Cabin camping options near Elk River offer elevated outdoor experiences for travelers seeking moderate convenience with added shelter. Located in the Sherburne County area about 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis, this region features a mix of wetlands, deciduous forest, and prairie terrain with over 50 lakes within a 30-minute drive. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer brings humid conditions with temperatures typically between 70-85°F.
What to do
Wildlife viewing in preserved prairie settings: At Crow Hassan Park Reserve, visitors find extensive natural areas ideal for spotting native animals. "This is an equestrian paradise...gorgeous in the fall. Pit toilets are available and there is water available at the entrance off of Park drive," notes reviewer Krista T.
Swimming at maintained beaches: Baker Campground offers swimming access at two separate beaches. According to Bryan S., "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Hiking through varied ecosystems: The region provides numerous trail systems for different ability levels. "Lake Maria State Park features glamping accommodations with many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," explains Tori K.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Campers appreciate the secluded feeling at Lake Maria State Park Campground despite proximity to urban areas. Brian K. comments, "Appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites. Most if not all sites are in the woods from what I could tell so there is a lot of leaves. Good trails and a fun experience."
Year-round accessibility: Many sites operate beyond traditional summer months. "We went with a ground of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax," shares Jennifer H. about Baker Campground.
Convenient access to watercraft: Multiple sites offer boat, canoe and tube rentals. David G. notes about Country Camping, "The campground is nice and clean. Good size spaces. The tubing is a plus. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom."
What you should know
Bug season impacts: Insect activity varies dramatically by season. Steph H. warns about Lake Maria: "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon...take a look at other reviews as they come in and see what time of year they visited."
Varying levels of privacy: Site layout affects seclusion significantly. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, Krista T. found, "This somehow works for the park and it feels like a hidden paradise. The lower loops are definitely better for tent campers, even though quite a few spots could support an RV."
Water amenities change seasonally: Pool and water features typically operate May through September. Spencer C. points out, "This campground is great for everyone! It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: Select sites near recreation areas to minimize walking for children. Teresa O. recommends, "We have a pop up so we parked on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field. It was nice to be there instead of in the thick of the big camper section. Pool was nice and store too."
Consider camper cabins for beginners: Novice campers find cabins at multiple parks provide comfort with outdoor access. One visitor at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park notes it's "a good short drive into the north metro outskirts. Nice car camping location with a small fished out lake...Has a boat launch and bathrooms."
Weather contingency planning: Summer storms can occur suddenly in the region. Having indoor options matters for families. S L. comments on St. Cloud-Clearwater: "This a nice family campground. It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When glamping close to Elk River, Minnesota in larger vehicles, request specific locations. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, Jessica M. found, "The hosts at this campground were very nice. We had a tent site with no hook ups. The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees."
Utility hookups vary significantly: Always confirm electrical capacity before booking. "The sites are well maintained. Clean showers and bathroom," reports Joel R., adding that there is "More space than many other KOA locations."
Seasonal occupancy affects availability: Many sites fill with long-term campers during peak summer months. According to Teresa O., "We stayed here to visit the nearby quarry park and that was a blast!" Planning reservations well in advance, especially for weekend visits between Memorial Day and Labor Day, ensures better site selection.
