Cabin camping options near Landfall, Minnesota range from rustic accommodations to modern camper cabins throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Many facilities remain open year-round, providing heated indoor options during Minnesota's cold winters when temperatures frequently drop below freezing. The region sits within the St. Croix River Valley with elevations ranging from 700-900 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking trails that connect many cabin areas.
What to do
Hiking trails with elevation: At William O'Brien State Park Campground, visitors can explore diverse landscapes within walking distance of the cabins. "There are miles of walking and hiking trails throughout the park," notes Jason S., adding that "the surroundings were stunning, and really unexpected for a park so close to the Twin Cities."
Beach access: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers summer swimming opportunities for cabin guests. "The beach was very accommodating," reports Mackenzie G. The park features water recreation within walking distance of many cabin sites, though one visitor warns about seasonal conditions: "Beach is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk."
Winter activities: Cabins at Afton State Park Campground remain open during cold months, offering heated shelter for winter recreation. "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks. These have some great amenities and are perfect for family camping, especially in Fall, Winter and Spring," explains Jason S.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve provides clean shower and restroom buildings. "The bathroom/showers are great," reports Bryan S., while Jennifer H. adds "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!"
Cabin design features: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins offers thoughtfully constructed shelters. "The storage in this place is amazing. Storage under the bed, one counter with ample storage under it, and even the windows are so deep that I was able to store most of my food on the sill," explains one camper. Blair adds, "Each cabin has four sleeping spots: 2 bunk beds, and the 2 couches convert to beds."
Peaceful settings: Despite proximity to urban areas, many cabin locations maintain quiet environments. "It felt like I had the place to myself," notes a camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds. Another visitor explains, "While the cabins are close together, noise is not a factor once you're inside" at Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabins require advance planning, especially at popular locations. For Whitetail Woods, Blair advises, "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."
Water availability: Several cabin locations have seasonal water restrictions. "Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter," notes a Whitetail Woods visitor. Another camper cautions about trail water: "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center."
Pet restrictions: Rules regarding animals vary significantly. A visitor at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park reports, "My only wish is that my little dog could join us," highlighting their no-pets policy. Veterans Campground allows pets, while Whitetail Woods prohibits them entirely.
Tips for camping with families
Group cabin options: For larger family gatherings, St. Croix Bluffs offers specialized sites. "This place has two group sites. The one we stayed at, Birch Hollow, hosts up to 20 campers and the other one up to 50. Our site has a large picnic shelter with 6 picnic tables, two grills and its own volleyball place."
Playgrounds nearby: Baker Park Reserve features recreation areas for children. "Nice park for kids just a small hike away," states Matt H., making it convenient for families with young children needing outdoor play spaces between cabin time.
Shower considerations: While most cabin areas offer shower facilities, quality varies. At Rice Creek, "The shower house needed a cleaning," reports one camper, while at Whitetail Woods: "Don't plan on a long shower to unwind unless you like cold water. There was maybe 2 minutes of hot water."
Tips from RVers
Veterans Campground restrictions: For Veterans Campground cabins, special eligibility applies. "Must be a vet or sponsored by one," notes Baylee, an important requirement for reservations at this facility that offers both cabin and RV accommodations.
Off-season advantages: Weekday stays during shoulder seasons provide better availability. "I overlooked William O'Brien because I thought you had to drive a long way to get away. I was wrong! Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," explains Karla J.B.
Electrical hookups: For those with camper van conversions or small RVs seeking cabins as backup options, "The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center," at Afton State Park, though electrical access varies significantly between locations.
