Cabin camping options near Andover, Minnesota range from privately owned sites to state park facilities offering varying levels of wilderness immersion and privacy. Located in Minnesota's central region where oak woodlands meet prairie terrain, Andover sits between 900-925 feet elevation with distinctly different camping experiences in summer versus winter months. Overnight low temperatures between December and February often drop below 0°F, which affects water availability at many cabin sites.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: At Bunker Hills Regional Park, cabin campers have access to top-rated disc golf courses. One visitor noted, "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," making it ideal for disc enthusiasts.
Horseback riding opportunities: Visit Crow Hassan Park Reserve where equestrian camping connects to extensive riding trails. A regular visitor explains, "This is my all-time favorite park to bring my horse to, and it's her favorite trail too. Seriously, when she heads back to our trailer she will stop and refuse to proceed."
Winter stargazing: Several cabin camping areas offer exceptional night sky viewing during winter months. At Wild River State Park, one winter visitor shared, "I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise. The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails."
Beach and swimming access: Multiple parks with cabin accommodations near Andover provide lake access during summer months. A camper at Bunker Hills noted, "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," while another mentioned it's "a blast and we were able to find discount passes online."
What campers like
Cabin proximity to water: Many campers appreciate waterfront cabin sites. At Lake Maria State Park, one visitor described their experience: "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness."
Secluded locations: Cabin campers frequently mention privacy as a major benefit. A Lake Maria visitor explained, "If you're looking for a peaceful escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk — Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one."
Winter accommodations: Several cabin sites near Andover remain open year-round with heating. One winter camper at Wild River described, "The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent. The sites were far enough apart and it looked like it would be more private when the leaves come in."
Screened porches: Some cabin facilities feature screened sitting areas. At Baker Campground, visitors appreciate the outdoor living space. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground."
What you should know
Off-season water availability: Many cabin sites shut off water during winter months. At Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, visitors note seasonal differences: "This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in all had decent tree cover."
Insect intensity: Bug activity varies dramatically by season and location. One Lake Maria visitor reported, "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos. Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers."
Fire ring placement: Some cabin sites have distant fire rings. A Baker Park visitor noted, "The only reason this isn't a full 5-star banger is the fire ring placement. That thing is doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow."
Reservation windows: Cabin sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Wild River State Park typically allows bookings up to 120 days in advance, with one visitor recommending, "You'll need to book for at least two nights and book as soon as you can."
Tips for camping with families
Beach proximity considerations: For cabin camping with children, water access matters. At William O'Brien State Park, parents appreciated structured swimming areas: "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Noise levels between sites: Family groups should consider cabin spacing. At William O'Brien, one visitor observed, "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer."
Bathroom accessibility: Cabin locations relative to facilities matter for families. A Rice Creek camper shared: "You DO need a park pass to stay at the campground" and "There were port-o-potties (cleaned about every 3 days) and a centrally located water source (potable) that was in the middle of everything."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many children enjoy animal sightings near cabins. One visitor to William O'Brien reported, "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness near cabins: For those bringing RVs alongside cabin-staying friends, site quality varies. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, a visitor observed, "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot."
Reservation algorithms: Some campgrounds use automated systems that may not account for preferences. A KOA visitor advised, "So my suggestion to anyone staying at this campground, be sure to call the office ahead and let them know that you want a site with trees and not one backing up to the road."
Tent pad differences: Even at cabin-focused campgrounds, tent areas vary significantly. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, one visitor reported, "Level private sites, lots of trees, Showers were clean. Would definitely camp again."
