Cabin camping options near Shorewood, Minnesota span across several regional and state parks within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at an elevation of 925 feet above sea level in the glacially-formed terrain of central Minnesota. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, making heated cabins essential from November through March, while summer highs typically reach 83°F with humidity levels above 70%.
What to do
Hiking network: 8+ miles of trails: At Lake Maria State Park Campground, the backpacking sites connect to an extensive trail system. "Only about a mile from the parking lot. This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," notes a camper who valued the solitude.
Beach access: daily passes $7: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers both camping and a large water park during summer months. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," states one visitor who appreciated the variety of activities. Another camper adds, "This was a great park and close to everything. This campground was big with privacy between the camp spots."
Birding: 4 season activity: The natural areas around cabins provide excellent bird habitat. A frequent visitor to Crow Hassan Park Reserve mentions, "I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!" The area supports migratory waterfowl and resident woodland species year-round.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: minimum 20 feet between sites: Campers consistently praise the privacy at many cabin locations. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, one camper described their experience: "We love this park!! very friendly and well kept! Two campgrounds to chose from. Tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!"
Clean facilities: daily maintenance: The shower and bathroom facilities receive positive reviews across multiple parks. A visitor to Baker Campground noted, "The bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be."
Winter accessibility: heated cabins: Many cabins remain available through winter months. A visitor to Lake Maria described their seasonal experience: "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites."
What you should know
Reservation timing: 120-day window: Most cabins require advance planning, especially for summer weekends. The reservation system opens at 8:00 am exactly 120 days before arrival date.
Pack-in requirements: no vehicle access to some cabins: Several parks have cabins that require walking from parking areas. At Afton State Park Campground, a visitor explains: "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight. The hike to the campground is short and grueling."
Bug season: May through August: Insect activity peaks during summer months. One candid Lake Maria camper shared: "Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat."
Site variations: elevations differ: Cabin locations vary significantly in terrain. "Sites are level, and the bathroom/showers are great," notes one Baker Park visitor, while others mention steep terrain at other locations.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility options: paved trails: Families with children appreciate the well-maintained paths at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. "There is a gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground," shares one visitor.
Activity planning: bring bikes: Multiple parks offer paved biking trails suitable for children. A Baker Park camper advised, "There are 2 swimming beaches: 1 for the campground and one for all of the day visitors. You can rent canoes, paddle boats and SUP boards."
Bathroom proximity: check cabin location: When booking with children, verify bathroom distance from cabins. Sites vary significantly, as one camper at Minneapolis Northwest KOA observed: "Only 1 bath house and it's not close to most of the tent sites."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: 35-foot maximum at some parks: Not all cabin areas accommodate large RVs. "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," notes one RVer at Minneapolis Northwest KOA.
Leveling requirements: bring blocks: Several campgrounds have uneven sites. A visitor cautioned about site preparation: "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."
Seasonal variations: water access limited in winter: Water hookups are typically winterized from October through April. Plan accordingly with filled tanks during cold-weather stays.
