Cabin accommodations near Winton, Minnesota range from primitive shelters at remote lakes to modern facilities with amenities. The area sits within Superior National Forest at an elevation around 1,400 feet, characterized by boreal forest landscapes dotted with glacially-formed lakes. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summer highs typically reach the 70s with occasional humidity spikes.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bear Head Lake State Park offers excellent fishing access with diverse catches. "We caught lots of sunnies and bass plus a northern and small walleye," notes a visitor. The lake has clear water ideal for spotting fish from shore or docks.
Underground mine tours: Take the Soudan Mine tour at Lake Vermillion - Soudan Mine State Park for a unique underground experience. "Soudan mine tours were awesome! Travel down in the mine and ride cars to see the way iron ore was mined in early 1900s," reports one camper. Tours run approximately 90 minutes.
Wildlife observation: Multiple facilities offer guided wildlife programs. "We drove to Ely for the day and went to the International Wolf Center - fun to see the wolves up close," mentions a camper. Bear centers and wolf centers in Ely provide educational programs year-round with varying admission fees.
What campers like
Lakefront access: Waterfront sites at Silver Rapids Lodge allow direct water access. "Most sites back up to the water and some have docks behind them and there is water & electric. You can fish from your campsite," explains one visitor. Water sites typically fill faster than inland options.
Private wooded sites: Secluded cabins with forest separation appeal to many visitors. "Sites leaning towards more of an rv type of site with the gravel and lots of large rocks in the ground but an amazing location. The hiking trails are fantastic and they have many hike in sites that appear to be in super cool locations," shares a camper about Bear Head Lake.
Winter cabin amenities: Lake Vermillion Soudan Mine State Park Cabins provide modern winter accommodations. "These cabins are a fairly new addition and aimed to cater to those that love winter outings but want warmth and electronic lifelines," explains a visitor. Cabins include electricity, heat, A/C and indoor shower facilities nearby.
What you should know
Firewood policies: Firewood procedures vary by location but often include purchase options. "You can pay $10/day for a permit that you hang at your site. They have a shed with pre-split wood that's dry and ready for the campfire. You can burn what you need daily and put the rest back before you leave," explains a camper about the state park cabins.
Shower/bathroom facilities: Amenities range from rustic to modern. "Bathroom/shower building is really nice" at many state park locations while rustic cabins may only have vault toilets nearby. One Birch Lake visitor noted "The pit toilet was pretty clean and there were even hand sanitizer bottles outside for use."
Seasonal access limitations: Many rental cabins have restricted seasonal availability. "The well water available had a bit of an off smell and came out a little more yellow/brown than I prefer so I did not use it," reported a Birch Lake visitor, highlighting potential seasonal water quality issues during specific periods.
Tips for camping with families
Climbing opportunities: Natural features provide recreation beyond structured activities. "Our site was by far the best, with an awesome rock structure the kids had a blast climbing on," mentioned a Lake Vermillion visitor. These natural playground features supplement traditional recreation.
Cabin bedding requirements: Bring appropriate sleeping gear for cabin stays. "You have to bring your own bedding (sleeping bags or sheets/blanket)," notes a visitor to Lake Vermillion cabins. Most cabin rentals provide mattresses but not linens or pillows.
Pet restrictions: Pet policies vary significantly between cabin rental locations. For Eighteen Lake and similar rustic areas, pets are typically allowed, but state park cabins often restrict pets: "PETS are allowed in the park, but NOT in the cabins and NOT on the deck of the cabin. Pretty steep fees if they find this happening."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Reserve sites larger than your actual RV size. "The ones across from the toilet rooms can be tight backing in having enough room to get in take that into consideration when booking," advises a Silver Rapids Lodge visitor about maneuvering challenges.
Dump station locations: "I believe they use the dump station in Ely at the visitor center they have a dump you can use for $5.00," notes a camper, as many cabin and camping areas lack on-site dump facilities for RV users despite offering partial hookups.
