True North Basecamp's cabins accommodate pets for an additional fee, offering tent campers and cabin guests direct access to Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area trails. Red Rider Resort allows dogs at all ten tent sites and across their cabin accommodations, with campers noting the proximity to mountain biking trails makes it ideal for active dogs. Crosby Memorial City Park, Cuyuna Range Campground, and Cuyuna City Campground all maintain pet-friendly policies throughout their facilities. Dogs must remain leashed at all campgrounds except in designated areas. Bathrooms and shower facilities at these campgrounds are consistently clean and well-maintained, which is especially convenient when returning from muddy trail adventures with pets.
The extensive trail system connected to many Crosby-area dog-friendly campgrounds provides multiple walking opportunities directly from campsites. Tent site users particularly appreciate the wooded, private nature of Red Rider Resort's pet-friendly campsites compared to other options in the Cuyuna area. Dogs are welcome to swim at designated beach areas in several of the reclaimed mine pit lakes, with crystal clear water providing unique swimming opportunities. Sites at most campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, with many campers reporting they had sufficient space for dogs to relax at campsites without feeling crowded. Most campgrounds are situated within biking or walking distance of downtown Crosby, allowing campers to access pet supplies if needed. Seasonal considerations include summer heat, when the lake access becomes particularly valuable for cooling pets after trail activities — making these pet-friendly campgrounds near Crosby especially well-suited for visits in July and August.
"A great little campground right near the town (easy to bike in for coffee or beer) but it feels like you're deep in the northwoods! Some sites are better than others in terms of privacy."
"The cabins are my favorite because of the lake views, proximity to the bathhouse, and heat/AC units. Cabin #5 has the best unobstructed views of the lake. Cabins have WiFi."
$57 - $65 / night
"My dogs loved exploring the woods. The other campers were fun and social. And, this campground is close to the fun downtown in Crosby and the great bike trails and parks there."
"It’s clean, well-maintained, and close to town for groceries and restaurants. Would stay here again."
"Stayed at RV site 4 which is bordered by trees on one side which was nice for privacy."
"Easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path. Sites are close but still felt private, especially when leaves fill in. Nice shower house, and a sauna we didn’t use."
$24 - $80 / night
"The mountain biking trails were in great shape and were great for all skill levels. The lake was super clear and the small beach was wonderful."
"The old mine pits around and in the park are pristine and literally crystal clear! You can see hundreds of feet down through crystal clear water making it an amazing place to canoe and kayak."
$30 - $66 / night
"Right on the lake with private dock. Sites a close by. Most have water and electric. Full hookups are very limited. Only 4 site near the back. Off of a quiet road. No traffic noise."
"We had site 4, lake side access. The site was amazing, with a dock to the lake. Has a picnic table with a lean to shelter, and a fire ring."
"A little city campground in the heart of Crosby, MN. Easy trail access to the Cuyuna MTB trails and paved bike paths. Right on Serpent Lake for boating and swimming access."
"On park, next to playground and beach. Walking distance to restaurants and bars, And easily bike to the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails.
Cons. Road noise and low privacy."
$24 - $80 / night
"We loved the group camp site except for the fact the people would walk through it. There was a main hiking trail and lots of people came through. Our dogs did not care for that surprise."
"Just kidding, our dogs hate camping but we definitely enjoyed Crow Wing. The park ranger was super helpful on our first visit to the park."
"No tent sites available on the lake as those are reserved for rv, but the tent area is nice and wooded."
$55 - $75 / night
"Well groomed, right next to trails, lakes , shops restraunts excellent locatin"
$30 - $45 / night
"Trail connector with easy access to Bobsled is right there and you can ride to Cruser's Kettle. Highly recommend."
LegendFun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store. Each site has a table and fire pit. Keep an eye on your account. We noticed goggles charged to ours even though none of the 3 of us bought any. Somebody must've given them the wrong site number to charge to. Overall great campground, but a little spendy.
GuideA little city campground in the heart of Crosby, MN. Easy trail access to the Cuyuna MTB trails and paved bike paths. Right on Serpent Lake for boating and swimming access. Shower house, water/electric hookups, playground, walking distance to downtown shops and brewery.
TravelerA great little campground right near the town (easy to bike in for coffee or beer) but it feels like you're deep in the northwoods! Some sites are better than others in terms of privacy. The bathrooms were always clean. Situated right on a quarry with fun fishing and kayaking opportunities. Connects to the mountain bike trails too! They do charge for pets.
GuideI've stayed in both the cabins and the camping area. The cabins are my favorite because of the lake views, proximity to the bathhouse, and heat/AC units. Cabin #5 has the best unobstructed views of the lake. Cabins have WiFi. The campground is nice but only has a primitive toilet adjacent to the campsites. There are no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers. I camped in site #18 and it either isn't very level or I just did a poor job of setting up my tent because we were slanted all night. Great stargazing at both the cabins and the tent sites.
Check-in information is shared via email (key codes for the bathhouse and the cabin locks). The emails are very informative and the owners have been prompt to reply when I had questions. They even offer up the option to have firewood delivered to your site (either cabin or tent site) before you arrive.
This is my favorite place to stay in Crosby because it's so close to both the Rally Center Trailhead and Crosby. My favorite places in town are Red Raven (great coffee shop with good breakfast and lunch food options), Crosby Pub (wide variety of food - burgers, salads, appetizers), Rafferty's Pizza (pizza and beer plus a couple of arcade games in the back), and Iron Range Eatery (a little fancier than Crosby Pub (but not by much) and offers great food as well). All of these restaurants offer outdoor seating.
LegendOur RV GPS brought us right to the campground(CG). We arrived about an hour early of their 3:00 PM check-in time with no issues checking in. We drove to FHU site 38 and backed in one and done. Our utilities were at the back of the site, and we needed about 35’ of electric and water hose. The sewer was more central, and I needed about 18’ of sewer hose for our rig. Our area had a few shade trees, but we had no problem hitting the north sky for Starlink. The water pressure was good, and we put on a reducer. Our nightly rate is based on an average over the weekday and weekend rates with no discounts offered. We stayed here three years ago when the CG was fairly young and not so built up. The clubhouse had gone to a full-service restaurant and bar, and when we were there around 10:30 AM, quite a few people were eating breakfast. We were told that the seasonal guests can golf on the weekends/holidays for free as part of their package, so tee times are needed. We saw a few seasonal folks going out, but just about every seasonal guest here has a golf cart, and they drove them around continuously during our Labor Day stay. Many of the seasonals also had ATVs, which they took off to ride the local trails. With the pool, new putt-putt golf, and other family activities, the CG was full of people. We were pleasantly surprised that the kids who rode on all sorts of electric bikes and scooters plus golf carts behaved themselves, and the parents seemed attentive. Everyone was friendly, and we happily noticed that the seasonal guests kept their sites clean and picked up after their dogs. They had expanded their dog park that’s up near the clubhouse, basketball court, and playground, but the dog area was not very convenient to the backside of the CG now that there are about 142 sites plus cabins/trailer park models available(with plans for more sites). However, there was plenty of room and little trails to walk your dog. The original/older sites 4-12 and the 30-40 area are currently being used for short-termers. Sites 1-3 are now cabins/park models. They have WiFi, but the signal was not very strong in our area. The golf course was under new design construction due to adding additional sites, but it was playable. Based on this CG becoming a seasonal golf cart community, we probably will not return.
ScoutThis is a wonderful new campground, with modern hookups and a lot of north woods privacy. The owners are extremely helpful when you need to reschedule your booking (as I unfortunately had to do twice because of conflicts). My dogs loved exploring the woods. The other campers were fun and social. And, this campground is close to the fun downtown in Crosby and the great bike trails and parks there. The Ironwood spot I was in is also especially private, so highly recommend it!
TravelerFirst the negatives. No internet, medium phone signal. The campsites are too small and too crowded. The adults let their young kids drive their cold carts and atvs back and forth from the campground to the beach all day long. I counted one particular one make 34 trips in less than 6 hours. I used to golf and I occasionally used a cart but usually I walked. Kids and young parents are way too lazy now, because it's a small campground and short walk to the beach from the farthest site. I think they do it for 2 reasons, they are bored, and they can. There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass. Now for the positives. Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free. Lots of shade from all the trees. Mosquitoes are few, flies plentiful. It is a quiet park after 10pm, but although they say closed after 8pm there was traffic all night long. Ask for a site in the back to avoid headlights shining on you all night long. Rates are $40/night for the pull through site we had w50 amp service. It has a few seasonal sites, all located at the rear. There is a golf course right next door across the creek. That is where the office is located. The town is small, only a gas station and small grocery store, so bring what you need. A Subway and nice drive-in are close by. Oh, the water is in me/my dogs opinion not for drinking. I wouldn't suggest weekends here unless you're into hearing every conversation your neighbors have or want to sleep in. Maybe the week days are better? They do allow leashed pets.
TravelerLoved the proximity of True Nortb to both Crosby restaurants and bars and the incredible trails of Cuyuna Country. Lovely cabins for glamping with incredible views of Armour Mine 2. Nice beach for summer. Bathrooms were fine but the men's password didn't work and it took away to get someone to fix it since this campground wasn't staffed. Looking forward to our next stay nevertheless!
ScoutAmazing, Family-owned campground, just far enough from “the cities” to get away for the weekend, without spending too much time in the car. Clean bathrooms, nice sized park for kids, pool (not open in Sept), lake with ample docks for fishing or you can rent boats. The “general store” has everything you need from souvenirs to wood, to marshmallows for s’mores, and all at reasonable prices. Each campsite has electrical hookup, picnic table and fire pit. Pets welcome.
Pet-friendly camping options near Crosby include multiple campgrounds within minutes of the area's extensive trail system. The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,250 feet and features 25 lakes formed from abandoned mining pits with exceptionally clear water. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, while summer days typically reach 75-85°F with higher humidity levels.
Trail riding with dogs: True North Basecamp provides direct trail access where dogs and owners can explore together. "The campground is nice but only has a primitive toilet adjacent to the campsites. There are no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers," notes Makayla B.
Fishing with your pet: Camp Holiday Resort offers lakeside sites where dogs can rest while owners fish. "We had site 4, lake side access. The site was amazing, with a dock to the lake. Has a picnic table with a lean to shelter, and a fire ring," reports Angela J.
Winter camping: Some Crosby-area campgrounds remain open during colder months. "Camp Sites were open early (March), if not year round. Other campgrounds don't open until mid-April. Easy access to both single track and to paved cycling path," notes Matthew H. from Red Rider Resort.
Privacy between sites: Cuyuna Range Campground offers spacious sites with natural barriers. "The campsites are very spacious and more spread out than other campgrounds we've been to. It looked like it was fully booked when we pulled in but we never felt crowded at all," explains Kelsey S.
Proximity to town amenities: Cross Lake Recreation Area balances wilderness and town access. "This is a great campground in the Brainerd lakes area of Minnesota. It is right in the middle of the town of Crosslake but when you're in the campground you feel like you're out in the woods," shares Kristen B.
Clean facilities: Dog-friendly campgrounds in the area maintain high cleanliness standards. "VERY well maintained and the campsites are big and spacious. Our campsite did have electric, sewer and water hookups. There are many playgrounds here as well," says Joe S. about Cross Lake Recreation Area.
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds operate with limited seasons. "This new campground has everything you need and nothing you don't. Camping here makes it so easy to take in as much biking (or whatever else) as you want," explains Janae L. about Cuyuna Range Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most dog-friendly campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. Check-in processes vary by location - "Check-in information is shared via email (key codes for the bathhouse and the cabin locks). The emails are very informative and the owners have been prompt to reply when I had questions," notes Makayla B.
Site variability: Crow Wing State Park offers different camping experiences depending on site selection. "The electric site area isn't super awesome, as it gets crowded and is more like a huge group camp. But the rest are way more private," explains HollyRose M.
Access to playgrounds: Several pet-friendly campgrounds provide play areas for children. "A very cool place for the kids! Swimming beach on Serpent lake is nice for the whole family. When they're tired of swimming, the skate park is always a good time. The playground is modern and very nice," reports Charlie S. about Crosby Memorial City Park.
Beach considerations: Beaches vary in depth and safety for children with pets. "We brought our paddleboard and had a great time on the quiet lake. We did hike up to the top of the camp area and were glad we stayed in the cabins. It has a great swimming area, though it did get deep fast for little kids," notes Stacy M.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled entertainment suitable for families with pets. "During summer months, there's music in the park Thursday evening! Sewer, electric, and water are available. There are tent sites too," mentions Charlie S.
Site leveling: Check in advance about site levelness for RVs. "I camped in site #18 and it either isn't very level or I just did a poor job of setting up my tent because we were slanted all night," cautions Makayla B. about True North Basecamp.
Hookup availability: Many dog-friendly campgrounds offer variable hookup options. "Sites at most campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, with many campers reporting they had sufficient space for dogs to relax at campsites without feeling crowded," notes one camper at Cuyuna City Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality across campgrounds. "The roads are very bumpy and narrow. There is a tiny beach off of the campground and a larger one at the Cuyuna Recreation Area about 1/2 mile away from the campground," explains Liz H.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Crosby, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Crosby, MN is True North Basecamp with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 114 dog-friendly camping locations near Crosby, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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