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Dog-Friendly Camping near Columbia Heights, MN

86 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Bunker Hills Regional Park accommodates pets throughout its wooded campsites in Coon Rapids, 15 miles north of Columbia Heights. The park provides electric hookups, drinking water, fire pits with cooking grates, and picnic tables for campers with dogs. Sites are spaciously arranged with good privacy between neighbors, particularly in the lower loops which offer better tent camping options with natural shade. Sites 3, 8, and 10 are noted for their prime locations among the trees. The heavily wooded oak setting provides cooling shade during hot summer months while offering numerous trails for dog walking. Spacious and secluded sites allow dogs plenty of room to settle in despite being in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.

    The campground features clean restrooms and shower facilities, with a sanitary dump station available for RV users. Leashed pets are welcome on the miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the park. The regional park includes several additional amenities within walking distance, including pavilions with grills, playgrounds, and disc golf. No trash receptacles exist within the campground itself - campers must pack out waste when leaving. Water fill stations are readily available for campers to stock up before continuing their journey. The park is actively patrolled by rangers and local sheriff after hours, creating a safe environment for campers with pets. The daily park entrance fee ($7) is charged separately from campsite reservation fees, which typically run around $30 for rustic sites.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Columbia Heights (86)

      1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      4.8(44)19mi from Columbia HeightsRVs

      "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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      2. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

      4.6(17)12mi from Columbia HeightsRVs, 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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      3. Bunker Hills Regional Park

      4.6(16)11mi from Columbia HeightsRVs, 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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      4. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      4.5(39)19mi from Columbia HeightsRVs, 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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      5. Willow River State Park Campground

      4.5(63)28mi from Columbia Heights155 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Campsites are pretty private except to people walking the trails. The falls are gorgeous!! Great for swimming when the water is not too high."

      "Memorial Day 2019 with my siblings and our dog. Campsite 202 had plenty of room for an 8 person tent and 2 pickups."

      from $25 - $90 / night

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      6. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

      3.7(11)15mi from Columbia HeightsRVs, 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."

      7. Rice Creek Campgrounds

      4.1(7)12mi from Columbia HeightsRVs, 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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      8. William O'Brien State Park Campground

      4.3(40)26mi from Columbia Heights121 sitesTents, Cabins

      "Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."

      "We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."

      from $25 - $90 / night

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      9. Afton State Park Campground

      4.6(37)26mi from Columbia Heights37 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."

      "It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."

      from $22 - $85 / night

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      10. Ham Lake Resort

      3.8(4)15mi from Columbia Heights4 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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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Columbia Heights, MN

    805 Reviews of 86 Columbia Heights 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.

    • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 26, 2023

      Tresure 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.

    • 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

    Guide to Columbia Heights

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park lies approximately 10 miles north of Columbia Heights, offering camping in a heavily wooded setting within the northern suburbs. This regional park features both electric and non-electric sites with tent pads and has well-maintained trails for hiking throughout its 5,500 acres. Water fill stations are positioned strategically throughout the campground for easy access.

    What to Do

    Hiking and biking trails: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers extensive trail networks that connect to the broader area. "Wonderful site! Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities. Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" notes Max P.

    Explore the nature center: When weather turns rainy, the nature center provides indoor activities. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," says Krista T.

    Visit nearby attractions: William O'Brien State Park is within driving distance and offers additional recreational activities. "We love this park!! very friendly and well kept! Two campgrounds to chose from. Tons of hiking, fishing, and great picnic area next to the river!" writes Michelle S.

    What Campers Like

    Private, wooded sites: Campers appreciate the natural screening between sites at many campgrounds. "The sites are decently private and there is nice bathrooms/showers. We camped here while our friends used a camper cabin and they loved it too," shares Bryan S. about Afton State Park.

    Seasonal landscape variety: The area offers different experiences throughout camping season. "We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass," recalls David K. about winter camping at William O'Brien.

    Wildlife viewing: Local campgrounds provide opportunities for animal sightings. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," reports Laura E. about William O'Brien State Park.

    What You Should Know

    Reservation tips: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," advises Blair about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

    Bug preparedness: Insects can be intense, particularly during summer months. "Deer flies were thick around the water filling station," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Lots of mosquitoes but it's MN so that's to be expected."

    Construction updates: Check for ongoing park maintenance before visiting. "The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids."

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Playground access: Baker Campground offers multiple recreational facilities for children. "With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," recommends Bryan S.

    Water activities: Many area campgrounds feature swimming beaches or water parks. "The waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," shares another camper about nearby attractions.

    Tent camping with kids: Choose sites with natural features for added entertainment. "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," writes Heather V.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: Review site specifications carefully when booking. "The 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," advises Davis D. about Lebanon Hills.

    Hookup options: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Columbia Heights offer various levels of services. "After picking up our new (to us) teardrop trailer in Minneapolis on a Monday, we wanted to stay someplace local just to test everything out. Thankfully Lebanon Hills had a space available... We had full hookups, even though we only needed water and electric," shares Joanne M.

    Dump station access: Most regional parks maintain sanitary facilities for RVs. "The campground features clean restrooms and shower facilities, with a sanitary dump station available for RV users," confirms a visitor to the area.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Columbia Heights, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near Columbia Heights, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.