Cabin camping near Lino Lakes, Minnesota provides several options within easy driving distance of the Twin Cities metro area. Located in Anoka County at approximately 875 feet above sea level, the area features glacial terrain with numerous small lakes and ponds. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with high humidity levels, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below 0°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers multiple walking paths through diverse landscapes. "We were impressed with the upkeep of the park," notes a visitor who appreciated the "good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill."
Water activities: Minneapolis Northwest KOA features a swimming pool for cooling off during hot summer days. "The pool area was clean and without issue," reports one camper, adding that "the roads had enough of a country feel that they were fun for walking around with my kids and dog."
Winter recreation: Wild River State Park Campground maintains winter cabin options with cold-weather activities. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," shares one winter visitor who took advantage of "miles of groomed ski trails" and a special "candlelight ski" event.
What campers like
Private spaces: The cabins at Bunker Hills Regional Park offer more seclusion than standard campsites. "The sites are decently spaced with good tree cover," mentions a camper who appreciated the separation between accommodations.
Star viewing opportunities: Several cabin locations provide excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Wild River State Park noted, "The star gazing area was great!" making it an ideal spot for astronomy enthusiasts.
Year-round accessibility: Veterans Campground On Big Marine Lake maintains cabins through different seasons. "We have stayed in cabins and in our trailer. The pontoons they offer for rent are beautiful!!" shares one visitor who enjoyed both the accommodations and amenities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating," notes a visitor to Minneapolis Northwest KOA, where reservations are essential.
Varied cabin sizes: Cabins range from single-room structures to multi-room options. At Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve, campers can choose from different cabin layouts. One visitor described their experience: "This is a beautiful park and the campsites for the most part all seem spacious, and the loop we were in all had decent tree cover."
Seasonal insect activity: Bug populations peak during summer months. "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" reports a June visitor to Rice Creek Campgrounds, while a fall visitor noted significantly fewer insects during their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds proximity: Seek cabins near recreational areas. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," highlights one visitor about Bunker Hills Regional Park, making it ideal for families with children.
Kid-friendly trails: Choose locations with shorter, accessible paths. At Baker Park, "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," notes a family who appreciated the well-maintained routes suitable for children.
Swimming options: Afton State Park Campground offers water access for family recreation. "Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath," shares a visitor, though they caution that "beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVers converting to cabin stays, compare amenities carefully. "The cabins are one room with screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" notes a visitor about Afton State Park's Eastern Bluebird cabin.
Seasonal preparation: Winter cabin users should plan differently than summer visitors. "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," shares a camper at William O'Brien State Park's Savanna Campground, highlighting the seasonal wildlife experiences available.
Kitchen planning: Since most cabins restrict indoor cooking, prepare accordingly. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, "Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table," reports a visitor who had to adapt their cooking strategy for the outdoor-only cooking facilities.
