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Afton State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its campsites, providing a convenient backpacking experience for dog owners approximately 40 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul. The park's hiking trails, prairie terrain, and wooded campsites accommodate leashed pets, with sites sufficiently spaced for privacy even when bringing animals. Each pet-friendly site includes a fire pit, picnic table, and access to drinking water from a solar-powered pump. Pets must remain leashed on the park's network of trails and in camping areas. Lebanon Hills Regional Park and William O'Brien State Park also permit pets, with Lebanon Hills offering both tent and RV accommodations with full hookups from April through October. The campsites feature gravel tent pads raised slightly for drainage, making them suitable for camping with dogs in various weather conditions.
Hiking trails throughout Afton State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for leashed dogs, with both wooded paths and open prairie routes available. The steep initial climb to backpacking sites requires consideration when bringing pets with gear. The St. Croix River access offers pets cooling opportunities during summer months, though owners should be prepared for the uphill return journey. Campers report frequent wildlife encounters including deer and wild turkeys, necessitating good leash control for reactive dogs. The park's vault toilets remain well-stocked and clean, allowing for comfortable multi-day stays with pets. Backpackers should pack light as the mile-long trek to campsites includes challenging elevation changes, particularly when carrying pet supplies and water. Despite the hike-in requirement, the secluded nature of the sites provides an excellent environment for dogs that need space from other campers.
"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
Check Availability"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
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 $26 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."
"Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept."
"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 Availabilityfrom $50 / night
Check Availability"Very popular due to location to the Twin Cities. There is a swimming pool. Campground is well maintained."
"There is a dumping station at the exit. There are no fire pits, bring your own. Great wooded hiking trails."
"Right next to the freeway, so you will hear that at night. There are a lot of restaurant options near by if you don’t want to cook."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $50 / 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
TravelerWe decided to make a spontaneous camping trip one weekend and found ourselves at Frontenac. The cart-in site we were at was very spacious but wasn't as secluded as we would have hoped. We didn't feel claustrophobic by any means but we could see several other sites from ours. We went early in the year and maybe the summer growth solves that problem. Bathrooms nearby but no water available. It was also windy enough in the evening that we called it an early night but I think that was just a front movingly through and had less to do with the hill we were on.
We went on a hike that showed off the wonderful bluffs along the Mississippi. As far as camping in Minnesota goes we prefer the options on the North Shore, but really enjoyed Frontenac and will be back to continue exploring.
GuideI never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!
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.
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.
GuideBeautiful, spacious, trees but open. Nice trails, clean restrooms, level sites. No alcohol allowed and no pets! Fire rings, sturdy picnic table. Electric and water.
I made reservations online and when we arrived they said I had reserved a place at Elmo Lake which was 20 miles away. Same 2 county facilities but different campgrounds. Oops my bad. Different addresses!
Afton State Park offers backpacking campsites with a challenging hike-in requirement approximately 40 minutes from the Twin Cities. Campers must traverse a steep one-mile trail with significant elevation changes to reach the secluded sites, creating a more remote camping experience despite proximity to urban areas. The park features both prairie and wooded camping areas, with terrain variation providing natural barriers between sites.
Beach access for cooling off: William O'Brien State Park Campground provides river access along the St. Croix. "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk," explains Alison in her review of the park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers excellent wildlife viewing along with lakefront camping. "We stayed in a RV spot next to the lake which had water and electric hookups. We had fun going on a short hike and finding wild blackberries to eat," shares Angela L., showing the natural abundance available during summer months.
Winter camping options: William O'Brien State Park remains open year-round, offering winter camping experiences. "I visited William O'Brien in the middle of February with two college roommates. As you can imagine, this meant snow was everywhere in the heart of winter in Minnesota. We decided to take a night trek through the park. The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent," reports David K., highlighting the park's winter accessibility.
Diverse terrain for varied hiking: Willow River State Park Campground in nearby Hudson, Wisconsin offers excellent hiking trails within 30 minutes of Cottage Grove. "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim! We love camping here!" says Sarah L., emphasizing the combination of hiking and water access.
Secluded campsites for privacy: Many campers value the sense of isolation found at certain campgrounds. "First, terrific park. Lots of trails with a wide variety of landscapes. Prairie, forest, river, it's got it all. My campsite was perfect. The woods made it very secluded," notes Adam P. about the carry-in sites at Afton State Park.
Quick escape from urban areas: Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides camping just minutes from urban amenities. "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities. Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines. Great hiking," shares Katie C., highlighting its accessibility for pet friendly camping near Cottage Grove.
Water availability varies: Water access can be inconsistent at some parks. "This may be an ongoing issue but none of the water faucets or water pumps on the trails at Afton State Park are working. The good news is you can fill up on cold drinking water at the visitor center before trekking around the park's beautiful hiking trails!" warns Warren H., suggesting visitors plan accordingly.
Construction closures: Some parks experience periodic closures for improvements. "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. Construction is scheduled to the end of 2025," reports Tim at William O'Brien State Park.
Seasonal lake conditions: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers excellent camping with lake access, but conditions change seasonally. "It's a nice park, sometimes hard to get into on weekends. The lake is right next to the campground with RV sites right on the water. The only thing disappointing is the lake becomes green with algae as the summer goes on," notes Kayla O.
Playground access: Family-friendly camping options provide recreational facilities for children. "This is a great family campground! Camping spots are rather close, but we have two little ones so they made friends quick with other children. The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids," shares Angela L. about Lake Byllesby Regional Park.
Alternative camping structures: Beyond traditional tent sites, some parks offer cabin options for families seeking pet-friendly accommodations with more shelter. "Camper Cabin (Eastern Bluebird) - Perfect little cabin nestled in the southern half of the park! Screened in porch, heated with electricity, and two double bunk beds!" describes Alison O. about Afton State Park's cabin options.
Multiple activity options: Families benefit from parks with diverse recreational options beyond hiking. "This campground has electric but not water hook up. There is a dumping station at the exit. There are no fire pits, bring your own. Great wooded hiking trails. There is the Tir Angels playground, sand volleyball, frisbee golf, and a semi pro baseball field all located with in the grounds!" explains Mary H. about Hoffman City Park.
Hookup availability: For RVers seeking pet friendly camping near Cottage Grove with full amenities, consider the hookup options carefully. "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. We stayed at site 72 which is at the beginning of the loop," details Angela L. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Site dimensions and planning: Understanding the true dimensions of RV sites helps with trip planning. "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., providing valuable insight for RV camping at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Seasonal camping options: Some campgrounds offer longer-term options for RVers. "This is a seasonal campground with occasionally shorter stays. Very popular due to location to the Twin Cities. There is a swimming pool. Campground is well maintained," notes David H. about Greenwood Campground, indicating its popularity for extended stays near Cottage Grove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cottage Grove, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cottage Grove, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Cottage Grove, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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