North Branch, Minnesota sits near the St. Croix River valley at an elevation of about 900 feet, where the forest and prairie ecosystems meet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching 80°F and winters dropping below freezing, making cabin camping available year-round but requiring different preparations seasonally. The regional parks and private campgrounds within 30 minutes of North Branch offer cabin options ranging from rustic one-room structures to multi-room accommodations with varying amenities.
What to do
**Riverfront exploration: Wild River State Park offers direct access to the St. Croix River with multiple trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. "Wild River State Park is my go-to campground since it is within an hour of my home. I make it my first place to camp every season. 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. who visited Wild River State Park Campground.
Winter activities: Several cabin rentals remain open during winter months, providing a base for cold-weather recreation. "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. The candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing," reports Joanna B. about her February stay at Wild River.
Stargazing opportunities: Several cabins and campgrounds in the area offer good night sky viewing. "The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance," mentions Katherine T. about her experience at Wild River State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabins near North Branch provide good separation from neighboring campers. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative," reports Stephanie H. about Wild River State Park Campground.
Cabin variety: Different cabins serve different needs across the region. "Several people seemed to be there in groups, but we had no issues with noise. The pit toilets were cleaned and stocked with TP and sanitizer," writes Karla J.B. about her stay at William O'Brien State Park Campground in a camper cabin, which offers a different experience than standard cabin camping.
Easy access to water recreation: Many cabins provide convenient access to lakes or rivers. "Great park with a diversity of hiking, equestrian, and canoeing options. Since the park runs along the St. Croix, there are beautiful river-side walks to be had," notes Erik R. after staying at Wild River State Park.
What you should know
Site selection strategy: Cabins vary significantly in proximity to amenities and level of seclusion. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, "I booked this on a whim since we needed an overnight close to the State Fair. I loved the look of the 'TENT ONLY' loop - you don't see this often - so it was a good fit. In the morning, when I could see everything, I was thoroughly impressed by the space, the maintenance of the property, the size of the campsites," writes Amy G.
Firewood considerations: Quality and pricing of firewood varies between locations and seasons. Bruce M. advises, "Many campsites are fantastic with good spacing and shade. Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
Wildlife encounters: Cabins in the North Branch area often have active wildlife nearby. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," reports Kate H. about her experience at Wild River State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Park amenities: Some cabin locations offer additional recreational facilities beyond standard camping. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails" are available according to Tiffany W., making it ideal for families wanting entertainment options beyond cabin camping.
Cabin proximity to facilities: For families, consider cabin distance from restrooms and water sources. "The family had an absolute blast! Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table. Nice clean site, community water pump worked great!" notes Justin Q. from his experience at Rice Creek Campgrounds.
Seasonal programming: Some parks offer special events and educational programming. "The campground is massive! Our campsite was on the farthest loop and was very private! We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites!" shares Kate H. about Wild River State Park, adding that "This seems to be the hot spot for horses and if we go back I definitely want to do the horseback riding right outside the park!"
Tips from RVers
Reservation planning: For cabin or RV stays, book well ahead, especially during peak periods. At Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake, Staci J. reports, "We have stayed in cabins and in our trailer. The pontoons they offer for rent are beautiful!! The lake is nice. Good luck catching fish though."
Electrical considerations: Cabin electrical systems have limitations to consider. "We checked in Wednesday evening, and the nicest staff I've ever met helped us acclimate to RV living. We are new to this game. They patiently described how to utilize the grey and black water tanks," shares Kristin C. about Ham Lake Resort, which offers both cabin and RV options.
Off-season advantages: Consider cabin camping during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. "I spent the entire time just saying 'wow'. I had never been here before, 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," reports Krista T. about Bunker Hills Regional Park's less crowded periods.
