Cabin camping options dot the St. Croix River valley around Taylors Falls, Minnesota, where deciduous forests meet the glacial river basin. The area stands at roughly 820 feet above sea level, with temperature swings between -30°F in winter and 90°F in summer. Most cabins in the area require advance reservations, with availability particularly limited during holiday weekends and peak summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails along the river: Wild River State Park Campground offers numerous trail options through varied terrain. One visitor noted, "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."
Winter activities: William O'Brien State Park Campground maintains trails for cold-weather recreation. A winter visitor shared, "We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass. We walked along the tracks after that in the brisk air."
Beach and lake access: Rice Creek Campgrounds provides water activities during warmer months. A camper mentioned, "Nice campground with lots of trails, a beach, and many playgrounds. Only recommendation is to get the firewood from down the road and not at the campground."
Star gazing: The rural location allows for excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Wild River State Park reported, "I was even able to see fantastic stars Friday night. There was amazing wildlife - a blue heron frequented the site, and I heard all types of owls."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Wild River State Park Campground offers well-separated camping areas. One reviewer stated, "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees. The park rangers were very helpful and informative."
Tent-only camping areas: Rice Creek Campgrounds features dedicated spaces for non-RV campers. A visitor explained, "The fact that this loop (F LOOP) was 'tent only' meant no generators! It was very quiet! There were port-o-potties and a centrally located water source (potable) that was in the middle of everything."
Proximity to Twin Cities: Most camping cabins near Taylors Falls are within 60-90 minutes of Minneapolis-St. Paul. According to one camper at William O'Brien, "It's a nice distance from the cities, not too far. We planned on attending their candlelight ski and decided to camp."
River views: Afton State Park Campground provides scenic perspectives along its hike-in sites. One visitor explained, "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. A Big Rock Creek visitor noted, "I've never had any experience here. But it does look like a beautiful place to test for our anniversary this Fourth of July!!!"
Limited plumbing: Many cabins near Taylors Falls offer electricity but minimal water services. At Lily Springs Regenerative Farm, a visitor explained, "There is a designated (and clean!) portapotty for each campsite, the lakeside one is on the other side of the goat enclosure. It was close enough for daytime trips, but I wish it was closer for middle of the night visits."
Seasonal insect conditions: Bug populations vary throughout the year, with peak activity in summer. One camper at Rice Creek Campgrounds warned, "My husband and I paid for one night at a non electric drive in tent site. As we slowly whined down a gravel road the trees became more dense, our site seemed perfect for the two of us! That is when we started noticing the horseflies were making it known that we were 'trespassing on their turf'."
Weekend crowds: Many campgrounds experience higher occupancy Friday through Sunday. A visitor to Afton State Park reported, "Noise seemed to travel between sites, I had some loud neighbors during the day but they settled down before quiet hours."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers family-friendly facilities. A visitor shared, "Wonderful site! Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities. Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several cabins near Taylors Falls provide chances to observe local animals. At Wild River State Park, a camper reported, "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls."
Educational programs: Some parks provide learning activities for children. A Wild River State Park camper explained, "Love the scenic trails and all the park has to offer. Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, exploring, informational programs, and the wooded campsites."
Food storage considerations: Wildlife may attempt to access unsecured food. A visitor at Wild River State Park noted, "It also includes a trail to a fairly private latrine, and a bear box (the park ranger warned me that there are bears in the park although I did not see any.)"
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup limitations: Veterans Campground On Big Marine Lake offers RV sites with restricted access. One visitor explained, "Must be a vet or sponsored by one. I've been going here for years. 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."
Site privacy variations: Campgrounds offer different separation levels between RV sites. A Rice Creek camper stated, "Level private sites, lots of trees, Showers were clean. Would definitely camp again."
Seasonal operating hours: Not all facilities remain open year-round. A River's Edge Campground visitor noted, "Fun to be able to camp and tube all weekend!" This facility operates only from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Firewood availability: Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site, though quality varies. A Rice Creek camper advised, "Many campsites are fantastic with good spacing and shade. Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
