Cabin camping near Upson, Wisconsin positions visitors in the Northwoods region where elevation ranges between 1,200-1,600 feet, creating favorable conditions for lush forests and extensive waterways. The area receives approximately 45-55 inches of annual snowfall, making winter activities viable at many cabin sites. Several campgrounds maintain year-round cabins despite seasonal closures of their standard camping facilities.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 3 miles from Copper Falls State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple falls in a single hike. "Copper Falls State Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenic views, making for an enjoyable trek through nature," notes reviewer Malte W. The Doughboys Trail provides access to multiple cascades during a 1.7-mile loop hike.
Island adventures: 65 miles north in Bayfield, cabin guests can arrange boat tours of the Apostle Islands. "We kayaked to many campgrounds and islands in the national lakeshore. Paddling a total of 60 miles we were able to make it to 3 different island campgrounds," explains Kayla A. from Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping. Kayak rentals typically start at $50/day.
Winter sports: 20 minutes from cabin locations, the Porcupine Mountains offer skiing and snowshoeing options during winter months. One visitor at Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park mentioned "Have not camped here yet but the whole area is amazingly beautiful. Yurts and Cabins available. Definitely Seasonal. The road is not plowed completely in winter."
What campers like
Lake access: Cabins at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground provide direct waterfront access. "Stayed here for 3 nights over the July 4th weekend 2020. Had a great site right on the lake, fire pit was 10 feet from the water, most sites are large with trees but not many are very level," reports Steven S. at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground.
Cabin seclusion: The wooded cabin sites at Wildwood Haven provide more privacy than standard options. "This small - off the beaten path - campground is wonderful. It has all the amenities you would need of a large campground without all the commotion," notes one visitor, adding "It sits on the shore of Long Lake, allowing for fishing, swimming or relaxing with cocktails at sunset."
Modern facilities: Many cabins provide access to clean shower facilities. "Stayed one night. Very clean. Easy trail around park, to beach and Ore Dock. Quiet for in city park. Clean facilities," says Bob W. about Kreher RV Park, which maintains modern cabin rentals near its RV sites.
What you should know
Reservation windows: Cabin bookings at popular locations fill 3-6 months in advance during peak season. "They start their booking for the year on January 1st. We called all day long (4500 times not kidding) and finally got a spot," reports Melissa H. about Lake Chippewa Campground.
Variable amenities: Rustic cabin options typically include only basic furniture and outdoor fire pits. "This campground is rustic with only vault toilets and no hookups. There is a section that allows generators during certain hours of the day, a non-generator area and a few walk-in sites," explains Stacia R. about the Presque Isle area.
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin facilities have limited winter services. "Bathrooms were very clean. The park was never dark or quiet. The shower house was clean and the hosts invited guests to hot chocolate in the morning," reports Kay K. about the Lake Gogebic cabins during summer season.
Tips for camping with families
Easy swimming access: Look for cabins within walking distance to beaches with gradual entries. "The swim beach is nice, just a short walk from the parking lot at the ranger station. Plenty of bathroom facilities," notes Kim at Copper Falls, adding that during busy periods "I never felt crowded at this park which is saying a lot, given how popular it is."
Playground options: Several cabin locations include child-friendly recreation areas. "Very friendly staff, nice camp store. Sites ok, pretty tight. Quiet place with nice playground," reports Nancy S. from Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping.
Multi-day activities: Plan cabin stays with diverse options to prevent boredom. "We spent a weekend back country camping in the Porcupine Mountains; this was our first time here. Friday we spent the day hiking all over the park with our day packs. We hiked Government Peak Trail to Union Spring and Trap Falls/lost lake," shares Liz M.
Tips from RVers
Bathroom proximity: When booking cabin accommodations, check the distance to facilities. "My rating would have been higher if there was a bath house with showers in the North campground; the pit toilets were ok but it was too long of a walk to the south campground where there are flush toilets and showers," notes Lee D. about Copper Falls State Park.
Shopping access: Bring supplies as local options are limited. "Should you need to purchase any other supplies, I would recommend doing so beforehand, as there are not a lot of options nearby," advises Stacia R. about the Lake Gogebic area.
Weather preparation: The Upson area experiences significant temperature swings. "Originally we reserved a space by the lake. But the people at the next site were taking up our space. So we moved to another. Which was fine with us as we were tent camping and it was pretty cold(40 degree range) and windy and being off the lake seemed better," explains Jon M.
