Jessi J.
Traveler
TravelerFisherman's Point City Campground
Beautiful
Grew up camping here. Its beautiful with water and trees everywhere. Pet friendly, close to town, clean showers, friendly staff. The only bad thing is no water hook ups.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Cotton, MN
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Carrol Truck Trail dispersed camping area offers free pet-friendly sites within Superior National Forest near Cotton, Minnesota. This quiet, rustic destination accommodates both tent and RV camping in a primitive setting with no established amenities like water, toilets or electricity. Pets must remain leashed when outside vehicles to protect wildlife and minimize disturbance to other campers. Reviews indicate the area provides multiple pull-offs along a gravel road leading to approximately three camping spots at the end, with access to a canoe/kayak launch on the river. The surrounding woods supply ample firewood for campfires, creating an authentic outdoor experience where campers can bring their dogs to enjoy nature. Some visitors have noted wolves or coyotes in the vicinity that may approach camps, so vigilant pet supervision remains essential.
Red Pine Campground (formerly Ogston RV Park) provides a more developed pet-friendly camping experience with full hookup sites about 30 minutes from Cotton. The campground maintains spacious sites with good separation between neighbors, fire rings, picnic tables, and clean facilities. Dogs must be leashed throughout the property but can enjoy walking along the interior roads and around the small fishing ponds. The park's wide-open spaces allow pets plenty of room to stretch and exercise while maintaining campground cleanliness. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, so appropriate pet-safe insect repellent is recommended. Whiteface Reservoir Campground offers another nearby pet-friendly option with more wooded, private sites and water access. The campground features a beach area where dogs can cool off during hot weather, though they must remain under control at all times to protect wildlife and respect other campers.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Cotton (75)
1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground
"We stopped here on our way to north Minnesota. Originally we planned 2 days but really needed to rest so extended it to 4 days."
"Jay Cooke is really a must experience state park within easy driving distance to other parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin."
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability2. Red Pine Campground
"We were traveling with friends and the staff (owners I believe) made it work out for us to have sites next to each other. Park felt well cared for and attended too."
"It’s next to Duluth and looks like a city park. Many permanent residents. Very clean and comfortable. I’d stay again if I’m in the area. Now we’re driving north to find a moose."
3. Carrol Truck Trail
"But a pack of yoties or wolves was making our dog very alert they ran right next to us when we had our fire going. We had to pack up and take off they were not scared of the car horn or anything."
"It's a fine place to go to get away from everything. No reason to drive all the way out unless you're trying to camp. There are 3 campsites at the end of the road where the GPS takes you."
4. Whiteface Reservoir
"The one down side is that this campground is really not very close to many hikes."
"However, the campground is near excellent, with water access near by and at some sites.
Overall Rating: 4.7 Price 2023: $13 and &14 per site with the Lifetime Senior Pass."from $28 - $1810 / night
Check Availability5. Sherwood Forest Campground
"Can be a bit loud during the day on the weekends with the OHV vehicles pulling through but quiet at night and incredible views of the lake. Clean. Large spots not stacked on top of each other."
"With in walking distance from Main Street."
6. Eveleth Veterans Park Campground
"Direct access to A great beach, plenty of space to safely roam, and a park to play in."
"Nice beach fun lake to boat on. Sites are good sized not too crowded. Nice showers."
7. Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground
"Well-spaced, secluded sites with convenient access to restrooms, water access, and hiking trails Steps away from the magnificent lake."
"Stopped at Gooseberry on our way up the coast of Lake Superior on a long weekend."
from $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability8. Spirit Mountain Campground
"The downhill mountain biking is awesome (the kids still want to go back) and the Adventure Park was a lot of fun too - and a short walk from camp. "
"We were pleasantly surprised with the campground when we rented one of their walk-in areas. The tent areas are pretty secluded and surrounded by woods with minimal neighbor friends."
9. Whispering Pines
from $13 - $75 / night
Check Availability10. Burlington Bay Campground
"Burlington Bay is one of the cleanest, most easily accessible campgrounds in Minnesota. There are many waterfront sites and the beach is just a short walk from the grounds."
"Nestled along the North shore of beautiful Lake Superior in the City of Two Harbors, Minnesota."
from $26 - $60 / night
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Drive Time
- 38 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 22 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 35 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 3 hrs 13 min from Eau Claire, WI
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Cotton, MN
549 Reviews of 75 Cotton Campgrounds
- Nick C.
ScoutBuffalo Valley Camping
Camping
Very Friendly owners and great campsites, pet friendly!
Robin M.
GuidePattison State Park Campground
beautiful Falls
The falls are so beautiful. Well taken care of park with wonderful hiking trails, pet friendly clean park and did I mention the beautiful falls? :) I can't wait to come back. SO much to do and see. If your a nature lover then this is a must visit place.
- EErica G.Traveler
Bear Head Lake State Park Campground
Great, clean sites. Gorgeous lake!!
I spent 3 nights in a tent and my friends had a large camper in the same site. They were clean and the chipmunks were our pets for the weekend. The docks are convenient for your boats or pontoons. The fishing is phenomenal and beautiful! Definitely recommend for hiking, site seeing, swimming at the beach, fishing and other things 😊
Christine T.ScoutSide Lake Campground — McCarthy Beach State Park
It’s “Loony”!
Nothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that’s what greeted me upon arrival at my site! This site is lovely—water and easy to access to water sports on either Sturgeon or Side Lake. Some road noise but not too bad. I am imagine it’s much more hectic in the summer with the big beach across the road. Great for kids! Easy trails for walking and dog friendly. Can be buggy but that’s MN. For more rustic, head further up to Beatrice Lake Campground.
- R
RoseTravelerJay Cooke State Park Campground
Nice state park camping
We stopped here on our way to north Minnesota. Originally we planned 2 days but really needed to rest so extended it to 4 days. It was a little hairy getting to, the 2 lane winding road with the raging river on one side did slow us down a bit. The Rangers were friendly and accommodating. The park had taken quite a beating with the winter storm that had been there the previous week, a lot of sites were closed due to trees down and snow. While we were there they were actively cleaning up, but left in the afternoon so we had no disturbances from saws or equipment noise. The water was not turned on yet for the season, so the bathroom/showers and dump station were not available. There was a potable water source at the front of our loop to fill our fresh tank and our water storage cubes. The sites were shaded well, and easy to back into. We had to work a bit to get our camper level but that may have been due to the snow and water that was on the site so we figured it was par for the course. We walked to the Welcome Center and the swinging bridge, there were multiple hiking trails accessible by the camping area. It was relatively busy on the weekend but cleared out during the week. We had lots of wildlife visitors. The park is pet friendly. We found affordable propane and a dump site closer to Duluth.
Amy G.
LegendLake Vermillion-Soudan Mine State Park Cabins — Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Cabins are very modern and full of modern amenities
PETS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK BUT NOT THE CABINS - see below for details.
This part of the state park is very new! These cabins are a fairly new addition and aimed to cater to those that love winter outings but want warmth and electronic lifelines.
We stayed in "Ning" cabin which is an abbreviation of the actual name. All cabins have native Ojibwe names. It was there last on the loop and right next to a short trail. A vault toilet is about 30 feet away.
This campground had wifi throughout the campground and cabins. This let me work while we were there with my computer without issues. It's easy to log into (open your browser and the option will pop up, or search for it in your wifi network options).
Firewood - this is a super cool policy. You can't bring your own wood, but you can pay $10/day for a permit that you hand at your site. They have a "shed" with pre-split wood that's dry and ready for the campfire. You can burn what you need daily and put the rest back before you leave. This is not meant to "burn it all" but it allows you to have a fire, stay warm, have fun and not run out of wood. Great price considering the amount many places charge for a dinky little bundle that lasts about an hour. You also can't take it home, so just be smart about the process and it's a great option for everyone!
The inside of the cabin was wow! Electricity outlets were plenty (in all the bunks - as well as lights in all bunks). Hard floors, a vacuum for when you were done, shelves for gear and food, baseboard heaters, A/C in summer, big windows, ceiling fan, rug to wipe your boots, lots of coathangers.
Outside a small deck and picnic table, food prep station with an outlet - very cool! Fire ring was down a set of stairs near the woods.
Please note: PETS are allowed in the park, but NOT in the cabins and NOT on the deck of the cabin. Pretty steep fees if they find this happening.
Also...you have to bring your own bedding (sleeping bags or sheets/blanket).
Nice perk - there is an indoor showerhouse with bathrooms, hot water and potable drinking water station so you don't have to sacrifice in the winter!
Overall great stay for $90 - quieter than a hotel for sure!
- Scott M.Legend
Savanna Portage State Park Campground
Perfect blend of nature!
Following the winding pathway you will come to the campground. It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching. Loon lake has a nice little “park” with a beach so that is great for families.
The campground itself sits next to the lake which is nice and while no site has true waterfront claim several can see the water. I stayed in 22E which was next to a trail head but close to the water spigot and showers. Sites 62/3/4 would be great for a large family as they have loads of space. Showers and restrooms were super clean!
Yes it is buggy but it’s minnesota so you deal with it. There is lots of nature. We saw a bear while hiking the continental divide trail so nature is out there.
Timothy W.GuideBear Head Lake State Park Campground
Great state park near Ely/BWCA
We have enjoyed staying here. Minnesota does a nice job with their state parks. The campsites are varied in types, sizes and layouts. Ours works great for our 26’ travel trailer and truck, and includes electrical. Main restroom has showers. Nice canoeing lake adjacent to the campground. The Taconite State Trail is nearby. Only complaints are campsites are close to each other and only one bar of service on T-Mobile phone.
Guide to Cotton
Carrol Truck Trail dispersed camping sits within Superior National Forest about 5 miles from Cotton, Minnesota along gravel forest roads. The camping area features primitive sites at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in mixed pine and deciduous forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F with higher humidity levels and frequent mosquito activity from June through August.
What to do
River access for paddling: Carrol Truck Trail provides access to a small river suitable for canoe or kayak launches. "There is a small dirt road that leads to a public Canoe/Kayak launch. No amenities, but you can filter your water," notes Peter L. from Carrol Truck Trail.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The surrounding forests host diverse wildlife including wolves. "A pack of yoties or wolves was making our dog very alert they ran right next to us when we had our fire going. We had to pack up and take off they were not scared of the car horn or anything," reports Jasmine L. from Carrol Truck Trail.
Mountain biking trails: For mountain bike enthusiasts, nearby trails offer technical riding options. "Heavily wooded and beautiful! Very close to Duluth. It is a mountain bikers paradise," writes Michelle P. from Spirit Mountain Campground.
Waterfall exploration: A short drive from Cotton, several waterfalls provide scenic hiking destinations. "Amazing state park; one of my favorites! Love the hiking trails and how accessible the waterfall is," shares Tori K. about Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feeling at campgrounds near Cotton. "Every campsite seems to be well-treed and relatively private, providing a perfect atmosphere to just enjoy nature from your campsite," notes Krista T. about Jay Cooke State Park.
Lake access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. "We spent most of our time at the beach and in the lake as swimming was a must this week due to it being so hot out. We brought our lily pad to use out on the water which was a big hit for everyone in our group," writes Becky F. about Whiteface Reservoir.
Site spacing: Campers value the generous spacing between sites at several pet-friendly campgrounds near Cotton. "Ogston RV Park is a great campground, it's like a little slice of heaven with wide open spaces. The space between campsites is impressive, lots of room to walk, roam, stretch, or whatever strikes your fancy," shares Lucas P. about Red Pine Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The area offers multiple fishing options. "We caught a few little fish in the lake. Paddle boats and kayaks for use. Well maintained," reports paula about Red Pine Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Weather can change quickly in northern Minnesota. "It did rain quite a bit while I was there," says Lydia N. about the Lost Lake backpacking site at Jay Cooke State Park.
Bug protection essential: Mosquitoes and ticks are significant in this region. "Very buggy (mosquitos, ticks), no cell service. Approx three spots for tents or cars/trucks/vans, not suitable for larger vehicles," warns Anna P. about Carrol Truck Trail.
Limited cell service: Many dispersed camping areas have minimal connectivity. "AT&T had 4 bars of LTE and Verizon 3 bars of LTE service. AT&T Fast.com: 1.5 Mbps down, 5.0 Mbps up. Verizon Fast.com: 190 kbps down, 9.5 Mbps up," details David B. about Red Pine Campground.
Site selection importance: Research specific sites before booking. "The layout of most campsites is kind of tight. If you are camping with multiple tents it might be a good idea to get multiple sites OR just do your research to make sure that the tent pad measurements listed on the reservation site are going to be sufficient," advises Krista T. about camping at Jay Cooke State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection: For families with children, developed campgrounds offer better amenities. "Nice and well maintained. Family camping," notes Nichole K. from Jay Cooke State Park.
Beach access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Cotton feature swimming areas perfect for families. "The campground is a great place for anyone and is especially great for those with young children. Direct access to a great beach, plenty of space to safely roam, and a park to play in," recommends Cassandra F. from Eveleth Veterans Park Campground.
Trail difficulty: Many hiking trails in the region suit families with varied abilities. "Nice hiking trails. Not too difficult. Family friendly," shares Joe N. about Jay Cooke State Park.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include play areas. "Nice Campsites mostly secluded in the woods. Campsites are not too close to each other giving you the privacy you want. They also have a spot where they have mini golf, mountain luge, and mountain biking," mentions Jennifer M. about Spirit Mountain Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Check site dimensions before booking. "Pull through and back in sights. Well spaced. Water, electric, and sewer. Only a couple sites left when we arrived. Level well packed stone sites," reports DanMast about Red Pine Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping can be challenging. "Recovery gear would be beneficial," advises Peter L. about Carrol Truck Trail's approach.
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer services vary by location. "Whiteface Reservoir Campground, MN: Price 2023: $13 and $14 per site with the Lifetime Senior Pass. From the entry kiosk information, it appears that some sites have electricity available at an extra charge," details Roger W.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cotton, MN is Jay Cooke State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 69 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cotton, MN?
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