Looking for the best Crane Lake pet-friendly camping? Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. These scenic and easy-to-reach Crane Lake campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.
$16 - $22 / night
The campground is considered "primitive," designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and table. In addition, vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. There are only individual campsites available. Campsites are spacious throughout, so the deciding factors are privacy and proximity to the lake.
All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Highlights: Woodenfrog State Campground and Day- Use Area is beautiful and rustic with a great swimming beach, boat ramp, and an old CCC building used for interpretive talks on a regular basis.
The day-use area is located on a pine-covered shoreline, can accommodate large groups, and offers quiet, private sites for smaller groups.
$17 / night
Headquarters RV Park is located near Voyagers National Park and in the heart of the Voyager Country ATV trail system. We are a quiet, family owned, pet friendly RV Park. Our address is 7070 Crane Lake Road in Crane Lake Minnesota. You can drive your ATV from our place to the ATV trails. We have some walking tails in the park as well as trails you can take your pets on. There is a playground, horseshoe pit as well as a place to play bocce ball.
$45 - $60 / night
Jeanette Lake Campground is a small, single-loop campground on a peninsula reaching out onto the glacier-carved Lake Jeanette in Superior National Forest. Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this sweet, picturesque campground is well worth the drive. The facility provides sites that are usually accessible to RVs and tent trailers along with tent-only and hike-in sites. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of three million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The winding shoreline and islands make the 638-acre Lake Jeanette a great place to explore in a canoe or kayak. Fishing opportunities include walleye, northern pike and perch. The campground provides access to the Astrid Lake Hiking Trail for those who want to stretch their legs. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands and canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
The winding shoreline and islands make the 638-acre Lake Jeanette a great place to explore in a canoe or kayak. Fishing opportunities include walleye, northern pike and perch. The campground provides access to the Astrid Lake Hiking Trail for those who want to stretch their legs. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands and canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Lake Jeanette is not the largest or most isolated lake in the national forest, but it feels like it is both. Created long ago by a massive glacier, this lake is considered by many to be a special location. The campground is wooded with a pleasant mix of hardwoods, pine and spruce providing shade for most sites. The understory of fern, wildflowers and grass is kept under control by mowing, giving the campground a manicured appearance. Glacial "erratics" (massive boulders) left behind by the receding glacier give the campground character and a place for moss to grow.
Possible day trips from the campground include Voyageurs National Park, Crane Lake and Vermillion Falls. Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Additional sites of interest
$12 / night
Echo Lake is located on the west end of the Echo Trail, a remote country road that traverses through the heart of the Western Superior National Forest. This quiet campground, where the sounds of birds and the wind are often heard, is a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the area's resort scene. A variety of campsites, activities and amenities offer a comfortable stay for RV, trailer and tent campers. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of three million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Echo Lake is a popular fishing spot for walleye, northern pike, panfish, black crappie, white sucker and yellow perch also living in the lake. The surrounding national forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking in secluded woodlands and canoeing in pristine lakes and rivers. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
This campground is on the south shore of the 1,222-acre Echo Lake and is surrounded by a mix of aspen, balsam, spruce, maple and pine trees, which provide ample shade.
Possible day trips from the campground include Voyageurs National Park, Crane Lake, Vermillion Falls, Echo Lake Trail (1.5 miles) and Echo Lake Hunters Walking Trail (10 miles). Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Additional sites of interest
$12 - $20 / night
Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border.
Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Kids love the campground's swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill. Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center's display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas. There's no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely's July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September.
Part of Fall Lake lies within the BWCAW, while the rest of the lake is open to unrestricted boating, permits are required to enter the BWCAW. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Kids love the campground's swimming beach, playground and picnic area. A 1.5 mile hiking trail is also a favorite pastime for families. Anglers can try their luck for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bluegill. Some campers might be interested in the unique opportunity to view the visitor center's display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs within the campground and surrounding areas. There's no shortage of popular local events to attend, including the City of Ely's July 4th fireworks, the Blueberry Festival (the last full weekend in July) and the Harvest Moon Festival-mid September.
The campground is nestled among majestic pine and abundant aspen and fir trees, providing the ultimate northwoods setting. Average summer temperatures are a pleasant 60-75 degrees. Birds and wildlife are abundant.
Guests may want to take a day trip to the Dorothy Molter Museum, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Ely-Winton History Museum or Soudan Mine. By far the most popular nearby attraction is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over one million acres in size, the Boundary Waters contain over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
$35 - $110 / night
Crane Lake is a large body of water and is a popular area for fishing and boating. There are 3 backcountry campsites located on the lake. Crane Lake also connects to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through Little Vermilion Lake and Voyageurs National Park through Sand Point Lake.
All Frontcountry and Backcountry campsites are water-based, require a permit, and can only be accessed by boat. Most campsites in the park are Frontcountry sites, meaning they are directly accessible by boat. 15 of our campsites are in the Backcountry, meaning the trail head is only accessible by water before you start your hike in.
$20 / night
$35 / night
Plan your escape to The Pines of Kabetogama Resort. An impressive expanse of the Northwoods with an exquisite collection of recently remodeled cabins and spacious RV campsites nestled in the towering pines on the shoreline of Lake Kabetogama. Owned by world travelers dedicated to showcasing Voyageurs National Park and surrounding waterways.
At The Pines of Kabetogama Resort, we are committed to showcasing the beautiful “land of sky blue water”. The Pines of Kabetogama Resort is proud to be featured in “Where Should We Camp Next? A 50-State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Accommodations’’. The author selected our resort as "Best in State" in Minnesota, and we received their "Glamping" badge for our luxury accommodations. In addition The Pines of Kabetogama has been named the Best Place Stay in Minnesota with Your RV by MSN.com!
Choose from six well-appointed cabins perfect for enjoying the National Park and vast waterways. Interiors are impeccably decorated in Northwoods’ theme with local knotty pine and granite. No need to sacrifice luxury at the lake: housekeeping; high-quality linens and towels are included; luxurious sundries; Keurig Coffee machine; high definition LED television with Direct TV satellite connection; complimentary Wi-Fi; and outdoor dining table and chairs on the large deck with charcoal grill. All cabins are air-conditioned, and there is an onsite coin-operated laundry facility.
Large RV sites are located throughout the 54-acre estate. Several sites have a breathtaking view of Lake Kabetogama. RV sites have 30 & 50 amp electric, water, and sewer hook-ups, and complimentary Wi-Fi. There is a new restroom/shower facility, coin-operated laundry located on lake level, and there is also a small general store. We do offer golf cart rentals or take pleasure in our many walking trails.
Our marina offers dock space, gas, ice, and live bait. Electric and water connections are also available at the dock. There is a designated area for fish cleaning. Boat rentals are available to resort guests: Pontoon, Lund fishing, kayaks, and paddleboards. Our angler’s retreat, located on the shore of Lake Kabetogama, accesses the historical chain of lakes – including Namakan, Sand Point, Rainy and Crane Lakes, Sullivan’s Bay, and Ash River. Our resort offers incredible fishing, including but not limited to walleye, sauger, northern, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and crappie.
Legend
no showers. Outhouses and potable water spickets throughout the campground. All sites are offered on a first come first served basis and the entrance has envelopes to pay by check or you can pay online at your arrival. Sites that are occupied will have a small white card clipped to the site number marker sign, just pick an open one, pay, and fill our your place holder card. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. Most were flat, but some were a little hilly. Might be harder to navigate the roads in the campground and back in if you have a larger rig.
ScoutStayed here for 2 nights after season in early October. There were plenty of spots and the vault toilets are clean and accessible. There are multiple trails and some beautiful vistas. The water was turned off for the season but there were multiple access points for the time of year when it is turned on. It’s quite close to the southern visitor centers of voyageurs, about 1 hour from rainy lake visitor center. Very easily accessible. As a solo female traveler I felt very safe. Definitely would recommend. No other facilities available other than vault toilets though so come prepared to not shower!
Scout
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Scout
Beautiful location right on Lake Kabetogama. Lake views and full hookups. Prettier than pictures show.
Scout
Quiet Campground with plenty of wooded area between campsites for privacy. Mix of RV/Travel Trailers and Tent campers. Vault toilets and drinking water available. Our site did not have direct clear access to the water, but we walked past other sites that did. Boat launch available right at the entrance to the campground. Our site fit our 30’ travel trailer with left slide just fine and plenty of room for the truck. Overflow parking available near the campground entrance for a small fee. Clean and well kept! Would definitely recommend
Scout
Camp ground right on a large lake, family owned and well maintained.
Scout
Great primitive campsite to hit on the way to Voyaguers National Park. Everyone says stay at Woodenfrog or Ash because it’s close to the park but those parks are very primitive. If you do not have a portable shower or don’t mind using a “hole-on-the-ground” toilet then Pine Acres is a great primitive campsite. There are portable potty’s around the campsite, out houses but they also have full functioning bathrooms and showers. There is a train that goes through across the lake but it stops around 10pm so horns aren’t going off while you’re sleeping. Wonderful staff very friendly. My go-to-place when I come back up here.
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TravelerThere was no public potable water source, the bathrooms were dingy and ill stocked, the showers were so moldy and stinky and clearly hadn’t been cleaned in ages. Campsites close together and no privacy. Small and fellow campers were quiet and it felt safe. Also we checked in online and it was called Voyageurs campground and RV park yet the address took us to Arnold’s and they are the same place.
Legend
**NOTE: To the best of what I can find, this appears to be a free site. I can't, at this time, find any indication that's it's paid or reserve-able**
This is a great little free campsite right on Crane Lake before you go into the Boundary Waters Canoe area.
The site has a fire ring with grate, picnic table, plenty of trees for hammocks, and a small tent pad that would be good for a three or four person tent. There's also a primitive toilet so you don't have to dig a cat hole!
This is a motorized lake so there is boat noise, but the water lapping on the rocks at the island makes it very tolerable. Fairly easy access to grab drinking water for filtering, and some decent pine branches for hanging a bear bag. (even on an island - it's advisable to hang a bear bag. Also helps with other critters like squirrels and mice)
The campsite faces the West so if the weather is good, you're in for a great sunset!
Traveler
This is a grass surface campground. Suited for car camping, smaller trailers & 25’ RV’s. Sites have picnic table & fire pit and an outhouse on site.
Guide
Friendly staff. Mostly empty campground. One neighbor was loud all night. ATV noises super loud partying. Not nice. Lake side Campspots have amazing view. The staff was friendly. We Ware a family of 4
TravelerDespite advertising sites as “tent site” this campground, it is definitely not suitable for tents. We booked a tent site that was in a block of other tent sites. When we arrived, we saw a HUGE RV in the site next to ours that took up our space. We decided to not stay. Maybe great for vans and RVs, but not for tent camping.
Traveler
We arrived late and set up in the dark, but were pleasantly surprised in the morning. Quiet except for the nature sounds - fronts, owls, loons at night. Hiking trails right out of the campsite.
Ranger
This will now be one of our new favorite campgrounds. It’s the perfect mix of modern (lots of nicely spaced electric sites, well maintained shower/bathrooms, on-site store, canoe rentals and more) and rustic. (Wildlife, birds, a stones throw from the BWCA, and gorgeous sunsets.) Be mindful of your camping equipment and the size of the sites - it varies widely. There’s no dump station (closest is in Ely), but there’s a spigot to fill your RV’s water tank. AT&T service was good (2 bars, fast internet and streaming), T-Mobile not so good. (1 bar, slow internet and no streaming) Thanks to the great campground hosts for tips and info too!
LegendCamped here Oct 18-19, 2023 at site 43. Large primitive state forest campground. There were very few campers here during our stay. Our site, as well as others, was large and wooded. Spacing and privacy between sites were quite good. The site was level with a dirt/gravel surface. Site had metal fire ring and table. A nice patch of woods behind our site. Clean vault toilet a short walk away. Short trail to lake and boat dock nearby. Did not see a camp host. Hiking trail along lake was really nice. Really loved camping here.
TravelerWe loved how private the campsites are! The people who run the campground were also super nice!
LegendThis campground is a forest campground so while there is a vault toilet and solar powered water, it is just that. Not fancy, not frilly. If you are used to camping this way it's perfectly fine. But if you are not, this might not be the right spot for your family.
That said - we are used to it and it's exactly what we expected and wanted.
Sites have plenty of privacy between them - this campground was established a long time ago and actually, many many years ago this are was used as a CCC camp! Little bits of evidence are around if you look for them. That said - lots of space, lots of mature trees and bushes (even this time of year post autumn)
We were in site 5 which had a parking space and then a short walk (lightly downhill) about 20 feet to our picnic table and fire ring in a large area under a giant pine tree with a gorgeous view of the lake! Nice little path to the next site over where our buddy was staying with his dogs.
We had our teardrop to sleep in, but there was no problem getting it backed in (larger RVs might have issues since space is more limited than at giant RV campgrounds). It's $20 to stay with an honor system pay box and that helps keep the sites maintained - I think it's totally worth it.
We had a fire ring with plenty of space for chairs, lots of space for dogs, a lake if we needed to filter water (easy to get to if it's not frozen) and was very quiet. There were definitely spaces that were better for "wind blocks" than others so check em out when you arrive. For this time of year ours was good. There was a HUGE boulder the size of a small house in our buddy's site that blocked the wind so it was great.
Guide
Campsite was good size and relatively private in the non electric area. Beautiful park overall and love the proximity from Ely and Lake Vermillion. I did find bear scat near our site so be sure to practice proper bear safety precautions.
Legend
There were no problems getting to this state park. We pulled into the dump station just before entering the campground(CG) area to get fresh water. While we were there, a park ranger stopped to check us in, including processing us for a free annual MN state park pass for disabled veterans. We followed the site signage to electric(50/30/20 AMP) only site 110, which was an easy back-in. The site was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler to include putting our back patio down and parking our F-450. We especially liked how ample trees and bushes were separating the sites, and you are well away from your neighbors. The site gave us plenty of space to set up our chairs around a nice fire pit and one fine picnic table. Get water as you come into the CG, as the spigots throughout the park do not have threads. The 300 loop has pull-throughs that will handle large rigs, with 312 being the best. We got 5 bars 4G. on Verizon. We put Starlink on the roof and got a decent signal. There was a nice shower house/restrooms where the park also sold firewood. Formal trail systems are throughout the CG and park, and we enjoyed walking our dogs. We really like the variety of RV sites for all sizes of RVs, but it's too bad the CG area has no water views.
Guide
I personally liked the Campground, close to the lake and clean bathrooms.
Guide
Campground is small with 3 free campsites, all of which can fit a small Rv or travel trailer. There is a boat landing with a vault toilet that was clean. Verizon cell reception of 2 bars. I was able to stream YouTube video.
Legend
Fenske Lake Campground, MN:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating: 4 - Great place for a canoe trip, I am told. Also access close by to the boundary waters
Price 2023: $10 / night w lifetime senior pass.
Usage during visit: During mid week it was pretty busy.
Site Privacy: pretty nice
Site Spacing: pretty nice
Site surface: Gravel
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Quiet
Road Noise: There may be occasional road noise in the few sites closer to the entry.
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Yes
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Pit Toilets
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: There are ‘some pullovers’, no separation from cg road. Those in use only had a van or used as tent sites
Cell Service (AT&T). We didn’t check at the campground. But, down the road we accessed via a new AT&T tower.
Setting: In the woods
Weather: 70’s with a storm in the forecast
Bugs: Mosquitoes are moderate.
Solar: Not great for fixed panels
Rig size: Some sites take large rigs. Check rec.gov for each site before making your reservation.
Sites:
TravelerService was great, Arnold helped me Book a spot for a family gathering nearby. The campsite was clean and hook ups worked great!
TravelerThis is a small campground but so beautiful. We stayed at site 7. It consisted of "two areas" which was super cool. The "lower level" was where we parked with a decent driveway. It also had the picnic table and fire pit with a gravel area for a tent pad. The "upper area" was up a small hill and there was the amazing view overlooking Jeanette lake. There was a huge rock outcropping overlooking the lake and an area for our 8 woman tent. We had views of the lake from bed. So beautiful! The mosquitoes weren't too bad except right at dusk. The vault toilets were not the best and the sites were rather close but with the right site you wouldn't even know it. Sites 6 and 7 both have the "two areas" with more secluded areas you could tent. Site 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 all have some level of water access. The people at sites 8 and 9 had kayaks/canoes pulled right into their site. Site 7 has the best overview of the lake but no direct water access. The best part...the loons and ducks at dusk and dawn. One of my favorite things.
LegendWoodenfrog MN State Forest:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating: 4.5
Price 2023: $17
Usage during visit: 50 - 70%
Site Privacy: Very private sites are offered
Site Spacing: Most are very good
Site surface: lightly graveled
Reservations: No. First come, first serve
Campground Noise: Some inconsiderate groups here during part of our time. I think the hosts were on top of this.
Road Noise: None
Through Traffic in campground: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Yes, scattered spigots .
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Pit toilet, moderately maintained.
Showers: Out of luck here .
Pull Throughs: Most, if not all are back ins.
Cell Service (AT&T): Good
Setting: Densely wooded
Weather: Hot and humid, bearable Dfor with screened shelter
Bugs: Mosquitoes.
Solar: No, forest is too dense.
Host: Yes, but never saw them.
Rig size: 25, is about the largest I saw. The sites are large enough for a large RV, but driving through the campground may be the issue. If you have a large rig, check the website. No problem with our 17’ trailer.
Sites: 30 to 41 contain sites with a lake view. They are less private than others. A short trail between sites 39 and 41 lead to the boat dock pictured below.
RangerPricey @$95/night but great location for Voyageurs NP. Staff very helpful. Truly a scenic & peaceful area. Hire a guide to boat you around, it's worth it.
Crane Lake, Minnesota, offers a fantastic escape for pet owners looking to enjoy the great outdoors with their furry friends. With several campgrounds that welcome pets, you can explore the beauty of the area while ensuring your pets have a great time too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Crane Lake, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Crane Lake, MN is Bear Head Lake State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Crane Lake, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Crane Lake, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
