Cabin camping near New London, Minnesota offers access to the Glacial Lakes region, where rolling hills and kettle lakes were formed by retreating glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Most cabins sit at elevations between 1,100 and 1,400 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55°F to 85°F. Winter cabin rentals often face temperatures below freezing from November through March, requiring advance preparation for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Mount Tom hiking trail: At Sibley State Park's Oak Ridge Campground, visitors can trek to the highest point in the area. "We would recommend the hike to mount Tom to check out that view," notes Stephanie H., who found the campground spacious despite being close to the lake.
Paddleboarding on clear lakes: Glacial Lakes State Park offers rentals for water recreation. "Our favorite part of this trip was renting stand up paddle boards. The lake water was crystal clear and glass like calm," shares Tessa Z., who visited during a hot weekend.
Wildlife observation: Green Lake County Park provides opportunities to spot native species. "Located on Green Lake, it's a fun campground with a good swimming beach and a great lake to spend the day on! Great fishing and wildlife," reports Stephanie H.
Seasonal biking: Lake Koronis Regional Park connects to local bike trails. "Nice family campground! Bathrooms are super nice and are heated. Sites a a nice distance apart, lots of trees," notes Amy K., who wished for more trails through the woods.
What campers like
Private cabin settings: Lake Maria State Park features secluded cabins worth the hike. "Site B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary — set up on a slight rise, tucked beneath a cathedral of towering oaks and maples," describes Alison O., who enjoyed the peaceful sounds of frogs singing at dusk.
Clean facilities: Games Lake County Park maintains well-kept bathrooms despite high usage. "Clean bathrooms, mostly RV's," reports Adelia about Green Lake County Park, mentioning the park's shade and family-friendly atmosphere.
Year-round options: Lake Maria State Park remains open through winter for cabin stays. "I would like to come back to this park in late fall and try out a camper cabin. There are three of them all on lakes," shares Steph H., who struggled with bugs during summer.
Local town access: Many cabin campers appreciate nearby small towns. "Short drive in to cute town of New London," mentions Sara S. about Oak Ridge Campground, adding that the campground was "well staffed with nice people."
What you should know
Bug preparation is essential: Insects vary dramatically by season in this region. "When we pulled up to the parking lot we knew we were in trouble. The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," warns Steph H. about Lake Maria State Park's summer conditions.
Site selection impacts privacy: Oak Ridge Campground at Sibley State Park offers varying levels of seclusion. "If you're looking for a bit of privacy, I'd recommend any of the sites before 96. If you're looking for ease of access to multiple camping spots (for a family get together with extended family) sites after 94 would be great," advises The Rolling Panda.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. "The strong wind off the lake made fishing from shore nearly impossible," reports Dave T. about Oak Ridge Campground, though he found plenty of room for his large family.
Distance to facilities: Bathhouse and shower locations vary by park. "Our cabin was a long ways from the shower facility which I knew going into the weekend. Parking near showers was close to non existent," notes Samuel V. about his stay in a Glacial Lakes State Park camper cabin.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Games Lake County Park provides swimming opportunities for children. "There is a nearby boat launch with parking. As well as a playground and beach area with a slide," shares Tori K., who recommends checking local attractions.
Playground availability: Several parks offer dedicated play areas. "There are a lot of hiking and biking trails and you will see many different kinds of birds and wildlife. Lake Andrew is a big and clean lake with a swimming beach, canoe rentals, and a fishing pier," notes Stephanie H. about Oak Ridge Campground.
Site spaciousness: Look for cabins with room for activities. "We had a great site with plenty of room for my large family. The campground was clean and nice with plenty of area for the kids to explore," shares Dave T., despite challenges with lake wind.
Off-site adventures: Outdoors Inn Campground serves as a base for regional exploration. "We picked Benson because of its close location to Glacial Lake state park and the Glacial Ridge Trail. Just take MN-29 north," recommends Slush F., who enjoyed exploring the topography changes in the region.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Creekwood Acres offers more luxurious cabin accommodations than state parks. "The cabin has a full working kitchen including microwave, stove, fridge and sink, so you can bring all you need for your own meal prep," reports Janet R. about Creekwood Cottage, adding that the cabin features double beds and electric baseboard heat.
Site orientation considerations: Lake Koronis Regional Park has some unusual campsite layouts. "Pretty disappointed to arrive and be in a backwards site. This is a back-in only site and yet the site is backwards. The firepit is on the backend of the camper instead of the front," cautions Mandy S., noting that approximately one-third of sites have this arrangement.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. "Open May to September 30," indicates the listing for Games Lake County Park, making it important to plan cabin stays accordingly.
