Cabin camping near Ellsworth, Wisconsin provides options within a 30-mile radius of this western Wisconsin community. Located in Pierce County with elevations ranging from 700-1200 feet, the area features wooded bluffs overlooking the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. Winter cabin rentals typically range from $45-85 per night, with summer rates increasing by 15-30% during peak season.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Afton State Park, visitors can access varied terrain with significant elevation changes. "I hiked 11 miles here and it was awesome!" reports Mike K. The park combines prairie and forested landscapes within a compact area.
Beach access: William O'Brien State Park offers swimming opportunities during summer months. "There are also miles of walking and hiking trails throughout the park," mentions Jason S. Beach facilities typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Winter activities: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins maintain year-round accessibility with heated accommodations. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," writes Krista T. Winter trails accommodate snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when conditions allow.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer chances to observe local species. "We were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing," notes Anne T. from Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground. Early morning and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. "Very clean restrooms!" reports Daryl L. from St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Most park bathhouses operate seasonally, typically closing from November through April.
Private sites: Some locations offer better separation between campsites. "The sites are semi-walk-in sites, where your car stays in the main parking lot, but they do allow for drive-up loading and unloading," explains Emily H. about Hok-Si-La. This arrangement reduces traffic noise within camping areas.
Group accommodations: Larger parties can reserve dedicated areas. "Our site has a large picnic shelter with 6 picnic tables two grills and it's own volleyball place," shares Lizzy Z. about St. Croix Bluffs. Group sites typically require reservations 6-12 months in advance for summer weekends.
Winter heating: Cold-weather cabin options provide comfort during Minnesota and Wisconsin winters. "The cabins are well-built and heated. The wooded cabins have what seems like full-sized mattress bunk beds built into the wall," notes Krista T. about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance planning. "Plan ahead as these are hard to come by," advises Scott M. about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. Booking windows typically open 3-12 months ahead, varying by facility.
Park restrictions: Different parks have varied policies on alcohol and pets. "The park prohibits both pets and alcohol!" warns a visitor about St. Croix Bluffs. Always check specific rules before arrival.
Cabin amenities: Kitchen facilities vary significantly. "You can use a slow cooker and a coffee pot in the cabin. Otherwise you can cook over the fire as well," explains Krista T. about Whitetail Woods. Most cabins provide electricity but limited cooking options.
Seasonal water access: Water systems often shut down during cold months. "The outside water is shut off during some parts of the year, so bring your own drinking water if you are camping close to/during winter," advises Blair about Whitetail Woods cabins.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play equipment for children. "Nice playground for the kids," mentions Lisa D. about St. Croix Bluffs. Playgrounds typically remain accessible year-round, though winter use depends on snow conditions.
Wildlife experiences: Family-friendly animal encounters can create memorable experiences. "Then I saw the snake. I literally grabbed my husband to hold him back from stepping on it," shares Emily G. from Afton State Park Campground. Parks often provide wildlife checklists for children.
Beach considerations: Water access varies by location. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. 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," notes Alison about Afton State Park.
Cabin selection: Choosing the right cabin matters for family comfort. "The camper cabins are super nice. They have two rooms, a sleeping room and a front room," explains Shelly E. about Nugget Lake County Park.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper," reports Karin W. from Haycreek Valley Campground. Always check site dimensions when booking.
Hookup variations: Water and electric connections differ between parks. "They have electric and water hookups for horse campers, and they have overflow for horse campers," notes Olivia R. about Haycreek Valley. Seasonal water availability typically depends on freeze risk.
Fire pit positioning: Fire ring placement can affect RV parking. "The fire pits were located in very odd spots too - basically unusable unless you wanted to light your rig on fire," cautions Karin W. about Haycreek Valley. Site maps rarely show exact fire ring positions.
