Cabin camping near Stillwater, Minnesota offers access to the St. Croix River Valley's diverse ecosystems, where elevations range from river level at approximately 675 feet to bluffs reaching over 800 feet. The area sits at the intersection of three ecological zones—hardwood forest, oak savanna, and prairie—creating varied camping environments. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, requiring properly insulated cabin accommodations for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Hiking along river valleys: Wild River State Park offers extensive trail systems alongside the St. Croix River. "We spent an entire day hiking and it was decent hiking along the river, some of the trails where a little confusing and trying to figure out where we at, but we made it just hiked a little further than we wanted to!" notes one visitor to Wild River State Park Campground.
Snowshoeing winter trails: Winter activities remain popular for cabin campers seeking off-season adventures. A winter visitor to Wild River State Park reported, "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise. The ski trails were groomed and there were miles of trails."
Beach and swimming access: While not all cabin locations offer water access, several parks provide swimming options. At Afton State Park Campground, one camper noted the "highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk."
What campers like
Private, wooded cabin settings: Many cabins offer secluded settings within forested areas. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, visitors appreciate the natural surroundings: "Many campsites are fantastic with good spacing and shade. Access to lake is great."
Year-round cabin availability: Some locations maintain winter operations for cabin stays. Afton State Park offers unique seasonal accommodations as one visitor explained: "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!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabins often provide access to natural habitats supporting diverse wildlife. One camper at Wild River reported: "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance planning, especially for specialized accommodations. At Veterans Campground On Big Marine Lake, note that you "must be a vet or sponsored by one" to use the facilities.
Winter facility limitations: During colder months, some park amenities may be restricted or closed. A visitor to Wild River State Park noted: "The campsite was plowed out and had a nice spot for the tent. The sites were far enough apart and it looked like it would be more private when the leaves come in."
Firewood considerations: Cabin campers should plan for firewood needs. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, one camper advised: "Only recommendation is to get the firewood from down the road and not at the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Many cabin locations provide family-friendly water activities. Veterans Campground offers numerous options as one visitor detailed: "They have a small bar, small trail, fishing dock, swimming beach, boat dock, boat rental, kayak rental, golf cart rental, game room, parks, showers and bathrooms, pavilion."
Accessibility considerations: Some locations have challenging terrain for younger children or those with mobility concerns. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, families appreciate the variety of options: "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious."
Off-season family activities: Winter cabin stays can include special programming. At Wild River State Park, one visitor enjoyed the "candlelight ski was great and the routes were marked with different colored luminaries - for hiking and skiing. We really enjoyed that."
Tips for RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: RVers should research specific campgrounds for appropriate accommodations. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, one camper advised about site selection: "Per others' advice, I stayed at Savannah campground because the sites are slightly bigger and more private than Riverway."
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should note seasonal operating schedules. At William O'Brien State Park, a visitor noted: "Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop (especially the non-electric ones), but still able to take advantage of a weekend day."
Utility connections: Check specific cabin and RV site amenities before booking. A camper at Bunker Hills mentioned: "There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp."
