92 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
William O'Brien State Park Campground accommodates pets throughout its drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping areas. The park maintains tent sites, RV spots, and cabins where dogs are welcome, with clean trails ideal for daily pet walks. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park similarly allows pets at its tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations from May through September. Both parks enforce standard leash requirements and provide waste disposal stations. Bunker Hills Regional Park extends pet-friendly policies to all its drive-in sites, with accommodations ranging from basic tent camping to glamping options between May and mid-October. The campgrounds feature picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with most offering nearby access to walking trails suitable for exercising dogs.
Hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for dog exercise, with William O'Brien offering some of the best-groomed paths in the region. Many campsites position visitors near water access points where dogs can cool off during summer months, though swimming areas may have specific pet restrictions. Interstate State Park allows dogs in designated picnic areas along the St. Croix River, creating convenient spots for family gatherings with pets. Visitors should note that while most campgrounds welcome all breeds, proper leashing remains strictly enforced, particularly along cliff-side trails where safety concerns are paramount. The dog park at Ham Lake Resort provides a secure, fenced area for off-leash play, though some campers have noted small gaps near the bottom of the fence that smaller dogs might squeeze under. Altogether, dog-friendly campgrounds near Columbus span a wide range of settings, from river-adjacent campsites along the St. Croix to wooded drive-in sites suited for longer stays with pets.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."
"Great trails! Most sites are located along the river. We were at the furthest location called buck hill. About a 2 mile hike from your car."
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"This is our home away from home. It's the perfect place for your kids to be kids like we did in the 90's home by the time the street lights come on. Us parents can finally relax!"
"The lake is nice. Good luck catching fish though. Bill the manager is a great guy! Definitely ex military veteran!"
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Nice pool and a lake. Room between campsites and some tree coverage. All in all a nice place to camp."
"Great little family camp non-motorized lake great for kayaks or canoes couple decent spots for group camping, new owners only four years inand working hard to make it better"
from $22 - $38 / night
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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!
GuideThis 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.
LegendThis 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.
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.
TravelerStaying here currently & they have been very accommodating, friendly & flexible. Water & electric hookup but no sewer however there is a dump station, a bathhouse with real toilets & nice showers. Pretty quiet for being so close to the main highway. My cats are able to free roam the property & my dog can be tied up outside. Usually pretty nice neighbors too.
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.
Camping options around Columbus, Minnesota range from basic tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds, with seasonal availability typically from May through October. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 850-950 feet, with the St. Croix River valley creating natural boundaries on the eastern side. Winter camping requires special preparation as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
Hiking varied trails: Wild River State Park Campground offers numerous hiking options along the St. Croix River. "The park is huge and beautiful. We snowshoed and skied. I really enjoyed the snowshoe hike along the St Croix River and watched the full moon rise," reports Joanna B. The park maintains both river-side walks and Oak Savanna trails throughout its extensive grounds.
Tubing and water activities: Country Camping Tent & RV Park provides excellent water recreation options. "The tubing is a plus. Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes David G. The campground offers canoe, tube, and kayak rentals for exploring the Rum River.
Waterfall exploration: Willow River State Park Campground features impressive waterfalls as its main attraction. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim!" shares Sarah L. The falls area is typically a 1-mile walk from most campsites.
Spacious, private sites: Bunker Hills Regional Park receives high marks for its site layout. "I was immediately enthralled by the scenery as we drove into the park. The lower loops are definitely better for tent campers, even though quite a few spots could support an RV," writes Krista T., who specifically recommends sites 3, 8, and 10 for their quality.
Proximity to Twin Cities: Many campers appreciate the convenient location of these campgrounds. "We took a 30 minute drive north of the cities for a quick get away, and were rewarded with a very nice campground!" says kristin C. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. This accessibility makes these locations ideal for weekend camping trips when time is limited.
Star gazing opportunities: Several campgrounds in the area offer excellent night sky viewing. "The star gazing area was great!" reports Katherine T. about Wild River State Park. Most pet-friendly camping areas near Columbus maintain relatively dark skies despite their proximity to the metro area.
Seasonal pests: Bug protection is essential when camping in this region. "We had a battle with mosquitoes. We went through a lot of bug spray and coils. Deer flies were thick around the water filling station," warns Tim about William O'Brien State Park Campground. Insect activity peaks from June through August.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," advises Dani K. Booking 2-3 months in advance is recommended for weekend stays.
Firewood restrictions: Local firewood policies vary by campground. "They do not all any gathering of firewood," notes Tim about William O'Brien. Prices typically range from $6-8 per bundle, with Bruce M. cautioning about Rice Creek: "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
Water features for children: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers excellent water-based activities. "There is a gorgeous beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms and a well equipped playground," shares kristin C. The swimming areas provide relief during hot summer days.
Playgrounds and activities: Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds include dedicated play areas. "It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites!" reports Spencer C. about Country Camping Tent & RV Park, making it particularly suitable for families with children of various ages.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: "We saw sooooo many deer some even walking right through campsites! You can hear coyotes, raccoons and very loud owls," shares Kate H. about Wild River State Park. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing conditions for families.
Site selection guidance: For RVs, campground loops have varying suitability. "The upper loop (sits 45-64) is definitely more geared towards RVs, so not what I would consider an ideal tent site," advises Krista T. about Bunker Hills Regional Park. Many campgrounds clearly mark RV-friendly sites on their maps.
Power considerations: Interstate State Park provides electrical options but with some tradeoffs. "The power loop runs right along a 4-lane highway, which you can't really see but for sure will hear," notes John W. Noise levels should be considered when selecting powered sites at this location.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, though availability varies. "Waste disposal stations" are standard at the major parks, but smaller campgrounds may have limited facilities. Always check ahead about dump station locations and seasonal availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Columbus, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Columbus, MN is William O'Brien State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Columbus, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 92 dog-friendly camping locations near Columbus, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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