Cabins near Amery, Wisconsin place visitors in the center of Wisconsin's Lake District, an area featuring dozens of glacial lakes within 30 miles. Located at an elevation of 1,112 feet, Amery experiences seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 83°F and winter lows reaching -11°F. Winter cabin rentals remain popular despite cold temperatures, with travelers noting heated cabin options available year-round at several locations.
What to do
Water recreation on the Apple River: At River's Edge Campground in Somerset, visitors can tube down the Apple River. "Fun to be able to camp and tube all weekend!" reports one camper. The campground provides direct river access for tubing adventures during their operating season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Hiking trails of varying difficulty: The trail system at Wild River State Park offers multiple terrain options. "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," notes a winter visitor. The park maintains year-round access to most trails with seasonal grooming for winter activities.
Bird watching opportunities: The diverse ecosystems around William O'Brien State Park create excellent bird watching conditions. "There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling -so many shades of green!" reports a spring visitor. Spring migration brings particularly high bird activity to the area's wetlands and forests.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Cabins at Big Rock Creek offer significant space between accommodations. The property spans 1,000 acres, giving guests room to spread out. "Bring a kayak and hangout on the water. There is so much to see and do!" notes a visitor, referencing the property's extensive grounds.
Star gazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution around Wild River State Park creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "The star gazing area was great!" reports one visitor. Several campgrounds in the area maintain designated viewing areas with minimal artificial lighting for optimal astronomical observation.
Range of cabin styles: Afton State Park offers distinctive cabin options beyond standard designs. "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!" shares a satisfied visitor. The park maintains several themed cabins with unique features and layouts.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, with availability varying seasonally. "This campground was very accommodating! We came in late due to the Adventure and they had no issue with it," notes a visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. However, many parks require reservations months in advance, especially during summer weekends.
Winter accessibility: Snow conditions affect access to some rental cabins from December through March. "I stayed in William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. As you can imagine, this meant snow was everywhere in the heart of winter in Minnesota," explains a winter visitor. Many parks maintain plowed access to winter cabin rentals, but guests should confirm snow removal policies.
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly between properties. "Cell reception for T-Mobile was minimal to non-existent. Wifi is available in the visitor center parking lot," reports a visitor to William O'Brien State Park. Visitors requiring connectivity should research specific providers' coverage before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly wildlife viewing: Several parks offer structured wildlife observation opportunities. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," notes a family who stayed at Wild River State Park. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife sightings.
Check bathroom proximity when booking: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between rental cabins. "This isn't a comment on this state park but because we where no where near a real bathroom and we have a toddler who wears a diaper/potty training there are no trash cans in the primitive toilet," warns a family visitor to Wild River State Park. Some cabins require walking several hundred feet to reach toilet facilities.
Consider cabin size carefully: Space constraints can challenge families in standard cabins. "The cabins are decently spaced with good tree cover," notes a visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. However, most standard cabins accommodate 4-6 people maximum, with limited floor space for gear.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup limitations: Most cabins with electric service provide only basic amperage. "We came up with our camper with the expectation we'd have electric and water hook ups. For the most part we did. The electricity was not for a 30 amp hook up. It's 50 amp or us an adapter. We used the adapter and blew a circuit breaker when we used the A/C and the microwave at the same time," cautions a visitor to Big Rock Creek. Many cabin electrical systems cannot support multiple high-draw appliances simultaneously.
Accessibility considerations: Some rental cabins require significant walking from parking areas. "The hike to the campground is short and grueling," notes a visitor about accessing Afton State Park's cabins. Visitors with mobility concerns should research specific access conditions before booking cabin accommodations near Amery.
Weather preparation needed: Wisconsin's variable climate requires appropriate gear year-round. "Prepare for mosquitoes in summer months and pack extra blankets for spring and fall cabin stays when overnight temperatures can drop unexpectedly," advises a William O'Brien visitor who experienced a temperature swing of 40 degrees during their stay.
