Cabin camping near Bloomington, Minnesota operates on a reservation system typically opening 120 days in advance. The region experiences harsh winters with temperatures often below freezing from November through March, while summer brings humidity levels that can exceed 70%. Most rustic cabins in the area remain heated year-round with temperatures maintained around 58 degrees, though water access varies seasonally.
What to do
Explore riverside trails: William O'Brien State Park Campground offers diverse landscapes for day hiking. "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling -so many shades of green!" reports one visitor who appreciated the variety of natural settings.
Visit water parks and amenities: Bunker Hills Regional Park features additional recreational facilities beyond camping. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," notes one reviewer. Another mentions "a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on," creating multiple activity options during your cabin stay.
Bike through tunnels: William O'Brien State Park Campground connects to regional bike paths. "We bike from St. Paul to William O. It is a nice 40 mile ride mostly on paved or limestone trails," explains one regular visitor. Another winter visitor describes "a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass" that creates unique landscape features even in colder months.
What campers like
Shower facilities: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve maintains clean facilities. "The bathroom/showers are great," states one visitor, while another notes they are "nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" The facilities receive regular maintenance even during busy periods.
Winter camping options: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins provides comfortable cold-weather accommodations. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," shares one winter camper. Another notes they have "what seems like full-sized mattress bunk beds built into the wall. Each bunk has its own reading light."
Storage solutions: Cabin designs focus on practical space usage. At Whitetail Woods, "The storage in this place is amazing. Storage under the bed, one counter with ample storage under it, and even the windows are so deep that I was able to store most of my food on the sill," which helps manage gear in limited space.
What you should know
Cooking restrictions: Cabin rental policies limit indoor cooking options. At Whitetail Woods, "You can use a slow cooker and a coffee pot in the cabin. Otherwise you can cook over the fire as well," explains one camper, highlighting the need to plan meals accordingly.
Reservation challenges: Due to high demand, planning ahead is crucial. For cabins at Rice Creek Campgrounds, availability is limited as "the whole campground was booked up," especially during special events like the State Fair.
Shower water limitations: Hot water can be scarce at some facilities. At Whitetail Woods, "There was maybe 2 minutes of hot water. Basically enough to wash your body quickly," warns one visitor, adding that "The shower room is also set to a cool 58 degrees in the winter."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits: Afton State Park Campground offers more peaceful experiences midweek. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," shares one camper who found greater serenity with this timing strategy.
Activity planning: Prepare indoor entertainment for inclement weather. One visitor at William O'Brien noted, "instead of enjoying marshmallows at our fire pit we watched Netflix on our tablet instead our tent," when outdoor conditions became unpleasant.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and flies can be intense in summer months. A visitor to Rice Creek Campgrounds reported, "To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!" Pack appropriate repellents and protective clothing for summer stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection factors: Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers varied campsite privacy levels. "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," notes one RVer. For more privacy, another suggests requesting specific sites: "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."
Campground accessibility: Many rustic cabins near Bloomington feature accessibility considerations. One visitor noted that cabins at Whitetail Woods "are accessible for those who need special assistance, which is nice. The only caveat is I don't recall there being an automatic door opener to the cabins."
Seasonal closures: Water systems often shut down during colder months. At Whitetail Woods, "Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter," advises a regular visitor.
