Cabin camping near Norwood Young America, Minnesota offers access to the state's diverse Central Region landscape. Situated at 935 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The wooded rolling terrain allows for both prairie and forest settings at most camping areas, with peak season typically running May through September when temperatures average 70-85°F.
What to do
Prairie trails exploration: At Crow Hassan Park Reserve, visitors can enjoy extensive hiking through restored prairie landscapes. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails," notes one visitor. The sandy prairie trails stay relatively bug-free compared to wooded sections.
Waterfall viewing: The nearby Red Fox Campground at Minneopa State Park features unique water features within a short drive. "A quick half-mile hike delivers two majestic falls — upper falls tumble a few feet & the lower cascades 40–50 ft into a silent, lush gorge," explains a camper. The falls are accessible year-round with best flow typically in spring.
Wilderness hiking: For more secluded experiences, Lake Maria State Park offers backpacking sites with varying hiking distances. "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites," notes a regular visitor. The park maintains 14 miles of hiking trails that connect with camping areas.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers appreciate the seclusion at Bunker Hills Regional Park. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious. There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," writes one visitor. The lower camping loops offer more privacy for tent campers.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistently high marks at many locations. "The bathroom has nice showers, and running water in the sinks, but has pit toilets," notes a visitor at Red Fox Campground. Another camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park stated: "Campsites were nice, good tent pads too! Very clean. Respectful neighbors."
Wildlife viewing: Many cabin and tent campers cite wildlife observation opportunities as a highlight. At Lake Maria State Park, one visitor shared, "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way." Spring and fall typically offer the best wildlife viewing conditions when temperatures moderate.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: At many regional parks, early booking is essential. "Sakatah Lake State Park is like most State parks in MN - you better get your reservation in early if you want a site with electric. If you're good without, it's a great park," advises one camper. Most cabin reservations open 3-4 months in advance.
Seasonal water access: Water availability varies by season and facility. "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," cautions a visitor at Baker Campground. Some parks shut off external water spigots as early as October.
Bug preparation: Minnesota's summer months bring mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon," warns a Lake Maria visitor about summer conditions. Wooded cabin sites generally experience more insect activity than open prairie locations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Baker Park Reserve receives high marks from families for its diverse recreational options. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," notes a visitor. Families can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards at the lake.
Pool access: Some campgrounds feature swimming facilities that extend the camping season. "The pool was clean and heated," reports a visitor to Minneapolis Southwest KOA, making it suitable even during cooler weather. Several campgrounds also offer supervised swimming areas suitable for younger children.
Cabin spacing: For family groups, cabin spacing and layout matters. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, "We camped here while our friends used a camper cabin and they loved it too," explains a visitor. Sites that work well for multiple family setups include ones with designated communal areas between cabins.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region require preparation for uneven terrain. "The site was very unlevel," notes one RVer about Minneapolis Southwest KOA. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended, particularly for sites in older campground loops with more established trees.
Space considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly throughout the region. "Very nice park if your RV is not too big. I put our 38 foot 5th wheel in a site but you better be on your game here. Lots of shade and big trees," advises an RVer about Sakatah Lake State Park. Sites along exterior loops generally offer more space for larger rigs.
