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 (163)

    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

    64 Reviews
    267 Photos
    331 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

    8 Reviews
    23 Photos
    52 Saves
    Moose Lake, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 / night

    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

    6. Wild River State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    131 Photos
    146 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 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

    7. Grand Casino RV Resort

    6 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 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 163 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Finlayson

Recent Reviews In Finlayson

476 Reviews of 163 Finlayson Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Isanti County Fairgrounds
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness of MN Campground
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Knife Island Campground
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minnesota National RV Park
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground
    August 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Savanna Portage State Park Campground
    August 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from The Backyard at Amnicon Lake
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rum River State Forest Dispersed
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sandrock Cliffs — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Lake
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    June 25, 2024

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Peaceful corner

    As a tent camper, i prefer quiet and private sights. The circle this site was part of, was just that. The walk to the updated bathrooms (with showers) is pretty pretty. It was buggy (mosquitoes) but fire and bug spray kept it manageable. The pit toilet next to site 18 had an occasional waft of smell but nothing too lingering or bad.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground
    June 15, 2024

    Banning State Park Campground

    Average State Park

    Nice campground well maintained. The water and subsequently bathrooms were not available but this information was available ahead of time of the state park website. The vault toilets were in great shape

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    June 15, 2024

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Beautiful Hiking

    The site was nice a secluded but still close to water and bathrooms. The downside to this specific site is that it is close to the group camp so it was pretty noisy.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Campground
    June 7, 2024

    Snake River Campground

    I think this place is great

    Friday afternoon 5:00 finished out my work day here. I've had great wireless I'm getting 5G Verizon believe it or not. We're the only ones here it is pretty rustic coming in so if your camper is very sensitive you need to take your time. But the river is going past it's lazy it's quiet I hope it stays quiet all nice and it's $20. Hi Summer might be hot most of the park spots are in the sun but if you had a tent you can find a shady spot down by the river. Their are mosquitoes this year and I don't think the four wheeler trails are highly used I was hoping there would be hiking trails we'll probably just stay one night because the limited walking and I won't go in the high grass with the ticks in the mosquitoes. But it's beautiful I'll upload some pictures in a video.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    June 2, 2024

    Father Hennepin State Park Campground

    This place is great

    Smaller campsite with less spaces but right on the waters edge which provides a breeze and keeps the bugs down. Wet spring so Kathoy was terrible but works here. Trails, town which has a grocery store, place to wash cloths and a place to trade out the books I've ready for a new set. Good connectivity so easy to work from with decent bathrooms.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
    June 2, 2024

    Mille Lacs Kathio Petaga Campground — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

    Nice enough spots but not my kind of park.

    I came in the spring it was a wet spring there were a lot of bugs. The trails are probably not maintained because it was so wet but they were almost impossible to hike on simply because of the amount of mosquitoes. The bathrooms are nice the camp spots were nice they had good signage for the archaeological stuff. It was just very hard to enjoy it because it was so overwhelmingly buggy.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Straight Lake State Park Campground
    May 29, 2024

    Straight Lake State Park Campground

    Rustic Camping Getaway

    This campground is a great option close to the Twin Cities.  There are small number of hike in camp sites with nearby water (Straight Lake).  The park offered carts to help pack in camping supplies.  The Ice Age Trail also runs next to this park.  The amount of mosquitos seemed higher than other Wisconsin locations.  The lake shore, when we visited, was blocked by lots of vegetation, geese droppings with one small access point which would be great for kayaks; however you can't expect much more since it is a rustic campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Father Hennepin State Park Campground
    May 27, 2024

    Father Hennepin State Park Campground

    Nice weekend spot

    Hiking was great, we saw an albino deer on the hiking club trail! Site was a bit tight for our travel trailer and a tight fit to back up on the pad. Recent rain had the campsites pretty muddy but the paved spaces were well maintained.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Washburn County Totogatic Park
    May 25, 2024

    Washburn County Totogatic Park

    Nice Family Campground

    Camped at site #34 on Oct 24, 2023. Camping is permitted from May 1-November 30. Electricity and all water systems, including shower buildings and flush toilets, were still turned on during our visit, even though the campground begins winterizing in mid-October. This county campground and its facilities are very well maintained & clean. We were able to reserve and pay online for our a site on the evening of our arrival. Did not come across a campground host. This is a large, wooded campground, and we were the only campers here. Our site had a nice view of Cranberry Lake; there was a deck behind our site. Our site was large with a dirt surface with electricity; not level, but doable in our van. Had a peaceful night. Two tables and a metal fire ring were at our site. I bet this campground is busy during the summer. I would camp here again. Pretty cool place!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pathfinder Village-St Croix
    March 31, 2024

    Pathfinder Village-St Croix

    Camp among the 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!



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 163 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.