Camping cabins near Glenwood City, Wisconsin sit within the St. Croix River Valley, where elevations range from 900-1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 80-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most cabin camping areas remain open year-round, though some seasonal facilities close after Labor Day.
What to do
Hiking at Wild River State Park: Miles of trails accommodate different experience levels along the St. Croix River. "We took advantage of a trailhead to the river located near our cabin," noted one visitor. Another camper shared, "We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise."
Stargazing opportunities: Several parks offer designated viewing areas. "The star gazing area was great!" reported a camper at Wild River State Park. Night sky visibility varies seasonally, with winter months providing the clearest viewing conditions.
Wildlife observation: The region supports diverse animal populations including deer, raccoons, and various bird species. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," noted a visitor about the area.
Water activities: Canoe and kayak opportunities exist at several locations. A visitor to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park mentioned, "Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" Swimming access varies by location, with some parks maintaining designated beach areas.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many cabin campers appreciate the natural surroundings. "The sites are decently spaced with good tree cover," shared one visitor to Wild River State Park. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," reported another camper.
Convenient access: The relatively short drive from urban areas appeals to many visitors. A camper at William O'Brien State Park noted, "I have long overlooked William O'Brien because I thought you had to drive a long way to get away. I was wrong!" Another visitor commented, "It is a great place. We bike from St. Paul to William O. It is a nice 40 mile ride mostly on paved or limestone trails."
Trail connectivity: Direct access to trails from cabin sites rates highly with visitors. "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling," shared a William O'Brien State Park visitor.
Winter accommodations: Cabins with heating systems allow for comfortable cold-weather camping. "The cabin we stayed in felt very welcoming. The cabin offered Wi-Fi access that ended up not working for us anyway, so that at least allowed for a bit more of a rustic experience in the end," noted a winter visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabins fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," shared a visitor to William O'Brien State Park.
Campsite privacy varies: Site separation differs significantly between parks and specific site numbers. "Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved," reported one camper.
Wildlife encounters: Proper food storage remains essential. According to a visitor at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, "We didn't spot any on the trail but we did get visited by raccoons both nights so be sure to clean and put away food AND garbage before calling it a night."
Seasonal considerations: Facility availability changes throughout the year. "The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids," reported a recent visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin features for kids: Two-room cabins provide space advantages for families. A visitor to Nugget Lake County Park noted, "The camper cabins are really nice. They have two rooms, a sleeping room and a front room. The sleeping room has 2 bunk beds (4 beds.) The front room has a mini fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, and a futon."
Playground access: Several parks maintain play equipment near cabin areas. "Nice playground for the kids. Fantastic bathrooms zoned showers," reported a St. Croix Bluffs visitor. Playground equipment typically remains accessible year-round but may not be maintained during winter months.
Swimming options: Beach facilities vary by location. "There is a gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground," shared a Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park visitor. Swimming areas typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Bug preparation: Insect populations peak during summer months. "Plenty of bugs, so bring your spray!" advised a Rice Creek visitor. Morning and evening hours typically see the highest mosquito activity.
Tips for RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all cabin areas accommodate RVs. "This campground is massive! Our campsite was on the farthest loop and was very private!" noted a visitor to Afton State Park. RV length restrictions vary by park, with some limiting vehicles to under 30 feet.
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between locations. "The sites were far enough apart and it looked like it would be more private when the leaves come in," shared an Afton visitor about the cabin and RV camping areas. Water hookups may be disconnected during freezing temperatures.
Dump station access: Sanitary services operate seasonally at most locations. "The campsite was level, had decent privacy, and was more spacious than some of the other sites," reported a visitor about site conditions relevant to both cabin campers and RVers.
