Cabin accommodations near Dawson, Minnesota provide access to the western plains and prairie landscapes of the region. The area features glacial terrain with rolling hills and kettle lakes formed during the last ice age. Summer temperatures often reach the 80s with high humidity, while mosquitoes can be particularly active following rainfall periods in late spring and early summer.
What to do
Water activities on clear lakes: At Glacial Lakes State Park, visitors enjoy crystal clear water. "The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm. Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards," notes a camper who visited during a hot weekend.
Fishing opportunities: Camps along Big Stone Lake provide access to excellent fishing spots. At Hartford Beach State Park, "In the evening we saw tons of fish and an otter" from a trail leading down to the lake from campsite 20, according to one camper.
Hiking and biking trails: Explore prairie and wooded areas on maintained trails. "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it," mentions a visitor to Camden State Park. The park also connects to a paved regional trail system, with one camper noting "The Camden Regional trail is 14 miles of paved trails between Camden State Park and Marshall, MN."
What campers like
Spacious campsites with privacy: Lac qui Parle State Park offers well-distanced sites. "Lots of space between sites. There are not many trees so not much shade. Sites are gravel and relatively level, not much leveling required," reports a camper who appreciated the tranquil setting.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region serves as a major stopover on bird migration routes. "This area is a major stopover on the Red River/Minnesota River flyway for migrating birds and waterfowl," explains a visitor to Lac qui Parle State Park, who adds that spring and fall seasons are particularly notable for birdwatching.
Small lake access for paddling: Many cabin locations provide easy water access. At Wegdahl Park, "There is a water access to the mn River. They have cabins that I've never stayed in but look nice," notes a visitor who appreciated the river proximity.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly affecting prairie campgrounds. "We spent two nights tent camping at the Upper Campground of Lac qui Parle State Park in May 2022. This is a prairie setting, essentially a very large grassy field without trees or shrubs to provide privacy from neighbors or protection from winds," shares one visitor.
Insect management: Mosquitoes can be intense depending on season and recent rainfall. "The park and campground are nice, but the mosquitos weren't! Stayed right after a mosquitos hatch sadly," mentions a camper at Lac qui Parle State Park.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Verizon cell signal is poor" at Lac qui Parle, while at Outdoors Inn Campground, closer to Benson, coverage is more reliable.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin selection for groups: Choose cabins based on proximity to activities. "My family does a annual family reunion camping once a year! We stayed here and it was beautiful! Perfect for all the kids off all ages, adults, grandparents...we had a really good time," reports a Camden State Park visitor.
Swimming areas for children: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming facilities. "Pretty spacious seperated by lots trees, good place for camping with kida as well. has a swimming pond and beach. Clean restrooms," notes another Camden State Park camper.
Off-site exploration options: Plan day trips to nearby towns and attractions. A visitor to Outdoors Inn Campground recommends: "We picked Benson because of its close location to Glacial Lake state park and the Glacial Ridge Trail. Just take MN-29 north. The topology change in terrain from the farm lands around Benson to the rolling hills and lakes north on MN-29 is great."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Verify the specific utilities available at your site. At Lakewood Supper Club on Big Stone Lake, a visitor notes, "A former resort, now home to just 12 full hook up RV sites, a couple of cabins, and an amazing supper club that opens at 5:00 daily."
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for cabin rentals, especially during summer. "There are normally no open sites, we are told, as they are all rented for the season. We got lucky because there was a site available," explains a camper at Lakewood Supper Club.
Site levelness considerations: Check site conditions before booking. At Pomme De Terre Campground, "Some sites are a little difficult to get into but not impossible," while at Hartford Beach State Park, "The sites near the lake are very wooded, a bit smaller and pretty uneven. The sites themselves are even but your canopy might be overhanging a slope."
