106 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Hill River State Forest dispersed camping provides free tent and RV sites that welcome pets throughout the wooded area. Sites are spread along 640th lane, with primitive spots at road bends and dead ends. Visitors report quiet, secluded camping, though the winding dirt road can be challenging after rain. Quadna Mountain Campground offers full-service sites with pets allowed, complete with electric hookups, sewer connections, and shower facilities. The campground connects directly to hundreds of miles of ATV trails while remaining close enough to town for supplies. Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area features pet-friendly tent, RV, and cabin options along Big Sandy Lake with personal docks at waterfront sites.
Pets need to be leashed throughout these campgrounds, with Sandy Lake providing the most amenities including plumbed bathrooms, showers, and fish cleaning facilities. Hill River requires self-sufficiency as it lacks water, toilets, and trash service—ideal for those seeking true dispersed camping with dogs. Several reviewers note that while mosquitoes can be thick in the swampy areas surrounding Sandy Lake, the well-maintained grounds and active campground hosts make up for it. The area's lakes provide excellent water access for dogs who enjoy swimming, though muddy shores at sites like Blackberry Campsite can make boat or canoe landings challenging. For winter camping with pets, travelers should note most established campgrounds close seasonally, with Sandy Lake operating from May through September.
"I wouldn't recommend any trailers unless you have 4x4 and the trailer is set up for offroad. Ideally, this is a better straight vehicle spot. There are numerous spots off the road to camp."
"Quiet little place, far enough away from too many things to make you feel like you're in town but anything you need is a hop skip and jump away."
from $45 - $119 / night
Check Availability"Pokegema Dam This is a campground established by the Army Corps of Engineers, adjacent to the Pokegama Dam."
"The Pokegama Dam & Recreation Area is a small but comfortable campground just minutes from Grand Rapids, Minnesota."
from $14 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This campground is in a sweet location on the banks of hisotric and beautiful Big Sandy lake. There are standard tent and RV sites, as well as camper cabin options."
"Tip - drinking water in the North Campground is not at the dump station, but on the other end near the boat launch."
from $16 - $60 / night
Check Availability"That said, this one is a canoe campsite, so in order to get to this one, you have to be on the Mississippi River in Minnesota."
"It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching."
"There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite. I tried to hike around the lake but ran into several impassable spots bc of a recent rain."
from $22 - $120 / night
Check Availability"As are most of the campsites in upper Minnesota this time of year, the owner told me they were closed. But he was happy to let me stay overnight for a reduced off-season fee."
"Beautiful spot, kind of secluded away from the rest of the campers but not tucked away by any means. Right on the lake. Grills are at all the tent sites but we used the fire."
from $25 - $3000 / night
Check Availability"Along the river, there are many "free" sites that are maintained by the DNR in Minnesota."
"About a 25 minute drive west of Grand Rapids, MN, Schoolcraft State Park is a less-often visited park that makes up for its lack of hiking trails and in-park amenities with cozy, quiet charm."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $16 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Love the lake, spacious campsites, and there is a trout lake right up the road!"
from $17 / night
Check Availability
TravelerA great little campground right near the town (easy to bike in for coffee or beer) but it feels like you're deep in the northwoods! Some sites are better than others in terms of privacy. The bathrooms were always clean. Situated right on a quarry with fun fishing and kayaking opportunities. Connects to the mountain bike trails too! They do charge for pets.
LegendAt a rate of$40 a night for camping here with all the amenities of a resort, this is a pretty good deal! Campers have access to the heated pool, free use of canoes and kayaks, there is a camp store and bait shop, showers and bathrooms and indoor recreation facilities in the lodge, and a boat launch(though you do have to pay extra to reserve docking space). The campsites are pet friendly too. However, the campsites are a bit close together and would not be my favorite way to camp. For paddlers crossing Lake Winnie on the Mississippi Headwaters Water Trail, this is a convenient place to camp, with easy pull out to the southwest side of the Winnie dam, and more amenities than the Forest Service campground or COE campground on the other side of the dam. From here, paddlers just have a short portage on the paved road across the dam to the downstream boat launch below it.
LegendThis campground is off the beaten path, and very quiet and peaceful. You have a choice of lakeside campsites, or sites tucked into the woods away from the lake. The lakeside campsites are your best bet, if you can get them--beautiful view over lake Winnie, cool breezes, and HUGE campsites that can accomodate large fishing boats and whatever rig you might use to haul such a boat. The campsites away from the lake are much smaller, meant more for car and tent camping. The campground is also an option for paddlers to overnight if paddling the Mississippi River water trail, which enters the west side of the lake just south of the campground. There is a boat launch with several docks adjacent to the campground, water pumps for drinking water, and a restroom building with basic toilets. This is a good option is you want a peaceful out of the way campsite in tall pines, or to go fishing on the big lake, but there arent hiking or biking trails near by so other options are a bit limited. And although the lakeshore is pretty, the swimming experience is a bit crunchy due to the lake having been invaded by zebra mussels, unfortunately
LegendFollowing the winding pathway you will come to the campground. It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching. Loon lake has a nice little “park” with a beach so that is great for families.
The campground itself sits next to the lake which is nice and while no site has true waterfront claim several can see the water. I stayed in 22E which was next to a trail head but close to the water spigot and showers. Sites 62/3/4 would be great for a large family as they have loads of space. Showers and restrooms were super clean!
Yes it is buggy but it’s minnesota so you deal with it. There is lots of nature. We saw a bear while hiking the continental divide trail so nature is out there.
LegendThis is a full service fishing resort with a lodge and cabin rental, but RV and tent camping is also available. The campsites are very nice and wooded, the tenting sites include some very secluded spots back in the woods which is nice for solitude but precludes a view of the lake. There are daily rates as well as weekly rates for camping or cabin stays. This is a top notch place to stay for a fishing vacation, off the beaten path but with full amenities. It can be a destination vacation spot, or can be a great stop-over for through-paddlers crossing Lake Winnie on the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail. Although near the National Forest campground on Tamarack Point, this has many more amenities which is nice when you are so far from the nearest town, especially if you are paddling through and have no vehicle for travel. Amenities include groceries, ice cream shop, full service boat launch and fishing supplies, and more. You might not be into winter camping in a tent, but there are ice houses to rent that you could camp in if you come in winter. More expensive than usual campgrounds, but with more amenities provided and with a stellar location. Pets welcome at no extra charge! Seasonal campsite rental can also be arranged.
RangerOur family just returned from a 9 day stay at Leech Lake Receeation Area, and wish we could have stayed 9 more!! The Campground is located in north central Minnesota (Federal Dam) about 30 minutes southeast of Bemidji or a 3 & 1/2 hour drive from Minnneapolis/St. Paul, MN area, and is run by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Volunteers. The park is located in the Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest.
The park has 77 sites available that you can make reservations online at: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/leech-lake-rec-area/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73246
**Note: We reserved our spot 6 months in advance as they book up super fast in the short Minnesota summer months.
There are 73 sites with electric hook ups (5 are full hook ups) or if you want to tent in a private setting, they have 4 primitive walk to sites. Each site has a large picnic table and fire ring with adjustable grill.
When you check in they give you a code that allows you access to the comfort building (flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities) We took advantage of the boat mooring area (just a few steps down from the campground) that includes a plug in area to recharge our boat batteries, and we really appreciated the fish cleaning station building!! (Super clean!!!)**See pics of the awesome fish we caught-Note all Walleye in the 20-26 inch slot size must be released.
We spent the majority of the time enjoying Leech Lake, but we also spent time hiking the trails (Check out the 400 year old Cedar Tree!!), we played horseshoes, and shuffle board (a new game to us!!), and relaxing by the campfire. **NOTE Only certified & approved firewood can be used in the park. There is a general store just outside the park that sells it for $20.00 a wheelbarrow full.
We would give this campground 6 stars if we could, and know you would too!! Enjoy the pics!!
LegendI'm pretty sure this campground would be beautiful any time of year, but we visited on our anniversary in the fall and it was gorgeous! Most of the trees were yellow, and even in the overcast morning, gave the campground a wonderful warm glow!
The campground is a good size, and all the sites seem private. This is a state forest campground, and in MN, they are all very well maintained and the price is far better than a state park campground. In my opinion, they are far superior. Usually less crowded, lesser known, but better kept. Normally they are about $14 (bonus!), and sometimes free, depending on the time of year. Drop the money in the box at the entrance (honesty is appreciated) and take a site. No reservations accepted.
They have pit toilets, pets are accepted, there is drinking water available at a well pump, each site has a picnic table, plenty of space for a tent, lots of trees if you want to try a hammock, and a fire ring. It was very quiet at night (there was only one other site being used), and we heard a beautiful owl chanting in the night.
The lake was very nearby, and some sites have access via stairs, if you like. There seemed to be plenty of firewood, if you care to collect it, and it was the best option for a wonderful camping experience!
LegendThis location is actually a duplicate of The Dyrts Plug Hat Point listing which is here and should be merged: https://thedyrt.com/camping/minnesota/plug-hat-point
Also, note that the location needs to be corrected, Plug Hat Point Campground is at Latitude 47.439 N Longitude-94.055 W .
This is a small National Forest camping area with picnicking, fishing, and a boat landing. At present time, there is full boat access, picnicking and parking available at this location, but the adjacent drive-in campsites are closed to vehicle camping during the pandemic due to reduced Forest Service staffing. However, paddlers on the Mississippi Headwaters water trail are allowed to tent here as dispersed campers adjacent to the picnic area while through-paddling. There are outhouses and water avaialble in the picnic area, as well as use of the boat launch which has a nice dock and cement ramp for easy access. From here, paddlers with a canoe or kayak cart can easily portage around the Winnie Dam about 1/2 mile to river launch site below the dam, thus avoiding the very steep, rocky and difficult portage that is located right at the dam. You do need a good portage cart, however, as the access road from Plug Hat Point is not paved.
GuideThis is a relatively new (2016?) campground built right next to the Minnesota National Golf Course clubhouse, and in the corner surrounded by Savannah holes 8 and 9. It’s literally inside the golf course.
Gravel pads, some a bit out of level. All 50 amp water and sewer. Some great options in here for group camping as there are several loops you could be placed in the have sites near one another.
Our site (33) was tucked way back in the woods, had a nice bit of privacy.
No bath house.
The golf course is amazing - one of the nicer public courses in the state. I can see a lot of folks choosing this RV park as a golf vacation - we were here because we were spending two weeks with family on Big Sandy Lake, just ten minutes away.
Don’t miss breakfast at the Palisade Cafe and dinner/beers at the Craft House - both are legit culinary experiences, not Sysco reheaters.
With 50+ sites, park was full for the three days around July 4, but was under 50% the rest of the time. An under appreciated gem.
Camping near Hill City, Minnesota spans across state forests, riverside sites, and lake recreation areas within the Itasca County region. The terrain features a mix of pine forests and lake-studded landscapes at elevations averaging 1,300 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures often drop below -30°F, while summer camping season runs from May through September with daytime temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F.
Hiking historical trails: At Savanna Portage State Park Campground, visitors can experience the continental divide hiking trail. "We enjoyed renting canoes for a bit in the afternoon and borrowed a kids activity kit. The bugs were pretty intense, a lot of mosquitoes, flies, and several wood ticks, so we recommend a screen tent for eating," notes Elissa W.
Fishing on multiple lakes: Trout Lake Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities close to Hill City. "We spent many hours paddling the lake and had great luck catching bass and walleye. Apparently, the lake is well-known for its fishing in the area," shares Nancy W.
ATV trail access: Trails Inn Quadna Mountain Motel & RV Campground provides direct access to extensive trail networks. "Quiet little place, far enough away from too many things to make you feel like you're in town but anything you need is a hop skip and jump away. Paved walking and biking trails and hundreds of miles of ATV trails connected right to the rv park," according to Elijah R.
Private tent sites: Clint Converse Campground offers spacious sites for tent camping. "Love the lake, spacious campsites, and there is a trout lake right up the road!" mentions Crystal P. The campground has 32 standard sites without hookups, distributed nicely throughout the park.
Off-grid seclusion: Hill River State Forest offers authentic dispersed camping experiences. "You'll want to come in on 640th lane. The road does a lot of winding, and sections aren't always in the best shape. I wouldn't recommend any trailers unless you have 4x4 and the trailer is set up for offroad," explains Skip H.
Waterfront access: Pokegama Dam Campground provides river access with spacious sites. "My friend and I go here about twice a year. It is an excellent Campground that cost around $26 a night there is on-site electricity but not water or sewer there are several stations close by then you can hook a hose to and fill. The lots are spacious and has a good size playground," reports Melinda S.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the Hill City area operate from May through early October. "Schoolcraft State Park is a less-often visited park that makes up for its lack of hiking trails and in-park amenities with cozy, quiet charm," mentions Meg W., noting that even during Labor Day weekend, sites remained available.
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires careful driving, especially after rain. "I made it fine with 2wd, just take it slow," advises Samuel C. about Hill River State Forest. Dirt roads can become challenging during wet conditions.
Noise factors: Schoolcraft State Park Campground offers quieter camping options. "We went here instead of the North Shore of Lake Superior because of the forest fires there. It was a good find. Mid week there were only 2 other sets of campers. Quiet!" shares Mary K.
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds near Hill City feature playground equipment for children. "The campground seems oriented towards RV and trailer camping, with hook-ups and hard packed gravel vehicle access on most sites. A few sites do include sufficient grassy areas for tent camping," notes Janet R. about Pokegama Dam Campground.
Consider water activities: When selecting pet friendly camping near Hill City, Minnesota, prioritize sites with swim areas. "The park has a swim beach which is a big attraction for kids. You can also launch a kayak or canoe there or use the concrete public boat launch right next to the campground," explains a reviewer at Trout Lake Campground.
Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the region, especially near lakes and in wooded areas. "We saw a fox and a deer which was cool. Then spent the evening canoeing one of the lakes listening to Loons. The camp sites were a little too close but that's really the only negative," shares Branden W. about Savanna Portage State Park.
Site selection and hookups: For pet friendly RV camping near Hill City, consider site spacing carefully. "We were in spot 12 and it was right on the water. The spots are very small and no privacy between the sites but having a water view made up for it and you can park your boat on the dock in front of your spot," recommends Melissa A. about Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area.
Generator regulations: Some campgrounds permit generators while others restrict their use. "An extremely safe and pleasant location. You can either use the paid campground or stay in the parking lot, say if you had a sprinter travel van or some such thing," mentions Alex L. about facilities at Pokegama Dam.
Seasonal RV storage: Trout Lake Campground offers RV storage options for seasonal campers. "The park is mostly occupied by seasonal campers who take advantage of the amazing fishing in the lake, but, there are some sites for transient RVers and tent campers," notes a reviewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hill City, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hill City, MN is Hill River State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hill City, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 106 dog-friendly camping locations near Hill City, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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