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Dog-Friendly Camping near Marion, MN

108 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Rochester-Marion KOA welcomes pets at all 41 sites, offering tent camping, RV hookups, and pet-friendly cabins. The campground features clean, well-maintained grounds with shady trees and grassy sites where dogs can enjoy outdoor time while leashed. Chester Woods Park and Autumn Woods RV Park similarly accommodate pets with spacious sites and walking areas. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times, supervised, and properly cleaned up after. Whitewater State Park and Carley State Park provide additional pet-friendly options with varying amenities. Bathrooms and shower facilities remain consistently clean throughout these properties, with some parks offering designated pet relief areas. The staff at Rochester-Marion KOA is noted as particularly helpful and friendly to guests traveling with animals.

    The region's campgrounds provide access to numerous trails where leashed pets can join their owners for hiking adventures. At Whitewater and Forestville Mystery Cave State Parks, dogs can explore miles of scenic trails while remaining on leash. Bluff Hollow on Root River offers a more secluded camping experience with private riverside areas that dogs particularly enjoy. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from spring through fall, typically closing by late October, though a few remain open year-round. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, so pet owners should plan accordingly when camping during summer heat or fall cooling periods. Eagle Cliff Campground provides boat-in access options for campers wanting to bring pets on water adventures, though all standard pet policies still apply regardless of arrival method.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Marion (108)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

      4.5(51)17mi from Marion52 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Whitewater is by far one of the top state parks in Minnesota. Their camping facilities are clean with running water and free showers. The campsites are quite spacious but not too wooded."

      "Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."

      from $25 - $250 / night

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      2. Chester Woods Park

      4.7(7)4mi from MarionRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activity’s, and other things to do. There are water and septic hook ups and pets are fine, they have bathrooms as well."

      "Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can’t."

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      3. Rochester-Marion KOA

      4.5(6)0mi from MarionRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We got back on the Interstate & got off on exit 224. Took Co Rd 7 to HWY 52. This is a lot easier than the directions the KOA gave."

      "It has convenient access to the freeway and the city of Rochester. Bathrooms are cleaned frequently and we'll stocked."

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      4. Autumn Woods RV Park

      3.4(5)7mi from MarionRVs, Tents
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      5. Carley State Park Campground

      3.8(11)15mi from Marion22 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Carley State Park is easy to overlook in favor of nearby Whitewater State Park. Whitewater has an actual visitor center, the dramatic scenery, the flush toilets, and spacious/level sites."

      "Site #2 is further down a path with 4 picnic tables and room for 4-5 tents. The site is right at the park border, with farm land/prairie just on the other Side of the trees."

      from $20 - $50 / night

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      6. Bluff Hollow on Root River

      5.0(1)3mi from MarionRVs, Tents

      "There were 2 options for camping - the upper site and lower near the river. We opted to camp and hang out down by the river."

      from $35 - $45 / night

      7. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

      4.3(18)23mi from Marion133 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Mystery Cave State Park is surrounded in in a lush green forest with huge oak and maple trees that hang over the road like a huge living canopy."

      "On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society."

      from $25 - $90 / night

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      8. Oxbow County Park

      4.7(6)18mi from MarionRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There is an awesome park near the sites for children."

      "The zoo is amazing, the campground is well cared and a ton of hiking trails!!"

      from $25 - $30 / night

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      9. Maple Springs Campground

      4.6(11)22mi from MarionRVs, Tents

      "Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races."

      "Some girlfriends and I wanted to stay at the camp for the weekend and have a place to social distance ourselves. We rented the horse camp sites and we couldn't have been happier."

      from $35 / night

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      10. Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

      4.3(16)25mi from MarionRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water. If your close enough to the office wifi available."

      from $30 - $46 / night

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Marion, MN

    60 Photos of 108 Marion Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Marion, MN

    593 Reviews of 108 Marion Campgrounds

    • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 29, 2025

      Bailey Park in Wabasha MN

      Small campground in the City of Wabasha MN

      Small basic campground in Wabasha MN. Mostly permanent sites. There is a dog park directly next to the campground.

    • Peter R.
      Jun. 8, 2017

      Frontenac State Park Campground

      Beautiful Bluffs

      We decided to make a spontaneous camping trip one weekend and found ourselves at Frontenac. The cart-in site we were at was very spacious but wasn't as secluded as we would have hoped. We didn't feel claustrophobic by any means but we could see several other sites from ours. We went early in the year and maybe the summer growth solves that problem. Bathrooms nearby but no water available. It was also windy enough in the evening that we called it an early night but I think that was just a front movingly through and had less to do with the hill we were on.

      We went on a hike that showed off the wonderful bluffs along the Mississippi. As far as camping in Minnesota goes we prefer the options on the North Shore, but really enjoyed Frontenac and will be back to continue exploring.

    • 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.

    • 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!

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 21, 2023

      Crystal Springs RV Resort

      Nice Campground

      As the campground(CG) is right off the interstate, it was easy to get to. Our check-in package was ready when we arrived at the little self-registration building at the entrance. We had requested site 40, where we had stayed two years ago, but they gave us back-in site 41 instead on the little lake. The utilities are in the middle of the site and worked well with water pressure near 45 psi. The sites are decently spaced for this type of CG. They have WiFi, but their info packet states it's not good enough for streaming but okay for email, etc. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi since we were only here for two nights. The CG is right off I-35, so you do get some highway noise. This CG is very well kept, with mostly seasonal and permanent parties. We came in with two other 5th wheels and had no problem getting sites, but we did reserve well before our arrival. There was not a formal dog park, but there was plenty of area to walk your dog. We noted that this CG was featured in RV Life’s 2023 Discover The Best RV Parks& Resorts In Every State with this narrative:"This family-owned campground prides itself on cleanliness; there is an owner on-site around the clock to ensure it stays in top condition. The park is beautifully landscaped and has both pull-thru and back-in sites. All sites(some are waterfront) are level and offer full hookups and free Wi-Fi. There are onsite restrooms and laundry facilities that are kept sparkling clean. They also offer a lending library of books and movies. There is a large pond on the property that is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports, and there is a walking path that circles the pond." Check out the Spam Museum in Austin, MN. We thought the museum would be cheesy, but it was a nice facility and a great experience. The CG deserved this praise, and we again enjoyed our stay.

    • D
      Jun. 26, 2020

      Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

      River Camping

      Overall great experience! Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water. If your close enough to the office wifi available. Some sites are tight for large motor homes, 5th wheelers and tavel trailer. If your a bicyclist, campgrounds on great paved trail. They like their grass, no rugs or carpet on the grass. I take this as a positive. Dogs n cats are welcome. Lots of seasonal sites. Camping during the week is quite!

    Guide to Marion

    Southeastern Minnesota offers distinct valley terrain and limestone bluffs surrounding Marion, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,300 feet. The area experiences temperature swings between 70-85°F in summer months and 45-60°F during spring and fall camping seasons. Most campgrounds in this region are situated along waterways with sites positioned on slight grades rather than perfectly flat terrain.

    What to do

    Trout fishing spots: The Root River provides excellent fishing opportunities with deep pools for anglers. At Eagle Cliff Campground, campers can access the river directly. "Big sites on river. Bike trails. Tubing," notes Tiffany W., highlighting the diverse activities available.

    Cave exploration: Visit Mystery Cave, Minnesota's longest cave system with 13 miles of passages. Located near Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, the cave maintains a constant 48°F temperature. "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away. I think the cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations. The floor was really wet so bring shoes you won't slip in," advises kevin T.

    Biking network: The paved Root River State Trail connects multiple towns and campgrounds throughout the valley. "Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses... If you're a bicyclist, campgrounds on great paved trail," explains Dan K. from Eagle Cliff Campground.

    What campers like

    Private riverside sites: Secluded camping spaces along waterways offer peaceful settings away from crowds. At Bluff Hollow on Root River, "There were 2 options for camping - the upper site and lower near the river. We opted to camp and hang out down by the river. The bluff views from camp were beautiful and we spent most of our time kayaking and playing in the water," reports Joanna B.

    Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptional bathroom and shower cleanliness. A visitor to Chester Woods Park noted, "The bathrooms and showers we pristine clean and close and easy to walk to. The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great."

    Few insects: Unlike many Minnesota camping areas, some locations report minimal mosquito problems. At Whitewater State Park, Leda T. observed, "Best part: very few mosquitoes!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away.) One of my favorite parks in the state of Minnesota."

    What you should know

    Seasonal considerations: Campground operating seasons vary considerably in this area. "We stayed here over Memorial weekend and had a blast... Camping during the week is quite!" notes Dan K. about Eagle Cliff. Most campgrounds close by mid-October, though some remain available for late-season camping.

    Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Maple Springs Campground, John C. reports: "With no Verizon cell service, not sure if others did, I needed to communicate with family... from my site I had to walk out to the field for wifi reception."

    Dog-friendly campgrounds near Marion: Most campgrounds accommodate pets with leash requirements. "Nice park for everyone's type from tents, cabins and all size RV's... Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can't," explains Mark N. from Chester Woods Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Animal attractions: Combine camping with educational wildlife viewing. At Oxbow County Park, "Zoo and nature center are great. Animals are all rescued and given a home. Bison herd and elk and deer too," according to Tom, who also noted the "nice clean bathrooms" and "super nice and well maintained" trails.

    Kid-friendly water activities: Shallow water access points are available for safer play. Chester Woods visitor Erik O. shared, "The campground is very clean and nice. The beach was great and clean. Fishing was great."

    Historical learning opportunities: Several campgrounds offer living history demonstrations. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park features "this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society," according to Jason S., who added, "There's also a very interesting cave with a museum and all the talactites, stalagmites, and underground pools you can imagine."

    Tips from RVers

    Electric hookup specifics: Most campgrounds offer electric connections but limited full-hookup sites. "Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving," advises Kevin from Chester Woods Park.

    Level site selection: RVers should research specific sites for levelness. At Whitewater State Park, Amy G. observed, "We were in a teardrop trailer. Plenty of space for the car and the teardrop in space #202, but all spaces that were plowed had plenty of room to pull in. Some were even 'pull through' which would be extra nice if you wanted it (either big rig type RV or pull behind)."

    Water and dump station access: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Marion offer water fill and dump stations rather than site hookups. Maple Springs camper ANDY C. noted: "Dump station was in odd spot, if it were busy it wouldn't be good. Overall a nice time."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Marion, MN is Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 51 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 108 dog-friendly camping locations near Marion, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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