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Dog-Friendly Camping near Clearwater, MN

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    St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park accommodates pets across all camping options, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, yurts, and glamping setups. The park maintains a pet-friendly environment with designated walking areas where dogs must remain leashed. Lake Maria State Park Campground also welcomes pets throughout its grounds, offering hiking trails where dogs can explore while leashed. Both campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with Lake Maria featuring more natural surroundings for pets to enjoy. Ann Lake Campground in Sand Dunes State Forest permits pets and offers spacious sites ideal for camping with dogs, though campers should be aware of abundant poison ivy throughout the area. The Dyrt includes reviews of campgrounds near Clearwater, Minnesota.

    Trails at Sand Dunes State Forest provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with multiple paths winding through pine stands and open sandy areas. Campers report that sites further back on forest roads offer more privacy and space for pets to explore. Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground features modern facilities alongside pet-friendly policies, with nearby walking paths directly behind campsites. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times, with typical leash length restrictions of six feet. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid hot sand that can burn paw pads. Seasonal campers note that mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent in wooded areas, making regular pet checks and preventative treatments advisable.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Clearwater (78)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Lake Maria State Park Campground

      4.4(34)8mi from Clearwater22 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."

      "I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."

      from $22 - $80 / night

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      2. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

      4.4(8)2mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We have a pop up so we parked on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field. It was nice to be there instead of in the thick of the big camper section. Pool was nice and store too."

      "If this place was close to home I’d be here every weekend. Absolute beautiful weather with a nice breeze no mosquitoes not something you get in Florida in July !!"

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      3. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest

      4.2(23)17mi from Clearwater4 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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      4. South of Sand Dunes State Forest

      4.2(20)18mi from ClearwaterRVs, 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."

      5. Schroeder County Park

      4.4(5)9mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents

      "Lots of walking trails , well groomed. Camping spots were large and specious."

      "There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports. Fishing is mostly pan but you can catch large bass and northern on this lake."

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      6. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park

      4.0(8)13mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      7. Olsons Campground

      2.5(4)6mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents

      "But far enough you feel away from the cities Full hook ups. Bit on the higher price side. Friendly owners. Small bar Lots of fun"

      8. A J Acres Campground

      3.0(2)3mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents, Glamping
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      9. Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground

      5.0(3)12mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There was some suggestion that there was some drive in sites that were not reservable, that is. They were first come first serve. But I was unaware or unable to find those."

      "Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return."

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      10. Oak Island Watercraft Campsite

      4.0(1)6mi from ClearwaterTents
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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Clearwater, MN

    37 Photos of 78 Clearwater Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Clearwater, MN

    407 Reviews of 78 Clearwater Campgrounds

    • 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.

    • JoAnn E.
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Cedar Lake Memorial Park

      Nice relaxing

      We stayed at the campground during the week, it was so relaxing and not a lot of campers out felt like we had the park to ourselves. 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

    • 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.

    • Gregory J.
      Jul. 31, 2021

      Pierz 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.

    • Brittney B.
      May. 24, 2022

      Two 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.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 9, 2019

      Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

      Forest meets prairie

      This state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie. There are also local history connections. As a bird watcher, I was very excited to see birds here that I dont usually see at home in northern Minnesota, and to learn a bit more about glaciation in this area and about prairie and savannah habitats. The park has self guided hikes, educational nature programs, and learning kits for birding and more that you can check out at the ranger station. The lakeshore is pretty, and the lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together, and the beachfront and bath house are currently closed for renovation which puts a damper on waterfront activities. Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open. The park’s camper cabins are located here and are in a very pretty setting tucked into a little hill, though a bit of a walk to the bathrooms and showerhouse. At both campgrounds there are nice ADA sites which are level, spacious and accessible, and also close to the bathrooms. I was at a conference in nearby Willmar, and this park is a good alternative for lodging if you need to be in the area. If you are really into learning more about prairies and local glacial geology, the nearby Prairie Environmental Learning Center is fantastic to visit, and lots of prairie pothole WMAs are also closeby for waterfowl watching

    Guide to Clearwater

    The Clearwater area offers camping opportunities across mixed hardwood forests at 900-1,100 feet elevation. Located where the Mississippi and Clearwater rivers converge, the region features sandy soil and rolling terrain that supports diverse wildlife. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August.

    What to do

    Hiking through pine stands: Sand Dunes State Forest provides excellent trails through unique terrain. "I've been camping here since I was a little kid... The trails are a lot of fun.. lots to see," shares Johnny H. about Ann Lake Campground. The forest includes multiple paths winding through pine stands and open sandy areas.

    Paddling the Mississippi: The river offers excellent kayaking routes accessible from several campgrounds. "This island on the Mississippi has a picnic table and a very primitive toilet. It's a great spot to take a rest while cavorting the Mississippi," notes LaMina H. about Oak Island Watercraft Campsite, a boat-in camping option.

    Swimming at dedicated beaches: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas separate from boat traffic. At Schroeder County Park, "the beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," according to Kelli D.. The park's sandy beach stretches along the shoreline with gradual entry points suitable for children.

    What campers like

    Cabin options for non-tent campers: Several campgrounds offer cabin alternatives for those seeking more comfort. "They also have little cabins to stay in that I'd like to try out!" says Jordan L. about Lake Maria State Park Campground. The park's cabins provide sleeping accommodations within the natural setting.

    Family-friendly amenities: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers numerous recreational facilities. "It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop. They also offer a nice seating area for those hot or raining days with free arcade," explains S L., highlighting amenities beyond basic camping.

    Secluded backcountry sites: For those seeking more isolation, some campgrounds offer remote options. "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous! We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," writes Lydia N. about her experience at Lake Maria State Park Campground.

    What you should know

    Bug preparedness is essential: Insects can be intense, particularly in warmer months. "Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat," shares Steph H. about Lake Maria State Park Campground.

    Poison ivy awareness: Ann Lake Campground has significant poison ivy growth. "Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy. Sites are large so they are clear. If you're susceptible, not for you," warns Kari P. Identifying and avoiding this plant is important throughout the area.

    Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity. In the South of Sand Dunes State Forest area, campers report "unreliable cell coverage, even for Verizon." This can affect navigation and emergency communications, so download maps before arrival.

    Tips for camping with families

    Choose sites with playground access: Certain campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "This was a small park right on the lake... everything else on the campground was wonderful!" notes John C. about Schroeder County Park, which includes child-friendly amenities.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers excellent chances to observe native species. "This place had awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us," shares Christopher C. about Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground, noting the frequent wildlife encounters.

    Consider hike-in difficulty for young children: When bringing kids to backcountry sites, plan for the hiking effort. "We camped here back in 2020 of November. Overpacked, along with not packing the right gear and didn't have a cart. Buddy and I parked at the southeast parking lot so the hike was about a mile and also hilly," cautions cheeming Y. about Lake Maria State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Site spacing varies significantly: RV sites range from private to more communal layouts. "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," reports Joe S. about A J Acres Campground.

    Tree navigation challenges: Many campgrounds feature mature trees that can complicate parking. "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees," explains Nettie W. about A J Acres Campground.

    Hookup availability considerations: Full connections aren't universal. "Limited availability to sewer hookups, only about 5 true pull thrus, taken by seasonal," notes Nettie W. about A J Acres Campground. Research hookup options before arrival if you require specific utilities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Clearwater, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 78 dog-friendly camping locations near Clearwater, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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