Cabin camping near St. Paul offers options for elevated wilderness experiences with varying levels of amenities and modern conveniences. Whitetail Woods Regional Park features architect-designed cabins set among pine forests, while several other parks within an hour's drive provide alternatives for families and solo travelers. Seasonal weather affects availability with winter being particularly popular for heated cabin options.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: At Afton State Park, trails wind through dramatically different ecosystems. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" notes Mike K., while another camper describes the terrain as "just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion."
Beach access: Multiple glamping locations near St. Paul provide swimming opportunities during summer months. At Lake Auburn Campground, visitors appreciate "the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming in the water are a great way to destress," according to Catherine C., who visited the location. The beach includes shade umbrellas and a fishing dock.
Year-round activities: The cabin accommodations stay open through winter in several locations, enabling cold-weather exploration. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," notes a Krista T. who visited Whitetail Woods. Winter glamping requires additional preparation, particularly for bathroom visits, as "the bathroom is heated and open year round" but outdoor pathways remain snowy.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: The glamping options provide modern bathrooms regardless of season. At Baker Park Reserve, visitors note "the bathroom/showers are great" and describe them as "nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground." Several parks maintain fully heated restrooms even in winter.
Strategic location: Glamping close to St. Paul, Minnesota allows for quick access while maintaining a wilderness feel. A visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park explains that it "feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities. Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" The park offers both tent sites and cabin accommodations.
Storage solutions: The cabin designs feature practical elements for organization. Krista T. notes at Whitetail Woods, "The storage in this place is amazing. Storage under the bed, one counter with ample storage under it, and even the windows are so deep that I was able to store most of my food on the sill." This attention to detail makes the glamping experience more comfortable for multi-night stays.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Securing cabin accommodations requires advance planning. Whitetail Woods camper cabins open reservations 120 days before arrival dates. A reviewer notes, "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."
Cooking restrictions: Most glamping cabins limit indoor cooking options. According to a visitor to Whitetail Woods, "You can use a slow cooker and a coffee pot in the cabin. Otherwise you can cook over the fire as well." At other locations, "No cooking is allowed inside the cabins, which can make things rough if the weather isn't cooperating."
Winter water limitations: Cold-season visitors should prepare for restricted water access. Krista T. warns about the shower situation at Whitetail Woods: "There was maybe 2 minutes of hot water. Basically enough to wash your body quickly... The shower room is also set to a cool 58 degrees in the winter." Some locations shut off outdoor water entirely during cold months.
Privacy variations: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers both isolated and more exposed glamping options. A reviewer explains, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Multiple glamping locations feature dedicated children's play areas. At Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Angela L. reports, "The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids. Our girls didn't want to leave!" This accessibility makes evening entertainment easier for parents.
Waterpark options: For summer glamping with children, consider Lake Byllesby Regional Park. "This is a great family campground! Camping spots are rather close, but we have two little ones so they made friends quick with other children," notes Angela L., who brought her family for a holiday weekend.
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy the animal sightings at various parks. One visitor to Afton State Park remembers, "We went to Afton for a day trip filled with hiking, picnicking and scoping out future camping sites. Then I saw the snake. I literally grabbed my husband to hold him back from stepping on it." These natural experiences create lasting memories for families.
Tips for RVers
Service hookups: RV glamping sites offer various utility connections. At Baker Park Reserve, sites include water and electric hookups, while some parks like Lake Auburn offer more limited services. Some reviewers note the abundance of "paved RV pads" at certain locations, making setup easier for larger rigs.
Seasonal access: Many glamping locations for RVs close during winter months. Parks typically operate from April through October, with Lake Auburn closing in mid-October and Baker Park Reserve operating April 30 to October 20. Check specific opening dates before planning cold-weather trips.
Site selection: For privacy in RV sites, request specific locations when booking. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, a visitor warns that "algorithms don't make for good customer service" and suggests "be sure to call the office ahead and let them know that you want a site with trees and not one backing up to the road."
