Cabin camping options near Caledonia, Minnesota range from rustic to modern, with most properties situated along rivers or creeks. The southeastern Minnesota region features limestone bluffs and cold-water streams in an area known for its trout fishing. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, while spring and fall campers should prepare for nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground offers easy fishing access with sites backing up to the creek. "Small quiet campground with sites that back up to the creek. Very easy walking trail winding through the park and stream. An easy way to trout fish and enjoy the park," notes one visitor to Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground.
River tubing: Upper Iowa Resort and Rental provides tube, canoe and kayak rentals with a shuttle service. "This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River. Had some beautiful sites along the river. The best part of this camp is they offer tube canoe and kayak rentals with a shuttle to the put in then you float back to the campground," according to a review from Upper Iowa Resort and Rental.
Biking trail access: The Root River Trail system connects several campgrounds in the region. "It really is a treat that the Root River Bike Trail System runs right along the campground. We spent most of our time exploring the trail, visiting Lanesboro and Whalen," reports one camper about their experience at The Old Barn Resort.
What campers like
Natural water features: The cold, clear streams provide both scenery and recreation. "The creek is absolutely beautiful," mentions one reviewer about Beaver Creek Valley. Another camper at Chimney Rock Campground noted, "The scenery and the clear water on the river and we went fishing and caught one after the other."
Diverse cabin amenities: Chimney Rock Canoe and Campground offers cabins alongside tent and RV sites. "They offer canoeing, kayaking, tubing, sand volleyball court, shower facilities, water and electrical hookups, cabins, picnic shelter, and firewood on site," explains one visitor who found it to be "the best place to unplug with the family."
Off-grid relaxation: Several cabin locations offer limited or no cell service. "We have always enjoyed hiking here too. The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley. This great if you want to get away from it all," notes a frequent visitor to Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most cabin facilities in the area operate from mid-April through mid-October. Red Barn Resort and Campground, like many others, runs "from April 15 to October 15" according to their listing information at Red Barn Resort and Campground.
Water crossings: Some campgrounds require driving through water to access certain sites. "Be warned that in order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8 inches," cautions one camper about Beaver Creek Valley.
Varying site privacy: Site layouts differ significantly between properties. "We stayed in the upper C campground, every spot is spread far apart for privacy," notes a visitor to Chimney Rock, while another camper observed that at Beaver Creek Valley, "the campsites are the smallest I've ever seen, everyone coming in remarked on how small they are. No privacy, the sites are very close together."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: The Old Barn Resort provides multiple family-friendly activities. "From golf to tubing to an indoor swimming pool and restaurant. This place has a lot to offer," notes one camper. Another mentions, "For the families - there's a couple small playgrounds on site, which is a good opportunity for the littles to burn some energy."
Farm experiences: Shady Rest Acres offers a unique stay on a working hobby farm. "Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows, sheep, goats, chickens, bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs," describes one visitor.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. At Money Creek Haven, "The lake is murky and there are a lot of frogs, but that's camping. There are chairs and a shaded area available," according to a recent camper.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Money Creek Haven Inc provides RV-friendly sites with varying amenities. "Nice campground, busy most of the summer. Call ahead for reservations. Kids love the man made pool. Been going here since since 1980! Nice showers," advises a long-time visitor.
Hookup availability: Red Barn Resort offers full-service sites. "The sites are very spacious and easy getting into for RVs/campers. Price is very reasonably priced," according to one camper's experience.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. "We had a reservation on the North Shore, but switched it to Whitewater when we saw the ice and snowstorms in the forecast. Our site was large and easy to back into, all sites have a picnic table and fire ring," notes a camper at Minneiska Campground, describing their late-season flexibility.
