Cabin camping near Glenwood, Minnesota offers access to the rolling prairie landscape created by glacial activity around 10,000 years ago. Summer temperatures average 80°F while winter camping temperatures often drop below 20°F. Most cabin sites in this region feature electrical outlets for heating but vary considerably in water access and bathroom proximity.
What to do
Water activities on clear lakes: Glacial Lakes State Park provides multiple water recreation options on its pristine lake. "The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm. The weekend we camped it was scorching hot," notes one visitor who enjoyed paddle boarding. The beach area has some limitations but remains popular during summer months.
Prairie hiking trails: Oak Ridge trails traverse through native prairie grasses with moderate elevation changes. "Beautiful park with rolling prairies. Oak Ridge campground is prettier, quieter, and more private than the Lower campground," reports one reviewer. Hikers should prepare for insects during summer months as "the bugs on the hiking trails were unrelenting even with lots of deet bug spray."
Winter recreation: Lake Carlos State Park maintains winter cabin access with special activities. "We headed to Lake Carlos for their candlelight ski, this was our first visit to this state park. Tent camping wasn't available and we were able to reserve a camper cabin." The park creates special winter trails: "There are ponds and bogs that they create snowshoe trails on, so there are even more trails to explore in the winter."
What campers like
Proximity to supplies: Small towns near cabin sites provide convenient access to necessities. One reviewer at Games Lake County Park mentioned, "No waterfront sites but the lake is still close by! There is a nearby boat launch with parking. As well as a playground and beach area with a slide." This county park offers weekly cabin rentals at reasonable rates.
Modern bathroom facilities: Andes RV Park recently upgraded their amenities for cabin guests. A reviewer notes the "brand-new, spacious bathrooms and showers that were really nice and clean! The park offers a fantastic range of activities, including golf cart rentals, volleyball, horseshoes, disc golf, pickle ball." The cabin area includes convenient services like "firewood and ice delivery service were a convenient touch."
Multi-season options: Cabins in this region often provide year-round availability. At Lake Carlos State Park, winter campers found "Frog Pond sleeps 6 with heat and electricity. There are 4 cabins that share 2 vault toilets." The cabins remain comfortable even in cold conditions as one winter visitor stated, "We had a fire and enjoyed a normal outdoor cookout before bed."
What you should know
Cabin reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance planning, especially during peak seasons. Pomme De Terre Campground offers cabin camping near water, but availability can be limited. "Pretty nice campground with water and electric. Bathhouse, walking trails, fishing and beautiful lake views. Some sites are a little difficult to get into but not impossible."
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season but can be intense during summer months. "Site was a bit buggy, but very manageable with bug spray and a Thermacell," notes one Glacial Lakes visitor. Some campers recommend additional protection like "Side note: if coming in summer make sure to bring plenty of bug spray!!!"
Cabin amenities: Most cabins include basic furnishings but require guests to bring specific supplies. At Games Lake County Park, the cabins maintain consistent standards with "tent, RV, and cabin options, it suits all campers. The park offers electric hookups, clean facilities, and friendly staff." Verify what cooking facilities are available as they vary considerably between properties.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Canary Beach Resort provides family-oriented cabin camping with numerous activities. "Fun campground to be part of. Lots of things to do for the whole family," mentions one visitor. The resort maintains clean facilities with "So many activities and clean shower and restrooms."
Beach swimming: Many cabin sites provide supervised swimming areas appropriate for children. At Games Lake County Park, families appreciate that "The kids loved the beach area and playground, and we spent most of our time fishing and boating on the lake."
Cabin proximity: Request cabins near bathroom facilities when traveling with young children. One Glacial Lakes visitor mentioned, "Our cabin was a long ways from the shower facility which I knew going into the weekend. Parking near showers was close to non existent." This can be particularly challenging with small children.
Tips from RVers
Winter RV sites: Lake Carlos State Park maintains limited winter cabin and RV sites. "They have 1 site (electric) available in the winter. We had room for a truck bed camper and a pop-up clam ice fishing tent," notes one winter visitor. Those considering winter cabin camping should verify heating capabilities.
Site selection considerations: At Oak Ridge Campground, RV and cabin guests should carefully consider site location. "If you're looking for a bit of privacy, I'd recommend any of the sites before 96. If you're looking for ease of access to multiple camping spots (for a family get together with extended family) sites after 94 would be great for that."
Utility access: Many cabin sites share facilities with RV areas, providing additional amenities. Outdoors Inn Campground offers "full hookups with 50 amp service. Our site was next to US-12 and had no noise issues. The Chippewa river flows next to the camp and the adjoining river bank is woodlands."
