Cabin camping near Erhard, Minnesota provides access to the glacial landscapes of west-central Minnesota, with elevations ranging between 1,300-1,400 feet above sea level. The area features rolling hills, prairie remnants, and dozens of lakes formed during the last ice age. Winter cabin options typically maintain availability when tent camping becomes impractical, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Maplewood State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems through diverse ecosystems. "Easily a contender for best hiking trails in the MN state parks state system. This western park offers miles of hiking with the North Country Trail weaving throughout. The fall colors were just starting but popped in the prairie," notes one visitor who experienced the park during autumn.
Horseback riding: The trail system at Maplewood State Park Campground accommodates equestrian visitors with designated routes. A regular visitor states, "The park is stunning on horseback in the fall time. Whether hiking or riding this park hasn't been a disappointment yet! The campground is well dispersed and each spot has a little privacy of its own."
Non-motorized water activities: Glendalough State Park Campground provides motor-free lakes for peaceful paddling experiences. "Small park but still a great place to get outdoors for the day. No motors allowed on the lakes, so canoeing, kayaking and fishing are great," explains a visitor who appreciated the quiet water experience.
What campers like
Private cabin settings: Many cabins offer separation from neighboring sites. At Maplewood State Park, "The campground is well dispersed and each spot has a little privacy of its own (for the tents.) The equine is considered a little closer but there is plenty of space for each person and their trailer."
Family-friendly amenities: Swan Lake Resort & Campground provides entertainment options beyond standard camping. "From the sandy beach and wooded trails to the games and activities, there was energy and thought behind every corner," reports one visitor who enjoyed the recreational variety.
Winter cabin options: For cold-weather adventurers, cabins remain available when tent camping becomes uncomfortable. A Lake Carlos visitor mentioned, "We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski, this was our first visit to this state park. We were able to reserve a camper cabin - Frog Pond. It was a nice change and a warmer option, the cabin is gorgeous!"
What you should know
Lakefront premium pricing: Cabin options directly on lake shores generally cost more and require advance booking. Norway Beach Resort has specific minimum stay requirements as reported by a guest: "The resort has 4 smaller cabins for rent ranging from 3 nights for $500 to 3 nights for $790. There is a minimum of 3 nights for the cabins that are equipped with a bathroom & kitchen."
Cart-in sites at some locations: Not all cabin camping areas allow direct vehicle access. At Glendalough State Park Campground, "The tent sites are all cart in, making the scenery the main focus. You don't have to stare at vehicles while you are enjoying a fire, which I love. They also have sites that you can canoe in to as well as cabins and yurts."
Winter accessibility: Some parks maintain year-round operations with limited facilities. "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail. They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter," notes a visitor to Lake Carlos State Park about winter camping options.
Tips for camping with families
Winter activities for kids: Lake Carlos State Park Campground offers special seasonal programs worth planning around. "We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski. At dark we headed to the candlelight event. It was very busy and a huge turnout. We hiked 1.2 miles and then snowshoed 2.4 miles."
Kid-friendly water access: Look for cabins with designated swimming areas for safer water play. "The tent sites are in a little old growth forest area right on the lake up in a little hill area. Very clear and calm lakes, sandy, and the little creeks/rivers betwixt them are just begging to be canoed or kayaked," reports a visitor to Glendalough State Park.
Family resort amenities: Some locations offer additional entertainment options. Swan Lake Resort & Campground provides "plenty of parking. From the sandy beach and wooded trails to the games and activities, there was energy and thought behind every corner," according to a satisfied family visitor.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Tipsinah Mounds City Park provides comprehensive services for those transitioning between cabin and RV camping. "Restroom and shower facilities onsite, some lakefront campsites and some that are not. Public boat launch, sandy swimming beach, picnic shelters. WIFI is provided. There is a dump station, playground, nature trail, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and a fish cleaning station."
Site spacing considerations: Campsite proximity varies significantly between parks. At Golden Eagle Campground, visitors note "Campsites had plenty of space to spread out and enjoy," while others find some locations more compact, "Most campsites are seasonal so make your reservations early. Only downside to this beautiful campground is the small sites."
Winter RV alternatives: During colder months, heated cabins provide a more comfortable alternative. "Tent camping wasn't available and we were able to reserve a camper cabin - Frog Pond. It was a nice change and a warmer option, the cabin is gorgeous! Frog Pond sleeps 6 with heat and electricity. There are 4 cabins that share 2 vault toilets."
