Cabin camping near Maplewood, Minnesota situates visitors at the convergence of deciduous forests and prairie landscapes with an average elevation of 840 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most cabin campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though facilities like water sources may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: At Afton State Park Campground, trails feature prairie, forest and river landscapes. "First, terrific park. Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all," writes Adam P. The park's elevation changes create moderately challenging trails with river views.
Swimming beaches: Several parks offer summer swimming access with varying facilities. "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," notes Alison about Afton State Park. Beach access typically requires a 5-10 minute walk from parking areas.
Pontoon rentals: Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake offers water recreation through boat rentals. "The pontoons they offer for rent are beautiful!! The lake is nice. Good luck catching fish though," according to Staci J. The campground also provides kayak rentals for those seeking quieter water exploration.
What campers like
Secluded prairie sites: Some cabins offer unique positioning for privacy despite open terrain. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," shares Andrew C. about William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Accessibility from Minneapolis: Most cabin options require minimal travel time from the city. "I have long overlooked William O'Brien because I thought you had to drive a long way to get away. I was wrong!" writes Karla J. B. Most cabin locations are within 30-45 minutes of Maplewood, making them practical for weekend getaways.
Storage solutions: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins features practical interior design. "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," notes Krista T. This organizational aspect helps maximize limited cabin space.
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Winter camping requires additional planning. "You DO need a park pass to stay at the campground... 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," advises Blair about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. Most parks post seasonal facility changes on their websites.
Reservation challenges: Securing cabin bookings requires advance planning. "Plan ahead as these are hard to come by," says Scott M. about Whitetail Woods. The most popular cabins often require booking exactly 120 days in advance when reservation windows open.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for native wildlife interactions, especially after dark. "We didn't spot any on the trail but we did get visited by raccoons both nights so be sure to clean and put away food AND garbage before calling it a night," advises Lizzy Z. about St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Secure food storage containers are recommended at all locations.
Tips for camping with families
Waterpark access: Bunker Hills Regional Park combines camping with water recreation. "They have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved," explains Arielle P. The waterpark typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day with additional fees.
Beach proximity considerations: Beaches aren't always adjacent to camping areas. "But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk. Campgrounds are nearby beach and require further walk," cautions Alison about Afton State Park. Families with young children should pack accordingly for the walk.
Playground availability: Several parks feature play areas for children. "Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers," notes Lisa D. about St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Most park playgrounds are centrally located near day-use areas rather than directly in campgrounds.
Tips for RVers
Site privacy variations: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve offers more spacious RV sites than typical. "The sites a 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," explains Melissa H. Most sites accommodate up to 50-foot rigs with proper reservation selection.
Water and electric hookups: Most RV sites include basic utilities. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground. There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," reports ERolf P. Electric hookups typically provide 30-amp service.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "This campground was very accommodating! We came in late due to the Adventure and they had no issue with it. The site was large and flat with a nice fire pit," writes Mackenzie G. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, which operates from May through September.
