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Dog-Friendly Camping near Lauderdale, MN

88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park campground offers spacious, private pet-friendly sites in a woodland setting approximately 30 minutes north of the Twin Cities. The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and features pet-friendly cabins for those seeking more shelter. All sites have established fire pits and picnic tables, and pets must be leashed throughout the park. Campsites are well-spaced with trees and brush providing privacy between sites. Many campers note the campground feels more secluded than typical county parks despite highway noise from nearby 35E and 35W. The park requires a county parking pass, and staff regularly patrol to enforce rules.

    Paved trails throughout the park provide excellent opportunities for walking dogs, with a 3-mile loop around the lake and connections to longer trail systems. The beach area includes picnic spaces, a pavilion, and changing rooms, though specific pet access to water areas may be restricted. The campground is conveniently located near the Wargo Nature Center, approximately 2.5 miles away via bikeable trails. For pet supplies or veterinary services, the campground's proximity to suburban areas ensures easy access. Campers report the bathroom facilities are clean, though showing some age. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground for $7 per bundle, but some visitors recommend purchasing wood elsewhere for better quality.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Lauderdale (88)

      1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      4.8(44)15mi from LauderdaleRVs

      "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"

      "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"

      from $24 - $42 / night

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      2. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

      4.6(17)13mi from LauderdaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday.   The campground is neat and well managed."

      "It was very easy to find, close to the twin cities, and clean. There was good access to kindling for a fire in the nice fire pit that has a grill."

      from $20 - $75 / night

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      3. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      4.5(39)21mi from LauderdaleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      4. Willow River State Park Campground

      4.5(63)26mi from Lauderdale155 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Campsites are pretty private except to people walking the trails. The falls are gorgeous!! Great for swimming when the water is not too high."

      "Memorial Day 2019 with my siblings and our dog. Campsite 202 had plenty of room for an 8 person tent and 2 pickups."

      from $25 - $90 / night

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      5. Bunker Hills Regional Park

      4.6(16)15mi from LauderdaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      6. Afton State Park Campground

      4.6(37)23mi from Lauderdale37 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Minnesota State Parks have just started to build Yurts for 3 campgrounds around the state; Afton, Cuyuna and Glendalough State Parks."

      "It is also next to Afton Ski resort. This park has a lot of beautiful prairie landscape with some temperate forest features. Wildflowers, shrubs, fungi, evergreens, and deciduous trees."

      from $22 - $85 / night

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      7. William O'Brien State Park Campground

      4.3(40)26mi from Lauderdale121 sitesTents, Cabins

      "Easy walking trails surround the park which is nice and convenient. Close proximity to Stillwater which made for a nice day trip. Camp sites were very clean and easy to access."

      "We O'Brian has some of the best groomed trails that I have been on."

      from $25 - $90 / night

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      8. Rice Creek Campgrounds

      4.1(7)14mi from LauderdaleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."

      "Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."

      from $20 - $32 / night

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      9. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

      3.7(11)19mi from LauderdaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      10. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

      3.9(8)18mi from LauderdaleRVs

      "It’s an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay. Also super close to some very large power lines. The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool."

      "Great spot close to attractions in the twin cities. The family friendly activities are perfect for families with younger kids, playground, swimming, crafts and games."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lauderdale, MN

    821 Reviews of 88 Lauderdale Campgrounds


    • C Torey S.
      Apr. 17, 2019

      Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      Hiking, biking, camping & more

      Lebanon 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

    • Alison O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 1, 2021

      Crow Hassan Park Reserve

      One of the best dog parks in MN

      I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 31, 2018

      Riverside City Park

      Nice campground on the river.

      This 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.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 31, 2020

      Interstate State Park Campground

      Expeditions at Interstate!

      This is a state park on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix River, which is mirrored by a comparable but smaller state park in Minnesota on the wrst side of the river, both being part of the wild and scenic St Croix National Waterway. Although the campsites themselves are pretty run of the mill, the setting is spectacular in terms of breathtaking scenery, and myriad outdoor activities from rock climbing in the river gorge, paddling the river, hiking miles of trails, and learning geology at the Ice Age geology visitors center. If you are tenting camping, the south loop is great, and if you pick campsite 65 or 67 you will have direct access to the river which is peaceful and good for paddle opportunities. There are picnic areas with swimming along the river which is nice for group gatherings, and one is designated for folks with pets. Some of the rugged hiking trails along the bluffs and cliffs go right along the edge with minimal guard rails or walls, so keep a close eye on kids and pets because going over the edge is a possibility so utmost caution is advised.

    • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 4, 2025

      Dakotah Meadows RV Park

      Quiet and safe

      Small 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.

    • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 26, 2023

      Tresure Island RV Park

      Crowded park, nice people

      We were here for a night to see a concert at the amphitheater and everyone was super friendly. It was easy to check in, and we were able to do laundry and shower which was great. It’s mostly gravel but they have some tent sites on the grass. They are dog friendly and have some grassy areas to walk your pets which was great.

    • David E.
      Jul. 30, 2022

      Minneapolis Northwest KOA

      Good Campground but Close Sites

      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.

    • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 13, 2025

      RiversEdge RV Park

      Great location! Quiet!

      This 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.

      • Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond
      • Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service -Concrete Patios on every lot -Crushed granite streets and drives Fishing, tubing, & canoeing on the Elk River -Horseshoe and lawn games -Large pavilion provides for fun weekly events and activities -Laundry and shower facilities -Lush lawns and nice walking paths with colorful gardens -Pets Welcome -Electric golf carts welcome -Firewood available -Gracious owners live on-site

    Guide to Lauderdale

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park campground offers spacious campsites near Lauderdale, Minnesota with tree-covered sites that provide natural privacy for both tent and RV campers. The park sits within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area but maintains a woodland environment with sites well-separated from one another. Campers have access to modern facilities including showers, electric hookups, and full-service sites for recreational vehicles.

    What to do

    Hiking opportunities: At Lebanon Hills Regional Park, numerous trail networks accommodate various skill levels. "We love Lebanon Hills! Close to home and an oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities. Great hiking," reports Katie C. The park contains extensive natural areas to explore on foot.

    Kayaking and water activities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Lauderdale offer water recreation options. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S. about Lebanon Hills. The park rents kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards for those without their own equipment.

    Mountain biking: Willow River State Park features dedicated mountain biking trails. "Willow River State Park no longer has a beach or a lake, but they are working on the dam to refill the lake once again. Definitely a place to camp if you like to be active and explore the trails. Winter, summer or fall!" shares Jessica B.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Baker Park Reserve provides well-spaced campsites. "The sites a Baker Park Reserve are larger than average. This is a big campground with a lot of paved bike trails and a nice lake a short walk away," explains Melissa H. This setup creates a more secluded camping experience.

    Clean facilities: Visitors appreciate the well-maintained bathroom and shower buildings. "The bathroom/showers are great. With great fishing, playground, swimming, and biking trails very nearby, the kids were kept as busy as they wanted to be," according to Bryan S. at Baker Park Reserve.

    Proximity to Twin Cities: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near the Lauderdale area offer quick access to urban amenities while maintaining natural surroundings. "We love to camp here as it's so close to home. Access to lake independence. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms," states Matt H. about Baker Park.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. Bunker Hills Regional Park offers both tent and RV sites, but they fill quickly. "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. My reservation for a rustic site wound up being $30 for one night," notes Krista T.

    Seasonal considerations: Minnesota camping season typically runs May through October. "Sites that I loved: 3, 8, 10," Krista adds about Bunker Hills, highlighting the importance of site selection.

    Wildlife encounters: Expect to see local wildlife during your stay. "We saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," reports Laura E. about William O'Brien State Park, demonstrating the natural habitat present despite proximity to urban areas.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: William O'Brien State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "There are also miles of walking and hiking trails throughout the park," Jason S. shares. The park maintains playground areas accessible from camping loops.

    Waterpark options: Some regional parks feature water recreation specifically designed for children. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," reports Tiffany W. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, making it an excellent choice for families seeking additional entertainment.

    Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences for children. "This is a nice, quiet campground with activities nearby. The waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," Bryan S. notes about his family's experience at a regional park.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup availability: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park provides full-service sites. "Level private sites, lots of trees, Showers were clean. Would definitely camp again," reports Corey P. The campground accommodates larger rigs on designated sites.

    Dump station access: Most campgrounds maintain sanitary dump stations for RVs without sewer hookups. "We had full hookups, even though we only needed water and electric," mentions Joanne M. about Lebanon Hills, noting the convenience for recreational vehicles.

    Site dimensions: Pay attention to site measurements when booking. "All rv sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out," advises Davis D. Site sizes vary significantly between campgrounds and individual sites.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lauderdale, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 88 dog-friendly camping locations near Lauderdale, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.