Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hokah, MN

Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground's pet policy allows dogs and cats throughout the developed areas while maintaining natural wildlife habitats. The 43-acre park features multiple camping areas with tent, RV, and cabin sites that accommodate pets. All campsites include picnic tables and fire rings where pets are welcome under proper supervision. Electric hookups and thirty-amp service are available at designated sites for RV campers traveling with pets. The park is especially suitable for families with pets due to its relatively small size and well-maintained facilities. Sites are spaced to provide some privacy yet close enough for socializing. Well-behaved dogs are commonly seen throughout the campground according to regular visitors.

Goose Island and Pettibone Resort offer additional pet-friendly camping options near Hokah with varying amenities. Both locations feature accessible riverside trails ideal for dog walking. The Mississippi River backwaters provide excellent swimming opportunities for water-loving dogs during summer months. Leash requirements apply in most areas with designated pet waste stations throughout the grounds. Campers should note that weekend camping tends to be busier and noisier than weekdays, which may affect pets sensitive to crowds or noise. Sites near the water offer excellent fishing access while providing dogs with cooling opportunities during hot weather. Local rules require pets to be attended at all times and proper waste disposal is strictly enforced. Wildlife sightings including eagles, geese, and deer are common, requiring good pet control to avoid disturbances.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Hokah, Minnesota (116)

    1. Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Dakota, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 643-6849

    $24 / night

    "Had a site right next to the bathroom big enough for 2 tents and 2 vehicles. Hikes here offer great views of the river and bluffs and the fall colors are gorgeous!!!"

    "I enjoy camping away from the hub bub of the family campground and opting for the backpack or cart in sites. Luckily, Great River Bluffs has some of the nicest cart ins I have encountered."

    2. Goose Island

    14 Reviews
    La Crosse, WI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 788-7018

    $22 - $34 / night

    "Goose Island has very friendly staff and a nice little camp supply store at the entrance where you can also purchase firewood in two sizes of tubes. You’ll need a way to haul the wood to your site."

    "The sites are close together near the entrance. The spread out as you get deeper into the park. Beautiful grounds. Good communication from the camp rangers when we had to switch sites."

    3. Pettibone Resort

    12 Reviews
    La Crescent, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 782-5858

    $28 - $30 / night

    "We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. There is plenty of shade. The park streets are asphalt with two concrete strips for your tires in the sites."

    "We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. There is plenty of shade. The park streets are asphalt with two concrete strips for your tires in the sites."

    4. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Caledonia, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 724-2107

    $20 - $80 / night

    "It was also VERY close to several other sites. If you are looking for more privacy, I would suggest a site like 34. Absolutely no cell service, which can be nice as long as you’re expecting it."

    "The park has a lot of very well maintained trails. The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley."

    5. Perrot State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Trempealeau, WI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 534-6409

    $39 / night

    "There is a rail line that runs along between the Mississippi and the park edge, campsites are away from this but still can be heard as well as motor boats on the River."

    "Great hiking options that overlook the Mississippi River and surrounding countryside, hiking was a lot of uphill but the view was worth it. Dogs are welcome!"

    6. Houston Nature Center

    6 Reviews
    Houston, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 896-4668

    "Right at the end of the root river state trail. Singing toads at night. Very flat. Sites are spread out. Within walking distance to grocery store."

    "The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail."

    7. Veterans Memorial Park & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Onalaska, WI
    15 miles
    +1 (608) 789-8599

    "Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!"

    "Vet's Park has direct access to the La Crosse Great River Trail where you can connect onto Elroy/Sparta Trail to the east and it directly to La Crosse Great River Trail to the northwest."

    8. Neshonoc Lakeside

    9 Reviews
    Bangor, WI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "This campground came to us through Thousand Trails Collection.  At first we only had a W/E site and later was able to move to a full hook up site. "

    "It was spacious and very well kept, with a great view of the lake. Wry easy to back in and get set up, almost level and took very little adjustment to get our spot in order."

    9. Frickson Family Farms LLC

    3 Reviews
    Trempealeau, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 429-0375

    $30 / night

    "Great Harvest Host location super nice family."

    "We pulled in from a long driving day .we were greeted by our host . She was very friendly and explained where the site was . Had a great night sleep . This is a good over night stop ."

    10. Wildcat Park and Landing

    1 Review
    Hokah, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 482-6250

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Wildcat is near decent fishing in Brownsville and Reno. Didn't really like many of the campsites here (too many rvs/trailers/genarators and too cramped)."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hokah, MN

574 Reviews of 116 Hokah Campgrounds


  • R
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Prairie Island City Campground

    Nice for RV Camping

    If you are a tent camper, I would suggest going to local nearby state parks vs. this campground. Nice for a quick weekend away in an RV. On the Mississippi River and close to town. Across the street from a dog park so if you bring your fur-friend with, there is a nice enclosed area for them to run while being supervised.

  • Jarrett G.
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Veterans Memorial Park & Campground

    Very nice campground

    Large campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!

  • David G.
    May. 8, 2022

    Prairie Island City Campground

    River view

    It is a nice clean quiet campground. Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart.

  • J
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Maple Springs Campground

    Eden

    We stayed here for the month of august, and this place is awesome! Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races. Dog park, small general store, backs up to a national park, close to town, immaculately maintained, volley ball court, lots of shade trees, easy access, and Andy(owner/operator) is the nicest person you’ll ever want to meet. For those so inclined there’s church service on Sunday in an old (cool looking!) barn! Fire pits at every spot. There is WiFi there, but little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster. 5/5 will definitely be back!

  • Lynn N.
    Jul. 18, 2020

    Hixton - Alma Center KOA

    Nice Place

    Small, clean campground! Very friendly staff, very well kept! Dog park. There's also plenty of activites to do! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond etc. Bathrooms are very well kept and clean! Showers are hot! Sites are good sized, and well spread out!

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2019

    Shady Rest Acres

    Bliss in the middle of the country

    In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.

    Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners.  They are happy to let you meet them with their presence. 

    There are 2 campsites, if you wish.  One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing!  The other is nestled in the woods.  Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet.  But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house.  The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days.  The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night. 

    At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours.  It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food.  So they know where it comes from and how it was treated.  I love it. 

    This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic.  Just what the soul ordered.

  • Kayla S.
    May. 27, 2018

    Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

    Perfect set-up

    This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.

    This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.

    This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.

  • Kari S.
    Aug. 5, 2018

    Pulpit Rock Campground

    Beautiful!

    My boyfriend and I stayed right on the river with our pups (pet friendly) and it was BEAUTIFUL. Easy access to restrooms but secluded and quiet too.


Guide to Hokah

Great River Bluffs State Park Campground lies in the driftless region of Minnesota, characterized by deeply carved river valleys and steep bluffs rising 500 feet above the Mississippi River. The park's rare "goat prairies" on south-facing slopes create distinct microclimates that support unique plant communities. Winter camping remains available year-round with limited accessibility during snow season.

What to do

Hiking to scenic overlooks: Access King's Bluff via a 2.5-mile roundtrip trail from the parking area for panoramic Mississippi River views. "The trail system is very well labeled with maps along each trail. The trail system is mostly level and I would label as easy hiking with rolling hills," notes a visitor at Great River Bluffs State Park Campground.

Water activities on the backwaters: Explore the Mississippi's quiet channels by canoe or kayak. At Goose Island, one camper shared: "Excellent place to kayak and explore the backwaters of the Mississippi. You can put in or take out at the boat landing. See map in photos for 'canoe trail'. Goose Island is a nice place for fishing, swimming, and kayaking or canoeing."

Biking the Root River Trail: Access the paved trail system directly from Houston Nature Center campground. "The Nature Center campsite is located at the trail head for the Root River State Bike Trail. Trail Head Park is a nice tent only campground with walk-in sites," explains a reviewer who appreciated the trail connectivity.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bring binoculars to spot native species in their natural habitat. A visitor to Perrot State Park Campground noted: "The bluffs are stunning. It's Minnesota's little Switzerland. The park isn't much to look at and there's only a few look-out point onto the Mississippi but its a nice little campground."

Clean facilities and accessible amenities: Many campsites maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "Site came with a fire pit with grate and a picnic table. I did not use the grate for cooking as I camp with a blackstone as grates tend to be dirty," shared a Great River Bluffs camper describing their fall visit.

Soundscape experiences: Fall asleep to natural sounds at pet friendly camping near Hokah. According to one Beaver Creek Valley State Park visitor: "Loved camping at this campground! The sites were spread out enough that it really felt like I was at a dispersed spot at times. The sound of the creek was so peaceful and the hiking trails behind the sites up the bluff were great!"

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Spring flooding can affect riverside campsites. A Goose Island camper noted: "This place is a pretty great campground, and would be even better if it wasn't all under water this summer. Our site on the river was under water, so we got moved to another."

Cell service limitations: Limited connectivity exists in valley areas. One Beaver Creek Valley camper explained: "There is no cell reception because of the valley. This great if you want to get away from it all, but if you're staying a while and need to work, this isn't the place to do it."

Noise factors: Highway and train sounds can be noticeable at some locations, particularly at night. A Great River Bluffs reviewer warned: "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90 (while not really noticeable during the day) is ridiculously loud at night. Added to this were the half dozen trains that ran through the night (horns going off too) AND the light aircraft flying into Lacrosse airport."

Tips for camping with families

Natural playgrounds: Seek out campgrounds with creative play spaces. At Houston Nature Center, "Trail Head Park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. When I visited during the week, I only saw a small group of people using the playground. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more."

Weekend vs. weekday timing: Consider timing for optimal experience with kids. A visitor to Veterans Memorial Park & Campground observed: "Vet's Park has a lot to offer and is relatively large in size. Vet's Park has baseball fields, playgrounds, a couple of group shelters, volleyball courts, and tons of space for activities. Lots of group events going on here so this place is usually pretty busy on weekends."

Water safety preparations: Bring appropriate gear for water activities. "Bring bug spray; the river valley is a great viewing area for waterfowl, eagles, and hawks," advises a Great River Bluffs camper highlighting the dual needs for wildlife observation and insect protection.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on accessibility needs. At Pettibone Resort, an RVer detailed: "The park streets are asphalt with two concrete strips for your tires in the sites. Stayed in pull-through campsite #308 which was shady. It was a grass site with two concrete strips for my TT tires. There was more than enough parking for my TT and truck and grass on either side."

Hookup specifics: Electric service varies between campgrounds. One Pettibone visitor mentioned: "AT&T had 2-3 bars of LTE and Verizon 1 bars of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 146 Mbps down, 4.8 Mbps up. Verizon Speedtest: 016 Mbps down, 0.14 Mbps up. Free WiFi."

Off-season advantages: Consider shoulder season for pet friendly camping near Hokah with fewer crowds. A Beaver Creek Valley camper recommended: "We've camped at Beaver Creek quite a few times. some sites are bigger than others, but they're all grassy and private which is nice. The park has a lot of very well maintained trails."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hokah, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hokah, MN is Great River Bluffs State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hokah, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 116 dog-friendly camping locations near Hokah, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.