Cabin camping near Bigelow, Minnesota offers access to several lakes and recreational areas within a 45-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 1,650 feet elevation with warm summers averaging 83°F in July and cold winters dropping to 7°F in January. This region features a mix of prairie and wooded environments with several cabin options located near lakes and rivers for fishing access.
What to do
Hiking trails: Newton Hills State Park has multiple hiking trails through wooded areas. "There are plenty of trails and clean restrooms to use. Overall we really like this location. Some of the sites are pretty close together though," according to one visitor. The park includes trails suitable for families and more adventurous hikers.
Water activities: Palisades State Park Campground offers swimming and kayaking opportunities with unique quartzite formations. "This area is very nice for hiking and pretty sure swimming and kayaking. We were there early spring so water was too cold to swim," notes a camper. The park has designated swimming areas and boat launches.
Fishing spots: Numerous lakes provide fishing opportunities, especially at Lake Shetek. A visitor at Sunrise Campground reported, "We had a great view of the lake from our tent site. Sites were very large for a state park. We had many lovely walks on the trails around the campground. Loon Island was a cool walk on a hot day."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many cabin campers appreciate the room to spread out. At Rivers Bend Campground, visitors enjoy "decent size spots with lakefront views at just about all of them. There is a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail. They have tent sites that you have to walk to but they are right on the water away from all of the RV sites."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain their shower and bathroom facilities regularly. "Bathroom/shower buildings are very clean, well maintained and showers work great and have very warm water. Flushing toilets in the Sunrise campground!" wrote a Lake Shetek visitor. Most cabins require users to bring their own bedding and toiletries.
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer less crowded experiences. A camper at Big Sioux Recreation Area noted, "Clean bathrooms with showers. Firewood available to purchase. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bike and hiking trails. Plus plenty of privacy. Definitely will return." Fall colors peak from late September to mid-October.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Jackson KOA, facilities include "electric hookups, fifty-amp hookups" and cabins with various amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Just booked as a stopover. Friendly staff, everything needed available as a couple travelling lovely to see families enjoying themselves."
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can reach high 80s with mosquitoes active from June through August. Winter cabin camping requires preparation for below-freezing temperatures. "We were 2 times on this campground. The campground is nearby the City Rock Rapids. You can walk and bicycle ride around the Campground. You need not a reservation. Come and drive in," shared one camper about Island Park.
Fee structure: Most parks charge both entrance and camping fees. One camper noted, "I spent the night here and had to pay the entrance fee to the park as well as the camping fee for my tentsite." Cabin rentals typically range from $45-85 per night depending on amenities and location.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Family cabin campers should check the activity schedule. "Our family spent a long weekend here enjoying all of the activities they had to offer. Everything from laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests. The sites were extremely well maintained," shared a visitor at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear.
Cabin sizing: Consider space limitations when booking cabins. Some campsites have small cabins that work well for 3-4 people but become cramped with larger groups. Packing efficiently helps maximize limited storage space inside cabins.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature playgrounds. Consider cabin location relative to these areas. One camper reported their tentsite "was right on the edge of the playground, so the families had to walk right through my campsite to get to the play area."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many cabins sites offer similar hookup options as RV sites. "Site was level. Trees surrounding area. Electric hook up but no water. Flush toilets with showers very nice," notes a camper about the facilities at Newton Hills State Park.
Accessibility considerations: Some cabin areas have limited access for larger vehicles. Check road conditions and parking availability when booking. Campers report varying levels of shade and sun exposure at different sites.
Supply planning: Stock up before arrival at remote cabin locations. A visitor noted, "Stock up on groceries as large grocery stores are approximately 40 minutes away." Most cabin areas offer firewood for purchase on-site.
