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Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers a highly-rated dog park along the Crow River, drawing many pet owners for day outings and overnight stays. The campground has designated group sites with mature trees ideal for hammock setup. Most camping areas provide toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. The Minneapolis Northwest KOA, another pet-friendly option, includes a fenced K9 area among its amenities, along with full hookups and clean grounds. Baker Park Reserve and Three Rivers Park District feature spacious campsites with well-maintained shower facilities and bathrooms. The sites remain secluded despite busy weekends, making them suitable for campers seeking privacy with their pets.
Dogs particularly enjoy the extensive trail systems throughout these parks. The single track trail at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve offers 13.25 miles of path with varying skill levels for adventurous dogs and their owners. Many campgrounds connect to paved biking trails that double as excellent dog walking routes. Campers report minimal bug issues in wooded areas, contrary to cautionary tales from other visitors. Several parks feature beaches where dogs can swim or cool off after hikes, though rules vary by location. Baker Park's multiple swimming beaches provide opportunities for water-loving dogs, with separate areas for campground users and day visitors. Horse trails at Crow Hassan create additional exploration possibilities for active pets, with hitching posts available at the equestrian-friendly camping areas.
"One of our kids & her husband live in Minneapolis, a sister & several nieces & nephews live close by."
"Baker Park near Minneapolis Minnesota was a our camp choice for inexpensive camping on the last leg of our Minnesota vacation in 2017."
from $21 - $29 / night
Check Availability"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
"The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."
"For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."
"I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
"We picked this spot as we had dogs with and liked that there was a row of trees where we could tie them away from the fire . Would be a GREAT lot for multiple hammocks. "
from $50 / night
Check Availability"I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!"
"Do a 180 on the trail and she is happy to trot away from the trailer."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"I was very happy with the trails and accommodations available to me, during my stay."
"It has a golf course, a restaurant is on the grounds, there is a stable with horses/ponies that you can take guided trail rides on, a water park(it is called The Beach, which was very confusing for us"
from $20 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home😁"
"When I first pulled in I checked out the single track trail area first and the parking lot was full of mountain bikers. "
"This campground even has 2 walking/hike-in campsites to give your avid campers a real out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind if feel, like you drove hundreds if miles to get away from the hustle and bussle"
"But the Eady walk to the lake, sitting on the dock or the grass and swimming III m the water are a great way to destress."
from $15 - $18 / night
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TravelerLebanon hills has everything for the family. Schultz Beach for summer fun. Professional built mtn bike trails for adventure. Camping in Minnesota suburbs. Miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross country ski trails. . perfect for my family's weekend Stay-cation
GuideI never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!
GuideThis is a nice city campground with lovely views of the Rum River. There is a nice playground with a small climbing wall, benches to sit looking over the river. Picnic tables and a shelter are great for eating at. There is a dog park just across the river, within easy walking distance.
LegendSmall little campground next to large casino. We lucked out and were able to stay 2 nights without reservations….only had to move because they were fully booked for the 4th…large concert event happening across the street. You will need to call early in the day to talk to office staff…who are very friendly. If after hours and there are no spots, you can dry dock in large lot in front of office. There is fuel on site as well as RV wash station. Bath house and laundry and card controlled ($5 card deposit on check in)…well maintained facilities. Dog park available, watch a few spots in fence near bottom where fencing has risen up…little dogs could easily climb under. Very convenient for visiting Minneapolis…25/30 minutes from airport/Mall of America (Aquarium) and Security patrols regularly and there is shuttle if you want to visit casino. Pool at hotel is not included. Golf attraction is being completed next door so there was some construction traffic during day as expected.
GuideSites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground.
LegendThis was such a great spot! The campground is so nice and quiet!
Located 50 Miles NW of Minneapolis, and only 15 Miles from St. Cloud, MN.
ScoutWe called for an RV site but they don't allow pets.
GuideWe stayed here for a weekend in May. The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites. There are a lot of mature trees that help with the shade! The beach area is nice, but the only problem is that boaters and kayaks are in the same general area so you have to be careful so you don't get hit. There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee. If you want to walk the whole campground having a golf cart would be nice. Also there is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website or the campground maps. We went there partly because there was a petting zoo for the little kids. Seems lazy to me that they can't update the website or the campground maps.
TravelerWe just found this campground in September and this year we've been there 3 times and we live in Montana, there's no place I'd rather stay. It has nice clean bathrooms and it's a great place to walk your pets, they do have 3 different areas to camp but we always use the full hook-ups
The people at check-in are always so friendly, and very helpful.
lots of things in the area to do, and the "city" isn't that far to drive to.
Pet-friendly camping options abound within 30 miles of Hanover, Minnesota, situated in the glacial moraine region of central Minnesota where sandy soil and mixed hardwood forests create distinctive camping experiences. Lake Maria State Park sits at 1,100 feet elevation with backpack-only campsites that range from 0.5 to 1 mile from parking areas, while other nearby campgrounds offer drive-in options with varying levels of privacy and amenities.
Hike the single track trails: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve features a 13.25-mile single track trail system with different skill levels. "Big park! Great for birding and walking trails! One of my favorite places to go near home," writes Alison O. Another camper notes, "This has an amazing beach. Great Trails. Sweet single track for mountain biking."
Try equestrian camping: Crow Hassan Park Reserve offers dedicated horse camping. "This campground is nicely maintained and has nice mature trees that a lot of people set up hammocks in. The vault toilet near the barn is nice, there are no showers," explains Krista T. The park provides "hitching posts" for horses and "the road into this group site only is wide enough for one vehicle at a time."
Enjoy water recreation: During summer months, cool off at campgrounds with swimming beaches. Bunker Hills Regional Park includes a water park with a wave pool. "The swim area was cool after a hot day and the beach was gently sloping and smooth," says Sarah S. about Lake Auburn Campground.
Secluded backpacking sites: Lake Maria State Park appeals to those seeking solitude. "Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one...about a half-mile walk from the parking area, and the journey in is half the magic: winding wooded trails, wildflowers, and glimpses of the lake through the trees," says Alison O. Another camper adds, "I went the whole weekend without seeing a single person."
Clean facilities: Baker Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" remarks Jennifer H. Another visitor echoes: "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)."
Winter camping options: Unlike some areas that close seasonally, select campgrounds remain open year-round. "Appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites. Most if not all sites are in the woods from what I could tell so there is a lot of leaves," writes Brian K. about winter camping at Lake Maria State Park.
Bug conditions vary by location: While the existing description mentions minimal bugs in wooded areas, experiences differ widely. At Lake Maria, one camper warns, "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon...First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos."
Poison ivy prevalence: Sand Dunes State Forest has significant poison ivy. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy," cautions Kari P. Another camper adds, "Poison ivy is everywhere—avoid off-trail wandering."
Cell service limitations: At more remote locations, expect limited connectivity. "Bring a journal and some good company—your phone's chances are slim. Recent check-ins confirm unreliable cell coverage, even for Verizon," reports one camper about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Minneapolis Northwest KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "It has a small pool and game room but not much else for kids. The bugs are aggressive here, especially near the tent sites which are located near a swampy area," notes Zach H.
Consider weekend availability: Some less-known campgrounds offer better weekend booking options. One camper explains about Bunker Hills: "Based on the lack of Dyrt reviews and the overabundance of weekend availability for this campground, it might be a nice option for you to get camping even if you are a state-park-loving metro dweller like me."
Look for beach access: Lake Auburn Campground provides swimming opportunities. "Great playground and green space for the kids, beach is very nice. Bathrooms are clean," reports Amy K. Another visitor adds, "The playground is awesome for all ages as it accommodates something for all ages."
Call ahead for site preferences: At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, don't rely solely on online booking systems. One RVer advises, "If I wanted one with trees I needed to put a note on my reservation. He also suggested calling the office and requesting a site with trees."
Check electrical options: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Hanover offer electrical hookups. "30' class C motor home. Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides. Campsites are nice, mowed, gravel parking," notes Andy L. about Ann Lake Campground.
Site spacing considerations: Most RV sites provide adequate space but offer limited privacy. "The KOA was nice and clean but your packed in on top of each other like sardines in a can," cautions Sarah C. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA, while another camper notes, "This is an ok spot for a stop on the way somewhere else."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hanover, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hanover, MN is Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve with a 4.5-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hanover, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 75 dog-friendly camping locations near Hanover, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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