Cabin camping options near Long Lake, Minnesota range from backcountry shelters to modern accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Located in the western Minneapolis suburbs, this area features multiple parks and recreation areas within a 25-mile radius. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity levels and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels for day hikes. "Only about a mile from the parking lot. This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," notes one visitor about the park's secluded campsites.
Water activities: Cleary Lake Regional Park provides kayaking opportunities on its sizeable lake. "Cleary Lake is a good size and a kayakers delight! The park also has a golf course and is very well kept! We really want to use one of the large group camp sites for a weekend party!" writes one reviewer who appreciated the diverse recreational options.
Cycling routes: Paved trails connect multiple parks in the region, offering family-friendly riding opportunities. "The sites are fairly large, but very open. The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground! There is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," mentions a camper who enjoyed the interconnected trail system.
What campers like
Private glamping accommodations: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers secluded sites despite proximity to urban areas. "Wonderful site! Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities. Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" notes one visitor who appreciated the balance between accessibility and privacy.
Clean facilities: Bunker Hills Regional Park maintains well-kept shower buildings and bathroom facilities. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," explains a reviewer who was impressed by the amenities despite the urban location.
Campfire setups: Most glamping sites include fire rings with grates for cooking, though placement varies by location. "Now… the only reason this isn't a full 5-star banger is the fire ring placement. That thing is doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow," comments one camper at Baker Campground who found the unusual fire pit location both challenging and amusing.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many glamping facilities near Long Lake operate from April through October, with limited winter options. "After months of winter the first trip of the season is something we look forward to. The sites at Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away," shares a camper about the seasonal opening at Baker Campground.
Insect conditions: Mosquitoes and black flies can be intense, particularly at wooded sites near water in summer months. "Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat," warns a visitor about summer insect activity.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, with weekend availability often filling 2-3 months ahead during summer. "I made a reservation over 3 months before my stay. When I arrived, I was given a site that backed up to a very busy road. There was also no shade on the site and I was 3 feet or less from my neighbor," cautions a camper about reservation systems.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Auburn Campground offers dedicated play areas for children of varying ages. "Lake Auburn Campground part of the Carver Park Reserve was an awesome primitive style campground. We stayed here in late September and into October. There are 57 sites with an unguarded beach, playground, volleyball court and tons of miles of trails to shred on foot or bike," notes a family who enjoyed the recreational options.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites away from main roads for better family experiences. "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. We will be back!" shares a family who found their initial camping experience positive due to site location.
Water recreation: Several parks offer swimming beaches with gentle entries suitable for younger children. "There is a great beach area with swimming and opportunities for boating. There is also a great playground area, a walking and biking trail and plenty of open space areas to enjoy," comments a visitor about the family-friendly water features.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers dedicated RV sites but terrain varies throughout the area. "Basic campground with level sites. More space than many other KOA locations. Clean showers and bathroom," notes an RV camper who appreciated the practical aspects of this location for overnight stays.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard at most developed campgrounds, but sewer hookups are limited to specific sites. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot," comments an RV camper who found the amenities met their needs.
Access roads: Some campgrounds have narrow interior roads that can challenge larger rigs. "It has a pool that stays open late, and it's got some playgrounds. Now, the cons...it's off the road behind a construction company. It's clientele was pretty rough on our trip. One of the playgrounds was closed. Small sites and it's packed in here," shares an RV camper about navigation challenges at one location.
