Alison O.
Guide
GuideCrow Hassan Park Reserve
One of the best dog parks in MN
I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Darwin, MN
68 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Lake Ripley County Park Campground provides spacious lakefront sites where dogs must be leashed at all times. This pet-friendly destination features clearly defined pet rules while offering full hookups for RV campers and tent sites with access to clean showers. Masonic West River Park welcomes pets with riverfront camping opportunities and large grassy sites that provide ample room for dogs to enjoy while remaining on leash. Both campgrounds include fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with Lake Ripley offering the added benefit of a fish cleaning station. Collinwood County Park and Spirit of Ripley also accommodate pets with water and electric hookups, allowing campers traveling with dogs to enjoy comfortable amenities. Most sites are well-shaded with enough space between them to provide privacy while camping with pets.
Pet owners camping near Darwin find multiple trails and paved walking paths ideal for daily dog walks, particularly at Masonic West River Park where the riverfront trail provides scenic exercise routes. Campgrounds in this region typically require pets to remain on leash at all times, with most limiting pets to designated camping areas and prohibiting them from beaches, playgrounds, and indoor facilities. Seasonal considerations include checking for ticks after walks through wooded areas at Collinwood County Park, which features secluded wooded sites near the lake. Lake access varies between campgrounds, with some offering direct shoreline access where dogs can cool off. Campers report easily spotting wildlife including geese and ducks at Masonic West River Park, requiring attentive management of pets around these protected areas.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Darwin (68)
1. Lake Ripley County Park Campground
"They have you park your vehicle behind a row of bushes to help keep the view clear for everybody. Anderson flower gardens are a short walk away. Sites come with a picnic table and fire pit."
"Easy parking with lake and playground. Close to town incase you forgot something. Sites have large open areas in front of camps for kids to play. Great hosts as well"
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability2. Masonic West River Park
"We had a lakeview site right off the paved walking/biking trail with room for a large tent and the pop-up camper. Fire ring and picnic table provided."
"But the experience was positive. Lots of geese!"
3. Collinwood County Park
"This is right on a lake in a very wooded area. Pretty camping basic area."
"This was a small campground with nice trails. The campsites were open but still felt private. The bathrooms and showers were nice and clean."
from $19 - $36 / night
Check Availability4. Spirit of Ripley
"Campground was easy to get to and is located across the highway from the lake with a pavilion and playground"
"Close to the lake(mom and I went for some bike rides around the lake) and public boat access. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring provided. All sites have power, water, and sewer hook ups."
5. Lake Maria State Park Campground
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. Piepenburg Park
7. Schroeder County Park
"Lots of walking trails , well groomed. Camping spots were large and specious."
"There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports. Fishing is mostly pan but you can catch large bass and northern on this lake."
8. Lake Koronis Regional Park
"Sites a a nice distance apart, lots of trees. Nice playground with swings, close to a larger park near the lake."
"We stumbled upon this place just taking back roads and driving around. Nice beach area and Great picnic area!!! Big playground picnic tables scattered everywhere."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability9. Codgers Cover RV Resort
from $70 / night
Check Availability10. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
"One of our kids & her husband live in Minneapolis, a sister & several nieces & nephews live close by."
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
from $21 - $29 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 37 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 6 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 24 min from Mankato, MN
- 2 hrs 23 min from Rochester, MN
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Darwin, MN
33 Photos of 68 Darwin Campgrounds
Tori K.
Lake Ripley County Park Campground
Tori K.
Masonic West River Park
Tori K.
Lake Maria State Park Campground
Tamara B.
El Rancho Manana Campgrounds & Riding Stable
Tori K.
Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park
Melissa H.
Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
DIANNE T.
Crow Hassan Park Reserve
Sam S.
Lake Auburn Campground
Travis A.
High Island Creek Park
Heather W.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest
Elena
Minneapolis Northwest KOA
Ed E.
Minnesota River Valley Sanctuary
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Darwin, MN
362 Reviews of 68 Darwin Campgrounds
David E.GuideMinneapolis Northwest KOA
Good Campground but Close Sites
Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground.
Tori K.
LegendRiversEdge RV Park
Great location! Quiet!
This was such a great spot! The campground is so nice and quiet!
Located 50 Miles NW of Minneapolis, and only 15 Miles from St. Cloud, MN.
- Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond
- Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service -Concrete Patios on every lot -Crushed granite streets and drives Fishing, tubing, & canoeing on the Elk River -Horseshoe and lawn games -Large pavilion provides for fun weekly events and activities -Laundry and shower facilities -Lush lawns and nice walking paths with colorful gardens -Pets Welcome -Electric golf carts welcome -Firewood available -Gracious owners live on-site
Joe S.GuideA J Acres Campground
Good Enough for our Needs
We stayed here for a weekend in May. The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites. There are a lot of mature trees that help with the shade! The beach area is nice, but the only problem is that boaters and kayaks are in the same general area so you have to be careful so you don't get hit. There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee. If you want to walk the whole campground having a golf cart would be nice. Also there is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website or the campground maps. We went there partly because there was a petting zoo for the little kids. Seems lazy to me that they can't update the website or the campground maps.
Janet R.LegendOak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park
Forest meets prairie
This state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie. There are also local history connections. As a bird watcher, I was very excited to see birds here that I dont usually see at home in northern Minnesota, and to learn a bit more about glaciation in this area and about prairie and savannah habitats. The park has self guided hikes, educational nature programs, and learning kits for birding and more that you can check out at the ranger station. The lakeshore is pretty, and the lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together, and the beachfront and bath house are currently closed for renovation which puts a damper on waterfront activities. Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open. The park’s camper cabins are located here and are in a very pretty setting tucked into a little hill, though a bit of a walk to the bathrooms and showerhouse. At both campgrounds there are nice ADA sites which are level, spacious and accessible, and also close to the bathrooms. I was at a conference in nearby Willmar, and this park is a good alternative for lodging if you need to be in the area. If you are really into learning more about prairies and local glacial geology, the nearby Prairie Environmental Learning Center is fantastic to visit, and lots of prairie pothole WMAs are also closeby for waterfowl watching
Brittney B.
ScoutTwo Rivers Campground
New owner-now over priced
New owner as of 2022- huge jump in prices! Extra fees added everywhere-more than two children fee, guest fees, pet fees, river view fees, holiday fees. One year difference our bill went from $235 up to $347 for a 3 night stay. Not worth it! Not family budget friendly for the average family. I could stay in a hotel for cheaper.
Lori N.GuideBaker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
We had a WONDERFUL time
This was our first time there & we are so glad we came. One of our kids & her husband live in Minneapolis, a sister & several nieces & nephews live close by. Covid held us back with visiting, but our daughter & husband & our grand puppy came to visit. Parking for visitors (or 2nd vehicle) is the bad part as they are all quite way from some/most of the sites. They are strict and no parking on the grass (understandable when you see the pictures in the office.) The park is very well maintained! It is pet friendly. Office sells firewood for use $7.00 for 12 pieces (split pieces) There are bathrooms thoughout, but the main one has a separate, awesome, private showers. The beaches are stellar, We took out kayaks while some of us sat on the dock. There are dedicated walking trails & bike trails that are really as long as you want to go! From the park, we rode the trail that goes under the road 19 and all the way around Lake Katrina (we took the left way around, less hills to go up for this 62 year old🤣) It is BEAUTIFUL with the leaves turning. We loved our stay. The only thing we may do differently next time is to get a site closer to a parking lot. At night, it is DARK! & visitors would have a hard time finding their way back to their car without being driven. We WILL be back!
- Alison O.Guide
Elm Creek Horse Camp
Campsite 2 – Elm Creek Horse Camp, Dayton MN
If you’re the kind of camper who measures a site by how many tail wags it inspires, then Campsite 2 at Elm Creek Horse Camp is barking up the right tree.🌲🐶 Tucked away near the archery range(don’t worry—nobody’s aiming at your pup), this campsite offers a solid patch of peace where dogs can sniff, stretch, and settle in by the fire. The ground is mostly level—perfect for a tent and a sturdy dog bed—and the trails? Chef’s kiss. Plenty of new smells, shaded stretches, and squirrels for days. Now, to be clear—this is a horse camp first and foremost. So if your dog isn’t a fan of our four-hooved friends, you might want to steer clear. But if they’re cool with horses and know how to heel when a giant gelding struts by, they’ll be just fine. A few bones to pick: There’s not much privacy between sites, so if your dog’s a talker, your neighbors might get a serenade. And while$16 a night is totally reasonable, the$7.50 reservation fee nips at the budget a bit—especially if you’re staying more than a couple nights. Still, Campsite 2 hits all the right notes: trails close by, fire ring ready, and enough space for a tent, a camp chair, and a dog who thinks every stick is a gift from heaven.🦴 Would we come back? Absolutely. My dog already packed his leash! what
#ElmCreekHorseCamp#MNStateParks#DogFriendlyCamping#TrailDogApproved#HorseCampAdventures#Campsite2#ElmCreekParkReserve#HikingWithDogs#DogCampingVibes#PawfectCampground#TheDyrtDogPack#MinnesotaCamping#ArcheryRangeNeighbors#TailsOnTrails#WagMoreBarkLess
samuel C.
RangerSouth of Sand Dunes State Forest
Good forest road, nothing special
For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly. I stayed here for one night and roads were totally fine for any vehicle. Most spots are like the pictures shown. There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly. Saw lots of dogs, and mine had a blast, even had what seemed to be a stray husky quickly roll through camp around dusk. Something to keep on your mind. The road goes for a long ways, I parked near the front and closer to numbers, always like to be safer. Overall there was some shouting and yelling but for the location I was happy.
Guide to Darwin
Campgrounds near Darwin, Minnesota offer several pet-friendly options set against the backdrop of central Minnesota's prairie-meets-woodland landscape. Located about 60 miles west of Minneapolis, Darwin's surrounding areas feature numerous lakes and rivers within easy access. Summer temperatures typically reach the 80s with cool nights in the 50s, making May through September the prime camping season.
What to do
Water recreation access: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers multiple lakes with backpacking sites placed strategically near water. "Only about a mile from the parking lot. This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous!" reports Lydia N. Hiking trails connect most sites to the lake.
Fishing opportunities: Schroeder County Park provides both fishing piers and boat launches. "This campground is about 1.5 hours from the twin cities and it has a beautiful sandy beach and swimming area. There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports. Fishing is mostly pan but you can catch large bass and northern on this lake," notes Danny K.
Trail exploration: Short walks to extended hikes are available at multiple parks. "Campground was easy to get to and is located across the highway from the lake with a pavilion and playground," says Sheila K. about Spirit of Ripley. Most campgrounds connect to walking paths suitable for daily pet exercise.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Masonic West River Park receives praise for its generous camping areas. "Sites are large and grassy! We had a lakeview site right off the paved walking/biking trail with room for a large tent and the pop-up camper," shares Tori K. This extra space allows pets to remain comfortably on leash near camp.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the natural setting. "We easily spotted wildlife including geese and ducks at Masonic West River Park," notes Kay T., adding "Wild life Refuge so you have ducks and geese around often...Very nice place." Pet owners need to manage their animals around these protected areas.
Privacy between sites: Collinwood County Park offers well-designed site separation. "Nice campground, sites are nice size and well shaded. Beach and playground are nice," reports Josh B. Melissa A. adds, "The campsites were open but still felt private."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Storms can develop quickly during summer months. Pack appropriate gear for rain protection and prepare for possible temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend visits. Seasonal demand peaks from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Local regulations: Lake Koronis Regional Park and other area campgrounds have specific pet policies. Some visitors note challenges with site orientation: "Pretty disappointed to arrive and be in a backwards site. This is a back-in only site and yet the site is backwards. The firepit is on the backend of the camper instead of the front," explains Mandy S.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Many pet-friendly campgrounds include swimming areas for kids. "Lots of walking trails, well groomed. Camping spots were large and specious," reports Tinya P. about Schroeder County Park, which features "a beautiful sandy beach and swimming area."
Playground facilities: Cokato Lake RV Resort Cooperative Association offers numerous family amenities. "Inground, heated swimming pool; mini golf; pickleball; tennis; arcade room attached to the office. Ice cream shop has 8 flavors of hand-dipped yum!" shares Rachel H.
Educational opportunities: Lake Maria State Park offers nature programs. "We could see one other camper in a different site, but it still felt like you were in the wilderness," notes Lydia N., making it perfect for teaching children about nature while camping with pets.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Spirit of Ripley provides complete services for RVs. "Nice large grass pads, easily accessible for big rigs! Close to the lake and public boat access. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring provided. All sites have power, water, and sewer hook ups," reports Tori K.
Dump station access: Check if your chosen campground has onsite sanitary facilities. "Nice level full hook up sites. Only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because it has no showers and bathrooms are small," mentions Pat M. about Masonic West River Park.
Site dimensions: Large rigs should confirm access before booking. "Most of the sites here are lakefront. They have you park your vehicle behind a row of bushes to help keep the view clear for everybody," notes a reviewer about pet-friendly camping near Darwin, Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Darwin, MN?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Darwin, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Darwin, MN is Lake Ripley County Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Darwin, MN?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Darwin, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near Darwin, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring