Lake Auburn Campground's spacious campsites welcome pets throughout its 57-site facility within Carver Park Reserve. Pets must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for waste cleanup. The campground features clean facilities with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Campers note the playground is excellent for families with children, while the beach area provides swimming access for both humans and dogs. Dogs are allowed in all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, and the walk-in camping areas. Constant traffic around the one-way loop can kick up dust, so sites farther from the main road may be preferable for pets.
Trails throughout Carver Park Reserve connect directly to the campground, offering multiple pet exercise options. The nearby Lake Auburn provides water access where many campers bring their dogs for swimming and cooling off during summer months. Sites vary greatly in size and privacy, with some offering more tree coverage than others. Site 57 is notably larger, surrounded by trees and includes a patio, making it ideal for campers with pets needing more space. Minneapolis Southwest KOA, located in Jordan, provides an alternative pet-friendly option with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals that accept dogs. Wildlife encounters are possible throughout the area, so keeping pets leashed is essential for both pet safety and wildlife protection.
$21 - $29 / night
"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."
$24 - $42 / night
"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"
$15 - $18 / night
"This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind if feel, like you drove hundreds if miles to get away from the hustle and bussle"
"But the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming III m the water are a great way to destress."
$40 - $50 / night
"It was a large back in site with plenty of room for our two very large dogs. The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat."
"The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."
"Family friendly campground with educational activities. campsites are close together but it is a close drive from the cities and a nice place for families. Nice walking & biking trails."
"We had site 57, which is more expensive but is also very large, surrounded by trees and has a patio, the other campsite sizes vary greatly with some being very small, it's very easy for groups to camp"
"A couple weeks ago we spent some time at the Northwest koa...that one had private tent sites surrounded on 3 sides by trees, quiet spaces etc."
"It’s an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay. Also super close to some very large power lines. The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool."
"Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things. I recommend this park."
$16 - $50 / night
"I imagine in the middle of summer, it might feel slightly less secluded as there are 3 other sites relatively close by, one of which you have to walk through to get to this one, but in early September,"
"The access to water is really nice and a couple sites were perfect. The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn’t even require much work. Plan to come here again!"
"Tons of trails and camping. 🏕"
"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."
TravelerLebanon 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
GuideI never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!
LegendSmall 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideSites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground.
ScoutWe called for an RV site but they don't allow pets.
LegendThis 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.
TravelerWe just found this campground in September and this year we've been there 3 times and we live in Montana, there's no place I'd rather stay. 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 helpful.
lots of things in the area to do, and the "city" isn't that far to drive to.
GuideWe 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.
Lake Auburn Campground sits within Carver Park Reserve, a 1,742-acre natural area west of Minneapolis featuring rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. The 57 campsites spread across a one-way loop offer varying terrain with some sites backing to wooded areas while others sit more in the open. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, with periodic thunderstorms common in June and July.
Kayaking and canoeing on peaceful waters: Cleary Lake Regional Park provides lake access for small watercraft. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S., while another visitor mentions "site 13 is the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery."
Biking on paved trails: Baker Campground connects to extensive trail networks. "A lot of paved bike trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities," shares ERolf P. The park maintains over six miles of dedicated bike paths with connections to longer routes.
Educational wildlife programs: Saturday night programming offers hands-on learning opportunities. "The playground is good for kids and they have programs every Saturday night, some of the ones we've been to were about bugs, raptors, bees, and snakes," explains Missy B. Most programs run 45-60 minutes and are included with camping fees.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Lebanon Hills Regional Park consistently receives praise for its upkeep. "The bathrooms were among some of the nicest I've used at a campground. The shower stall was big enough for a meaty human like myself to shower comfortably," says Joanne M. Restrooms are typically cleaned twice daily during peak season.
Proximity to Minneapolis with natural setting: Cleary Lake Regional Park balances accessibility with seclusion. "Gorgeous Park near the cities... We camped here last minute when the rain held off and we could only find this campground with availability. Our 'hike in' spot was very close to the car but hidden in a forest," reports Lili R.
Variety of site options: Sites range from fully developed to walk-in tent areas. "We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. It has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps," explains Angela L. Site sizes vary significantly, with some offering more privacy than others.
Traffic and dust on campground roads: The one-way loop design creates continuous vehicle movement. "Constant traffic that kicked up dust around the one way loop. But the beach was lovely. And facilities were nice too," mentions Meredith J. Sites farther from the main road typically experience less dust and noise.
Limited privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area have open layouts. "The sites are very open and offer little privacy between sites. The only separation is the driveway where you park your car," explains Emily H. about Lake Auburn Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular weekends fill quickly. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises Blair at Lebanon Hills. Most parks accept reservations up to 120 days in advance, with holiday weekends often booking within hours of opening.
Playground access: Baker Park Reserve offers modern play equipment. "The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with," shares Angela L. The playground includes equipment for multiple age groups from toddlers to pre-teens.
Swimming options: Several parks offer beach access. "The beach is pretty clean, some weeds floating in the water and very shallow for kids," notes Missy B. Swimming areas typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Chanhassen: Many options welcome pets with restrictions. "We spent a lot of my childhood playing and exploring this park! The campgrounds are grouped, well maintained, and always have firewood stocked for their guests," shares Alison O. about Carver Park Reserve. Dogs must remain leashed on trails and in campsites throughout all Three Rivers Park District properties.
Full hookup availability: Dakotah Meadows RV Park offers comprehensive services. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," notes Chris F. Most sites accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet with slide-outs.
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most. Fun little trails nearby for an afternoon walk. Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say," explains Davis D. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended even for sites listed as level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chanhassen, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chanhassen, MN is Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chanhassen, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Chanhassen, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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