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Mabel Lake State Dispersed camping area offers free lakefront sites where pets can accompany campers at tent and RV spots. Diamond Crest Resort, Leech Lake Recreation Area, and Tuck-a-way Resort also welcome dogs at their facilities, which include cabin options alongside traditional campsites. Standard pet policies throughout Longville-area campgrounds typically require leashing pets at all times. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of facilities from primitive sites with no toilets to full-service resorts offering showers and electric hookups. Site 13 at Mabel Lake Campground offers a direct path to the lake, ideal for dogs that enjoy swimming. Most campsites are spacious enough for pets to comfortably share the area with their owners.
Stony Point Campground's lakeside location provides excellent opportunities for dogs to enjoy water activities, with several sites featuring private access to Leech Lake with sandy beaches. Trails connecting campgrounds to lake access points should be approached with caution during peak mosquito season, as reviewers note particularly aggressive insects in wooded areas. When camping with pets near Woodtick Trail, expect to hear some road noise that might disturb sensitive dogs. The North Country Trail offers additional hiking opportunities for dog owners. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities, with vault toilets that are regularly serviced. Campers report that despite being pet-friendly, most sites maintain a peaceful atmosphere except for occasional barking dogs or generators running after quiet hours at some locations.
"You can walk along the main road or take a little connecting trail to it, but just a heads up that the mosquitoes are lying in wait in this trail."
"Great spot on Maple Lake! 22 sites only. Wide open sites with lots of space. No fires during our stay. That was nice. No smoke from other campers. Perfect place for star gazing."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Great campground right on Leech Lake. A quick drive to Walker if you need any supplies. Plenty of options for getting firewood near by."
"Good spot close to Walker MN. Site location does matter. Waterfront sites are amazing we stay on the back side away from the beach. Well maintained and quiet."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Our family just returned from a 9 day stay at Leech Lake Receeation Area, and wish we could have stayed 9 more!!"
"We were able to go and take a walk to the lake which is super short walk from pretty much any of the sites but really close from our site."
from $14 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This is a free dispersed camping site in the state forest with lake access. Large enough for multiple campers or a small group."
"Love the lake, spacious campsites, and there is a trout lake right up the road!"
from $17 / night
Check Availability"We all had a great time riding 4 wheelers on the Spider Lake trails a few miles away. Great sites, great time!"
"Clean bathrooms, nice ppl....sites right on the lake & a little beach to sit at...seems small but a lot of big rigs fit just fine"
from $52 / night
Check Availability"This CG is very popular with fishermen with their boats as there is a public boat launch adjacent to the CG."
"Yes, there are skeeters, but this is summer in Minnesota. You learn to deal. Quiet and not packed at all. Site is large and flat and trees galore."
"Right on the lake so kids spent a lot of time in the lake and on the lake fishing. Shower house has bathroom and washer & dryer."
"It was a spur of the moment decision to stay at Woodtick Trail Dispersed Camp 1 on the North Country Trail for my first solo hiking experience!"
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.
LegendCAMPGROUND REVIEW
Itasca State Park is a primo destination in northern Minnesota for folks interested in exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi River. There are several campgrounds, group camps, cabins and lodge accomodations in the park that suit most visitors. But for folks who want a wilderness experience while at the headwaters, there are miles of wilderness trails in the backcountry area on the southern end of the park—and there are campsites and Adirondack shelters scattered throughout the myriad glacial lakes of this backcountry, enough so that you could backpack by foot or on snowshoes or cross country skis for a week through the territory, staying at a different lakes every night. April in Minnesota means we are still winter camping—but despite the snow, the sun is bright and warm, and it is great to get out into it. The park is at its peak of solitude in the winter, but if you can find a way to get to a campsite, they are open and reservable. This review is for Remote Campsite 11, located on an isthmus between Coffee Break Lake and Deer Park Lake. It is a several mile hike in from the nearest parking areas, either via Mary Kake and the Ozawindib Trail, or via the Deer Park Trail from Douglas Lodge. The trail is rolling and maintained for cross country skiers, snowshoers and snowhikers in the winter. This campsite is located just past the Ozawindib Adirondack Shelter, which is a good backup if its too windy or cold at the campsite. The campsite itself is down a hill by the lakeshore, between two lakes actually, on a rise that overlooks both. There is an additional campsite nearby on the south end of Deer Park Lake, campsite 10. There is a tent pad sheltered under the tall pines (and currently under the snow!) as well as a fire ring and an outhouse. There is no water provided, but a large bucket is available, so you can get lake water and filter it, or melt snow or bring your own. This is a great location for folks who like winter camping as the trek in is only a few miles, I was able to do it easily carrying a backpack of gear on my back, and a front pack with my dog when she got tired if trudging through the snow. And of course it is an easy hike in during the milder snow-free seasons. The site is scenic, pristine, and largely sheltered from the wind. The vista north over Coffee Break Lake would be awesome for viewing northern lights, this is a dark sky part of the park. It can get a little muddy in the transition season, including around the campfire area, so we hung out at the Adirondack shelter nearby and did our cooking there.
To see a map and reserve a back country campsite at Itasca, check this link:
https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/Facilities/AdvanceSearch.aspx
For more info on Remote Camping in Minnesota State Parks, see this link: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/remote_camping.html
For general info on Itasca State Park, go to the homepage: www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00181#homepage
PRODUCT REVIEW
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I ocasionally get camping products to test out. Today I am testing Mountain House Southwest Breakfast Hash https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/product/spicy-southwest-breakfast-hash.html
Mountain House makes lightwieght, freeze-dried trail meals that are "cooked" in their own pouches using only boiling water. The sealed pouches are durable and lightwieght to carry, and the no-fuss no-muss prep of adding boiling water and letting it stand for 4 minutes in the re-sealable pouch is really easy. Since I was carrying my gear on my back, and carrying my tired little dog in a front pack carrier, I certainly didnt want to have extra weight! But these meal pouches are so light you hardly know you are carrying them. This pouch of SW breakfast hash had more than enough for two people plus some leftover for the dog, we served it up on tortillas that we had also packed, but you could eat it straight up. The hash featured beans, corn, potatoes, veggies and shredded beef for a well rounded complete meal as is, but you could extend the servings by scrambling it with eggs to dish up for a larger group. The taste and texture were surprisingly good, tasty without being too spicy, and I would defintiely buy this again. See our video review at https://youtu.be/nB9lBmjUsqU
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.
ScoutWe had electric site and easily fit our 27 foot trailer. Beautiful campground. Lots of biking and hiking trails. Pets allowed.
Ranger
LegendWhile this seems to be mainly an "RV" campground, but there were a few cabins on the lake and two gorgeous tent sites that would be the envy of many other camps. They were ideal, especially for the family that wanted the "tent" experience without having to huff it through the woods with toddlers in tow.
Sleeping Fawn is very clearly marked from the road, and although they don't say "campground" on the sign, there are a few tent sites available. It's about a 3/4 mile drive off the main road, but signage is apparent the entire way, and it's super easy to find once you get there. There is an office for check in, cabins to rent and lots of RV sites available too. Even though RV's seem to dominate here, the roadway through the woods and past them is peaceful and serene. Pine needles cover the ground and create a softness to the scenery. The posts that mark each site are wooden, tall, and are clearly numbered. Close to the entrance is a "tent parking" area, a cart for hauling your things, and 2 tent pads, just across the drive and down a little path about 20 yards. Perfect!
The tent sites are far enough apart to be "separate", but close enough that if you had family or friends, they are close by. Garbage cans are at the split in the path between #1 and #2 and each site has a fire ring, picnic table, gorgeous, flat tent pad and a view of the lake. And again, if you needed something from the car, it's a 50 yard walk. Not a 3 mile trudge through the woods.
Camping in tents May 18 - Oct 1
Camping rates were a bit steep for my liking, but I like primitive sites in the woods. So if you were a family trying to introduce wee ones to camping, it would still be worth it. $28 for a site as of 2018. Or a weekly rate of $170. Showers and laundry available, as well as free coffee in the morning. They also have a beach, nature trail, small store and other amenities.
NOTE: Pets are not allowed at this resort
TravelerThis campground is in Paul Bunyan State Forest. First come, first serve. No ATVs are allowed, perfect if you have young kids on bikes. There are no hook ups at all. Must have a generator for power. Water is available but not at every site. Pets are allowed. Outside toilets are clean. This is a quiet camp ground. The site includes a table and fire ring. There is no place to dock your boat over night. Keep in mind these sites are only $14 a night. There is a host but no security. There are signs up warning about bears.
ScoutAmazing, Family-owned campground, just far enough from “the cities” to get away for the weekend, without spending too much time in the car. Clean bathrooms, nice sized park for kids, pool (not open in Sept), lake with ample docks for fishing or you can rent boats. The “general store” has everything you need from souvenirs to wood, to marshmallows for s’mores, and all at reasonable prices. Each campsite has electrical hookup, picnic table and fire pit. Pets welcome.
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.
The Longville area sits at approximately 1,350 feet elevation within Minnesota's pine forest region, surrounding the shores of Leech Lake, Minnesota's third largest lake. Most campgrounds in the Longville region operate seasonally from May through October, with peak season running July through August. Mosquito activity remains heaviest during evening hours, particularly in wooded areas away from lake breezes.
Fishing access options: Leech Lake Recreation Area Campground features a dedicated fish cleaning station with a grinder for waste disposal, making it ideal for processing your catch. "Great spot on Maple Lake! 22 sites only. Wide open sites with lots of space... Host is very nice guy name Dave. Stopped by and introduced himself," writes The Traveler W. from Mabel Lake Campground.
Sunrise viewing spots: From the Woodtick Trail Dispersed Camp, follow the connecting trail to find perfect morning viewpoints. "There is a superb little spot about 20 yards down the main trail, just off the campsite, that has a cute little boardwalk that would be ideal to sit on with a cup of coffee and watch the colors of the sky change," notes Amy G.
Multiple recreational options: Sunset Pines Campground provides facilities beyond standard camping. "Kids loved the heated pool and tether ball! We all had a great time riding 4 wheelers on the Spider Lake trails a few miles away," reports Sarah G., highlighting the combination of on-site and nearby activities.
Spacious sites: Stony Point Campground provides ample separation between campsites. "Beautiful campground with spacious, wooded sites. We camped here with our sons 9 & 11 and there wasn't a minute of the day they weren't exploring!" writes Rachel H., pointing to the generous site dimensions.
Affordable camping: Federal management at some sites means reduced fees for pass holders. "Great place for older people that have a national parks card. $13.00 a night is unbeatable," notes Kerry K. about Leech Lake Recreation Area.
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature direct water access points with sand beaches. "Perfect place for a quiet and enjoyable family retreat. Many sites have private access to Leech Lake (with a beach - Sites 12, 14, 17, 19)," according to Erin A., who stayed at Stony Point.
Campsite selection matters: Sites vary significantly in quality and proximity to amenities. "Very spacious. Close to trail to vault toilet (without being too close). Speaking of, vault toilet must've been cleaned recently. Smelled nice? 2 air fresheners inside," reports Rachel O. from Mabel Lake Campground.
Insect preparedness: Minnesota's summer brings significant mosquito activity. "Being serious bug spray. My site didn't have direct water access but some do," warns Rachel O. in her Mabel Lake review. Another camper at Stony Point notes, "Only reason I have I four stars was because we were plagued by biting flies."
Seasonal changes: Late summer brings different conditions than early season. "Plenty of options for getting firewood near by... With the wind off the lake bugs were well managed - but this is MN in the summer - so there were mosquitoes and flies - but that is expected," explains Scott G. about conditions at Stony Point.
Playground proximity: Tuck-a-way Resort positions family sites strategically. "Family camping RV sites have playground right there. Paddle Boats available and swimming beach. Right on the lake so kids spent a lot of time in the lake," writes Lisa P. about this pet-friendly camping option near Longville, Minnesota.
Swimming access: Shallow swimming areas work well for younger children. "Beach was great albeit shallow. But nice soft sand," explains Scott G. about Stony Point's water access. Another camper at Diamond Crest Resort mentions, "Beautiful place. Non expensive. Not many tent sites but we had one down the hill and it was perfect."
Campsite positioning: During peak summer, secure sites with shade options. "Site on the lake are WAY to close. All dirt and eroded shoreline," reports Daniel H. about some waterfront sites at Mabel Lake, suggesting alternatives might provide more comfort.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "Nice camp ground however they need to add electric," comments Katie S. about Mabel Lake Campground, which offers only basic sites without power.
Navigating steep entries: Some campgrounds require careful approach. "There is also a pretty decent hill you have to go down to get to your site so if you're nervous or new to pulling a camper just be aware," warns Brent G. about accessing Tuck-a-way Resort.
Water access points: Plan ahead for filling tanks. "There are not many water spigots in the CG and so suggest getting your potable water at the dump station at the back of the CG upon arrival," advises MickandKarla W. about Leech Lake Recreation Area, noting its full hookup options are limited to five reservable sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Longville, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Longville, MN is Mabel Lake Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Longville, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 172 dog-friendly camping locations near Longville, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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