Minnesota's Finlayson area, situated in Pine County at an elevation of 1,050 feet, offers diverse cabin camping options within 30 miles. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Cabin camping availability varies significantly between properties, with many locations closing from November through April due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking along the Kettle River: At Banning State Park Campground, trails offer views of the old sandstone quarry ruins. "The Quarry Loop along the Kettle River has a ton of history, allowing you to explore the remains of the 130+ year old sandstone quarry. Seeing the drill holes in the cliffs was really cool and the remains of the old buildings were a highlight even to our small children," notes Jennifer H.
Water activities: The St. Croix River provides excellent paddling opportunities. A visitor at St Croix River Resort mentions, "You are able to go tubing down the river when the water is low enough." The resort also offers an indoor pool for swimming year-round.
Winter recreation: Some parks remain open for cold-weather activities. Alexa S. comments about Banning State Park, "This is a great place for winter camping! In the park, there's a lot of ice climbing and cross country skiing. If you take a short walk from the main parking area towards the bathroom, and follow the trail alongside the bluff, you'll find awesome spots to climb."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural seclusion. A visitor at Wild River State Park Campground notes, "The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural settings support diverse animal sightings. Kate H. at Wild River State Park shared, "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls."
Fire tower views: Some parks offer unique vantage points. A camper at Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park mentioned, "The fire tower was also cool!" This 100-foot tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding forest landscape.
What you should know
Shared water hookups: At some campgrounds, water connections require special arrangements. Sam C. at Banning RV Park and Campground advises, "Water hookups were shared with other sites and required 'y' connections at the spigots. Our water source ended up being 75' plus from our RV. Thankfully I just happened to be carrying the extra hose."
Seasonal variations in campground condition: Spring and early summer camping can be challenging. A camper at Old Logging Trail notes, "Unfortunately we chose the peak of mosquitos season and camping next to slow moving water is a recipe for disaster."
Limited cell service: Many rural campsites have poor connectivity. At Paint Rock Springs Campground, a visitor mentions it "felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home." Be prepared to disconnect during your stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Robert at St. Croix River Resort highlights that they have a "huge playground for kids" along with an "indoor pool" and "volleyball net," making it suitable for family stays throughout the camping season.
Easy hiking options: Paint Rock Springs Campground provides accessible trails. Tom notes, "There is a flat, brand new 5 mile paved bicycle path that goes from the campground to the beach. Many hiking trails! The trails along the river are beautiful in October."
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly bathrooms are available at some locations. According to Tom, Paint Rock Springs has "a large 'family/handicap' bathroom shower room," which is convenient for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose your site carefully based on your rig size and needs. At Spirit Mountain Campground, Melissa H. advises, "If we would stay again we would book site 50 or 52," after finding challenges with the sloped terrain at their original site.
Seasonal access considerations: Year-round camping options vary. Grand Casino RV Resort operates throughout the year, while most other facilities close for winter. Sites at state parks typically require earlier reservations, especially for summer weekends.
Utilities preparedness: Water connections can be problematic. Adrian G. at Grand Casino RV Resort warns about sewer connections being "cut off about 12 inches above the ground" which can create drainage issues. Bringing extension hoses and adapters is recommended for most RV sites in the region.
