Cabin camping near Jordan, Minnesota provides access to oak-shaded woodlands and the flat prairie terrain that characterizes this region just southwest of the Twin Cities. Winter temperatures often drop below 10°F while summer months average 70-85°F with moderate humidity. Most cabin sites in the area sit at elevations between 900-1,000 feet above sea level, creating cool evening temperatures even during summer camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking trails at Lake Maria: One-mile hike from parking to secluded backcountry cabins through wooded terrain with varying difficulty levels. "First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos... Our site was on a short private trail off the main loop and opened up to a decent space," notes a camper at Lake Maria State Park Campground.
Bison viewing near Mankato: Approximately 40 minutes south of Jordan, observe a herd of 20-40 bison in their 330-acre enclosure. "We pulled in at sunset and saw the bison herd and it was beautiful," shares a visitor at Red Fox Campground, adding "Great little park bathrooms are very clean!"
Winter activities: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails remain accessible year-round near many cabins. "Stayed in a camper cabin during the winter and it was lovely! The park was so quiet and trails were great for both hiking and snowshoeing," writes a winter cabin camper.
What campers like
Waterfall access: Some cabin areas provide access to cascading water features within short driving distance. At Minneopa State Park, "Falls & Forks: A quick half-mile hike delivers two majestic falls â upper falls tumble a few feet & the lower cascades 40â50 ft into a silent, lush gorge."
Lake views: Several cabin sites offer direct views of regional lakes. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary â set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples... just a short walk to the lake itself, where you can sit on a log and watch wood ducks paddle past," describes a visitor at Lake Maria State Park.
Heated facilities: Many cabin options include heating for winter comfort. "The cabins are well-built and heated. The wooded cabins have what seems like full-sized mattress bunk beds built into the wall. Each bunk has its own reading light," shares a winter visitor at Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Popular cabin sites fill months in advance, especially during peak seasons. One camper explains, "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance, which is the farthest out you can reserve. For example, as of this review (early June), all weekends are booked for all cabins."
Cooking restrictions: Most cabins prohibit indoor cooking despite having electricity. "You can use a slow cooker and a coffee pot in the cabin. Otherwise you can cook over the fire as well. They have potable water in the bathroom for washing your dishes in the cabin with," notes a visitor.
Variable shower conditions: Shower facilities range widely between locations with limited hot water at some sites. "The shower room is also set to a cool 58 degrees in the winter. I do suspect that the floors are slightly heated though. You will need to dart across to the bathroom to blow dry your hair if you're washing it in the winter."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds offer structured activities for children. At Kamp Dels, "This is such a great campground for families! So many activities including a water recreation area, petting zoo, shuffleboard, mini golf, pool, toddler water park, multiple playgrounds, basketball and more."
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites carefully for family separation from neighbors. "Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation... it never seemed loud or cramped. The shower house was very clean and roomy and an easy walk from the camp sites."
Bug preparation: Plan for significant mosquito presence, especially in wooded cabin areas. "We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season... We prepared the kiddos for a quick grab and run and jumped out of the car," warns a family with children, suggesting bug-treated clothing and proper repellent.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many cabin areas have limited RV access with narrow roads. At Minneapolis Southwest KOA, one RVer noted "The sites were very close together and had no privacy. The site had electric but no water... trucks were parked sticking out into the road making it difficult to get around. The site was very unlevel."
Seasonal considerations: RV sites with cabins nearby often close during winter months, usually October to April. "Campsites are grouped, we'll maintained, and always have firewood(etc) stocked for their guests," notes a visitor who recommends checking seasonal availability before planning trips.
Water access concerns: Water access points at cabin/RV sites may be limited. "It was mid April so no water at the sites but had electric in ours. We were able to get potable water at the entrance," shares an RVer with a 34-foot trailer, explaining the early season limitations.
