa park that takes camping to a whole other level may be the perfect compromise.

Pammel State Park offers three trail systems for those looking for an outdoor adventure.

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Madison County Conservation Website Both hiking and cross-country skiing are popular with visitors. The three trails are Lodge Trail, Backbone Trail, and Interpretive Trail. The park is located at 1818 Pammel Park Rd., Winterset.

This area of rocky shore is popular with visitors, as well. It’s a great place to relax and play.

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The Harmon Tunnel, located on the north side of the park, is a historic site. It was hand-dug in 1858 and only large enough for one person to get through. In 1925, it was widened for use as a road.

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This park has a unique campground. Two yurts located adjacent to the south camping loop are available for rent from April to October.

South IA/Trip Advisor These three-season cabins are available by reservation only. They are identical in size and are well-equipped.

The yurts are 24-foot in diameter, include 450 square feet of living space, and each feature two windows and a sky light.

Madison County Conservation Website

Each yurt sleeps eight people comfortably with two sets of bunk beds, a sofa-sleeper, and a futon. The floors, walls, and ceilings of these structures are insulated. There are also heat and air conditioning units in each yurt.

Madison County Conservation Website

The kitchen has a microwave, refrigerator, and electric stove. There’s enough counter top space here to cook a full meal.

Madison County Conservation Website To wash dishes, you’ll need to use the outdoor water hydrant and wash area. You see, there aren’t any bathroom facilities located inside the yurts. The campground bathroom and shower are both located close by.

An attached elevated deck with a picnic table with seating for 8 is the perfect place for a leisurely meal. There’s also a hooded BBQ grill and ground fire-ring for each yurt.

Madison County Conservation Website

Madison County Conservation Website There is absolutely no smoking in or around these yurts. Pets are also prohibited in or outside of cabins, including the parking areas.

If you want to cook your own food on-site, you’ll need to bring pot holders, dish towels, a pan to wash dishes in, soap, table service, cooking pots, utensils, and a cutting board. The yurts do not have coffee makers or toasters.

Madison County Conservation Website You may also want to bring a lantern to light the deck area and a flash light.

The area around the campsite is beautiful. Many families decide to book a yurt for a weekend (or week) of rest and relaxation.

South IA/Trip Advisor Whether you stay one night or seven, these yurts provide a truly special camping experience in one of Iowa’s most beautiful state parks.

For those who prefer more traditional camping, you might want to check out these 10 awesome campgrounds in Iowa.

South IA/Trip Advisor

Madison County Conservation Website

Both hiking and cross-country skiing are popular with visitors. The three trails are Lodge Trail, Backbone Trail, and Interpretive Trail. The park is located at 1818 Pammel Park Rd., Winterset.

penelopelouise/Trip Advisor

SouthIA/Trip Advisor

These three-season cabins are available by reservation only. They are identical in size and are well-equipped.

To wash dishes, you’ll need to use the outdoor water hydrant and wash area. You see, there aren’t any bathroom facilities located inside the yurts. The campground bathroom and shower are both located close by.

There is absolutely no smoking in or around these yurts. Pets are also prohibited in or outside of cabins, including the parking areas.

You may also want to bring a lantern to light the deck area and a flash light.

Whether you stay one night or seven, these yurts provide a truly special camping experience in one of Iowa’s most beautiful state parks.

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