St. Croix River Valley cabins near Mahtomedi, Minnesota provide access to diverse ecosystems where prairie, forest, and riverfront terrain converge at elevations between 700-1,100 feet. Most cabin camping locations remain open year-round with winter availability, though seasonal water restrictions apply from November through March. Rustic cabins typically offer electric heat but require campers to bring their own sleeping bags and linens.
What to do
Hiking riverside trails: At Wild River State Park Campground, trails showcase diverse landscapes along the St. Croix. "Wild River State Park is my go-to campground since it is within an hour of my home. Love the scenic trails and all the park has to offer. Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, exploring, informational programs, and the wooded campsites," notes Jeff L.
Winter recreation: Several cabin sites maintain groomed trails for cold-weather activities. "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise. The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails," reports Joanna B. about her winter experience at Wild River State Park.
Stargazing: The area offers designated viewing areas away from light pollution. Katherine T. mentions that at Wild River State Park "the star gazing area was great!" Many cabin sites feature open clearings perfect for night sky observation during summer months.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Bunker Hills Regional Park camper cabins feature spacious layouts. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," remarks Doug B. The park's cabins maintain privacy despite proximity to urban areas.
Beach access: Many cabin locations offer swimming opportunities. Lisa D. says about St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park: "Such a beautiful park with large sites. Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers."
Wildlife viewing: Cabin locations throughout the region provide opportunities to observe local fauna. Kate H. shares about Wild River State Park: "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: While some cabins offer nearby modern facilities, others provide only basic options. At Afton State Park Campground, Katherine T. notes: "Bathrooms were your basic state park situation. Clean with warm showers so no complaints from me."
Reservation timelines: Most cabin reservations open 120 days in advance, with peak summer weekends filling within minutes of availability opening. For camper cabins at Rice Creek Campgrounds, consider booking midweek for better availability.
Wood supply considerations: Firewood quality and availability varies between parks. Bruce M. warns about St. Croix Bluffs: "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Several parks offer family-friendly swimming areas with amenities. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," reports Laura E. about William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Playgrounds and recreation: Many cabin sites include family-focused amenities. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," says Tiffany W. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, making it ideal for families seeking structured activities.
Cabin selection for families: Choose cabins with proper spacing for family needs. Joe R. shares about Baker Campground: "After reading a lot of Pinterest reviews I'm glad we stayed at this camp. Managed by ThreeRiversParks.org this is one of the cleanest camps I've ever stayed at. It was crowded with RV's and tents alike but it never seemed loud or cramped."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Most cabin camping areas also accommodate RVs with varying hookup options. Justin Q. notes about Rice Creek Campgrounds: "Nice clean site, community water pump worked great! Staff at the visitor center were super friendly and informational."
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin camping requires different preparation than summer visits. Amy G. advises about Rice Creek: "You DO need a park pass to stay at the campground. We'd stay here again in a heartbeat."
Accessibility information: Cabin locations differ in accessibility features and terrain. Dani K. advises about William O'Brien State Park: "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day."
