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Dog-Friendly Camping near La Crescent, MN

126 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Veterans Memorial Park & Campground features a dedicated dog park alongside its spacious campsites that accommodate tents and RVs. The park maintains pet-friendly policies throughout its grounds, with many sites positioned along the La Crosse River for easy water access. Campers report the large campground offers many amenities while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere that's quieter than nearby lakeside options. Great River Bluffs State Park Campground also welcomes pets with designated pet-friendly sites available year-round. Both locations provide fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water access. Perrot State Park Campground extends its pet-friendly accommodations to both tent and RV campers, with electric hookups available and access to hiking trails suitable for dogs on leashes.

    The Root River State Trail provides excellent opportunities for dog owners staying at nearby campgrounds, with multiple access points for hiking and biking with leashed pets. Several campgrounds in the area feature proximity to enclosed dog exercise areas where pets can run off-leash under supervision. Campers with dogs particularly appreciate the combination of river access and pet amenities at Veterans Memorial Park, where the playground for children and dog park create a family-friendly environment. Ticks are prevalent in some wooded camping areas near La Crescent, making regular pet checks essential after hikes. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies outside designated pet areas, with typical rules requiring pets to be attended at all times and waste properly disposed of in provided receptacles.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near La Crescent (126)

      1. Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

      4.1(28)8mi from La Crescent35 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $24 / night

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      2. Perrot State Park Campground

      4.5(37)16mi from La Crescent102 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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!"

      from $18 - $110 / night

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      3. Pettibone Resort

      3.9(12)2mi from La CrescentRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $28 - $30 / night

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      4. Goose Island

      3.9(14)8mi from La CrescentRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $22 - $34 / night

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      5. Veterans Memorial Park & Campground

      4.9(8)10mi from La CrescentRVs, Tents

      "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."

      6. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

      4.4(21)19mi from La Crescent52 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $20 - $80 / night

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      7. Neshonoc Lakeside

      4.0(9)13mi from La CrescentRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      8. Houston Nature Center

      4.7(6)14mi from La CrescentTents

      "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."

      9. Frickson Family Farms LLC

      5.0(3)11mi from La CrescentRVs

      "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 ."

      from $30 / night

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      10. Bluebird Family Camp

      3.0(2)7mi from La CrescentRVs, Tents, Glamping

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near La Crescent, MN

    606 Reviews of 126 La Crescent 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 La Crescent

    Camping areas near La Crescent sit along the Mississippi River Valley where bluffs rise over 500 feet from the valley floor. The region includes several state parks spanning Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the river, with many campgrounds offering river access and trail connections. Winter camping options remain available at several parks, though shower facilities typically close from November through April.

    What to do

    Trout fishing access: At Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground, the stream provides opportunities for beginning anglers. "An easy way to trout fish and enjoy the park," notes Bruce C., who appreciates the creek-side camping spots.

    Biking the Root River Trail: The paved trail system connects multiple communities with campsites along the way. "The Root River Bike Trail is so awesome and by far the best in the tri-state area!" says Alison about Houston Nature Center, located at the trail's endpoint.

    Mississippi River paddling: Lake Neshonoc and other river access points allow for kayaking and canoeing. "We rented canoes and went out to the river for some good fishing and putzing around. Such a pretty area," writes Racheal M. about her experience at Perrot State Park.

    Fall color viewing: The bluffs provide excellent autumn viewing opportunities. "The views are breathtaking! The fireflies at night were an added bonus!" reports Mi S. after visiting Great River Bluffs State Park in summer, but notes fall would be ideal after mosquitoes leave.

    What campers like

    Natural springs: The region features several cold water springs. "The Big Spring was also a great natural water feature to relax in after a hot hike!" explains Amber Z. about her experience at Beaver Creek despite being disappointed with other aspects of the campground.

    Wildlife viewing: The river valley attracts diverse wildlife year-round. "Eagles, geese, pelicans, barred owls, ducks, deer, rabbits, raccoon, possum, etc. are abundant," shares Frank G. about his stay at Goose Island, where he enjoyed watching "the sounds of frogs and owls at night."

    Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open through colder months. "We camped at the furthest out hike-in. Nice site on a small quite creek. Good space between you and the next campsite so you felt privacy," reports Rebecca R. about her experience at Beaver Creek Valley State Park.

    Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for hot weather relief. "With 2 swimming pools, daily activities, movies, and a full ice cream shop you won't be bored here," explains Kim L. about Neshonoc Lakeside, noting "The top pool is very large and new with a splash pad area."

    What you should know

    Flooding concerns: Low-lying campgrounds experience seasonal flooding. "We got flooded out the only day we stayed. Got our money back for second night. Thank you. Mississippi was over flowing this flood plain," reports Theresa about her experience at Pettibone Resort.

    Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have water restrictions. "There were signs posted that the drinking water cannot be boiled, nor can it be given to babies or elderly due to high nitrates," warns Kayla F. about Perrot State Park, adding "But we brought our own water anyways."

    Cell service limitations: Valleys and bluffs create reception dead zones. "No cell service at all," reports Shelby N. about Beaver Creek Valley State Park, while Bryan P. notes highway noise can be an issue at some campsites: "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90 is ridiculously loud at night."

    Seasonal mosquito populations: Insects can be intense during summer months. "The bugs and mosquitos were almost unbearable. We fogged the site daily, had thermacells, and coated ourselves in bug spray - still came home completely bit up," cautions Jennifer S. about her experience at Perrot State Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Natural playgrounds: Some campgrounds feature unique play areas. "The park has a 1 acre natural playground near the campsite. The playground has a zip line, tree house, small rock wall, and more," describes a reviewer about the facilities at Houston Nature Center.

    Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas cater to different age groups. "There is a man made swimming pond fed by a creek. My kids really liked the pond and playground. They spent most of the weekend getting tadpoles from the water then letting them go again," shares Brent G. about Bluebird Family Camp.

    Dog-friendly facilities: Most campgrounds welcome pets with specific amenities. "Large campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river," notes Jarrett G. about his experience at Veterans Memorial Park & Campground.

    Accessible hiking: Trails vary in difficulty but many are family-friendly. "There is a lot of hiking (the view from the bluffs are amazing) you can rent kayaks canoes etc. and they have a boat landing," mentions Jennifer S. about Perrot State Park, though she cautions about insects.

    Tips from RVers

    Seasonal occupancy: Some campgrounds cater primarily to long-term guests. "Totally seasonal camp ground. Fantastic booking and check in. Beautiful and well laid out camp ground," notes Chris K. about Neshonoc Lakeside, which another reviewer described as "all about the seasonal members."

    Water crossings: Some camping areas require driving through water. "Be warned that in order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8 inches," cautions Anne K. about Beaver Creek Valley State Park.

    Electric site options: Availability varies by campground. "Stayed here for one night in August 2020 en route to black hills. Nice site (number 80), good shade and privacy between sites," shares Kathy L. about her experience at Perrot State Park with its electric hookup options.

    RV site accessibility: Some areas have limited space for larger vehicles. "This campground is more for motorhomes/rvs and the 'glamper' types. Not ideal for tent campers," explains Megan S. about Neshonoc Lakeside, noting its appeal for those wanting more amenities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near La Crescent, 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 La Crescent, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 126 dog-friendly camping locations near La Crescent, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.