Dog-Friendly Camping near Champlin, MN

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    Bunker Hills Regional Park offers wooded campsites for dog owners across several camping styles including tent, RV, and cabin options. The park maintains a pets-allowed policy throughout its campground while providing clean facilities and well-maintained trails suitable for dog walking. Minneapolis Northwest KOA accommodates pets with a dedicated K9 fenced area for off-leash exercise, making it popular with campers traveling with dogs. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park and Baker Park Reserve also welcome pets with spacious sites that provide adequate room between neighbors. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to remain leashed except in designated areas, with standard pet waste disposal expectations. Sites at Bunker Hills remain surprisingly woodsy and secluded despite being in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.

    Elm Creek Horse Camp provides a unique option for dog owners who need pets comfortable around horses, with site 2 particularly suitable for tent camping with dogs. Hiking trails throughout these campgrounds offer abundant opportunities for pet exercise, with most featuring shaded stretches ideal for hot summer days. Local campground rules typically restrict pets from swimming areas and public buildings. Weather considerations become important when camping with dogs near Champlin, as summer mosquitoes are prevalent and winter temperatures can drop dramatically. Most campgrounds maintain year-round access to fresh water for pets, though Rice Creek Campgrounds and Ham Lake Resort provide the most reliable water hookups. Wildlife encounters remain possible throughout the area, so keeping dogs leashed protects both local animals and pets while exploring the extensive trail networks.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Champlin (79)

      1. Bunker Hills Regional Park

      4.6(16)5mi from ChamplinRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."

      "It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"

      from $20 - $32 / night

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      2. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      4.5(38)17mi from ChamplinRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "One of our kids & her husband live in Minneapolis, a sister & several nieces & nephews live close by."

      "Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."

      from $21 - $29 / night

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      3. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

      3.7(11)8mi from ChamplinRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."

      "The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."

      4. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

      4.6(17)14mi from ChamplinRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday.   The campground is neat and well managed."

      "It was very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill."

      from $20 - $75 / night

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      5. South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      4.2(20)21mi from ChamplinRVs, Tents

      "For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."

      "I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."

      6. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest

      4.2(23)23mi from Champlin4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."

      "We picked this spot as we had dogs with and liked that there was a row of trees where we could tie them away from the fire . Would be a GREAT lot for multiple hammocks. "

      from $50 / night

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      7. Ham Lake Resort

      3.8(4)10mi from Champlin4 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."

      from $54 - $999 / night

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      8. Rice Creek Campgrounds

      4.1(7)15mi from ChamplinRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."

      "Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."

      from $20 - $32 / night

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      9. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      4.8(44)30mi from ChamplinRVs, Tents

      "Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation"

      "It has nice clean bathrooms and it's a great place to walk your pets, they do have 3 different areas to camp but we always use the full hook-ups The people at check-in are always so friendly, and very"

      from $24 - $42 / night

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      10. Elm Creek Horse Camp

      4.0(1)4mi from ChamplinTents

      "Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire."

      from $16 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Champlin, MN

    722 Reviews of 79 Champlin Campgrounds


    • C Torey S.
      Apr. 17, 2019

      Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      Hiking, biking, camping & more

      Lebanon hills has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun. Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation

    • Alison O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 1, 2021

      Crow Hassan Park Reserve

      One of the best dog parks in MN

      I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 31, 2018

      Riverside City Park

      Nice campground on the river.

      This is a nice city campground with lovely views of the Rum River. There is a nice playground with a small climbing wall, benches to sit looking over the river. Picnic tables and a shelter are great for eating at. There is a dog park just across the river, within easy walking distance.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 31, 2020

      Interstate State Park Campground

      Expeditions at Interstate!

      This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic St Croix National Waterway. Although the campsites themselves are pretty run of the mill, the setting is spectacular in terms of breathtaking scenery, and myriad outdoor activities from rock climbing in the river gorge, paddling the river, hiking miles of trails, and learning geology at the Ice Age geology visitors center. If you are tenting camping, the south loop is great, and if you pick campsite 65 or 67 you will have direct access to the river which is peaceful and good for paddle opportunities. There are picnic areas with swimming along the river which is nice for group gatherings, and one is designated for folks with pets. Some of the rugged hiking trails along the bluffs and cliffs go right along the edge with minimal guard rails or walls, so keep a close eye on kids and pets because going over the edge is a possibility so utmost caution is advised.

    • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 4, 2025

      Dakotah Meadows RV Park

      Quiet and safe

      Small little campground next to large casino. We lucked out and were able to stay 2 nights without reservations….only had to move because they were fully booked for the 4th…large concert event happening across the street. You will need to call early in the day to talk to office staff…who are very friendly. If after hours and there are no spots, you can dry dock in large lot in front of office. There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station. Bath house and laundry and card controlled ($5 card deposit on check in)…well maintained facilities. Dog park available, watch a few spots in fence near bottom where fencing has risen up…little dogs could easily climb under. Very convenient for visiting Minneapolis…25/30 minutes from airport/Mall of America (Aquarium) and Security patrols regularly and there is shuttle if you want to visit casino. Pool at hotel is not included. Golf attraction is being completed next door so there was some construction traffic during day as expected.

    • David E.
      Jul. 30, 2022

      Minneapolis Northwest KOA

      Good Campground but Close Sites

      Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground.

    • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 13, 2025

      RiversEdge RV Park

      Great location! Quiet!

      This was such a great spot! The campground is so nice and quiet!

      Located 50 Miles NW of Minneapolis, and only 15 Miles from St. Cloud, MN.

      • Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond
      • Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service -Concrete Patios on every lot -Crushed granite streets and drives Fishing, tubing, & canoeing on the Elk River -Horseshoe and lawn games -Large pavilion provides for fun weekly events and activities -Laundry and shower facilities -Lush lawns and nice walking paths with colorful gardens -Pets Welcome -Electric golf carts welcome -Firewood available -Gracious owners live on-site
    • Joe S.
      Oct. 29, 2021

      A J Acres Campground

      Good Enough for our Needs

      We stayed here for a weekend in May. The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites. There are a lot of mature trees that help with the shade! The beach area is nice, but the only problem is that boaters and kayaks are in the same general area so you have to be careful so you don't get hit. There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee. If you want to walk the whole campground having a golf cart would be nice. Also there is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website or the campground maps. We went there partly because there was a petting zoo for the little kids. Seems lazy to me that they can't update the website or the campground maps.


    Guide to Champlin

    Champlin area campgrounds serve both seasonal and weekend campers with sites typically available from April through October. Most camping facilities in this region are set within mixed forest landscapes at elevations ranging from 850 to 900 feet. Winters can drop to below zero temperatures while summer highs regularly exceed 85°F with humidity levels making proper site selection crucial for tent campers.

    What to do

    Water activities: Explore lake access at Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve where campers can rent watercraft or bring their own. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," notes Bryan S. The park restricts the number of boats allowed on the lake simultaneously to prevent overcrowding.

    Biking opportunities: Pack bikes for multiple paved trails at campgrounds throughout the area. Trails at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park connect to larger networks. A visitor mentioned, "We love to camp here as it's so close to home. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals."

    Off-season exploration: Visit shoulder seasons to avoid crowds at Sand Dunes State Forest. "Just a quick one night trip but a perfect getaway close to home. Very quiet. Camp host was nice," reports Caleb T. Early spring and late fall offer dramatically reduced insect populations compared to peak summer months.

    What campers like

    Tent-specific areas: Dedicated zones for non-RV camping exist at select campgrounds. Rice Creek Campgrounds stands out with its tent-only loop. "I loved the look of the 'TENT ONLY' loop - you don't see this often," writes Amy G., who adds, "the fact that this loop was 'tent only' meant no generators! It was very quiet!"

    Proximity to activities: Quick access to metropolitan amenities while maintaining natural surroundings. Lebanon Hills Regional Park exemplifies this balance. "Lebanon Hills is a great park and has a lot of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," explains a camper named Blair.

    Accessible nature: First-timer friendly locations with varying levels of development. "For our first time camping, this was a great site! It was very clean, had friendly staff, and was close to a really fun park for our kids. We will be back!" shared Heather V. about her experience at Baker Park Reserve.

    What you should know

    Reservation timing: Book early for weekend stays during peak season. Most popular sites fill 3-4 months in advance, particularly those with lake views or privacy features. Weekday availability tends to remain open longer, especially for tent-only sites.

    Site selection factors: Consider terrain carefully when booking. At Ann Lake, "Sites range from open and flat to secluded and a little hilly. Most sites are fairly private and well spaced," according to Andy L. Sites closer to water typically have more mosquito activity.

    Wildlife concerns: Prepare for insects at most locations. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy," cautions Kari P. about Ann Lake campground. Bug nets and proper repellent are essential during summer months.

    Tips for camping with families

    Water park access: Consider Bunker Hills for its adjacent water attractions. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," reports Tiffany W. The water park operates seasonally with reduced rates often available online compared to gate prices.

    Safety options: Choose patrolled campgrounds for peace of mind when camping with children. Bunker Hills Regional Park maintains regular security. "The park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids," states Arielle P. about the park's security measures.

    Multiple playground options: Seek out multi-feature parks with varied recreation for different age groups. "Something for everyone here! They have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved," explains another camper about Bunker Hills' facilities.

    Tips from RVers

    Site length considerations: Verify actual dimensions before booking. Many parks list pad length separately from parking space. Davis D. notes about Lebanon Hills: "Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All RV sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out."

    K9 facilities: Choose pet areas with dedicated spaces for dogs. Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers specialized pet amenities. "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground," reports David E. The dog area allows for off-leash play while maintaining separation from non-pet owners.

    Limited movement times: Be aware of entry restrictions at secure campgrounds. Most locations in the area have locked gates after certain hours, typically 10pm-7am, requiring advance notice for late arrivals or early departures.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Champlin, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Champlin, MN is Bunker Hills Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Champlin, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 79 dog-friendly camping locations near Champlin, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.