Cabin camping opportunities around St. Paul, Minnesota range from basic rustic structures to modern accommodations with heating systems. Located in Minnesota's eastern region where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers converge, the area features wooded terrain interspersed with lakes and gentle rolling landscapes. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, making heated cabins particularly valuable from November through March.
What to do
Hiking at Afton State Park: The trail system offers varied terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. A visitor noted, "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" Some trails connect to scenic overlooks of the St. Croix River.
Beach activities at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park: The park features a swimming beach with changing facilities during summer months. "Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" shared one camper who appreciated the accessible water activities.
Winter recreation: Several parks maintain groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when snow conditions permit. At William O'Brien State Park, winter activities continue with heated cabin options. A visitor shared their experience: "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates... The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the separation between camping areas. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, a reviewer appreciated that "the sites are decently private and there is nice bathrooms/showers." Some sites feature natural barriers like trees or tall grass.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high in positive reviews. A camper at Baker Park noted the "clean updated bathrooms" while another mentioned that "the bathroom/showers are great." Most cabin areas have dedicated restroom buildings within walking distance.
Natural surroundings close to urban areas: The contrast between wilderness settings and proximity to city amenities appeals to many. "We love to camp here as it's so close to home. Decent amenities, however NOT the feel of a State Park. Think suburbia meets nature," wrote a camper about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular cabin sites book quickly, especially at Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance, which is the farthest out you can reserve," advised one camper who noted that "all weekends are booked for all cabins" by early June.
Seasonal considerations: Water availability varies throughout the year. "Outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter," noted a Whitetail Woods visitor. Most parks post seasonal service changes on their websites.
Noise levels: Campgrounds closer to urban areas may experience road noise. A visitor to St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park requested a specific campsite location, noting: "When 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks feature play equipment for children. At Baker Campground, families appreciate that a "nice park for kids [is] just a small hike away." The playground areas often include picnic shelters for meals.
Water activities: Swimming beaches provide supervised water access during summer months. "The beach was very nice to swim in, but was a bit crowded no surprise in mid July," reported a visitor to St. Croix Bluffs, where the beach area includes changing facilities.
Group sites for larger families: Several parks offer designated group camping areas. As one Baker Park visitor explained: "We went with a group of friends (all families with young kids). It was the perfect place to easily get in, set up, hangout, and just relax. The sites are fairly large."
Tips from RVers
Hookup information: Electric service varies between parks. At William O'Brien State Park, electric hookups are available, though a camper noted: "We planned this weekend with friends to camp in our matching teardrop trailers... The shower house needs some paint, but had been cleaned."
Dumping stations: Most parks with RV sites provide sanitary dump stations, though locations may require driving from individual campsites. Some facilities close seasonally, particularly during freezing weather.
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, a reviewer noted that "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
