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- calendar_today November 8, 2026
New Camper Cabins Planned for 2027 at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, one of Minnesota’s most-visited parks along the North Shore, is expanding its visitor accommodations with the addition of four new camper cabins scheduled to open in June 2027. This development marks a significant effort by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to broaden camping options and appeal to various outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Meeting High Demand for Camping Amenities
According to Rachel Hopper, visitor services and outreach manager in the DNR’s parks and trails division, the new camper cabins are intended to address the high demand for alternative camping accommodations. Camper cabins have proven especially popular, with many often fully booked, particularly in parks located along the North Shore. "With limited opportunities for camper cabin development along the North Shore, Split Rock was one of the best options for us to expand overnight amenities," Hopper said.
Features and Year-Round Access
The new cabins will be one-room dwellings equipped with heat, electricity, and bunks that can typically accommodate five to six people. These features not only enhance the comfort of visitors but also make winter camping more accessible, reflecting the growing interest in year round camping options. The cabins at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park will be available for reservations throughout the year, all week long. In contrast, some parks offer cabins only from April through October, or restrict their availability to certain days of the week.
Location and Recent Developments in the Park
This addition makes Split Rock the 28th Minnesota state park to offer camper cabins. The new units will be near the park’s Shipwreck Creek campground, which opened in 2022. Shipwreck Creek, located in the northeast corner of the park between Two Harbors and Silver Bay, features 46 electric sites and was developed in response to increasing demand from recreational vehicles (RVs) users seeking plug-in campsites. Previously, the park offered only cart-in and backpack sites.
Project Funding and Timeline
The total cost for constructing the four cabins, as well as associated road work, parking, a vault toilet, and utility hookups, is $1.4 million. Funding for the project comes from the state’s Parks and Trails Fund, supported by sales tax proceeds from the Legacy Amendment. The exact opening date for reservations is currently uncertain, as the timing will depend on weather conditions affecting remaining construction work, such as asphalt paving. Hopper noted that reservations will only be opened once there is confidence in a firm opening date, and typically sites in Minnesota's park system can be reserved up to 120 days in advance.
Growing Trend of Camper Cabins Across Minnesota
The introduction of new camper cabins at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park follows recent additions in other park systems, including Olmsted County and the Three Rivers Park District in the metropolitan area. This trend underscores the increasing popularity of heated, one-room cabins as an attractive alternative to traditional tent camping, particularly among those interested in outdoor recreation during colder months.
Source: startribune.com.
