Cabin rentals near Austin, Minnesota provide year-round accommodation options for visitors seeking comfort in natural settings. The landscape features rolling hills, agricultural fields, and interconnected waterways including the Cedar River watershed, with elevations ranging from 1,175 to 1,300 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making heated cabins particularly valuable during colder months.
What to do
Hiking trails: 20+ miles at Pilot Knob State Park include paths through prairies, woodlands and lakeside routes. "The park has 20+ miles of hiking trails through prairies, woodlands, and along the lake too! Plus the park offers geocashing (and free GPS rental), as well as canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and a small fishing that can be rented," notes Michael C.
Fishing opportunities: Above and below dam at Halvorson Park provide different fishing experiences. "Nice county park along the Cedar river. Boating and fishing was fun. Saw many people swimming off their boat/pontoons as the bottom is sandy and the current is very very slow," according to one visitor.
Cave exploration: 12-13 mile system at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park features underground formations. "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away. I think the cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations. The floor was really wet so bring shoes you won't slip in," advises Kevin T.
Biking: 6 miles of paved trails at Rice Lake State Park connect to larger regional systems. "Nice walking trail around the property about 2.5 miles. The trail does cross some of the tent sites," one camper observed.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings common at Myre-Big Island State Park throughout the day. "My best friend and I camp all the time with our pups! This park was lovely, it's on an island and we had a pretty amazing view!! We did a little hiking and enjoyed the semi empty campground only 10-15 people!! We saw a ton of wild life many many many deer!" shares Erin L.
Secluded sites: Island camping offers extra privacy during less busy times. "Reserved a site here as a pit stop on a long road trip out west. I did not have high expectations, but was thoroughly surprised. A bald eagle flew over the car on our way in. Things were already looking good," describes Dave E.
Shower facilities: Individual rooms at many parks provide privacy and comfort. "The bathroom/shower facilities were very recently done. This park is unique as you can drive across a causeway and get on the Big Island which has more trails and another campground," notes Anne K.
Seasonal beauty: Spring through fall offers different experiences at each park. "We visited in early April so the sites were quite exposed, I can imagine they would be more private in the summer. Water and showers were not open yet as it was too cold but the vault toilets were well maintained," reports Emelia O.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: At Oakwoods Trails Campground, "Nice campground out in the woods. Not many sites but they are very roomy. Water and electric hookup only. They offer a dump station as well. There is only one road through the grounds so when leaving it can get backed up at the dump station," explains Tracy B.
Weather preparation essential: Many parks have limited services in early spring and late fall. "It's a nice park but no swimming beach we could find. Sites are nice sized and it's quiet $6 for firewood. Will come back for a weekend the staff we have seen seem very nice. As of now NO showers," reports Ed W.
Reservation timing matters: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "As most State parks in MN you better get your reservation in early if you want a site with electric. If your good without. It's a great park," advises Tim B.
Payment methods vary: Some smaller campgrounds have limited options. "Clean and well maintained campground about a quarter mile past owner's farm buildings. Signs for registration are easy to follow, stop at the Office (garage) to check in. Cash or check only, no cards," notes Torey H.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Natural themed play areas at several parks offer unique experiences. "40 site Totally renovated 2 years ago nestled along the little Cedar river above the dam. New Shower house/bathrooms. Natural themed kids play area including a huge tree house," describes a visitor at Riverside Co Park.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites within parks provide learning experiences. "I loved the campground area which nestled in a small valley. On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society," shares Jason S.
Swimming locations: Man-made ponds with clean water are available at select parks. "Very nice ranger at the front told us we could return whatever firewood we didn't use for a full refund. Got back to our site on the island and there was hardly anybody else around," reports a visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening are best times for deer sightings. "Seeing large groups of deer was a daily/nightly thing!" shares Michael C.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Narrow access roads at some parks require caution. "The interior roads are dirt roads with a few potholes they are very narrow. The camping sites are nice sized and relatively private. There is a gravel pad on each site and some have a tent pad. We were able to drive through the campground with our 40 foot fifth wheel. But just barely, be careful!" advises Cheryl W.
Hookup availability: Electric only at many sites with water access points between sites. "Got to this campground late in the evening. Check in was a breeze and easy to find and pull into the site. We had an electric site. Very level and clean. Nice fire pit and located right next to the lake. Only downside was the site was electric only. No option for full hookup but water was located between the sites," notes Julian B.
Dump station access: Most parks have centralized facilities. "Dump station was clean and modern and located close by," reports a visitor at KOA Kampgrounds of America near Austin.
Leveling requirements: Site quality varies across parks. "Not all sites are level, and most do not have delineated parking pads (there is a small pavement indent to show where to access the site). A fire pit and picnic table complete the site," shares Lee D.
