Scenic State Park offers various cabin options for visitors seeking a blend of wilderness experience and basic comforts in northern Minnesota. Located in Itasca County with elevation ranging from 1,300-1,400 feet, the area features pristine lakes and mixed forest terrain. Winter temperatures can drop below -30°F while summer averages 75-80°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Hiking trails: Chase Point at Scenic State Park Campground offers easy family-friendly trails. "Hiking out to chase point is a nice easy hike that is great for a family hike with kids of all ages," notes a park visitor who gave the trail system 5 stars.
Swimming and water activities: Many lakeside cabin accommodations provide direct water access for recreation. At Trout Lake Campground, "There is a nice sandy area by the lake to enjoy," according to a recent camper, making it ideal for swimming during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Cabin stays often include dock access for anglers. "Caught my first largemouth bass here too!" reports one visitor about Scenic State Park, highlighting the fishing potential in the park's connected lakes.
What campers like
Remote wilderness access: Several cabins offer backcountry seclusion. "The remote campsites, however, are absolutely exquisite and peaceful and quiet and off by themselves," explains one camper about Scenic State Park Campground.
Variety of accommodation styles: From rustic to modern, cabins match different comfort needs. At Dixon Lake Resort, visitors simply describe it as an "Unreal resort!" with five-star ratings for their cabin accommodations.
Family-oriented atmosphere: Many resorts cater specifically to family groups. "We have been coming here for years, some families come for generations," writes a visitor about Bowen Lodge, highlighting the multi-generational appeal of cabin camping in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities operate April through November with limited winter options. "I stayed here in mid May and the lake was still halfway frozen... was looking forward to fishing so that was out," notes one Scenic State Park visitor about early season conditions.
Reservation requirements: All cabin properties require advance booking, with peak summer weekends filling months ahead. Pines Resort & Camp Grounds camping rates "are a little hard to find on the website," according to one visitor, so calling ahead for current pricing is recommended.
Supply access: The town of Bigfork (7 miles from Scenic State Park) provides essential services. "If you need supplies, the park's camp store is currently closed due to covid, but the town of Bigfork is about 7 miles from the state park entrance, so you have access to groceries, gas, hardware etc there," explains a park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Several resorts offer equipment rentals and designated swimming areas. At High Banks Resort, "They have small splash pad, kayaks, paddle boards and baffles boats to use," according to a visitor, providing recreation options without bringing your own equipment.
Bug protection required: Northern Minnesota's mosquito season can be intense, particularly in early summer. "We were there in late May and the mosquitos were HORRIBLE, despite it being colder and windier than average," warns one Scenic State Park backpacker.
Bear-safe food storage: Many cabin areas provide bear boxes or secure storage options. At Scenic backpack sites, "Our site had a three sided log lean-to as well as a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring with grate," reports a camper, noting the safety features available.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup locations: Some campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. At Trout Lake Campground, "The 30 amp electrical and water hookups were nice however they were on the wrong side of the pad which we thought was odd," notes a camper.
Dump station services: Several cabin properties offer pumping services for a fee. "The owner was very nice and even pumped out our sewage for us before we left," reports a Trout Lake visitor, describing an added convenience for RV campers staying at cabin properties.
Winter accessibility: Most cabin roads are plowed but require appropriate vehicles. "Ball Club Lake Lodge" welcomes winter visitors with new owners described as "awesome" by a visitor who particularly noted the "awesome fishing" available during cold months.
