Crystal B.
Legend
LegendBailey Park in Wabasha MN
Small campground in the City of Wabasha MN
Small basic campground in Wabasha MN. Mostly permanent sites. There is a dog park directly next to the campground.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Beaver, MN
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Whitewater State Park campgrounds allow pets on leashes throughout camping areas, with multiple sites accommodating dog owners. Minneiska Campground and Cedar Hill Campground both welcome pets with spacious sites nestled among trees for added privacy. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with firewood available for purchase. The campground maintains clean facilities with restrooms and hot showers for campers traveling with pets. Aefintyr, located near Whitewater State Park, offers unique accommodations including a cabin and hike-in tent sites where pets are permitted. Most campers note the campgrounds remain relatively mosquito-free, making evening walks with dogs more comfortable during summer months.
Hiking trails throughout Whitewater State Park provide excellent opportunities for exercising dogs, though pets must remain leashed on all paths. The park features trails of varying difficulty levels, from gentle riverside walks to challenging bluff climbs with scenic overlooks. Nearby Lazy D Campground offers additional pet-friendly options with amenities including a lazy river for tubing and a pool, though dogs are not permitted in water recreation areas. Campers should be aware of wildlife in the area, as reviews mention deer frequently visiting campsites and occasional snake sightings on trails. During peak seasons, reservations are recommended as these pet-friendly campgrounds fill quickly, especially Whitewater State Park which maintains some of the most sought-after campsites in southern Minnesota.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Beaver (99)
1. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
"Whitewater is by far one of the top state parks in Minnesota. Their camping facilities are clean with running water and free showers. The campsites are quite spacious but not too wooded."
"Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."
from $25 - $250 / night
Check Availability2. Carley State Park Campground
"Carley State Park is easy to overlook in favor of nearby Whitewater State Park. Whitewater has an actual visitor center, the dramatic scenery, the flush toilets, and spacious/level sites."
"Site #2 is further down a path with 4 picnic tables and room for 4-5 tents. The site is right at the park border, with farm land/prairie just on the other Side of the trees."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability3. Aefintyr
"Short drive to White Water State Park. A lot of great trout fishing spots along the river. Very peaceful campground, great view of the stars on clear nights! Will definitely be back."
"It was so fun to socialize in the shared space around the fire and play games. If you are up in the bluff, be sure to wear good shoes for the hike up. "
from $29 - $139 / night
Check Availability4. Lazy D Campground and Trail Rides
"The petting zoo is a bit disappointing but otherwise it is a fantastic place!"
"Our campsite was next to the river, we enjoyed the sound of it drowning out vehicle noise from nearby roads."
5. North Campground — Merrick State Park
"We loved that this campground was right on the river; our dog loved thIs. The campsites were very open and train tracks were nearby."
"The website states there are tracks nearby that are active 24 hours. This was not a problem for us at all. They were hardly noticeable. We did stay at the north loop, as we wanted electric hook up."
from $18 - $34 / night
Check Availability6. South Campground — Merrick State Park
"Showers and flush toilets at the north campground which is a quick drive or a very long walk. They were clean, but showers could use a refresh."
"Some are more off by themselves and some are right next to each other. There is drive in, cart in, and pull in sites. There is nice ground for renting as well. Many of the sites are on the river."
from $18 / night
Check Availability7. Cedar Hill Campground — Whitewater State Park
"Park is nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by rocky bluffs with great hiking trails. Campsites are spread apart nicely and some are right along the Whitewater river."
"There is lots of hiking trails, and a beach to swim in the river. The campground is semi private with lots of trees and shade. The bathrooms are very nice."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability8. Gooseberry Glen Cart-in Campground — Whitewater State Park
"My husband had a fall break at the beginning of October, and we were looking for beautiful fall colors a short drive from the twin cities for a one night camping trip."
"Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet."
from $25 / night
Check Availability9. Prairie Island City Campground
"Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart."
"This campground is a home away from home. We found this campground through this app, and was very happy with our stay. We had one of the primitive sites on the river front, and it was huge!"
10. Perrot State Park Campground
"There is a rail line that runs along between the Mississippi and the park edge, campsites are away from this but still can be heard as well as motor boats on the River."
"Great hiking options that overlook the Mississippi River and surrounding countryside, hiking was a lot of uphill but the view was worth it. Dogs are welcome!"
from $18 - $110 / night
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Drive Time
- 44 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 3 min from La Crosse, WI
- 1 hr 26 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 1 hr 44 min from Minneapolis, MN
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Beaver, MN
530 Reviews of 99 Beaver Campgrounds
Peter R.
TravelerFrontenac State Park Campground
Beautiful Bluffs
We decided to make a spontaneous camping trip one weekend and found ourselves at Frontenac. The cart-in site we were at was very spacious but wasn't as secluded as we would have hoped. We didn't feel claustrophobic by any means but we could see several other sites from ours. We went early in the year and maybe the summer growth solves that problem. Bathrooms nearby but no water available. It was also windy enough in the evening that we called it an early night but I think that was just a front movingly through and had less to do with the hill we were on.
We went on a hike that showed off the wonderful bluffs along the Mississippi. As far as camping in Minnesota goes we prefer the options on the North Shore, but really enjoyed Frontenac and will be back to continue exploring.
- RRebecca R.Traveler
Prairie Island City Campground
Nice for RV Camping
If you are a tent camper, I would suggest going to local nearby state parks vs. this campground. Nice for a quick weekend away in an RV. On the Mississippi River and close to town. Across the street from a dog park so if you bring your fur-friend with, there is a nice enclosed area for them to run while being supervised.
David G.TravelerPrairie Island City Campground
River view
It is a nice clean quiet campground. Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart.
- Jarrett G.Traveler
Veterans Memorial Park & Campground
Very nice campground
Large campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!
- JJOSEPH M.
ScoutMaple Springs Campground
Eden
We stayed here for the month of august, and this place is awesome! Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races. Dog park, small general store, backs up to a national park, close to town, immaculately maintained, volley ball court, lots of shade trees, easy access, and Andy(owner/operator) is the nicest person you’ll ever want to meet. For those so inclined there’s church service on Sunday in an old (cool looking!) barn! Fire pits at every spot. There is WiFi there, but little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster. 5/5 will definitely be back!
Jennifer H.
GuideTresure Island RV Park
Crowded park, nice people
We were here for a night to see a concert at the amphitheater and everyone was super friendly. It was easy to check in, and we were able to do laundry and shower which was great. It’s mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great.
- Kayla S.Scout
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
Perfect set-up
This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.
This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.
This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.
Amy G.LegendShady Rest Acres
Bliss in the middle of the country
In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.
Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. They are happy to let you meet them with their presence.
There are 2 campsites, if you wish. One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing! The other is nestled in the woods. Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet. But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house. The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days. The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night.
At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours. It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food. So they know where it comes from and how it was treated. I love it.
This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic. Just what the soul ordered.
Guide to Beaver
Whitewater State Park and surrounding areas feature limestone bluffs carved by glacial meltwater, creating unique valley terrain with elevations ranging from 700-1200 feet. Southern Minnesota's driftless region contains distinctive cold-water streams supporting trout populations. Seasonal variations in water levels affect campsite access and trail conditions during spring runoff periods.
What to do
Hiking challenges: At Whitewater State Park, trails range from easy riverside paths to steep bluff ascents with limestone outcroppings. "I hiked up Chimney Rock and then looped back to tackle part of the Dakota trail! The hiking paths were well taken care of. There were plenty of places to stop and rest if you need to," shares Sarah C. from Whitewater State Park.
Canoe routes: Perrot State Park offers access points for paddling excursions along Mississippi River backwaters. "This was a beautiful campground in the bluffs of the great Mississippi River. Awesome views of the surrounding area, nice private shaded campsites, and great for canoeing and kayaking. We rented canoes and went out to the river for some good fishing," explains Racheal M.
Cold-water fishing: Carley State Park provides trout stream access with concrete step crossings. "A very small, but great state park right by the more-touristy-Whitewater state park," notes Matt C. from Carley State Park. "Hiking was great with plenty of hills along the whitewater river, as well as a few places to jump in the VERY cold river."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Kruger Campground offers more isolated camping spots with natural separation. "Very affordable, a lot of space between sites so you feel like you have some privacy. A beautiful hiking trail," writes Erica about Kruger Campground. Sites include fire rings with attached grills at $17 per night.
Minimal insects: While mosquitoes are common at river locations, several campers note Whitewater State Park has fewer insects than expected. "We stayed in one of the cart-in sites. Right when you park you see the push carts and it is a very short walk to the campsite. You are able to slightly see 1 cart-in site neighbor, but besides that it was very private and quiet," reports Molly Y. about Gooseberry Glen.
River sounds: Campsites positioned near moving water create natural white noise that masks road sounds. "Our campsite was next to the river, we enjoyed the sound of it drowning out vehicle noise from nearby roads," mentions Amber Z. from Lazy D Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal water access: Merrick State Park campsites can flood during high river periods. "Half face toward the Mississippi and half face toward the shore, but all are right on the water. The river was high when we visited, and some of the river-facing sites were flooded out," warns Patrick M. from Merrick State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons actively target food containers, even sealed plastic storage. "Really nice campground in a beautiful state park. There are lots of hiking trails, and a beach to swim in the river. There are a ton of raccoons however that stole all our food from our sealed plastic tub containers," cautions Victor S.
Transportation noise: Train tracks near some campgrounds create periodic disruption. "I grew up in a train town, so I loved hearing the trains in the distance, but if you were up at North camp, it would indeed be really loud," notes Beth D. about Merrick State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Tubing options: Lazy D Campground offers organized river tubing with staff support. "We didn't camp at this campground but we visited for the lazy river tubing. The staff was very friendly and helpful," states Nicole L. about Lazy D Campground. "The tubes were in great shape, river was a little high but clear of fallen limbs."
Evening activities: Firefly viewing opportunities exist along river edges during summer months. "At night the fireflies come over the river and it is amazing. Absolutely beautiful," shares Malinda S. about Carley State Park.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Beaver: Multiple locations accommodate pet owners with specific site restrictions. "Aefintyr has it all! A beautiful cabin, hike-in glamping or bring your own gear," reports Tiffany B. about Aefintyr. "I love that each site has its own fire pit with fire wood."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Prairie Island Campground offers riverfront sites with specific backing challenges. "Spacious campsites on the Mississippi River. Nice wooded area allows for shade. The road along the river is narrow making it hard to back your camper into the riverfront sites if you have neighbors," advises Tracy B.
Winter access: Electric sites remain accessible during winter at Whitewater State Park with plowing services. "The spaces were kept plowed with easy access to the electric boxes. We were in a teardrop trailer. Plenty of space for the car and the teardrop in space #202," describes Amy G.
Hookup locations: Understand utility placement when selecting pet-friendly camping locations. Sites with full hookups require additional planning for those with dogs. Prepare for rougher terrain at dog friendly campgrounds near Beaver by bringing appropriate leveling equipment for RV stability on uneven pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Beaver, MN is Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 51 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Beaver, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 99 dog-friendly camping locations near Beaver, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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