Best Camping near Finlayson, MN

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Finlayson. Finlayson is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Finlayson camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Finlayson, MN (160)

    Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground

    1. Banning State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    157 Photos
    156 Saves
    Sandstone, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $24 - $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    2. Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    280 Photos
    333 Saves
    Carlton, Minnesota

    The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests and make for great camping near Minneapolis. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Visitors enjoy the scenic splendor of Jay Cooke State Park during all seasons.

    Drive-in Sites 79 Sites: Most are wooded sites. In winter, 12 sites are kept available for winter camping. Of these, five are electric sites.

    Pull-Through Sites: One Site

    Electric Sites: 21 Sites Majority of sites are 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp.

    RV Length Limit: Variable by site up to 60 Feet Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.

    Wheelchair Accessible Sites: 3 Sites Located near drinking water. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.

    Backpack Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located from 1 to 4 miles from parking area. Each site has picnic table, fire ring and latrine. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Trail access to these sites has been restored after a 2012 flood, but a few nearby trails remain closed. Please register at the park office for details on how to get to these sites.

    Walk-in Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located 50 to 150 feet from parking area.

    Group Camp: 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 25 people Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area (limited parking). Carts are provided to carry in camping gear. Water spigot and vault toilets available. Tents only. Lodging

    Camper Cabins: 5 Cabins All cabins have a screened porch. Electricity and heat are available year-round. Agate and Basalt cabins are ADA accessible and sleep 5. Slate, Gabbro, and Shale Cabins sleep 6 people. Pets not allowed in cabins. More information on camper cabins.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning RV Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning RV Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning RV Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning RV Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning RV Park and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning RV Park and Campground

    4. Banning RV Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    45 Photos
    11 Saves
    Finlayson, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground

    5. Moose Lake State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    30 Photos
    53 Saves
    Moose Lake, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Casino RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Casino RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Casino RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Casino RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Casino RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Casino RV Resort

    6. Grand Casino RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    15 Photos
    10 Saves
    Hinckley, Minnesota

    Pack up the kids and head to Grand Casino Hinckley’s RV Resort for a fantastic family vacation you’ll always remember! The RV park offers year-round camping, complete with 271 RV sites. Enjoy sitting around a campfire with the kids, get your game on at the basketball and volleyball courts, or head over to Grand Casino Hinckley and play your favorite slots. No matter what activities you decide to do, we’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay. One of the few RV resorts in Minnesota to receive a five-star rating in both “Facilities” and “Recreation”, we also landed on the list of Top Rated RV Parks in 2014, an elite group of RV parks rated by Good Sam’s RV Travel Guide and Campground Directory. Plus, we’re on the list of Top Family Parks in 2013 & 2014, which includes top family RV parks across the country.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild River State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild River State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild River State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild River State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild River State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild River State Park Campground

    7. Wild River State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    133 Photos
    148 Saves
    Taylors Falls, Minnesota

    The park provides opportunities for semi-modern camping, group camping, equestrian camping, backpack camping, and canoe camping. Visitors who want modern amenities can reserve the guest house which provides a living room, dining room, kitchen, and fireplace. The park also has six camping cabins which include bunkbeds, a table, and benches.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder

    8. Boulder

    10 Reviews
    23 Photos
    41 Saves
    Danbury, Wisconsin
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Robinson Park Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Robinson Park Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Robinson Park Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Robinson Park Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Robinson Park Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Robinson Park Camping

    9. Robinson Park Camping

    5 Reviews
    34 Photos
    29 Saves
    Sandstone, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Willow River
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow River
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow River
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow River
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow River
    Camper-submitted photo from Willow River
Showing results 1-10 of 160 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Finlayson

Recent Reviews in Finlayson

500 Reviews of 160 Finlayson Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park

    No service

    Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home. Forgot to take my usual photos and video of the site all set up but had a few random to share. Nice campground. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are flush toilets and showers and the office has a store for any last minute needs.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Great backpack site!

    such a fun backpack site! The hike in was muddy and buggy as there was quite a bit of rain in the weeks prior to our camping trip. Picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker provided. Site offers great vies of a little beaver pond where you may get to see some wildlife! Site was able to fit 4 backpacking tents, most of which were 2 person size tents, so it is good for a small group. Private latrine a short walk into the woods.

    Be sure to check trail conditions as one of the forks that could be taken to the campsite was flooded and closed.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pathfinder Village-St Croix
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Pathfinder Village-St Croix

    trees!!

    Lots of tall evergreen trees here that you are nestled in. Have to know a seasonal site holder to camp here. Sites can be a little tricky backing into because of the trees, but ultimately they have enough space even for large rigs(there were three of us there: 2 5th wheels and one longer travel trailer). A picnic table and fire ring was provided at each site. Nice easy road to navigate getting into the campground. Close to Hinckley if you're looking for things to do!

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Grand Casino RV Resort
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Grand Casino RV Resort

    best place

    Grand Casino RV Resort is an amazing getaway for outdoor lovers! To bring a bit of casino action to your downtime, check out https://aviator.download, a game that combines thrill and simplicity, perfect for a cozy evening by the campfire. It’s a fun way to experience some casino vibes right from your mobile device.

  • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Woods 'n Rapids RV Park
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Woods 'n Rapids RV Park

    This Campground is closed!

    I follow the directions to the spot for this campsite. When I got there there was no indication that it was an RV park or Campground. I called the number listed here and got the owner of the former Campground. He told me that it's no longer open.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park

    Beautiful, LARGE State Park

    The park is VERY LARGE, 33,000 acres! The prairie was beautiful this fall with all the native grasses and plants.

    There is a flat, brand new 5 mile paved bicycle path that goes from the campground to the beach. Many hiking trails! The trails along the river are beautiful in October.

    The campgrounds, trails, and bathrooms are all well maintained. The men’s bathroom/showers were designed and built well and is very clean. Bath building has a large “family/handicap” bathroom shower room.

    MANY BLACK Squirrels in the park!

  • Katherine T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild River State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Wild River State Park Campground

    Solid option with star gazing

    This is a solid state park offering. The sites are decently spaced with good tree cover. Noise seemed to travel between sites, I had some loud neighbors during the day but they settled down before quiet hours. The grass was easy to get tent stakes into. Bathrooms were your basic state park situation. Clean with warm showers so no complaints from me. The star gazing area was great! Intermittently had 1-2 bars of T-Mobile with LTE Internet. Wi-Fi is available at the park entrance.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Moose Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful & Quiet

    Very well laid out campground with large sites. Unbelievable AGATE MUSEUM at the main entrance. Men’s bathroom was very clean and showers worked great. Nice well groomed trails, well maintained campsites and campgrounds. Tall pines trail is beautiful, not real long. Nice picnic area on the trail across the blacktop road.

  • Briana H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Valley Camping
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Buffalo Valley Camping

    Clean, amazing staff, great bar & grill!

    We loved this campground! We didn’t have a long enough hose for the water hookup, so Darrel (the manager) brought one out immediately and we could keep it all night. All the staff was so nice and welcoming. Campground was so clean and nice trails to walk around. The bar & grill had great food and service. 10/10!

  • gary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Isanti County Fairgrounds
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Isanti County Fairgrounds

    Fun at the fairgrounds.

    Very nice clean well kept grounds. Always things going at the fairgrounds,we missed the flea market by 1 day. Great places to eat in the area. We were visiting family nearby and they could come visit us for picnics with no problems and no extra cost. Very friendly grounds keepers. Will be back again when in the area. We had a nice view of the little lake.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness of MN Campground
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Wilderness of MN Campground

    Nice camping near Mille Lacs Lake

    The campground was nicely maintained. Had a nice pool and friendly seasonal campers. The management and reservation process was less than desirable. Very difficult to get ahold of management and upon arrival they had given our reserved site away to someone else and moved us. Paid for a water/ electric site and were moved to an electric only site and no cost difference or refund offered.

  • Wayne W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Knife Island Campground
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Knife Island Campground

    Tight

    Overall a very nice camp for a 4 day. Roads are tight for 30+ rigs. Very rutted. Having a ground guide for the tight parking is a must. Reviews dont mention the 4am horn blowing train. Great time had here.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Minnesota National RV Park
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Minnesota National RV Park

    Golf is the Thing Here

    As this was our second time here at Minnesota National, we had no problem finding the course or RV park. The RV navigation in our new Ford 450 was also spot on. When you turn in at the golf course, drive all the way to the club house/lodge parking lot and there’s a road to the right that takes you into the campground (CG). As you check-in online prior to arrival, you simply proceed to your camp site. As you turn down the short road to the CG, there’s a sign to help you identify your site location. We proceeded to back-in site 25 with full hook ups. The utilities are in the back of pad in this CG, so you may need 20+ feet of electric, sewer, or water cord/hose depending on your rig’s configuration. The sewer grade is a bit up hill. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon and no CG WiFi. There is only a vault toilet/out house in the CG. We came here to golf for two weeks. The 18 hole course is quite challenging where the 9 hole Savannah is shorter and a little bit easier. The golf course restaurant has decent food and a good deal on draft beer during their Sunday to Thursday Happy Hours.There is not much more to do here except golf. McGregor is about 15 minutes away and is where we did laundry and got our groceries.

  • Maggie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Jubilee Homestead
    Aug. 23, 2024

    The Jubilee Homestead

    Lovely place and people!

    We are excited to go back to the Farm! Wonderful atmosphere and if there are any hiccups the hosts are super reasonable and kind, great communication. They gave a warm welcoming and tour right away then left us to our peace. All animals who were out and about were friendly. The grounds were kept very tidy and well put together by any farm standard! I felt very safe letting my 5yr old run around with the other campers and be around the animals.

  • Bjoern C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Spirit Mountain Campground

    Good site to explore duluth

    The camp site was big enough for our car and our 6 person tent. The office had weird opening ours. I would recommend getting ice and wood at the nearby gas station. Overall a quiet campground. Was a pleasant experience

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Hike in site: Highland

    The campsite was perfectly good: nice and spacious over looking the river. It is well off the main hiking trail and quite private. The view of the river is heavily obstructed and there really is no easy and safe way down the cliff to the river. Still it is nice to hear the river. You need to bring on drinking water, otherwise you need to go about 1/8 of a mile to a small creek to get filterable water.

    The hike in is easy, but once you are off the main trail (the first mile) the trail is grass—be prepared for lots of ticks.

  • Lindsay T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Savanna Portage State Park Campground
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Savanna Portage State Park Campground

    Savanna Portage Long Weekend

    Lovely sites with plenty of trees so most sites are quite private. Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail and to a somewhat lesser degree in the campground. We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit. No Verizon cell service at the campground. Surprisingly good cell service at the Loon Lake area of the park, which also has a beautiful short hike!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from The Backyard at Amnicon Lake
    Aug. 4, 2024

    The Backyard at Amnicon Lake

    Lovely couple of nights

    A last-minute change in our travel plans found us in the Lake Superior area with no camping reservations. We secured a tent site (T-1) here and were quite pleased. The site was private and level, and close to a shower area and laundry, both of which we sorely needed. As an added plus, the restaurant offered an opportunity for a hearty meal and drinks. The pizza here was great, as were the cheese curds, and the hospitality was wonderful. The owner gave us good advice on a drive up the North Shore of Superior.

    If we found ourselves in the area again, we'd return here for sure.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Rum River State Forest Dispersed

    Secluded, Quiet, Good Cell Coverage, Bugd

    There are many different sites (most just pull offs) in this area! I did see one that was pull through further down game refuge road. The cell service with Verizon is good enough to stream videos and work on your laptop with ease. There aren't too many people in the area, even on a Sunday in July. The bugs are not great but that's just what you're going to get in an area like this one. Overall I would definitely stay here again.

  • Joslyn H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Trashed, No peace or quiet.

    This campsite is about an hour away from where I live. The listing here on The Dyrt seemed promising, and I hoped that by getting out there early I would find a nice spot. I first went to the National Park Service Scenic Riverway Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls to obtain a permit and learned that I don't need one for Sandrock Cliffs, I was already there so I got one anyway. About 40 minutes later I arrived at Sandrock Cliffs. The campsites all have a fire ring and are decently spaced apart, but most of the sites were full of trash and broken tent poles. There was a large group of kids that arrived by canoe/kayak just after I did. Soon the parking lot was also full of cars of some shady looking people who appeared to be looking for a spot to party. The kids seemed to have deterred these people from staying. I set up my camp and started to read a book. The kids began running through my campsite and upset my dog. After 3 times of them running through my campsite I just packed up and went home. Since this spot is accessible by road I'm assuming that its best not to visit in the summer, it seems to be a place that gets abused by the locals as a party area. I may consider visiting again in the fall when it is hopefully less busy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Lake
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Sandy Lake

    Small clean park with active host and rangers

    Base camp for fishing Big Sandy. Stayed here several times in a tent and a trailer. Nice sites but surrounded by swampy areas so mosquitoes are thick.

    Very clean, pay attention to north or south entrance. Have to drive on either end can’t cross the dam with a vehicle.

    But firewood before hand as well.

  • Stacey N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Pattison State Park Campground

    Lovely!

    The only drawback for us is the 6 hour drive! Huge, wonderful pull thru sites. Wooded for privacy. Easy access to bath and shower rooms from most anywhere. Lots of places to fill water bottles, too. Highly recommend and one of the smartest laid out campgrounds we’ve seen.



Guide to Finlayson

Camping near Finlayson, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Banning State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Great trails," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Enjoy fishing at Moose Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "We were catching very small catfish and river chub faster than we could set our reels," highlighting the fun for families.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for unique wildlife at Father Hennepin State Park Campground. One visitor spotted an "albino deer on the hiking club trail," making for an unforgettable experience.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Riverview Campground noted, "The showers and bathrooms were very clean."
  • Secluded Campsites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by the sites. A camper at St. Croix State Forest - Boulder said, "The sites were big and felt fairly secluded."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Banning RV Park and Campground remarked, "Nice people and super helpful."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A reviewer at Riverview Campground warned, "We used 40% deet spray and fogged our campsite 3x over the 3 days."
  • Water Access: Some campgrounds, like Banning State Park Campground, have limited water access. One camper advised, "BRING DRINKING WATER! The water is VERY RUSTY!"
  • Site Size: Campsite sizes can vary. A visitor at Grand Casino RV Resort mentioned, "The sites are decent sized, with a few scattered trees."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. One reviewer at South Isle Family Campground said, "They have many activities on the weekends designed for children and family."
  • Swimming Pools: Consider campgrounds with pools for hot days. A camper noted, "The in-ground heated pool makes lots of fun" at South Isle Family Campground.
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A visitor at The Jubilee Homestead shared, "I felt very safe letting my 5yr old run around with the other campers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Site Selection: Choose sites that are easy to access. A reviewer at Grand Casino RV Resort mentioned, "Back-in site was 90 degrees to the road," which made parking tricky.
  • Bring Extra Hoses: If you're staying at campgrounds with shared water hookups, bring extra hoses. A camper at Banning RV Park and Campground found that the water hookup was "so far away" they needed to buy another hose.
  • Check Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. A visitor at Moose Lake State Park Campground appreciated the "vault toilets throughout the campground."

Camping near Finlayson, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to prepare for the local wildlife and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Finlayson, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Finlayson, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 160 campgrounds and RV parks near Finlayson, MN and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Finlayson, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Finlayson, MN is Banning State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Finlayson, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Finlayson, MN.

  • What parks are near Finlayson, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Finlayson, MN that allow camping, notably Saint Croix National Scenic River and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.