Cabin camping near Alexandria, Minnesota offers options from rustic to modern accommodations across state parks and private resorts. Located in west-central Minnesota at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, this lake region encompasses over 300 lakes within a 25-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with winter lows often reaching below 0°F, making seasonal preparation essential.
What to do
**Snowshoeing trails: Winter visitors at Lake Carlos State Park Campground can explore specially created trails through wooded areas and across frozen ponds. "We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski, this was our first visit to this state park... We hiked 1.2 miles and then snowshoed 2.4 miles. There are ponds and bogs that they create snowshoe trails on, so there are even more trails to explore in the winter," notes a visitor.
**Non-motorized boating: Annie Battle Lake at Glendalough State Park Campground restricts motor boats, creating perfect conditions for paddling. "They don't allow motor boats on one of the lakes so there is always calm water to canoe, kayak, swim, or paddleboard in," shares one camper. The park offers rentals for various watercraft.
**Mount Tom hiking: For panoramic views, climb the observation tower at Sibley State Park. "Close to our home so we go often! This park has everything from bike trails, hiking trails, look out tower at the top of Mount Tom, to swimming and fishing," explains a regular visitor. The tower provides views across the surrounding lake country.
What campers like
**Cart-in tent sites: Tent campers appreciate the vehicle-free camping areas at Glendalough. "The tent sites are all cart in, making the scenery the main focus. You don't have to stare at vehicles while you are enjoying a fire, which I love. They also have sites that you can canoe in to as well as cabins and yurts," explains a reviewer. These sites require a short, flat haul from designated parking.
**Lakefront positioning: Many cabin and campsite options at Tipsinah Mounds City Park provide direct lake access. "Beautiful location. most lots are lake front. camper spots are easy to get into and spacious. two primitive areas, one by the beach and the other is tucked back in the trees(super secluded)," notes one visitor. The park maintains both lakefront and secluded woodland options.
**Winter cabins: Cold-weather campers find heated accommodations at Lake Carlos State Park. "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail. They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter. We had room for a truck bed camper and a pop-up clam ice fishing tent," reports a winter visitor.
What you should know
**Amenity variations: Facilities differ significantly between locations, from basic to full-service. "Nice campground. Bathrooms clean but dated. Beautiful swimming beach short walk from campground. Good hiking trails. Good biking trails nearby," explains a visitor to Oak Ridge Campground at Sibley State Park.
**Insect preparation: Seasonal bug activity requires planning. "Beautiful park with rolling prairies. Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground. Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell. The bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray," warns a Glacial Lakes visitor.
**Water levels: Lake conditions can impact facility access. "The lake was really high when we visited, which led to a useless campground fishing pier and a boat dock that you had to swim to to use. There was no beach, but there may have been if the water level was normal," notes a camper at Glacial Lakes State Park.
Tips for camping with families
**Beach facilities: Many parks offer swimming areas with child-friendly features. "We have camped a few times and always had a great time! The lake views are spectacular," shares a Tipsinah Mounds visitor. "They have a nice Sandy beach. Tent sites right by lake. Great for fishing and all types of water sports," adds another.
**Activity options: Parks with diverse recreation keep children engaged. "The park has everything from bike trails, hiking trails, look out tower at the top of Mount Tom, to swimming and fishing," notes a regular at Sibley State Park. Most parks maintain playground equipment and open areas for games.
**Cabin camping comfort: Andes RV Park provides family-friendly amenities with cabins. "The park offers a fantastic range of activities, including golf cart rentals, volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, pickle ball, etc…and in winter, cross-country skiing and tubing—there's something for everyone!" reports a recent visitor.
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: RV spots at Alexandria-area campgrounds vary in size and privacy. "We are camping/glamping in 30' fifth wheel. The sites here are spacious and cozy at the same time. Feels like we are deep in the forest but civilization is close enough for WiFi!" shares a Lake Carlos visitor.
**Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds operate year-round with limited winter facilities. "Nice, new rv park. Not far off I 94. Spent 1 night, but slept well due to no noise. Golf cart rentals, and trails from the park," notes an Andes RV Park guest.
**Water access: Many RV sites include lake views with boat facilities. "Had so much fun. It was quiet. Close to the beach. Showers and bathrooms are clean. Front desk is amazing," reports a visitor to Tipsinah Mounds City Park.
