If you enjoy nature but pitching a tent’s not your thing, Minnesota State Parks offer cabin rental opportunities to experience the great outdoors, mattress included.

More than two dozen parks offer camper cabins – one room cabins complete with beds, dining tables and screened porches. Most have electricity and are available for rent year round. While the camper cabins have no plumbing, they are located near campgrounds, which have full shower and restroom facilities, and most come with a grill, fire ring and picnic table. Cabins open year round are heated.

Camper cabins are located at parks in every region of the state, including Lake Carlos, Wild River, Jay Cooke, Whitewater and Afton State Parks, among others.

“We’ve had cabins in the park for over a decade now, but they’ve recently been rebuilt,” said Mark Luschen, assistant park manager at Jay Cooke State Park near Duluth, MN. “The cabins allow visitors to camp for a longer season, especially in the early spring or late fall when tent camping isn’t as enjoyable. They’re great for people who want to camp but don’t have a camper or prefer not to pack the tent.”

The state park system offers two camper cabin styles – a “Northwoods” log style and a prairie style with shingles and siding, called “At the Lake.” Cabins are designed to fit with the local landscape, as well as other buildings at the park.

“Sites reserve quickly, especially for popular holiday weekends like the Fourth of July or Labor Day weekend,” said Mark. “It’s good to reserve as early as possible, though cabins can sometimes be available close to less busy weekends of the year. They’ve become a popular way to visit the parks, so we hope to build more of them around the state.”

Beyond camper cabins, several parks offer lodges and full cabin rentals. Itasca State Park’s Douglas Lodge features one-room heated and air-conditioned suites, with full bathrooms, or single rooms with shared restrooms. The Lodge has a restaurant on site, common area fireplace and wireless internet access for guests. The Douglas Lodge four-plex offers views of Lake Itasca, with fireplaces, screen porches and bathrooms in each unit.

Nearby, the Douglas Lodge six-plex is open year round, with suites offering a kitchenette, full bathroom, Dish TV and internet access. Several 1-3 bedroom log cabin rentals are also available with varying amenities.

At Tettegouche State Park, on the North Shore, The Illgen Falls Cabin is located near the Illgen Falls of the Baptism River. The cabin’s full kitchen with amenities, gas fireplace and gas grill make a great getaway year round.

The log cabin at Scenic State Park is open seasonally. The restored 1930s cabin has no bathroom facilities but offers a small kitchenette with refrigerator and hot plate, and a fireplace.

No matter what region of the state you’re looking to visit, Minnesota State Parks offer a night under the stars, or a night in a cabin to enjoy the outdoors.

If You Go:
Camper cabins, lodge rooms and full cabins are available for rent on the Minnesota State Park’s reservation website. Plan ahead to reserve the most desirable locations. Bring your own bedding, since cabins do not provide bedding or towels. Some cabin rentals do offer kitchen utensils and appliances. Check online or contact the park for full details.