Kylie M.
Scout
ScoutCamp Holiday Resort and Campground
Wonderful Family Campground
We tent camped and appreciated the clean facilities, activities for kids to do, and close to great fishing lakes (Bay Lake & Borden Lake).
Dog-Friendly Camping near Bay Lake, MN
110 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Camp Holiday Resort and Campground near Deerwood accommodates pets at its lakeside campsites with water and electric hookups. Visitors can bring dogs to tent sites, RV spaces with full hookups, and cabin rentals throughout the property. Nearby, True North Basecamp offers pet-friendly cabins with lakefront views and direct trail access, though they do charge a pet fee. Clean facilities are standard at both locations with modern bathrooms and shower houses. Bay Lake fishermen appreciate the private docks at many campsites where dogs can join their owners while fishing. The lake is clean though dark with ore, and loons frequent the area, creating a peaceful environment for campers and their pets.
Red Rider Resort provides secluded, wooded tent sites particularly suited for dog owners, with trails heading directly from the campground. The resort features clean shower facilities, a sauna, and access to a swimming area where some visitors bring their dogs. Mountain bikers frequently choose these pet-friendly options as they offer direct access to the Cuyuna trail system. The private dock at Red Rider allows fishing opportunities with pets nearby, though a trout stamp is required. Crosby Memorial City Park offers another pet-friendly option with full hookups and proximity to town amenities, allowing campers to walk their dogs to restaurants and the local brewery. Sites remain open from May through mid-October at most locations, with some campgrounds like Cuyuna City Campground earning perfect ratings from visitors with pets.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Bay Lake (110)
1. True North Basecamp
"A great little campground right near the town (easy to bike in for coffee or beer) but it feels like you're deep in the northwoods! Some sites are better than others in terms of privacy."
"The cabins are my favorite because of the lake views, proximity to the bathhouse, and heat/AC units. Cabin #5 has the best unobstructed views of the lake. Cabins have WiFi."
2. Camp Holiday Resort and Campground
"We tent camped and appreciated the clean facilities, activities for kids to do, and close to great fishing lakes (Bay Lake & Borden Lake)."
"Right on the lake with private dock. Sites a close by. Most have water and electric. Full hookups are very limited. Only 4 site near the back. Off of a quiet road. No traffic noise."
from $30 - $66 / night
Check Availability3. Red Rider Resort
"Stayed at RV site 4 which is bordered by trees on one side which was nice for privacy."
"Easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path. Sites are close but still felt private, especially when leaves fill in. Nice shower house, and a sauna we didn’t use."
4. Cuyuna Range Campground
"My dogs loved exploring the woods. The other campers were fun and social. And, this campground is close to the fun downtown in Crosby and the great bike trails and parks there."
"It’s clean, well-maintained, and close to town for groceries and restaurants. Would stay here again."
from $57 - $65 / night
Check Availability5. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Campground
"The mountain biking trails were in great shape and were great for all skill levels. The lake was super clear and the small beach was wonderful."
"The old mine pits around and in the park are pristine and literally crystal clear! You can see hundreds of feet down through crystal clear water making it an amazing place to canoe and kayak."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. Crosby Memorial City Park
"Easy trail access to the Cuyuna MTB trails and paved bike paths. Right on Serpent Lake for boating and swimming access."
"On park, next to playground and beach. Walking distance to restaurants and bars, And easily bike to the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails.
Cons. Road noise and low privacy."7. Crow Wing State Park Campground
"We loved the group camp site except for the fact the people would walk through it. There was a main hiking trail and lots of people came through. Our dogs did not care for that surprise."
"Just kidding, our dogs hate camping but we definitely enjoyed Crow Wing. The park ranger was super helpful on our first visit to the park."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability8. Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
"Stayed in Petaga (drive in) spot #52."
"Lots of nearby trails that are very peaceful to walk on. Dogs are welcome here! The campground was quiet and clean. My husband was with me and he and buddies went hunting for game birds."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability9. Old Iron Camp
"Well groomed, right next to trails, lakes , shops restraunts excellent locatin"
from $55 - $75 / night
Check Availability10. Cuyuna City Campground
"Trail connector with easy access to Bobsled is right there and you can ride to Cruser's Kettle. Highly recommend."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 26 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 37 min from Duluth, MN
- 1 hr 47 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 37 min from Fargo, ND
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Bay Lake, MN
26 Photos of 110 Bay Lake Campgrounds
Dave T.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Campground
Noelle M.
Cuyuna Range Campground
Liz H.
Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Rachel H.
Cross Lake Recreation Area
mary F.
Crosslake Campground
Anna E.
Crow Wing State Park Campground
Anne G.
Pierz Park
MickandKarla W.
Minnesota National RV Park
Jeremiah W.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground
Roni J.
Sunset Pines Campground
SUNSET P.
Sunset Pines MN
Becky F.
Moose Lake Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bay Lake, MN
318 Reviews of 110 Bay Lake Campgrounds
Tori K.
LegendCrow Wing Lake Campground
Lake spots
Fun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store. Each site has a table and fire pit. Keep an eye on your account. We noticed goggles charged to ours even though none of the 3 of us bought any. Somebody must've given them the wrong site number to charge to. Overall great campground, but a little spendy.
- LLacey F.
TravelerTrue North Basecamp
Great campground right near town and World Class Biking
A great little campground right near the town (easy to bike in for coffee or beer) but it feels like you're deep in the northwoods! Some sites are better than others in terms of privacy. The bathrooms were always clean. Situated right on a quarry with fun fishing and kayaking opportunities. Connects to the mountain bike trails too! They do charge for pets.
MickandKarla W.LegendFiddlestix RV and Golf Resort
This Place Has Grown
Our RV GPS brought us right to the campground(CG). We arrived about an hour early of their 3:00 PM check-in time with no issues checking in. We drove to FHU site 38 and backed in one and done. Our utilities were at the back of the site, and we needed about 35’ of electric and water hose. The sewer was more central, and I needed about 18’ of sewer hose for our rig. Our area had a few shade trees, but we had no problem hitting the north sky for Starlink. The water pressure was good, and we put on a reducer. Our nightly rate is based on an average over the weekday and weekend rates with no discounts offered. We stayed here three years ago when the CG was fairly young and not so built up. The clubhouse had gone to a full-service restaurant and bar, and when we were there around 10:30 AM, quite a few people were eating breakfast. We were told that the seasonal guests can golf on the weekends/holidays for free as part of their package, so tee times are needed. We saw a few seasonal folks going out, but just about every seasonal guest here has a golf cart, and they drove them around continuously during our Labor Day stay. Many of the seasonals also had ATVs, which they took off to ride the local trails. With the pool, new putt-putt golf, and other family activities, the CG was full of people. We were pleasantly surprised that the kids who rode on all sorts of electric bikes and scooters plus golf carts behaved themselves, and the parents seemed attentive. Everyone was friendly, and we happily noticed that the seasonal guests kept their sites clean and picked up after their dogs. They had expanded their dog park that’s up near the clubhouse, basketball court, and playground, but the dog area was not very convenient to the backside of the CG now that there are about 142 sites plus cabins/trailer park models available(with plans for more sites). However, there was plenty of room and little trails to walk your dog. The original/older sites 4-12 and the 30-40 area are currently being used for short-termers. Sites 1-3 are now cabins/park models. They have WiFi, but the signal was not very strong in our area. The golf course was under new design construction due to adding additional sites, but it was playable. Based on this CG becoming a seasonal golf cart community, we probably will not return.
Gregory J.TravelerPierz Park
Too many kids driving golf carts.
First the negatives. No internet, medium phone signal. The campsites are too small and too crowded. The adults let their young kids drive their cold carts and atvs back and forth from the campground to the beach all day long. I counted one particular one make 34 trips in less than 6 hours. I used to golf and I occasionally used a cart but usually I walked. Kids and young parents are way too lazy now, because it's a small campground and short walk to the beach from the farthest site. I think they do it for 2 reasons, they are bored, and they can. There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass. Now for the positives. Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free. Lots of shade from all the trees. Mosquitoes are few, flies plentiful. It is a quiet park after 10pm, but although they say closed after 8pm there was traffic all night long. Ask for a site in the back to avoid headlights shining on you all night long. Rates are $40/night for the pull through site we had w50 amp service. It has a few seasonal sites, all located at the rear. There is a golf course right next door across the creek. That is where the office is located. The town is small, only a gas station and small grocery store, so bring what you need. A Subway and nice drive-in are close by. Oh, the water is in me/my dogs opinion not for drinking. I wouldn't suggest weekends here unless you're into hearing every conversation your neighbors have or want to sleep in. Maybe the week days are better? They do allow leashed pets.
- CCarmen W.Scout
Crow Wing Lake Campground
Great Getaway
Amazing, Family-owned campground, just far enough from “the cities” to get away for the weekend, without spending too much time in the car. Clean bathrooms, nice sized park for kids, pool (not open in Sept), lake with ample docks for fishing or you can rent boats. The “general store” has everything you need from souvenirs to wood, to marshmallows for s’mores, and all at reasonable prices. Each campsite has electrical hookup, picnic table and fire pit. Pets welcome.
Brittney B.ScoutTwo Rivers Campground
New owner-now over priced
New owner as of 2022- huge jump in prices! Extra fees added everywhere-more than two children fee, guest fees, pet fees, river view fees, holiday fees. One year difference our bill went from $235 up to $347 for a 3 night stay. Not worth it! Not family budget friendly for the average family. I could stay in a hotel for cheaper.
- Scott M.Legend
Savanna Portage State Park Campground
Perfect blend of nature!
Following the winding pathway you will come to the campground. It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching. Loon lake has a nice little “park” with a beach so that is great for families.
The campground itself sits next to the lake which is nice and while no site has true waterfront claim several can see the water. I stayed in 22E which was next to a trail head but close to the water spigot and showers. Sites 62/3/4 would be great for a large family as they have loads of space. Showers and restrooms were super clean!
Yes it is buggy but it’s minnesota so you deal with it. There is lots of nature. We saw a bear while hiking the continental divide trail so nature is out there.
Brian C.
GuideCrow Wing State Park Campground
A Very Confused Campground
The thing about State Parks is that they don't always know what they want to be.
Are they here to celebrate nature, and provide a moments breath away from the pace of urban life? Are they here for historical facts? Are they for revenue?
Crow Wing State Park suffers from this dilemma. While the tent sites are nice and spacious, the RV sites are stacked one on top of another, with no illusion of privacy. The weekend we were there, they were pretty full, but noise coming from other campers was acceptable.
There are plenty of water spigots, and toilet/shower facilities. The facilities are clean, but old.
There is an almost constant booming, however, coming from Fort Ripley, just down the river. The Fort serves as training for everything from the national guard, to state police, to the DNR. At one point, we could clearly hear live rounds being fired.
The walks and paths were well maintained, except that some were flooded out due to recent heavy rains. The area dedicated to the Old Crow Wing Village was well done.
What causes me the most confusion though, is that someone made the call to cover the roads with sand, instead of the traditional crushed stone. So, never mind that the sand made it harder to walk up hill to the water and showers, it got everywhere. When we tore down camp, I emptied enough sand from my tent, that I could have added a fresh layer to a cat's litter box.
I am very conflicted about this park. It is very pretty, but when you get right down to it, the little quirks that surround it add up. I'm not sure if we will be back. Not that we won't, it's just that we won't be rushing back.
Guide to Bay Lake
The Bay Lake area sits at approximately 1,200 feet above sea level in north-central Minnesota's Cuyuna Lakes region. The lakes here are former mining pits that have filled with groundwater, creating unusually clear but iron-tinted waters. Winter camping options remain available at several locations through October, with some sites offering electric hookups for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Mountain biking with trails from campsites: True North Basecamp provides direct trail access to the Cuyuna mountain bike system. "Connected by trail to Cuyuna Rec Area world class mountain bike trails. Owners are very responsive," notes Craig O. The trails connect to both the Rally Center Trailhead and downtown Crosby.
Kayaking in crystal-clear mine lakes: The former mining operations created uniquely clear lakes ideal for paddling. "The old mine pits around and in the park are pristine and literally crystal clear! You can see hundreds of feet down through crystal clear water making it an amazing place to canoe and kayak," shares Allison K. about Cuyuna Country State Rec Area.
Fishing with trout stamps: Red Rider Resort offers fishing opportunities on their lake with specific licensing requirements. "If you want to fish here you must have a trout stamp," explains Rene N. The resort provides private dock access for anglers staying at the campground.
Winter recreation options: Some campgrounds remain open in colder months. "Camp Sites were open early (March), if not year round. Other campgrounds don't open until mid-April," says Matthew H. about Red Rider Resort, noting the "Easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path."
What campers like
Private, wooded tent sites: Red Rider Resort offers secluded camping spots. "Sites are close but still felt private, especially when leaves fill in. Nice shower house, and a sauna we didn't use," according to Matthew H., who appreciated the early-season availability when other locations were closed.
Clean shower facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom quality. "The heated shower house has modern toilets if needed. The hot shower is nice after riding the trails all day," shares Gunnar C. about True North Basecamp. Similarly, at Red Rider Resort, "The bathrooms are spotless and come with real flush toilets and sinks."
Spacious RV sites: Cuyuna Range Campground offers generous sites for larger rigs. "All sites are large and private. The sites were amazingly large with nice privacy between the lots. Easy to get into with plenty of room to spare," notes Katie B. The campground provides full hookups at each site.
Proximity to town amenities: Locations near Crosby allow for quick access to dining. "Super convenient to excellent restaurants and Cuyuna Brewery in downtown Crosby," explains Craig O. Many campers appreciate being able to ride bikes directly into town for meals after a day of outdoor activities.
What you should know
Variable lake water clarity: Bay Lake waters have distinctive coloration. "Lake is clean but dark with ore," explains Katherine O. about Camp Holiday Resort and Campground. This mining-influenced water quality is common throughout the region.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. "Sites remain open from May through mid-October at most locations," though some like Red Rider Resort offer early spring availability starting in March, while others like Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area provide year-round options.
Bathhouse availability varies: Winter camping means limited facilities. Amy G. notes about Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, "While these spaces are right next door to a shower house with toilets, this is closed in the winter. The vault toilet is several rows over and down, making it hard to find."
Reservation requirements: Popular weekends fill quickly, especially for mountain biking season. Most campgrounds require advance reservations through their websites or Minnesota's state park reservation system, with booking windows opening 120 days in advance for state parks.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and beaches: Crosby Memorial City Park offers family-friendly facilities. "A very cool place for the kids! Swimming beach on Serpent lake is nice for the whole family. When they're tired of swimming, the skate park is always a good time. The playground is modern and very nice," says Charlie S.
Water activities for different ages: Camp Holiday provides various water equipment. "They have a small market and a game room. The resort was clean and well maintained. There is a beach. You can also rent water toys, boats and pontoons," notes Nick K.
Consider sound levels: Some campgrounds have better sound isolation. "Loved the proximity of True North to both Crosby restaurants and bars and the incredible trails of Cuyuna Country," says Sydney J., though noise can carry between sites in more open campgrounds.
Cabin options for easier family stays: Several locations offer cabin alternatives to tent camping. "We stayed in a cabin for a week of biking. Excellent location with all the trails. It has a great swimming area, though it did get deep fast for little kids," mentions Stacy M. about True North Basecamp.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring adequate equipment for uneven terrain. "Most of the lake side sites were pretty uneven, bring plenty of leveling blocks. That was really the only negative we had, but it wasn't really a big deal because we came prepared with just enough leveling blocks," advises Angela J. about Camp Holiday Resort.
Electric hookup variations: Some parks offer limited connections. "There is a tiny beach off of the campground and a larger one at the Cuyuna Recreation Area about 1/2 mile away from the campground," explains Liz H., noting the limited electric hookup options at some locations.
Full hookup availability: Cuyuna Range Campground offers complete services. "There are 17 sites with 50/30/20 amp electric, water, and sewer connection," explains Janae L., adding, "Each pad is super wide. We parked two vehicles and our Airstream and still had plenty of space for relaxing."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds have on-site dumping. "You will need to go to the memorial park in town to fill/dump your RV and the Holiday Station for firewood," advises Liz H. about Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, an important consideration for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Bay Lake, MN?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bay Lake, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bay Lake, MN is True North Basecamp with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Bay Lake, MN?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bay Lake, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 110 dog-friendly camping locations near Bay Lake, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring