Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground allows pets throughout its wooded campsites, with clean facilities and private areas for dog walking. Dog-friendly camping near Little Falls spans 109 campgrounds, from wooded state park sites to riverside spots along the Mississippi. The park features 38 sites suitable for both tent and RV camping, all with picnic tables where pets can relax alongside their owners. Military Park Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground also welcomes pets, offering riverside camping with large wooded sites along the Mississippi. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times, with many providing easy access to trails suitable for dog walking. These parks typically don't charge additional pet fees but expect owners to clean up after their animals.
Hiking trails throughout Lindbergh State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with several paths winding through forests where wildlife encounters are possible. Pet owners should be aware that mosquitoes can be extremely thick during summer months, making insect protection important for both humans and animals. The small creeks and waterways throughout the area offer dogs cooling opportunities, especially Pike Creek within Lindbergh Park which has clear, accessible water access. Nearby Little Falls provides emergency veterinary services if needed. Most reviews note that while sites are sometimes close together, the surrounding wooded areas offer plenty of space for pets to explore while maintaining appropriate distance from neighboring campers. Winter camping is available at some locations, though proper cold-weather gear for pets becomes essential.
$20 - $50 / night
"This is a review for the walk-in, canoe-in campsite #C1. It is actually located in a secluded part of the park, more than a mile from the main campground. "
"Few nice trails, several museums right across the street, really nice parks in little falls and neat views of the dam on the river"
$24 - $80 / night
"We loved the group camp site except for the fact the people would walk through it. There was a main hiking trail and lots of people came through. Our dogs did not care for that surprise."
"Just kidding, our dogs hate camping but we definitely enjoyed Crow Wing. The park ranger was super helpful on our first visit to the park."
$7 - $17 / night
"It is designed as an MWR location for active duty, retired, and veterans of all the uniformed services, but other guests can stay there with permission."
"Quiet, not quite remote and with access to enough if you need it. You get a large tent site on the Mississippi River across a road from the RV’s highly recommend."
"This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."
$20 - $35 / night
"This campground definitely caters to seasonal stays although was a convenient location off the highway. Restrooms were nice and they had a compost area too."
$24 - $34 / night
"Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store. Each site has a table and fire pit. Keep an eye on your account."
"Clean bathrooms, nice sized park for kids, pool (not open in Sept), lake with ample docks for fishing or you can rent boats."
"Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend"
"Shallow lake for swimming not a lot of sites"
"This is a canoe campsite that is part of the Mississippi River Headwaters Water Trail, one stop on the paddle trail which allows canoers and kayakers to paddle from Lake Itasca to to the north, all the"
"We were bike riding the Paul Bunyon Trail and rode into Crow Wing in the dark. I self registered because the office was closed (wrote in canoe site since you can't reserve it online)."
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.
LegendThis is a review for the walk-in, canoe-in campsite #C1. It is actually located in a secluded part of the park, more than a mile from the main campground. It is meant to be a campsite for park campers who want a more private location than the regular campground and dont mind backpacking or carting their gear in, or for paddlers from the Mississippi River who access it as a Water Trail stop by paddling to it up Pike Creek. The park itself is located near the town of Little Falls, MN and there is easy access from Hwy 10, or from the River. In all honesty, I have driven past Little Falls many times en route to Minneapolis or elsewhere but never stopped; I never realized what a small hidden jewel this park is, and within it what a terrific camping opportunity exists here for secluded walk-in or paddle-in campers.
The campsite itself is gorgeous, a beautiful setting on the sandy banks of Pike Creek. My friend and I packed in our gear on the short hiking trail to get here, but I do have a friend who paddled in here not long ago and recommended it highly. Pike Creek is a clear, beautiful stream that is peaceful to camp on, and there are several hikes you can make from the site. There is a heavy duty fire ring with sturdy grill, tenting spots for several tents, picnic table, steps down to the water, swimming access nearby, and rack to store your canoe or kayak if you have one. You do need to hike about 2/10 of a mile to get to bathrooms and water source; you have to hike about a mile to the main campground if you want showers. But if you don't mind the trek for any of those, this is one sweet campsite!
While we were here, we hiked the trail along Pike Creek which was scenic, including rapids; there are many wooded trails, and a longer trail to hike into the location where Charles Lindbergh landed the "Jenny" in 1927 on what was then an open field on the family homestead. We also hiked to the Missisippi River, which is a nice trail in and of itself, but also leads to two history museums and a Living History Site, one operated by the county historicall society (http://morrisoncountyhistory.org/) , the others by the Minnesota State Historical Society ( https://www.littlefallsmn.com/things-to-do/charles-lindbergh-house-and-museum ) . The land encompassed by the park is hisotric for 2 reasons: Zebulon Pike spent the winter here with a search party who were going up river to search for the source of the Mississippi River, and probably camped right at the very campsite here on the sores of Pike Creek; and a century later it was the homestead of the Lindbergh family and where aviator Charles grew up. So, camping here is a pleasure if you are interested in history as well as nature, off the beaten path.
In addition, you can bike a bike trail to Little Falls which then connects you to maze of local trails, https://www.littlefallsmn.com/things-to-do/bike-and-hike , or while at the park you can paddle the river (rent gear locally if you didnt bring your own: http://www.shirleymaesoutfitters.com/ )
You can also drive bout 5 miles to a terrific National Wildlife Refuge at Crane Meadows, we hiked there and really enjoyed bird watching and the rare oak savannah and tall grass prairie.
This campsite is really a hidden jewel. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars was because there is a train line that runs along the Mississippi River a few miles from the campsite, and the sound of train whistles in the evening really carries. Otherwise it is very secluded and beautiful, and a great choice if wanting to explore the area. if you are a birder, the tremendous variety of birds (kingfishers, various woodpeckers, warblers, waterfowl, and more) is great, though be forewarned that a screech owl hangs out near this campsite, and it was a bit unnerving the first time we heard it!
LegendFun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store. Each site has a table and fire pit. Keep an eye on your account. We noticed goggles charged to ours even though none of the 3 of us bought any. Somebody must've given them the wrong site number to charge to. Overall great campground, but a little spendy.
LegendSmall, well spaced out camp spots and very quiet. This was a wet spring and under the trees, the bugs were overwhelming so keep that in mind. Few nice trails, several museums right across the street, really nice parks in little falls and neat views of the dam on the river
ScoutWe stayed at the campground during the week, it was so relaxing and not a lot of campers out felt like we had the park to ourselves. Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend
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.
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.
LegendOur RV GPS brought us right to the campground(CG). We arrived about an hour early of their 3:00 PM check-in time with no issues checking in. We drove to FHU site 38 and backed in one and done. Our utilities were at the back of the site, and we needed about 35’ of electric and water hose. The sewer was more central, and I needed about 18’ of sewer hose for our rig. Our area had a few shade trees, but we had no problem hitting the north sky for Starlink. The water pressure was good, and we put on a reducer. Our nightly rate is based on an average over the weekday and weekend rates with no discounts offered. We stayed here three years ago when the CG was fairly young and not so built up. The clubhouse had gone to a full-service restaurant and bar, and when we were there around 10:30 AM, quite a few people were eating breakfast. We were told that the seasonal guests can golf on the weekends/holidays for free as part of their package, so tee times are needed. We saw a few seasonal folks going out, but just about every seasonal guest here has a golf cart, and they drove them around continuously during our Labor Day stay. Many of the seasonals also had ATVs, which they took off to ride the local trails. With the pool, new putt-putt golf, and other family activities, the CG was full of people. We were pleasantly surprised that the kids who rode on all sorts of electric bikes and scooters plus golf carts behaved themselves, and the parents seemed attentive. Everyone was friendly, and we happily noticed that the seasonal guests kept their sites clean and picked up after their dogs. They had expanded their dog park that’s up near the clubhouse, basketball court, and playground, but the dog area was not very convenient to the backside of the CG now that there are about 142 sites plus cabins/trailer park models available(with plans for more sites). However, there was plenty of room and little trails to walk your dog. The original/older sites 4-12 and the 30-40 area are currently being used for short-termers. Sites 1-3 are now cabins/park models. They have WiFi, but the signal was not very strong in our area. The golf course was under new design construction due to adding additional sites, but it was playable. Based on this CG becoming a seasonal golf cart community, we probably will not return.
TravelerFirst the negatives. No internet, medium phone signal. The campsites are too small and too crowded. The adults let their young kids drive their cold carts and atvs back and forth from the campground to the beach all day long. I counted one particular one make 34 trips in less than 6 hours. I used to golf and I occasionally used a cart but usually I walked. Kids and young parents are way too lazy now, because it's a small campground and short walk to the beach from the farthest site. I think they do it for 2 reasons, they are bored, and they can. There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass. Now for the positives. Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free. Lots of shade from all the trees. Mosquitoes are few, flies plentiful. It is a quiet park after 10pm, but although they say closed after 8pm there was traffic all night long. Ask for a site in the back to avoid headlights shining on you all night long. Rates are $40/night for the pull through site we had w50 amp service. It has a few seasonal sites, all located at the rear. There is a golf course right next door across the creek. That is where the office is located. The town is small, only a gas station and small grocery store, so bring what you need. A Subway and nice drive-in are close by. Oh, the water is in me/my dogs opinion not for drinking. I wouldn't suggest weekends here unless you're into hearing every conversation your neighbors have or want to sleep in. Maybe the week days are better? They do allow leashed pets.
Campgrounds near Little Falls, Minnesota spread across forested shorelines along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Sites sit at approximately 1,100 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F. Most campgrounds in this area feature sandy soil that drains quickly after rain, making tent platforms unnecessary at most sites.
Paddle Pike Creek: Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground offers access to clear waterways with historical significance. "Pike Creek was the place where Lindbergh used to come and play and swim" according to a visitor at the canoe sites.
Bike the Paul Bunyan Trail: Crow Wing State Park provides access to this extensive paved path. "Great state campground, good hiking trails, Paul Bunyan Bike Trail passes through park(120 miles long)" notes one reviewer at Crow Wing State Park.
Explore historical sites: Learn about local history while camping. "The land encompassed by the park is historic for 2 reasons: Zebulon Pike spent the winter here with a search party who were going up river to search for the source of the Mississippi River, and probably camped right at the very campsite here on the shores of Pike Creek; and a century later it was the homestead of the Lindbergh family and where aviator Charles grew up."
Private, riverside sites: The Military Park Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground features spacious riverside accommodations. "You get a large tent site on the Mississippi River across a road from the RV's highly recommend" says one camper at Military Park Camp Ripley DeParcq Woods Campground.
Canoe landing spots: Mississippi River paddlers appreciate designated landing areas. "A few little steps out of the water and that was it. We were there! This little offshoot of the Mississippi was called Pike Creek, and apparently was the place where Lindbergh used to come and play and swim."
Clean facilities: Many local campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. "The bathroom and shower were clean and easily accessible" reports a solo female camper at Crow Wing State Park.
Limited signage on water approaches: Paddlers may struggle finding some riverside campsites. "It's a good thing we had a map, because we wouldn't have found it off the Mississippi by ourselves. In fact, even with the map, it wasn't the easiest to find. The last thing you want to do at the end of a long day is wonder if you took a wrong turn."
Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking. "We usually stay at campsites that are pretty private so this may be normal but we were pretty unhappy about the site we booked. Online it is very difficult to tell what the sites are like and site 29 and 30 have nothing separating them which is kind of awkward."
Seasonal water considerations: Check facility status during shoulder seasons. "We camped in mid-September, and the water to the main campground had already been turned off for the winter, so no shower review" reports a camper at Canoe Landing Campsite.
Look for swimming options: Two Rivers Campground provides multiple water recreation choices. "They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered" notes a reviewer at Two Rivers Campground.
Consider Cedar Lake for beach access: This location offers family-friendly amenities. "You can have events or family get togethers here, or just go for the day and hang out on the well maintained beach! With a playground for the kids, BBQS, and picnic tables it's the perfect spot to hang with the family!"
Pack mosquito protection: Insects can be problematic at many local campgrounds. "It was buggy, but manageable. Clean facilities, easy to navigate. If you're looking for a quiet small park this is a good place to start."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic disturbances. "There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass."
Limited full-hookup options: Many parks offer partial services only. "Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site."
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Little Falls typically require leashes. "They do allow leashed pets" confirms a reviewer at Pierz Park, one of several pet-welcoming campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Little Falls, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Little Falls, MN is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Little Falls, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 106 dog-friendly camping locations near Little Falls, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
