Dog-Friendly Camping near Granite Falls, MN

Memorial Park campground sits near the Minnesota River at an elevation of 920 feet in the river valley. The park features mature shade trees across its 13 sites and allows tent and RV camping from spring through fall. Most sites can accommodate smaller RVs, with newer 30 and 50-amp electrical service available at hard-surfaced parking areas surrounded by grass.

What to do

Trail hiking: Walk the paved paths from Memorial Park into Granite Falls where you can view the Minnesota River. Lac qui Parle State Park offers additional hiking trails with "grassy, rolling hills, trees, and lake views," according to Deanna J., though some trails may be inaccessible after storms.

Wildlife viewing: Observe migratory birds at Lac qui Parle, which means "lake that speaks" due to the thousands of birds during migration seasons. As Janet R. notes, "This area is a major stopover on the Red River/Minnesota River flyway for migrating birds and waterfowl."

Animal encounters: Visit the small zoo at Alexander Ramsey Park where you can see various animals. Chris L. describes it as a "great family place with all of the animals they have to feed including buffalo, goats, elk, geese, and prairie dogs!"

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Timm County Park, Francesca notes it's a "nice little county park" with "water and electricity at most sites," while Shane D. adds that it has a "nice set up, some shaded sites, some open."

Peaceful atmosphere: Several campgrounds offer quiet camping experiences. At Prairie View RV Park & Campground, David B. found it "very nice" with "easy full hook up's, and quite. Very clean and up to date facilities."

Waterfront access: Many campgrounds provide river or lake views and water recreation opportunities. At Oraas County Park, Jackie P. calls it a "hidden gem" with "water and electric hookups at each site" and notes that "each site had plenty of space."

What you should know

Site reservations: At Memorial Park, sites 1-7 are first-come, first-served, while sites 8-13 require reservations. Mary L. confirms this system, noting "sites one through seven are first come first serve, eight through 13 are reservations which you can get online."

Seasonal conditions: Mosquitoes can be problematic after rain or during certain seasons. At Lac qui Parle State Park, Tori K. warns that "mosquitos were awful" after staying "right after a mosquito hatch."

Park amenities: Some parks offer amenities beyond camping. Leni K. mentions that at Lagoon Park, "there's less than 10 sites, one half against the highway, the other backed to the disc golf course and swingset."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Memorial Park offers a playground with equipment for children. Jamison W. notes the park has a "brand new bathroom showers and more" while Bob B. mentions "a new pavilion and playground with a small Zipline."

Space considerations: Look for sites with adequate room for family setups. Jackie P. found at Oraas County Park that "each site had plenty of space" and they "happened to be the only one in the park all weekend, which was awesome."

Wildlife educational opportunities: Take advantage of the natural setting for wildlife education. At Alexander Ramsey Park, Josh B. mentions "lots of nice trails to walk" and a "small zoo that is well kept."

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions: RV sites at Memorial Park feature hard-surface parking with surrounding grass areas. Lumpie C. describes them as "hard surface parking with grass surround and gravel picnic table area" with "newer power 30 and 50 amp."

Level sites: Most sites at Memorial Park are relatively level, with Lumpie C. noting they are "fairly level sites" though there's "no satellite view in most sites."

Cell service: Connectivity varies by location. Memorial Park has "good att cell signal" according to Lumpie C., while at Lac qui Parle State Park, Renee H. reports that "Verizon cell signal is poor."