Camping cabins near Ramsey, Minnesota provide year-round options within 30 miles of the city. The area sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level in the Rice Creek watershed, featuring a mix of oak savanna and wetland environments. Winter cabin rentals maintain temperatures around 40°F with provided space heaters, while summer cabins often don't include air conditioning despite July temperatures averaging 83°F.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: At Bunker Hills Regional Park, visitors can enjoy a top-rated course just minutes from cabin sites. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," notes one camper who stopped through Minnesota for a quick overnight stay.
Watercraft rentals: During summer months, paddle boats and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at most lakes near cabin sites. "You can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards, and many people bring their own boats (although they do charge to park your boat trailer unless you bring it back to the campground and they limit the number of boats on the lake at a time)," shares a camper about Baker Park.
Winter trails: Seasonal cabin rentals provide access to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails from December through March. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates... We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass," reports one winter cabin visitor.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers backcountry cabin options away from crowds. "This hike-in site is about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees. Once you arrive, B6 feels like a secret woodland sanctuary," explains one visitor who appreciates the privacy.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings near cabin sites often provide opportunities to see local fauna. "We saw pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and a chorus of chorus frogs. Nature feels close here — in the best way," shares a Lake Maria visitor about the cabin area experience.
Clean facilities: Rice Creek Campgrounds maintains well-kept shower houses near cabin rentals. "Level private sites, lots of trees, showers were clean. Would definitely camp again," states a recent visitor, highlighting the consistent maintenance standards.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many cabin sites require booking 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. "You DO need a park pass to stay at the campground," notes a Rice Creek visitor, explaining an additional requirement beyond the cabin reservation fee.
Elevation challenges: Some cabins sit on hills requiring carrying gear up inclines. "I camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart. Buddy and I parked at the southeast parking lot so the hike was about a mile and also hilly," warns a Lake Maria visitor about accessing the remote cabins.
Seasonal closures: Construction and maintenance often affects cabin availability. "The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids. Construction is scheduled to the end of 2025," reports a visitor at William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request cabin sites near play areas for easier kid entertainment. "There is a nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals," shares a visitor about Baker Campground's family amenities.
Educational opportunities: Crow Hassan Park Reserve cabins provide access to nature programming and wildlife viewing. "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" notes a regular visitor.
Bug preparation: Bring mosquito protection regardless of season for cabin camping with children. "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" warns a Rice Creek camper, while others mention bringing "extra lanterns, chairs, and a good sense of humor" to deal with insects at cabin sites.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, cabin renters should request specific site characteristics. "When I asked the owner for another site, he told me they were all taken except for one without a sewer connection. I asked why I was given such an undesirable site when I booked so far in advance and he told me that there is an algorithm that determines the site selection and if I wanted one with trees I needed to put a note on my reservation."
Utility connections: Verify which cabin amenities include hookups to avoid surprises. "The sites are well maintained. The staff is very kind and accommodating. There are a few restaurants around that deliver," reports a KOA visitor about the cabin and RV service options.
Fire ring placement: Check cabin layouts before arrival as some have inconveniently positioned fire pits. "The only reason this isn't a full 5-star banger is the fire ring placement. That thing is doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow," explains a visitor at Baker Park Reserve about their cabin site.
