Cabin camping near Afton, Minnesota offers a mix of prairie and forested overnight options within 25 miles of the St. Croix River Valley. The region's varied terrain includes glacial moraines, river bluffs, and oak savannas with elevations ranging from 675 to 1,100 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, making heated cabins particularly valuable from November through March.
What to do
Hiking the varied landscapes: Afton State Park Campground offers exceptional trail diversity across its 1,700 acres. One visitor reported, "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" The park combines prairie, forested bluffs, and river access with varying difficulty levels.
Swimming at designated beaches: William O'Brien State Park Campground provides river access for warm-weather recreation. According to reviews, "The campgrounds are well-kept and generally one can get a site without too much hassle if you're not picky." The park's beach area includes changing facilities and designated swimming zones.
Winter activities: Cabin campers can enjoy year-round options at several parks. As one camper at Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins notes, "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees." Cross-country ski trails are maintained at multiple parks when snow conditions permit.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park receives high marks for its well-maintained facilities. One camper mentioned, "Spacious sites and very clean restrooms!" Another noted, "Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers," highlighting the importance of clean facilities for cabin campers.
Diverse site locations: Cabin selections range from prairie to deep forest settings, with varying degrees of privacy. A camper at Afton State Park reported, "The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
Group facilities: Several parks offer group cabin options for larger gatherings. A visitor to St. Croix Bluffs noted, "This place has two group sites... Our site has a large picnic shelter with 6 picnic tables two grills and it's own volleyball place."
What you should know
Winter water access: Water availability changes seasonally at most cabin locations. At Whitetail Woods, "Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter."
Advance booking requirements: Cabins book quickly, especially for weekend stays. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, one camper reported, "We took a 30 minute drive north of the cities for a quick get away, and were rewarded with a very nice campground!" The park's proximity to urban areas makes it popular year-round.
Cooking restrictions: Indoor cooking is prohibited in most cabins. A Whitetail Woods visitor noted, "You can use a slow cooker and a coffee pot in the cabin. Otherwise you can cook over the fire as well." Fire ring grates are standard at most sites for outdoor cooking.
Variable cell reception: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. One camper at Whitetail Woods commented, "There's WiFi available, but depending on which cabin you reserve signal will be too weak for real usage. Same for mobile data -- don't plan on cell service here."
Tips for camping with families
Best cabin locations for kids: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers family-friendly cabin camping with numerous amenities. One visitor mentioned, "Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks feature diverse wildlife, creating educational opportunities. An Afton State Park visitor shared, "We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites. Then I saw the snake. I literally grabbed my husband to hold him back from stepping on it."
Security considerations: Many parks maintain regular security patrols. At Bunker Hills, a camper noted, "The park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp."
Tips from RVers
Accessibility for campers with disabilities: Several cabin areas feature accessible options. At Veterans Campground On Big Marine Lake, a visitor noted the park offers "golf cart rental" among other amenities, which can assist with mobility. Note that this campground requires military veteran status or sponsorship.
Winter heating systems: Most cabin heating systems are electric with varying effectiveness. A Whitetail Woods visitor explained, "There's a heater inside, but no AC, which makes these the most suitable during the spring and fall." Some cabins feature additional insulation for cold-weather comfort.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage considerations are important at all parks. A St. Croix Bluffs camper warned, "We did get visited by raccoons both nights so be sure to clean and put away food AND garbage before calling it a night."
