Cabin camping options near New Brighton, Minnesota span across various county and regional parks within a 30-minute drive. Winter temperatures in the area frequently drop below 10°F, making heated cabins particularly valuable from November through March. Most cabin rentals are situated within wooded areas that feature oak, maple, and pine trees, providing natural shade during summer months when temperatures often exceed 85°F.
What to do
Explore extensive trail networks: Bunker Hills Regional Park cabin accommodations connect to miles of both paved and unpaved trails. "There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp. Within the park is large water park and wave pool. There are many paved trails, and an activity center," notes a visitor.
Experience year-round cabin camping: William O'Brien State Park maintains cabins that operate throughout winter. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access," shares one winter visitor. The park features trails through frozen marsh landscapes that are accessible year-round.
Enjoy water recreation access: Veterans Campground On Big Marine Lake offers cabin rentals with direct lake access. "The pontoons they offer for rent are beautiful! The lake is nice," reports one camper. Beyond fishing, the campground provides multiple rental options: "They have a small bar, small trail, fishing dock, swimming beach, boat dock, boat rental, kayak rental, golf cart rental, game room, parks."
What campers like
Private, shaded sites: At Rice Creek Campgrounds, cabins are positioned for privacy with tree coverage. "Many campsites are fantastic with good spacing and shade. Access to lake is great," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "Level private sites, lots of trees, showers were clean."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve receives consistent praise for upkeep. "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," notes one camper. Another mentions, "The campgrounds are grouped, well maintained, and always have firewood stocked for their guests."
Convenience to Twin Cities: Multiple cabin locations offer proximity to urban areas without sacrificing natural settings. "This campground is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great," writes one visitor about Baker Park Reserve. Another camper at Bunker Hills noted: "Despite it only being 20 minutes away, because I always prioritize going to state parks. It would never even occur to me to camp somewhere if it was less than an hour away. That is no longer true."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, especially during summer months. Availability at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park and other locations decreases significantly from June through August. "With all the fees and price of wood we ended up spending as much as we would for a cheap hotel, but I guess it's the experience that counts," writes one camper about costs.
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity varies significantly by season. "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" noted one summer visitor at Rice Creek Campgrounds. Another camper warned about horseflies: "Horseflies nonstop attacked us. To not get bite we had to run around like chickens with our heads cut off!"
Firewood availability: Quality and pricing of firewood varies across locations. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises a camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds. Many cabin locations permit outside firewood, though some have restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with dedicated play areas: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers cabin camping near dedicated recreational facilities. "Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, 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."
Consider cabins with kitchen access: Most basic cabins require cooking over fire rings with cooking grates, but some offer more amenities. "This campground was very accommodating! The site was large and flat with a nice fire pit," notes a visitor about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Bringing cooking equipment suitable for fire cooking is recommended.
Pack extra lighting: Cabin locations with fire pits positioned away from the main structure require additional lighting after dark. "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. Bring extra lanterns, chairs, and a good sense of humor if you want to hang by the fire after dark."
Tips from RVers
Electric and water access varies: Cabin options at Ham Lake Resort include more equipped units with full hookups. "We checked in Wednesday evening, and the nicest staff I've ever met helped us acclimate to RV living. They patiently described how to utilize the grey and black water tanks, as well as encouraged us to check-out the canoes, row boats, bikes, horseshoes, ladder golf and many other entertainment items - for FREE!"
Verify site spacing: Space between cabins varies significantly by location. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," notes one camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park, while others report more crowded conditions at different locations.
Check site levelness: Terrain varies across cabin locations. "Campsite C1 at Baker Park Reserve offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and essential amenities. The campsite is also well-organized, with clear signage and easy access to nearby trails and park activities."
