4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Dawson City Park's full electric hookups and spacious sites accommodate campers with pets year-round, with no limit on the number of animals per site. Lac qui Parle County Park and Lac qui Parle State Park both welcome pets throughout their grounds, including at the Upper Campground where sites are well-spaced providing cushioning distance between neighbors. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet at all times when outside vehicles or tents. Sites have gravel pads and are relatively level, with little leveling required for RVs. The lack of mature trees on the upper campground bluffs is advantageous for pet owners as the gentle breeze helps keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
Hiking trails at Lac qui Parle State Park accommodate leashed dogs with varied terrain suitable for all activity levels, including prairie trails with grassy, rolling hills offering lake views. Memorial Park in Granite Falls features shady campsites with mature trees providing cooling relief during summer months when temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels for pets. During spring and fall bird migration seasons, pet owners should exercise additional control of dogs as thousands of birds convene on the headwater lakes. Mosquitoes can be problematic after hatching periods, so pet owners should pack appropriate repellent. Dog-friendly campgrounds near Dawson are well-suited for extended stays, with the nearby town of Montevideo offering pet supplies at local markets, and Java River cafe providing outdoor seating that welcomes dogs, allowing campers to dine with their pets when taking a break from campground activities.
"During migration, the thousands of birds convening on the headwater lakes of these two rivers makes it sound as though the lake itself is speaking up in its own voice, hence the french furtraders name"
"Limited hiking trails connected to campground. Surrounded on two sides by farm fields and Lac Qui Parle Lake on another. There are two loops in the campground. One loop has view of the lake."
Available this weekend
from $24 - $85 / night
"Trails to nearby river. Some gravel roads to get to site, but well-maintained. Suggested fee of $20/night. Ideal for one-night stay while en route."
"RV park and some tent sites located next to the public pool and softball field. Amenities are good. WiFi is shared with the public pool so it's very slow."
"There's less than 10 sites, one half against the highway, the other backed to the disc golf course and swingset. Sites are a bit close, but on an empty weekend we were spaced well."
from $20 / night
"Beautifully maintained and quiet Park with a couple of trails to walk the pup on."
"Close to neighboring towns for any essentials that were missed. Hidden gem!"
from $10 - $27 / night
"Hard surface parking with grass surround and gravel picnic table area.Newer power 30 and 50 amp. Good att cell signal but no satellite view in most sites. Current RV rate is $22. Fairly level sites."
"One through seven are first come first serve eight through 13 are reservations which you can get online big mature trees close to the river nice spaces clean the restrooms were really clean and the shower"
from $15 - $22 / night
from $50 / night
from $50 / night
ScoutWhat a wonderful campground! Bathrooms and showers are very nice, and kept clean. The campsites are nice and level. Well laid out, and numbered clearly. Reserving through the website is easy. What a spectacular view of the valley! I took a peek into one of the cabins - very nice. This place is a great value for the money.
ScoutThe community facilities are well kept and clean. Overall this site is beautiful and great for kids, we tried booking a spot by the lookout but unfortunately they only had electric hookups!
Either way the site we switched to was spacious and had two picnic tables. We will definitely be back!
GuideAlmost no shady sites. Large open field overlooking the river below which is visible if in camper or standing. Sites have fire ring & picnic table. Main road is blacktop sites level gravel. Good separation but open.
ScoutLovely well manicured spot. Was $35 though not $20. Registration was online, not first come first serve. I got lucky and there was a site open. Showers were well maintained for a city park. The city park part doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Would have been a fantastic stay at $20/night. Just okay at $35.
GuideGood primitive sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Water tap available. Pit restrooms, one of which is is poorly maintained and to be avoided. Parked on wide expanse of grassy area. Trails to nearby river. Some gravel roads to get to site, but well-maintained. Suggested fee of $20/night. Ideal for one-night stay while en route.
GuideIt is a beautiful campground with a creek running past it, and railroad tracks not too far away so you hear that two or three times a day but it's not bad. Campground has lots of trees 🎄 it is very quiet. If you have a larger motorhome like I do your jack stands are liable to sink into the ground aways I am going to have to dig out my leveling blocks because they got countersunk in the soft dirt but the campsites are nice fire pits and flush toilets cost $25 a night for non-electric 35 a night for electric Plus you need to get a state park pass, I got mine for one day because that is all I'm going to be here for and it cost an extra $7 on top of the 25 just so you know.
GuideStayed in a tent in early may. Camp site was easy to access and close to the restrooms/showers. The camp sites along the river have little trails that go down to the water, beautiful river bottom scenery a few yards away. There is a swimming pond near by and miles of beautiful southwest Minnesota scenery. Trails include river bottom, prairie, and woodland.
RangerSo beautiful to wake up to the sunrise on the lake. Perfect stop in our way .. great location for kids - there are 2 parks and little “beaches” with sand to play next to the lake
LegendThis is a adorable little campground near to a cute downtown bike trails and beach. It did look like somebody had been living here, even though there's a limit on how long you can stay. And it isn't necessarily a place one would choose to be a destination, but as a night through or if you wanna see downtown, it would work well for that.
Camping opportunities near Dawson, Minnesota center around the prairie landscape and riverside settings of the Minnesota River Valley. The region sees significant temperature variations, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows dropping well below freezing. Multiple campgrounds remain accessible year-round, with Dawson City Park offering full-hookup sites throughout all four seasons, while others operate seasonally from May through October.
Birdwatching during migrations: Visit Lac qui Parle State Park during spring and fall when thousands of birds create natural spectacles. "We camped here in July and it was a great experience, but apparently it is spectacular during the spring and fall migration seasons, because this area is a major stopover on the Red River/ Minnesota River flyway for migrating birds and waterfowl," notes Janet R.
Water activities: Launch boats from the lower campground at Lac qui Parle State Park for fishing or paddling. "Boat/canoe launch is in lower campground about 10 minutes from Upper Campground," mentions Renee H.
Hiking prairie trails: Explore rolling terrain on walking paths near Oraas County Park. "Beautifully maintained and quiet Park with a couple of trails to walk the pup on," writes Eric H. Most trails in the region offer easy terrain suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Clean facilities: Memorial Park in Granite Falls features recently updated amenities. "The campground is shady, quiet, and clean. The bathroom is remodeled and was very clean. There is a new pavilion and playground with a small Zipline," shares Bob B.
Stargazing opportunities: The open prairie setting creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "While the campground lacks privacy, its wide open skies provide wonderful stargazing on clear nights," reports Deanna J. about her experience at Lac qui Parle State Park.
Local dining options: When you need a break from campsite cooking, nearby towns offer welcoming establishments. "Nearby attractions in Montevideo include Talking Waters Brewery/taproom, Jake's pizza and Java River cafe," notes Renee H.
Cell service varies: Coverage can be inconsistent throughout the region. "Verizon cell signal is poor" at Lac qui Parle State Park, according to Renee H., while at Wegdahl Park, connectivity may be stronger due to its proximity to larger towns.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly after hatching periods. "The park and campground are nice, but the mosquitos weren't! Stayed right after a mosquito hatch sadly," warns Tori K. Bring appropriate repellent for comfort during your stay.
Limited shade at some sites: Several campgrounds feature open settings without significant tree cover. "The upper campground was open and I found a level campsite for the evening. Very few trees," reports Han E. This exposure creates both challenges (sun exposure) and benefits (better breezes).
Playground access: Prairie View RV Park & Campground offers updated facilities suitable for children. "Very clean and up to date facilities," notes David B.
Swimming options: During summer months, families can cool off at nearby public pools. Dawson City Park is "located next to the public pool and softball field," according to Kim H., making it convenient for families seeking recreation.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse ecosystem provides educational opportunities for children. "The openness was also great for watching groups of large birds (geese, turkey vultures, pelicans) wheeling overhead," shares Deanna J.
Site leveling requirements: Most campgrounds in the area feature relatively level pads requiring minimal adjustment. "Sites are gravel and relatively level, not much leveling required," confirms Renee H.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds, with some offering different amperage options. "Newer power 30 and 50 amp," is available at Memorial Park according to Lumpie C., who also notes the "Hard surface parking with grass surround and gravel picnic table area."
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, though not all. Timm County Park offers "Water and electricity at most sites. I think there is a dump station (we were in a tent)," reports Francesca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dawson, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dawson, MN is Lac qui Parle Upper Campground — Lac qui Parle State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dawson, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 dog-friendly camping locations near Dawson, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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