Cabins near Redwood Falls, Minnesota offer camping options in diverse terrain ranging from prairie landscapes to wooded river valleys. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching the mid-80s and cold winters where temperatures can drop below zero. Most cabin sites are situated within protected areas that provide natural windbreaks against the strong prairie winds common in southwestern Minnesota.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Fort Ridgely State Park Campground features an important historical site related to the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862. "There's also a lot of history here with an interesting museum on the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862," notes Jason S., though another visitor mentions "The MN State Historical Society could do a much better job at EDUCATING what really happened at the Fort and why. The signage is in need of repair and restoration."
Wade in creek waters: Several campsites offer access to shallow creeks perfect for cooling off. At Fort Ridgely State Park Campground, "The creek through the campground is beautiful and the sound of water over the rock is great for sleeping. The creek is cool temperature even in July but kids have fun swimming and splashing," according to Tom.
Kayak quiet lakes: For water recreation beyond swimming, some parks offer kayaking opportunities on smaller, less crowded lakes. At Lake Shetek State Park, one visitor shares, "We kayaked (a short Portage) to 2 smaller lakes that had no one on them. We were able to tie our boats to a tree below our campsite and scaled up the embankment."
What campers like
Prairie wildflower viewing: Summer visitors appreciate the native prairie ecosystems. At Fort Ridgely State Park Campground, "In JULY The Prairie Trails are stunning with all the wild flowers in full bloom. Many trails and nice overlooks too. I walked and hiked the trail over and over because of the beautiful flowers and trails," reports one camper.
Winter camping options: For cold-weather enthusiasts, several parks maintain year-round access. A visitor to Oak Woods Campground shares their winter experience: "We stayed in a Camper Cabin in this park in the wintertime. It was a great experience for our kids and a fun winter camping experience for mom and dad."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations. A camper at Oak Woods Campground reports, "We saw and heard many birds including songbirds, woodpeckers, geese, turkeys, pelicans, turkey vultures, and a nesting swan. We saw deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and a mink. We heard coyotes the first night."
What you should know
Cell service varies: Connectivity can be limited in some campgrounds. At Camden State Park Campground, visitors report no Verizon service in the lower campground. Similarly, at Fort Ridgely, a reviewer notes there's "no cell phone coverage at the campground but there is service around the historical site."
Train noise at some locations: Some campgrounds are located near active rail lines. A Camden State Park visitor reports, "There are nearby train tracks and trains ran by several times a day, though luckily they don't blow the horn so we didn't notice them much."
Bathroom facilities vary: While some parks offer modern facilities, others have more basic options. One camper at Fort Ridgely notes, "Only restrooms are single stall vault toilets. No showers." It's worth checking specific amenities before booking, especially for longer stays.
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation rentals: Some parks offer equipment rentals that eliminate the need to transport bulky gear. At Sportsman Park, one visitor mentions, "bike rentals (using an app on your phone)" are available, along with "a 5k paved trail that goes around the lake connecting the campground to the park on the other side of the lake."
Consider rustic campgrounds for privacy: While many cabin areas are open with limited privacy, some parks offer more secluded options. At Flandrau State Park, a camper recommends: "We stayed at a walk in site in the rustic campground. It was very private and you could barely see the other walk in site next door."
Check swimming conditions before arrival: Swimming areas can change seasonally. A recent visitor to Camden State Park reported, "The swimming pond is very gross. Lots of weeds. They really need to clean it out." Calling ahead for current conditions can prevent disappointment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy and access. At Plum Creek Park Campground, a visitor advises, "For extra peace and quiet, get the tent only (non electric) sites across the lake! There are a variety of sites if you want to 'rough it' or not."
Seasonal sites impact availability: Some campgrounds allocate many of their full-hookup sites to seasonal campers. A reviewer at Plum Creek Park Campground notes, "Most full hookup sites are occupied by seasonal renters," suggesting that travelers should book well in advance for prime spots.
Water access varies by site: Riverside or lakefront sites often provide direct water access but may have terrain challenges. A visitor to Sunrise Campground mentions, "Site 37 is right on a bend in the river and has an amazing view! Most others along the river don't have the view but you can still sleep to the sound of running water."
