Cabin camping options near Lilydale, Minnesota include multiple locations within 30 minutes of the city. The region features a mix of wetland, forested, and prairie landscapes where overnight temperatures can drop into the 50s even during summer months. Seasonal availability varies significantly across parks, with many cabin rentals closing during winter months while others remain open year-round.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: At William O'Brien State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple terrain types. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," notes Laura E. The park showcases the St. Croix River Valley's diverse landscapes with miles of walking paths.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds provide lake access for swimming and boating. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath," explains Alison from Afton State Park, though she warns the beach requires a 5-10 minute walk from parking areas.
Wildlife viewing: The habitat diversity around Lilydale cabins creates opportunities for bird watching and animal spotting. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, visitors report seeing various wildlife, though one visitor had a less pleasant wildlife experience: "Horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the quality of bathrooms at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. "Such a beautiful park with large sites. Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers," says Lisa D. Another reviewer noted, "Spacious sites and very clean restrooms!"
Winter cabin stays: Many cabin campers particularly enjoy off-season visits. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," says a reviewer at Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. However, the same reviewer cautions about shower limitations: "There was maybe 2 minutes of hot water. Basically enough to wash your body quickly."
Storage options: Some cabin designs feature thoughtful storage solutions. A Whitetail Woods camper notes, "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."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Securing cabin bookings requires planning. A camper at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve shares, "For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids." Most popular cabins fill months in advance.
Seasonal insect issues: Summer months bring mosquito and fly challenges. A Rice Creek Campgrounds visitor reported, "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" Another guest described their experience as "Horsefly Camping Trip From Hell," suggesting bringing proper insect repellent during summer months.
Water availability: Access to drinking water varies seasonally. One visitor to William O'Brien State Park warns, "NO WATER ON TRAIL 4TH JULY WEEKEND 2019 (FILL UP AT VISITOR CENTER)" indicating the importance of checking water availability before arrival, especially during peak summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Several parks feature play areas for children. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, a visitor shares: "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. Within the park is large water park and wave pool."
Safety considerations: Parks with ranger patrols offer additional security. "The park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course," explains a Bunker Hills visitor.
Food preparation: Cabin campers should understand cooking restrictions. A Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins visitor explains, "You can use a slow cooker and a coffee pot in the cabin. Otherwise you can cook over the fire as well." Most cabins require outdoor cooking using fire rings or grills.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, RVers recommend selecting sites carefully. One visitor advises, "The sites were really big and we had no one near us, so it was nice and private. Most of the lots near the front were occupied but the back was almost empty, which is where the more wooded lots are."
Drive-in accessibility: Many campgrounds offer both tent and RV-friendly options. "This is a nice, quiet campground with activities nearby. The sites are decently private and there is nice bathrooms/showers. We camped here while our friends used a camper cabin and they loved it too," explains a Baker Park Reserve visitor.
Utility connections: RV campers should verify electrical capacity. Bunker Hills Regional Park offers both primitive and electrical sites, with some 50-amp service available. A visitor notes it has "both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp."
