Camping cabins near River Falls, Wisconsin offer shelter options in the dense woodlands of the St. Croix River Valley. Located in the driftless region where the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers meet, this area features rolling hills and river bluffs with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, making heated cabins essential for cold-weather camping from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trails: Afton State Park Campground offers diverse terrain for hiking enthusiasts. "First, terrific park. Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all," notes Adam P. The park features significant elevation changes that provide workout opportunities even on shorter trails.
Beach swimming: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park provides river access for swimming during summer months. "Beach is great. Easy boat launch. Clean facility," according to Rikki I. The swimming area has a designated beach section separated from the boat launch area.
Winter recreation: William O'Brien State Park Campground maintains trails for cold-weather activities. "We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass," shares David K. The park grooms select trails for cross-country skiing from December through February when snow conditions permit.
Wildlife observation: Wild River State Park Campground offers opportunities to spot native wildlife. "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," reports Kate H. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Private sites: Wild River State Park Campground provides secluded camping spots. "The campground was very nice. The sites are private, couldn't see any neighbors as there are a lot of trees," writes Stephanie H. Sites in the outer loops offer more separation between neighbors than those on the main drive.
Amenity access: Nugget Lake County Park features convenient cabin facilities. "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," explains Shelly E. These amenities allow for basic food preparation without bringing additional equipment.
Star viewing: Wild River State Park Campground offers dark skies for astronomy enthusiasts. "It's a great place to star gaze," shares amber N. regarding the Buck Hill site. The park designates specific areas for optimal night sky viewing away from campground lighting.
Heated facilities: Rice Creek Campgrounds maintains clean bathroom facilities year-round. "Showers were clean. Would definitely camp again," notes Corey P. The shower buildings remain heated during winter months, providing comfort during cold-weather camping trips.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins requires advance planning. "It's difficult to get reservations, so I recommend trying to start booking 120 days in advance, which is the farthest out you can reserve. For example, as of this review (early June), all weekends are booked for all cabins," advises Blair. Popular summer weekends often fill within hours of the reservation window opening.
Bug preparation: Rice Creek Campgrounds can have significant insect activity during summer months. "My husband and I officially nicknamed this campground 'Horsefly Hell'. And no we don't recommend this one," warns Ariel H. Insect populations peak during July and August, especially after rainfall periods.
Fire restrictions: Many cabins limit cooking to outdoor areas only. "No cooking is allowed inside the cabins, which can make things rough if the weather isn't cooperating," explains Blair about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. Pack backup meal options that don't require cooking during rainy weather.
Bathroom access: Cabins typically lack indoor plumbing. "The biggest downside is the middle-of-the-night trek to the bathroom," notes Krista T. about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. Winter visitors should bring flashlights and warm clothing for nighttime bathroom trips.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Rice Creek Campgrounds offers play areas throughout the park. "Nice campground with lots of trails, a beach, and many playgrounds," mentions Lenora H. The main playground near the beach area includes equipment suitable for children ages 5-12.
Water activities: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park provides beach access for children. "Grew up coming here and have the pleasure of now bringing my children here! Very well maintained, family friendly, clean updated bathrooms. We love going to SCB!" shares Kaelyn B. The gradual-entry beach area offers safer swimming for younger children.
Group site options: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park accommodates larger family gatherings. "This place has two group sites the one we stayed at Birch Hollow, hosts up to 20 campers and the other one up to 50. We absolutely loved this place, it was clean and separated from the other campers," explains Lizzy Z. The group sites include larger picnic shelters and additional facilities.
Winter cabin availability: Cabins provide comfortable family shelter during cold months. "The cabins in the woods are great in winter with snow on the pine trees," reports Krista T. about Whitetail Woods. Winter rates may be lower than peak summer season.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: William O'Brien State Park Campground provides basic RV accommodations. "We are close to your neighbor here, but really enjoy it," mentions Bryan W. Electric sites accommodate RVs up to 50 feet in length with 30-amp service.
Dump station access: St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park offers full hookup options. "Spacious sites and very clean restrooms!" notes Daryl L. The sanitary dump station remains open from April through October, weather permitting.
Electric limitations: Most cabin campgrounds offer limited electrical service. "There is WiFi available, but depending on which cabin you reserve signal will be too weak for real usage. Same for mobile data -- don't plan on cell service here," warns Blair about Whitetail Woods Camper Cabins. RVers requiring consistent power for medical devices should choose campgrounds with dedicated electrical hookups.
