Cabin camping near Preston, Minnesota provides access to the scenic bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, where elevations range from 600 to 1,300 feet above sea level. The region features limestone formations, spring-fed streams, and hardwood forests that create distinct seasonal camping conditions. Most area cabin facilities operate from April through October, though several properties offer winter accommodations with varying levels of heating systems and accessibility.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Multiple streams near Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground offer quality fishing. "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away... This was worth the time and an experience you won't forget," notes one camper who combined cave exploration with fishing the park's cold-water streams.
Bike trail access: The Old Barn Resort connects directly to the Root River Trail System. "It really is a treat that the Root River Bike Trail System runs right along the campground. We spent most of our time exploring the trail, visiting Lanesboro and Whalen," reports a visitor who appreciated the trail connectivity.
Cave tours: Mystery Cave tours operate at Forestville State Park from April through October. "If you get the chance, go do the 1-hour walking tour of Mystery Cave - well worth the entry fee. If you go on weekend probably need to make reservations," advises one reviewer who found the underground experience worthwhile.
Tubing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer tube rentals with shuttle service. "They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals," mentions a visitor to Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging, noting the comprehensive recreation options.
What campers like
Natural water features: Spring-fed creeks run through many campgrounds. "My most favorite thing to do was walk the endless miles of hiking trails. We didn't do our homework, but if we would have known, we would have brought our fishing rods as the rivers were full of trout," shares a visitor to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Multi-day recreation packages: Several cabin locations offer combined activities. "Nothing but good things here, if your a bike riding family, there are a lot of trails! If you want to float the river they got it! If you just want to lay by the pool, you can do it!" states a camper at The Old Barn Resort.
Historic attractions: Several state parks contain historic villages and displays. "I loved the campground area which nestled in a small valley. On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society," explains a visitor to Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
Off-grid experience: Many cabin locations have limited or no cell service. "TV was able to pick up about 15 stations - but there is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office," reports a camper who appreciated the connectivity details at Forestville.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between locations. "This is a very nice campground with a variety of sites. They have several on the rivers edge which are by far the best," notes a visitor to Eagle Cliff Campground who prioritized waterfront sites over connectivity.
Seasonal restrictions: Many cabin facilities close completely or offer limited services during winter. "This time of year, water is not on in the campground, but there is a spigot right across the road at the visitor center that is on (easy 2 min walk)," shares a winter visitor to Whitewater State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance bookings during peak season. "We stayed in site 71 for 3 nights. Good level campsite and in walking around all the ones in the electric loop looked pretty level," reports a reviewer who found Forestville Mystery Cave State Park well-maintained.
Driving conditions: Several campgrounds have water crossings or steep terrain. "Be warned that in order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8"," cautions a visitor to Beaver Creek Valley State Park about specific site access.
Tips for camping with families
Park-led activities: Multiple state parks offer ranger programs and activity kits. "We had so much fun playing on the river and exploring the park! Everything is right there and the river is so pretty," shares a camper about the family amenities at Whitewater State Park.
Playground proximity: Several cabin locations feature multiple play areas. "The campground is very spacious. The pool and hot tub is a bit small, but the kids still had fun. There is fishing available from the stream that runs through the campground," explains a visitor to Hidden Bluffs Resort.
Swimming options: Several facilities offer beaches or pools with cabin stays. "This campground has it all. Nice and relaxed campground. More than enough space for rv's and tents. Showers were fine, operated by quarters," notes a visitor to Eagle Cliff Campground who found the facilities family-friendly.
Nature programs: Several parks provide educational activities. "We hiked, took trout fishing lessons, sat at the beach and had relaxing evenings by the fire," reports a camper who found Whitewater State Park's programming valuable for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning: Many cabin areas share facilities with RV sections. "Sites are clean and the grounds are very well maintained. The bathrooms and showers were very clean. It was extremely quiet," reports a visitor to Rochester-Marion KOA who found the mixed-use campground well-organized.
Dump station access: Most facilities offer dump stations rather than full hookups. "Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving," notes a visitor to Chester Woods Park about the logistics.
Electrical limitations: Amps available vary between facilities. "They have a nice clean shower house, very well kept grounds and a ton of space to spread out. The lower campground is right next to the river and there are RV, tent and cabin sites available," explains a visitor to Chimney Rock Campground about the layout.
