Cabin camping options exist within 30 miles of Prior Lake, Minnesota, where the landscape features a mix of rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and numerous lakes. Located in Scott County at an elevation of around 930 feet, the area experiences warm summers with average highs of 83°F in July and cold winters with average lows of 8°F in January. Winter cabin rentals often book 3-4 months in advance due to seasonal demand.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Several parks near Prior Lake offer hiking opportunities connected to cabin sites. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campers can access "miles of bike trails" and "many paved trails, and an activity center," as one visitor noted. Despite having commercial amenities, the park "truly felt like a state park, and it's definitely bigger than some of them."
Swimming options: Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park offers cabin rentals with swimming access. Similarly, Baker Park Reserve provides water recreation near its cabin accommodations. According to one visitor at Baker Park, "The lake is nice. There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors."
Seasonal activities: Winter cabin stays offer different experiences than summer visits. One camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park mentioned, "The temperature was COLD the first night, but perfect the rest of the week. Absolutely loved the experience, and I will go again." In warmer months, the park features "a large water park and wave pool."
What campers like
Privacy levels vary: Cabins at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve receive praise for their seclusion. One guest commented, "This campsite is a gem so very close to the Twin Cities. The sites are good sized, and the bathroom/showers are great." Other reviewers appreciate that "the sites are fairly large, but very open."
Modern bathrooms: Most cabin locations maintain clean bathroom facilities. A camper at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park noted, "Very nice campground with large sites. Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers." This differs from more rustic cabin options where bathroom access may be more limited.
Nature observation: Wildlife viewing opportunities exist near many cabin rentals. At Sakatah Lake State Park, a visitor was "amazed with all the sounds of birds in this park. I heard everything from Eagles, Canadian Geese and Swans to Woodpeckers and multiple song birds." Another reviewer mentioned, "Lots of hiking. Nice campsites. Beautiful park."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabin availability fills quickly, especially at popular locations. Bunker Hills Regional Park cabins look "more utilitarian than atmospheric" but remain in high demand. One visitor to Afton State Park recommended their "super simple camping cabins. They each have 4 spots and have contactless entry as you get sent a code to use... Plan ahead as these are hard to come by."
Water access changes seasonally: Many parks shut off outdoor water sources during winter. According to a Bunker Hills visitor, "There are water fill stations readily available so we loaded up prior to continuing out west." When visiting cabins in cold weather, carrying additional water supplies is advised.
Cooking restrictions: Most cabin rentals limit indoor cooking options. As one camper at Afton State Park noted, "There is no cooking inside the cabin so you have to use the fire ring outside." Some parks like Minneapolis Southwest KOA offer limited market facilities for basic food supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several cabins offer nearby playgrounds and activities. A visitor to Minneapolis Northwest KOA mentioned, "They have events planned for kids. It has a pool that stays open late, and it's got some playgrounds." These amenities provide entertainment when staying in cabin accommodations.
Site selection matters: For families seeking privacy, careful site selection is crucial. One camper at Baker Park Reserve advised that "with great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be." Another visitor recommended this location "for the active family, not those wanting privacy."
First-time considerations: Cabin camping serves as an excellent introduction to outdoor experiences. At Baker Park, a first-timer reported, "For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids." This makes cabin accommodations near Prior Lake suitable for families new to camping.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Cabins at Sakatah Lake State Park provide alternatives when RV sites are limited. One RVer noted, "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." When RV space is tight, cabin rentals become attractive alternatives.
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin stays offer different advantages than summer visits. According to an experienced camper, "After months of winter the first trip of the season is something we look forward to. The sites at Baker Park Reserve are larger than average." Cabin rentals provide comfort during shoulder seasons when RV camping becomes more challenging.
