Cabin camping options near Medina, Minnesota range across a 30-mile radius and include both state parks and county-operated facilities. The area features oak savannas, rolling prairies, and several interconnected lakes across the Three Rivers Park District system. Winter temperatures regularly dip below 0°F in January, requiring campers to choose heated cabin options during cold months or prepare for primitive shelter conditions.
What to Do
Biking on paved trails: Baker Park Reserve offers extensive paved cycling paths that connect to neighboring park systems. "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," notes one Baker Campground visitor.
Swimming and water recreation: During summer months, Bunker Hills Regional Park provides water activities at their large aquatic center. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," reports a Bunker Hills camper, making this an excellent option when temperatures climb into the 80s.
Wildlife viewing: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park features diverse habitats supporting local birds and mammals. "We spent a lot of my childhood playing and exploring this park! It's a gem for birding, with tons of beautiful trails," mentions a regular visitor to the area's natural spaces.
What Campers Like
Secluded backcountry sites: Lake Maria State Park offers walk-in sites that feel remote despite proximity to the Twin Cities. "This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees," describes one camper at Lake Maria State Park.
Convenience to metro amenities: Minneapolis Northwest KOA provides camping with urban access. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver. Great spot," notes a reviewer at Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Clean facilities: Regional parks maintain high standards for bathhouses. "The bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," explains a visitor about facility conditions.
What You Should Know
Tent sites vary significantly: Some regional parks offer more private camping spaces than others. "This is a nice, quiet campground with activities nearby. The sites are decently private and there is nice bathrooms/showers," reports a camper about Bunker Hills Regional Park.
Cabin location considerations: The camper cabins at Lake Maria require hiking to access and lack running water. "The cabin itself is sealed up nice and tight too, so no bugs in the cabin unless you tear the screens or leave the door open," notes one visitor.
Firewood quality varies: Rice Creek Campgrounds charges $7 per bundle but quality issues have been reported. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises one camper.
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose sites with playgrounds: Baker Park Reserve includes family-friendly amenities nearby. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," explains a visitor at Baker Park Reserve.
Consider cabin spacing: Some cabins are closer to activity hubs than others. "The cabin was heated and had electricity," notes a visitor regarding the amenities available for families needing basic comforts.
Pack bug protection: Mosquitoes and black flies can be intense, particularly in early summer. "Running 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," shares one parent about their experience with younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Spacing between sites: Minneapolis Southwest KOA has mixed reviews on site size. "Campsites are all cramped together with zero privacy. It's right off a highway so you hear cars flying by 24/7," notes one RVer at Minneapolis Southwest KOA.
Reservation timing: Popular RV sites at regional parks book quickly, especially for summer weekends. "We spent two nights in the campground. It was fairly busy, but we still felt secluded despite a full campground," reports an RV camper about their experience.
Accessibility factors: Not all roads within campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "The sites are about as private as the typical state park, so not very, but that is offset by all the other positives this campground has to offer," explains a camper regarding the tradeoffs at regional park camping areas.
