Cabin camping near Houston, Minnesota situates visitors in the heart of the Root River Valley where limestone bluffs rise 400-500 feet above the valley floor. The region features cold water streams ideal for trout fishing, with an elevation range of approximately 660-1,300 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to Do
Trout fishing opportunities: Beaver Creek Valley State Park offers excellent access to stocked trout streams. "Beaver Creek Valley is a great getaway to escape from the city. Located not too far from Caledonia, the small town has many camping essentials to offer if you forget anything," notes Dillan K. The park's clear, cold creek provides ideal habitat for brook and brown trout.
Biking on the Root River Trail: Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging provides direct access to the popular trail system. "This campground is situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals," explains Kayla S. The paved trail extends 42 miles connecting several small towns.
River tubing and floating: Campers can enjoy seasonal water activities at The Old Barn Resort. According to Lee G., "Tubing the river is the highlight here. You drop in one side of the campsite and an hour later pull out on the other side. So much fun." Tube rentals typically cost $15-20 per person with shuttle service included.
What Campers Like
Secluded walk-in sites: Some campers prefer more private accommodations away from RVs. "Camped at the furthest out hike-in site. Nice site on a small quiet creek. Good space between you and the next campsite so you felt privacy," shares Rebecca R. about Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground.
Swimming facilities: Many cabin campers appreciate water recreation options beyond rivers. "The kids love the man made pool. Been going here since 1980! Nice showers. Beautiful area," Michael V. comments about Money Creek Haven. The facility maintains a swimming area suitable for families with various water depths.
On-site dining options: Cabin guests appreciate not having to cook every meal. "Great camp site. The restaurant had good food and nice atmosphere. Lots of people there but overall didn't seem crowded and you couldn't hear other people," reports Tracy B. about The Old Barn Resort, which operates a full-service restaurant in their converted barn building.
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly throughout the valley. "There is no cell reception because of the valley. This is great if you want to get away from it all, but if you're staying a while and need to work, this isn't the place to do it," warns Kat C. about Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
Varied cabin standards: Accommodation quality differs between venues. "The cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker and fire ring outside," describes one reviewer about a local cabin rental.
Seasonal operation: Most facilities close during winter months. "The campground has a lot of very well maintained trails. The park has a natural spring here that was neat to see," notes Anne K. Most cabins in the region operate from mid-April through mid-October, with limited winter options.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Camp Everyday Winona provides recreational facilities for children. "There's a playground for kids near the tent area. There is a creek that runs through the campground and you have the great Mississippi river on the other side of the highway," reports Patti M. The playground includes swings and climbing equipment.
Educational opportunities: Consider cabin locations near nature programs. "There are fun free activities for kids to check out from the park office and a playground," mentions Lacey F. about Beaver Creek Valley State Park, which offers Junior Ranger programs during summer months.
Evening entertainment: Some venues organize family activities after dark. "In the evening there was a Glow Parade where the full timers decked out their golf carts and drove around - candy for kids and lots of dancing. Bingo, tie dye, outdoor movies, and other relay races kept the kids happy and adults amused," describes Kim L. about one nearby campground.
Tips from RVers
Water crossing awareness: Some cabin and RV sites require careful navigation. "Be warned that in order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8 inches," cautions Anne K. about accessing certain areas of Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
Winter accessibility: Money Creek Haven Inc offers limited off-season accommodations. "We have stayed here on 2 occasions, once in a tent and once renting their rooms in the lodge. Both great visits!" shares Erica H. The lodge rooms provide heating systems suitable for cold weather stays.
Shower facilities: Coin-operated showers are common at campgrounds in the region. "Coin operated showers, .25 cents gets you 7 minutes," notes Jeremiah B. about facilities at The Old Barn Resort. Bringing quarters is essential when planning to use shower facilities at most venues.
