South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Got multiple spots to stop on the side of the road. Plenty of down wood to have a fire.
7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Birch Lake Campground in Birch Lakes State Forest accommodates pets throughout its rustic campsites, offering both drive-in and walk-in tent sites where dogs can join their owners. The forest setting provides natural privacy between sites with plenty of trees, making it easier to manage pets without disturbing neighbors. Sauk River City Park also welcomes pets and offers more amenities including electric hookups, thirty-amp service, showers, and water hookups in a small-town setting. Several campers have noted that while Birch Lake provides a more primitive camping experience with pit toilets and no hookups, the peaceful environment creates an ideal setting for camping with dogs. Cedar Lake Memorial Park allows pets with water and electric hookups, and features a swimming beach where many campers enjoy relaxing with minimal crowds during weekdays.
Hiking trails throughout Birch Lakes State Forest provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, though some paths become swampy after rain. Campers should note that most campgrounds require pets to remain on leash at all times, with standard leash lengths not exceeding six feet. The Holdingford City Park campground connects directly to the Lake Wobegon Bike Trail, providing paved pathways suitable for walking dogs. Weather considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, as summer temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Nearby towns offer basic supplies, though pet owners should bring sufficient food and medication for their animals as specialized pet supplies may be limited. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with Birch Lake charging $17 per night for dry camping with pets allowed.
"Walking distance to stores water and electricity"
"There was so many goodies and we walked around park. It is right on river nice playground basketball courts walking trails everything you would need. Very nice and well kept!!! :)"
from $30 / night
"You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."
"This is a small campground in the middle of Minnesota that plays host to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association' two annual festivals."
"There is a boat launch right next to the campground. A fish cleaning house is provided at the campground. Bathrooms are also located within the campground."
"Just blocks from the original Main Street, the campground is in the west end of the beautiful lakeside city park."
"This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."
"Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend"
"Shallow lake for swimming not a lot of sites"
"The main community ball park is located here, along with several playgrounds, volleyball fields, picnic shelters, and a Veterans memorial."
from $15 - $30 / night
"Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!"
"Conveniently off highway 23 and I94 so you should be able to get back on the road quickly!"
from $29 / night
"There is about a 500yd walk to the restrooms, and you have to go another 500yds to the main campground to find the showers."
"Sites are close together compared to some other Minnesota state parks. Lots of trees. Bathroom is older but decent. Hiking trails ok nothing special."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $50 / night
"On the outskirts of St Cloud, this campground was very well maintained and clean."
"No lake but a pool. More like an RV Park although they do have rustic sites."
from $75 / night












Got multiple spots to stop on the side of the road. Plenty of down wood to have a fire.
This puts you on a farmers field
We spent 1 night at site #12. Large back in spot completely wooded with fire pit & picnic table (no water or electric) Behind clean restrooms with flush toilets. The sites were less than half occupied on a Monday in Mid September. We arrived after the station was closed so we had to create an online profile to reserve and pay. Thankfully we had adequate cell service. There was also an 800 number to call that was staffed until 8pm (according to the sign). The upper campground is much quieter and shaded compared to the lower loop -which is on the water.
Campgrounds offer tent sites in the shade most all rv sites offer power water & sewer. Showers & flush toilets were clean. Bar with excellent food & friendly service
We bought a membership in Cokato Lake RV Resort 5 years ago and it is a plus to spend every summer there along with our grandchildren, family, and friends.
It is a resort with great amenities such as minigolf, swimming pool, beach, docks, ballfield, red barn, boardroom, etc. Also, there is an activities committee in charge of organizing and setting up special events for children and adults. Well-maintained resort! They have great spots for rental and sale. Highly recommended!
Large sites, quiet, clean showers, very well taken care of.
Needs alot of updates, old facility with no amenities. Shower water, barely warm, sign on mens bathroom says, bring your own toilet paper. For most part the park is quiet, shady, but again could use some improvements. There are 3 long pull-thru sites for overnight stops
There’s not one but two wonderful bathrooms at each end of the lower level campsites. Our children loved riding their scooters around the loop. If you happen to own a boat, you can park it right on the beach and tie off across from your campsite if you’re lucky enough to have one on the lake side. We stayed at spot 85 but site 102 is on the end and then you will only have one Neighbor.
Fishing ,great campground for little ones, lots of space two playgrounds. Very clean bathrooms and showers.
Camping options near Albany, Minnesota include multiple accessible sites along rivers and lakes with varying terrain. The elevation in this central Minnesota region averages around 1,100 feet, creating moderate hiking difficulty on forest trails. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, making camping comfortable from late spring through early fall when most campgrounds remain open.
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Lake Memorial Park offers clear waters for fishing with good access points along the shore. One visitor noted, "There is a fire ring, picnic table, and ample tent space" at their site near the water.
Trail exploration: Holdingford City Park on the Lake Wobegon Trail connects directly to an extensive trail system. A reviewer mentioned, "It happens to be adjacent to an official trailhead of the SooLine spur of the Lake Woebegone Bike Trail, and as such is an awesome place to overnight if on a multi day bike or hike trek on the trail!"
Beach activities: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. At Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "swimming access nearby" with historical sites within walking distance, offering educational opportunities alongside outdoor recreation.
Natural privacy: At Birch Lake, the tree coverage provides separation between sites. One camper shared, "The campsite is located in the Burch State Forest with tons of trees around each site. There's a fire ring, picnic table and water well located within walking distance."
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates. At Birch Lake, a visitor mentioned, "Nice we place to get away from people. $17 per night, dry camping. Fire pits."
Convenience features: Sauk River City Park offers amenities unusual for smaller campgrounds. A camper noted, "Shower and bathroom facilities are brand new. Power at each site," making it suitable for those wanting modern comforts.
Registration processes: Self-registration is common at many campgrounds in the area. At Birch Lake, a camper explained, "Registration is easy & self service. They have envelopes at the entrance you just fill out, so you can use any payment method including card if you're comfortable with that."
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds operate with specific seasons. At Sinclair Lewis City Campground, "The campground is open for the season from May 1st to October 1st each year, weather permitting."
Site variations: Sites within the same campground can differ significantly. At Sauk River City Park, a camper warned, "The grassy sites had recently been mowed, but were very muddy and right on top of each other. Lots of people fishing. We just felt exposed."
Playground access: Many campgrounds include play areas for children. At Sauk River City Park, a visitor mentioned, "There was so many goodies and we walked around park. It is right on river nice playground basketball courts walking trails everything you would need."
Budget planning: Prices vary significantly between dog friendly campgrounds near Albany. At Sinclair Lewis City Campground, a reviewer detailed, "80 sites, 52 sites with full hookup which include water, sewer and electricity and 24 sites with water and electricity only and 4 primitive sites."
Swimming options: Two Rivers Campground offers multiple water features for different ages. A camper described, "They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered."
Hookup availability: Several pet-friendly RV spots near Albany offer full-service options. At Two Rivers Campground, "Daily and weekly campsite rentals are a bit expensive, however the campground offers many resort amenities that aren't part of usual campgrounds."
Dump station locations: Plan your sanitation needs in advance. At Sinclair Lewis City Campground, facilities include "picnic tables, storm shelter, dump station, fish cleaning house, kayak rental, lake access with boat ramp and docks."
Site spacing: Not all RV sites offer the same privacy. At El Rancho Manana, one RVer reported, "The sites are very close together not much privacy," which should be considered when booking with dogs or larger parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Albany, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Albany, MN is Sauk River City Park with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Albany, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 80 dog-friendly camping locations near Albany, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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