Cabin camping near Roseville, Minnesota offers year-round options with accommodations ranging from rustic structures to deluxe cabins with additional amenities. Most cabins are situated within regional and state parks, providing easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park features camper cabins with spacious sites and maintained fire pits for outdoor cooking. The park's cabins are situated in well-shaded areas that offer a sense of seclusion despite proximity to the Twin Cities.
What to do
Hiking the varied terrain: Afton State Park Campground offers trails across diverse landscapes within a 30-minute drive of Roseville. "First, terrific park. Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all," notes one visitor at Afton State Park Campground. The park's extensive trail system accommodates different fitness levels with routes ranging from flat prairie walks to more challenging bluff climbs.
Winter camping experiences: Several cabins remain available during colder months, offering heated accommodations for winter recreation. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent. We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape," shares one winter camper about William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Water activities: Many cabin locations provide lake or river access for swimming, fishing, and boating from spring through fall. "There is a nice 6+mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes. The lake is nice. There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors," reports a visitor to Baker Campground at Baker Park Reserve.
What campers like
Secluded sites amid natural settings: Despite being close to urban areas, many cabins offer privacy through strategic positioning. "The sites a Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away," explains one camper about Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve.
Clean facilities: Many campers specifically mention the quality of bathrooms and showers at these cabin locations. A visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park notes, "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground."
Diverse landscapes: Cabin campers appreciate the variety of natural environments within short walking distances. "I had never been here before, despite it only being 20 minutes away, because I always prioritize going to state parks. That is no longer true... You might want to make reservations for this park when you get home," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park.
What you should know
Seasonal bug considerations: Insect activity varies dramatically by season and location. "My husband and I paid for one night at a non electric drive in tent site... As we slowly whined down a gravel road the trees became more dense, our site seemed perfect for the two of us! That is when we started noticing the horseflies were making it known that we were 'trespassing on their turf'," warns a summer visitor to Rice Creek Campgrounds.
Varied cabin positioning: Fire rings are sometimes positioned far from the cabin structure. A visitor to Baker Park notes, "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."
Reservation demand patterns: Many locations fill quickly during summer weekends but have better availability on weekdays and in shoulder seasons. "We planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers. We have never really camped with friends before, so the point was to just go, not to really travel far. We loved the trails," shares a spring visitor to William O'Brien State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Many parks feature dedicated play areas for children near cabin areas. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," mentions a visitor about Bunker Hills, while another notes the park has "several playgrounds" in addition to its other amenities.
Family-friendly cabin layouts: Some cabins are specifically designed with families in mind. "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird)🏡🐦 Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" explains a visitor to St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, highlighting the cabin's family-focused design.
Nature program participation: Several parks offer ranger-led activities during summer months. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," notes a visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park about the educational opportunities available.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Bunker Hills provides cabin alternatives for RVers wanting a hybrid experience. "The lower loops are definitely better for tent campers, even though quite a few spots could support an RV. The campground map does a good job of providing visual indicators of what a site provides. The upper loop (sits 45-64) is definitely more geared towards RVs," advises a visitor.
Utility hookup accessibility: Water and electric connections vary by location. "Campsite C1 does not disappoint. It offers basic yet essential facilities, including clean showers and well-maintained restrooms. The convenience of these amenities makes it easy to enjoy a longer stay without sacrificing comfort," notes a visitor to Baker Park Reserve about the infrastructure support available.
Park entry procedures: Several locations require separate vehicle permits beyond camping fees. "Your reservation fee does NOT include the daily parks fee of 7 dollars just FYI," cautions a visitor to Bunker Hills Regional Park, highlighting the additional costs RVers should anticipate.
