Camping cabins near Golden Valley, Minnesota occupy a mix of oak woodlands, prairie lands, and river valleys. Most areas sit at elevations between 800-950 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking and exploration. Winter cabin camping temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the upper 70s to mid-80s.
What to do
Bike paved trails: Baker Park Reserve offers extensive paved bike paths connecting to multiple natural areas. "There is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," notes a camper who stayed with family at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.
Enjoy water activities: Several parks provide swimming, boating and fishing access. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," reports a camper who spent two nights at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Visit seasonal water parks: Bunker Hills offers a water recreation complex during summer months. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," mentions a review about the park facilities at Bunker Hills.
Explore dog-friendly trails: Crow Hassan Park Reserve provides designated off-leash areas. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" shares a frequent visitor to the park.
What campers like
Clean, modern shower facilities: The regional parks maintain well-serviced bathroom buildings. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" writes a visitor to Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.
Spacious sites with good separation: Many campsites offer adequate room between neighbors. "Level private sites, lots of trees, showers were clean. Would definitely camp again," notes a camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting attracts various animals. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," mentions a camper at William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Convenient location: Most camping cabins sit within 30-45 minutes of downtown Minneapolis. "Spent a lot of my childhood playing and exploring this park! It wasn't till a few years ago that I actually stayed and camped overnight. The campgrounds are grouped, well maintained, and always have firewood stocked for their guests," shares a local about Bunker Hills.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most camping cabins close during winter months. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground," explains a camper from William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be particularly heavy in wooded areas. "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" warns a camper who stayed at site 77 in Rice Creek.
Park entrance fees separate: Most parks charge daily or annual entrance fees beyond camping costs. "Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI," advises a traveler about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Availability challenges: Cabins book quickly during peak seasons. "We stayed in a group site but there was no way 35 people could have camped in W3," notes a visitor regarding space limitations at William O'Brien State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for parks with playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," recommends a family that stayed at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.
Choose sites away from roads: Some campgrounds have areas better suited for families with young children. "Sites 98, 110, 111, 112, 113, and 114 are right on the road into the campground with some tree coverage and prairie behind. These do not feel very private at all," cautions a solo camper about William O'Brien State Park.
Consider camper cabins for beginners: Cabins provide shelter for first-time campers. "We camped here while our friends used a camper cabin and they loved it too. The waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," reports a family that visited Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Plan for pool access: KOA locations typically offer swimming pools. "The staff were very friendly, the pool was clean and heated, the grounds were kept clean," mentions a tent camper who stayed at the Minneapolis Southwest KOA.
Tips from RVers
Reserve early for electric sites: Power hookup locations fill up fastest. "This is a nice, quiet campground with activities nearby. The sites are decently private and there are nice bathrooms/showers," explains an RV camper who stayed at Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Check site levelness: Some campgrounds have uneven pads. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot," notes a visitor to Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Look for campgrounds with dump stations: Not all parks offer full sewer hookups. "Water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west. Easy late check in with campsite hosts," shares a traveler passing through Minnesota.
