Cabin accommodations near Shoreview, Minnesota provide seasonal camping options typically from April through October, with a few facilities open year-round. Situated in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro region at elevations averaging 900 feet, these facilities experience humid summers with temperatures averaging 80°F and cold winters dropping below freezing. Most cabins require reservations 3-6 months in advance with fees ranging from $50-90 per night depending on amenities and season.
What to do
Hiking and trail exploration: Rice Creek Campgrounds offers extensive trail systems for day hiking. A camper noted, "We walked a portion of the trails towards the golf course, on a paved path under a green canopy."
Water activities: William O'Brien State Park Campground provides St. Croix River access for kayaking and fishing. "The river side of the park had been closed for months for construction, but had just opened two days before our stay," mentioned one visitor describing recent improvements.
Recreation programs: Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve features rentals for water sports. "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)," reported a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Forest and prairie habitats near cabins offer bird watching opportunities. A visitor to Baker Park Reserve shared, "I love birding here as well," highlighting the diverse bird species in the area.
What campers like
Year-round cabin options: Several parks offer cabins available during winter months. At William O'Brien, one camper who stayed in February reported, "The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. Unknown at the time I booked it, the cabin offered Wi-Fi access that ended up not working for us anyway."
Proximity to metro area: Bunker Hills Regional Park provides quick access from the Twin Cities. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," one camper observed.
Diverse site selections: Cabins range from basic to modern accommodations. A visitor to Bunker Hills noted, "Also there are two camper cabins, they look more utilitarian than atmospheric though."
Accessibility: Most cabin locations offer paved walkways to facilities. "The paths had been cleared enough that we could walk easily, even with the snow," shared a winter visitor to a cabin site.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Afton State Park Campground experiences water system closures during certain periods. One visitor cautioned, "None of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center."
Cabin preparation: Many cabins require bringing all bedding and supplies. A camper advised, "No running water in the cabins, so pack in water or fill up at the central pump."
Site selection strategy: Reservation systems often use automated assignments. As one visitor discovered, "If you wanted one with trees I needed to put a note on my reservation."
Insect conditions: Bug activity varies by location and season. "We entered the shower and restrooms to bugs, bugs, BUGS!! Nasty," reported one summer visitor to Rice Creek Campgrounds, highlighting the importance of timing visits.
Tips for camping with families
Site privacy considerations: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers secluded cabin options for families. "Decent amenities, however NOT the feel of a State Park. Think suburbia meets nature," explained one camper about the setting.
Activity planning: Schedule water recreation during morning hours when lakes are calmer. "There is a gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground," noted a visitor about facilities at Rice Creek.
Cabin capacity planning: Most cabins accommodate 4-6 people comfortably. A review mentioned, "The sites are pretty level, lots of mature trees, fire rings at all of them (with cooking grates that flipped out of the way) and picnic tables at most."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds vary in sound levels. One camper at Rice Creek reported, "And the fact that this loop was 'tent only' meant no generators! It was very quiet!"
Tips from RVers
Service availability: Veterans Campground On Big Marine Lake provides electric hookups at cabin sites. "We have stayed in cabins and in our trailer. The pontoons they offer for rent are beautiful!" shared a veteran who utilized both accommodation types.
Reservation requirements: Most parks require booking cabins well in advance, especially for weekend dates. A Bunker Hills visitor suggested, "Based on the lack of Dyrt reviews and the overabundance of weekend availability for this campground, it might be a nice option for you to get camping even if you are a state-park-loving metro dweller."
Seasonal access: Park roads to cabins receive varying winter maintenance. One winter visitor advised, "Arrive in Marine on St. Croix via Broadway Street / Maple Street. The tree canopy, winding roads, and tunnel are worth it."
