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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Detroit Lakes, MN

309 Reviews

Country Campground provides shady, level sites where pets are welcome at all 30 full-hookup spaces. Spots include concrete pads for picnic tables with gravel pads for RVs and fifth wheels. The Detroit Lakes area campgrounds maintain various pet policies while offering amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to clean facilities. Maplewood State Park Campground accommodates pets in tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping units with hiking trails ideal for dog walks. Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort features a sandy beach and swimming area where many campers bring their dogs. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed, supervised, and properly cleaned up after. The family-owned Valhalla Resort offers a more rustic, primitive camping experience while still allowing pets in tent sites, RV areas, and cabins.

Buffalo River State Park Campground permits pets at its campsites from April through November with electric hookups and access to sanitary facilities. The North Country Trail passes near several pet-friendly camping areas, providing extensive hiking opportunities for campers with dogs. Trails wind through woods, prairies, and around lakes, though horse droppings remain on some shared pathways. Many sites offer sufficient privacy between camping spots with trees and shrubs providing natural separation. Weather considerations include mid-July bug activity which can affect both humans and pets. Proper food storage is essential as some campgrounds experience active raccoons. The American Legion Park campground operates seasonally from May through September with pets allowed at their tent and RV sites, offering convenient access to Detroit Lakes' veterinary services and pet supply options.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota (73)

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Detroit Lakes, MN

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Detroit Lakes, MN

309 Reviews of 73 Detroit Lakes Campgrounds

  • J
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Country Campground

    Family campground

    Very Clean, very friendly. Sites are level and have shade. Laundry available. Game room with pool, shuffle board, ping pong and more. Quiet Detroit Lakes is nearby and worth a visit.

  • Susan M.
    Jul. 17, 2020

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    So so. Close to Fargo/Moorhead though

    Buffalo river is not our favorite State Park but it is close to family and friends in the Fargo Morehead area. For the most part it’s just really mosquitoey. Make sure you bring bug spray. The campsites aren’t quite as spread out as some of the other state parks and it’s not as wooded as you’re in the plains. some of the sites have more trees than others.

    We will go back because it’s convenient. You are also fairly close to the Detroit Lakes area. That is a fun place to visit and do some shopping.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Country Campground

    Got it Right

    Karen and Todd, who own and run this lovely campground Come from the background of service. Their attention to all the details are everywhere. The upkeep and the maintenance of all the sites is impeccable. They also supply aged hardwoods for the benefit of controlling the fires, but the wood is perfect for cooking if you so choose, I love cooking on an open fire so I appreciated it on a personal level.

    Karin’s grandfather took this property from a farmland, planted all the trees. which give ample shade for many of the sites. There are two playgrounds in a field. Chipper golf, ladder golf, horseshoes, basket ball & volleyball courts. Laundry room and a rec room that has pool table, foosball, ping pong and shuffleboard. There are showers available as well.

    My favorite surprise in addition to everything else she does she bakes homemade sourdough bread on certain nights. Which you can order the toppings and select ingredients. Sweet or Savory I went with Parnassian/garlic. Fresh right from the oven with Irish butter perfection for this foodie!

    All 30 the sites have water, power and sewage, picnic table and fire rings.

    Detroit Lake area is also one of the sightings of Thomas Danbo troll sculptures which require a mile walk.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2019

    Deer Park Lake Backcountry Campsite — Itasca State Park

    Ranger Review: Mountain House Hash at Itasca's Deer Park Lake

    CAMPGROUND REVIEW

    Itasca State Park is a primo destination in northern Minnesota for folks interested in exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi River. There are several campgrounds, group camps, cabins and lodge accomodations in the park that suit most visitors. But for folks who want a wilderness experience while at the headwaters, there are miles of wilderness trails in the backcountry area on the southern end of the park—and there are campsites and Adirondack shelters scattered throughout the myriad glacial lakes of this backcountry, enough so that you could backpack by foot or on snowshoes or cross country skis for a week through the territory, staying at a different lakes every night. April in Minnesota means we are still winter camping—but despite the snow, the sun is bright and warm, and it is great to get out into it. The park is at its peak of solitude in the winter, but if you can find a way to get to a campsite, they are open and reservable. This review is for Remote Campsite 11, located on an isthmus between Coffee Break Lake and Deer Park Lake. It is a several mile hike in from the nearest parking areas, either via Mary Kake and the Ozawindib Trail, or via the Deer Park Trail from Douglas Lodge. The trail is rolling and maintained for cross country skiers, snowshoers and snowhikers in the winter. This campsite is located just past the Ozawindib Adirondack Shelter, which is a good backup if its too windy or cold at the campsite. The campsite itself is down a hill by the lakeshore, between two lakes actually, on a rise that overlooks both. There is an additional campsite nearby on the south end of Deer Park Lake, campsite 10. There is a tent pad sheltered under the tall pines (and currently under the snow!) as well as a fire ring and an outhouse. There is no water provided, but a large bucket is available, so you can get lake water and filter it, or melt snow or bring your own. This is a great location for folks who like winter camping as the trek in is only a few miles, I was able to do it easily carrying a backpack of gear on my back, and a front pack with my dog when she got tired if trudging through the snow. And of course it is an easy hike in during the milder snow-free seasons. The site is scenic, pristine, and largely sheltered from the wind. The vista north over Coffee Break Lake would be awesome for viewing northern lights, this is a dark sky part of the park. It can get a little muddy in the transition season, including around the campfire area, so we hung out at the Adirondack shelter nearby and did our cooking there.

    To see a map and reserve a back country campsite at Itasca, check this link:

    https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/Facilities/AdvanceSearch.aspx

    For more info on Remote Camping in Minnesota State Parks, see this link: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/remote_camping.html

    For general info on Itasca State Park, go to the homepage: www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage

    PRODUCT REVIEW

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I ocasionally get camping products to test out. Today I am testing Mountain House Southwest Breakfast Hash https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/product/spicy-southwest-breakfast-hash.html

    Mountain House makes lightwieght, freeze-dried trail meals that are "cooked" in their own pouches using only boiling water. The sealed pouches are durable and lightwieght to carry, and the no-fuss no-muss prep of adding boiling water and letting it stand for 4 minutes in the re-sealable pouch is really easy. Since I was carrying my gear on my back, and carrying my tired little dog in a front pack carrier, I certainly didnt want to have extra weight! But these meal pouches are so light you hardly know you are carrying them. This pouch of SW breakfast hash had more than enough for two people plus some leftover for the dog, we served it up on tortillas that we had also packed, but you could eat it straight up. The hash featured beans, corn, potatoes, veggies and shredded beef for a well rounded complete meal as is, but you could extend the servings by scrambling it with eggs to dish up for a larger group. The taste and texture were surprisingly good, tasty without being too spicy, and I would defintiely buy this again. See our video review at https://youtu.be/nB9lBmjUsqU

  • P
    Aug. 12, 2020

    Bear Paw Campground — Itasca State Park

    Trees and lake are beautiful

    We had electric site and easily fit our 27 foot trailer. Beautiful campground. Lots of biking and hiking trails. Pets allowed.

  • Kristi D.
    Jul. 7, 2023

    Buffalo River State Park Campground

    Lovely campground

    Nice and clean campground with the best bathrooms we have been too...

    good trail system with a walk through the prairie and/or by the river..the weather was perfect when we came, 75 and a breeze...

    We had an incident with our cat. Cat got loose and everyone worked as a team to get him found. People were walking and looking for him. Posters went up around the grounds. We left our # with two campgrounds and as soon as they saw him 8 hours after he went missing, they called us and kept him contained. We appreciate everyone and their kind acts...

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Pine Ridge Campground — Itasca State Park

    Can’t skip the Headwaters

    • This is the headwaters of the Mississippi, which is a neat experience.
    • Itasca Rentals is here. This is a great option for pontoon, kayak, canoe, SUP, bike, and child/ pet carrier rentals.
    • TONS of hiking throughout the massive park.
    • The wilderness drive is very scenic.
    • Some k the best hiking included: preacher’s grove and the fire tower
    • This would be a great location to host an event such as a family reunion, because there is something for everyone.
    • Very nice playgrounds for the kids.
  • D
    Sep. 5, 2020

    The Wilds Resort & Campground

    Amazing resort off the beaten path

    What an amazing find and diamond in the rough! This resort is amazing, quiet, clean, friendly people, and pet friendly! Only a 3 mile ride down the gravel to get to ATV trails, and a premium gas pump to fill up with when you get back at the resort after riding. Private boat launch and swimming beach make it fun for the kids and convenient for dad to dock his boat to go fishing. Will definitely book a stay here again, soon!

  • Brenda N.
    Aug. 21, 2019

    Mantrap Lake Campground and Day-Use Area

    Primitive

    This campground is in Paul Bunyan State Forest. First come, first serve. No ATVs are allowed, perfect if you have young kids on bikes. There are no hook ups at all. Must have a generator for power. Water is available but not at every site. Pets are allowed. Outside toilets are clean. This is a quiet camp ground. The site includes a table and fire ring. There is no place to dock your boat over night. Keep in mind these sites are only $14 a night. There is a host but no security. There are signs up warning about bears.

Guide to Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes, Minnesota offers numerous camping options surrounding its 412 lakes within a 25-mile radius. The region features elevations ranging from 1,300-1,600 feet with glacial hills and mixed forest ecosystems. Summer temperatures typically range between 75-85°F during peak camping season from June through August, with higher humidity levels often bringing afternoon thunderstorms.

What to do

Beach swimming and recreation: Country Campground provides easy access to water activities with "two playgrounds in a field. Chipper golf, ladder golf, horseshoes, basket ball & volleyball courts," as Joshua G. mentions. The camp also offers indoor recreation options including "a rec room that has pool table, foosball, ping pong and shuffleboard."

Hiking trail exploration: The North Country Trail offers extensive hiking options near several campgrounds. Will H. notes that Maplewood State Park Campground is "easily a contender for best hiking trails in the MN state parks state system. This western park offers miles of hiking with the North Country Trail weaving throughout." Families can enjoy "lots of walking trails as some fishing spots as well," according to Leslie R.

Fall foliage viewing: Schedule autumn trips for spectacular color displays. Charles H. describes Maplewood State Park as "Imaculate" and recommends visitors "Visit in the fall," while Denise D. highlights the "Lots of maple tree's red,orange colors in fall" that make the area a scenic destination for September and October camping trips.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Buffalo River State Park Campground offers well-designed sites where "half the loop backing up against the prairie (lower numbers) and the other half backing up against the woods (higher numbers). Well spaced sites, with some screening between sites," according to Patrick M. The campground features "spacious and nicely kept" sites with convenient access to facilities.

Swimming areas: Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort earns praise for its "Large sandy beach and beautiful swimming area," with Travis L. noting the "huge parking and play area for kids." Shari M. adds that "it has a long strip of a beach but spaces are close. Lots of boats on the beach!"

Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained nature of local campgrounds. StaceeQ Q. describes Buffalo River State Park as "the best kept state park I have seen" with "not a scrap of trash the restrooms clean and well stocked." Karen & John L. found Country Campground to have "bathrooms are sparking clean" with hosts who are "very friendly and helpful."

What you should know

Bug activity: Prepare for seasonal insect populations, particularly in mid-summer. Sophia P. warns that at Buffalo River State Park there are "tons of mosquitos though make sure you have spray" even though the campsite itself was "spacious and nicely kept."

Connectivity options: The Wilds Resort & Campground and other locations offer varying levels of cell service and WiFi. Lee G. notes that at Long Lake Campsite they "worked full time from a spot by the main office and their onsite WiFi was pretty fast ~50/10 mbps." In contrast, many more remote camping areas have limited or no connectivity.

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Detroit Lakes region require advance booking during peak summer months (June-August). Country Campground's 30 full-hookup sites fill quickly according to multiple reviews, while Buffalo River's electric sites should be reserved well in advance for weekend stays.

Tips for camping with families

Rustic camping options: For families wanting a more primitive experience, Valhalla Resort offers a back-to-basics approach. Paula P. shares that "We go tenting here. It's our favorite place so far. It's very rustic and lovely." Lacie B. adds that the "Friendly family owned" resort provides a "Rustic, primitive, and beautiful!" experience.

Beginner-friendly sites: The 400th Ave Camp along the North Country Trail provides an ideal introduction to camping for families with young children. Amy G. describes it as "a glorious little site nested in the trees" that's "close enough to the parking area it's a breeze to get to" yet feels secluded, making it "a great place to camp with kiddos to get them used to the woods!"

Kid-friendly amenities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Detroit Lakes feature playgrounds and recreational facilities. At Country Campground, James notes it's "Very Clean, very friendly" with a "Game room with pool, shuffle board, ping pong and more," making it ideal for families with children of various ages.

Tips from RVers

Level site availability: Country Campground receives consistent praise for its site quality with Marilyn mentioning "Green grass on our site while the table sits on a concrete slab. Gravel for 5th wheel and truck to sit on." The campground provides "Beautiful mature trees providing shade" that are "Well trimmed so no worries of tearing the awning."

Accessibility considerations: Douglas B. notes that Long Lake Campsite-RV Resort "probably has 20% more trailers in place than need be. Over-crowded" but adds that "If you are a family w little kids, it could be great." Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Detroit Lakes vary in spacing and privacy levels for RVs.

Off-peak advantages: Campers report significant differences in crowding and atmosphere during weekdays versus weekends. Delanie J. describes Buffalo River State Park as having "Great facilities, a nice state park close to Fargo" that's particularly peaceful during off-peak times when the campground is less crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Detroit Lakes, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Detroit Lakes, MN is Country Campground with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Detroit Lakes, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Detroit Lakes, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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