Jessi J.
Traveler
TravelerFisherman's Point City Campground
Beautiful
Grew up camping here. Its beautiful with water and trees everywhere. Pet friendly, close to town, clean showers, friendly staff. The only bad thing is no water hook ups.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Meadowlands, MN
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Jay Cooke State Park Campground accommodates pets in all available tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins, with no breed restrictions but a standard two-pet limit per campsite. Nearby Spirit Mountain Campground provides dedicated pet exercise areas along with waste disposal stations throughout the grounds, while Floodwood Campground's riverside location gives dogs water access via an aluminum dock area. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times except in designated off-leash zones, with leashes typically restricted to 6 feet maximum. Campers consistently report exceptionally clean facilities at Floodwood Campground, making it suitable for families camping with pets who need reliable bathroom and shower access.
Savanna Portage State Park offers extensive pet-friendly hiking trails, including access to the Continental Divide trail where wildlife sightings like fox and deer are common. Red Pine Campground's spacious sites provide ample room between neighbors, allowing pet owners extra space for dog runs or portable fencing. Dog owners camping during summer months should prepare for substantial mosquito activity, particularly at Savanna Portage where insects can be problematic along hiking paths. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 10 PM, with barking restrictions enforced to maintain peaceful environments. The Sax-Zim Bog area features multiple dog-friendly trails, though owners should watch for wildlife encounters and keep pets secured when exploring these natural areas.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Meadowlands (78)
1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground
"We stopped here on our way to north Minnesota. Originally we planned 2 days but really needed to rest so extended it to 4 days."
"Jay Cooke is really a must experience state park within easy driving distance to other parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin."
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability2. Floodwood Campground
"This is a small campground in a really pretty location right on the banks of the wild St Louis River."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Red Pine Campground
"We were traveling with friends and the staff (owners I believe) made it work out for us to have sites next to each other. Park felt well cared for and attended too."
"It’s next to Duluth and looks like a city park. Many permanent residents. Very clean and comfortable. I’d stay again if I’m in the area. Now we’re driving north to find a moose."
4. Savanna Portage State Park Campground
"It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching."
"There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite. I tried to hike around the lake but ran into several impassable spots bc of a recent rain."
from $22 - $120 / night
Check Availability5. Spirit Mountain Campground
"The downhill mountain biking is awesome (the kids still want to go back) and the Adventure Park was a lot of fun too - and a short walk from camp. "
"We were pleasantly surprised with the campground when we rented one of their walk-in areas. The tent areas are pretty secluded and surrounded by woods with minimal neighbor friends."
6. Saginaw Campground
7. Cloquet-Duluth KOA
"We needed a couple of items for our RV and the store had everything we needed including a hose adapter, ketchup, buns, dog treats & s’mores fixings."
"Nice campground...a little rural but close to town. Helpful staff, decent size sites and hookups. Pool area was nice but busy on our stay. Great family camping."
8. Buffalo Valley Camping
"Very Friendly owners and great campsites, pet friendly!"
"Campground was so clean and nice trails to walk around. The bar & grill had great food and service. 10/10!"
9. Hay Lake
"Access to moor your boat at a few sites, though it is down the hill from your actual campsite, which is no problem as they have stairs/paths down to them."
from $15 / night
Check Availability10. Knife Island Campground
"The campground has an island you can take a wooden bridge over too that offers some fishing spots and a nice little walking trail. Fire ring and picnic table provided. "
"Kayaking trips are great but sometimes finding a wilderness place to stay and keep yourself submerged, away from civilization can be tricky when traveling."
Drive Time
- 45 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 29 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 42 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 58 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Meadowlands, MN
25 Photos of 78 Meadowlands Campgrounds
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Meadowlands, MN
389 Reviews of 78 Meadowlands Campgrounds
- Nick C.
ScoutBuffalo Valley Camping
Camping
Very Friendly owners and great campsites, pet friendly!
Robin M.
GuidePattison State Park Campground
beautiful Falls
The falls are so beautiful. Well taken care of park with wonderful hiking trails, pet friendly clean park and did I mention the beautiful falls? :) I can't wait to come back. SO much to do and see. If your a nature lover then this is a must visit place.
Christine T.ScoutSide Lake Campground — McCarthy Beach State Park
It’s “Loony”!
Nothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that’s what greeted me upon arrival at my site! This site is lovely—water and easy to access to water sports on either Sturgeon or Side Lake. Some road noise but not too bad. I am imagine it’s much more hectic in the summer with the big beach across the road. Great for kids! Easy trails for walking and dog friendly. Can be buggy but that’s MN. For more rustic, head further up to Beatrice Lake Campground.
- R
RoseTravelerJay Cooke State Park Campground
Nice state park camping
We stopped here on our way to north Minnesota. Originally we planned 2 days but really needed to rest so extended it to 4 days. It was a little hairy getting to, the 2 lane winding road with the raging river on one side did slow us down a bit. The Rangers were friendly and accommodating. The park had taken quite a beating with the winter storm that had been there the previous week, a lot of sites were closed due to trees down and snow. While we were there they were actively cleaning up, but left in the afternoon so we had no disturbances from saws or equipment noise. The water was not turned on yet for the season, so the bathroom/showers and dump station were not available. There was a potable water source at the front of our loop to fill our fresh tank and our water storage cubes. The sites were shaded well, and easy to back into. We had to work a bit to get our camper level but that may have been due to the snow and water that was on the site so we figured it was par for the course. We walked to the Welcome Center and the swinging bridge, there were multiple hiking trails accessible by the camping area. It was relatively busy on the weekend but cleared out during the week. We had lots of wildlife visitors. The park is pet friendly. We found affordable propane and a dump site closer to Duluth.
- Scott M.
LegendSavanna Portage State Park Campground
Perfect blend of nature!
Following the winding pathway you will come to the campground. It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching. Loon lake has a nice little “park” with a beach so that is great for families.
The campground itself sits next to the lake which is nice and while no site has true waterfront claim several can see the water. I stayed in 22E which was next to a trail head but close to the water spigot and showers. Sites 62/3/4 would be great for a large family as they have loads of space. Showers and restrooms were super clean!
Yes it is buggy but it’s minnesota so you deal with it. There is lots of nature. We saw a bear while hiking the continental divide trail so nature is out there.
Joe R.LegendJay Cooke State Park Campground
Jay Cooke destination
Jay Cooke is really a must experience state park within easy driving distance to other parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Positives:- Amazing hiking and water play
- photogenic
- Some open site options for camping with other families or friends and many private sites
- Very clean and large shower/restroom facilities
- 15 min to small town grocery store
- Standard fire rings that you can grill on too
- lots of bird watching Negative:
- MOSQUITOS!!!! Bring bulk bug spray or extra blood.
Amy G.LegendHay Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
Perfect color in the fall!
I'm pretty sure this campground would be beautiful any time of year, but we visited on our anniversary in the fall and it was gorgeous! Most of the trees were yellow, and even in the overcast morning, gave the campground a wonderful warm glow!
The campground is a good size, and all the sites seem private. This is a state forest campground, and in MN, they are all very well maintained and the price is far better than a state park campground. In my opinion, they are far superior. Usually less crowded, lesser known, but better kept. Normally they are about $14 (bonus!), and sometimes free, depending on the time of year. Drop the money in the box at the entrance (honesty is appreciated) and take a site. No reservations accepted.
They have pit toilets, pets are accepted, there is drinking water available at a well pump, each site has a picnic table, plenty of space for a tent, lots of trees if you want to try a hammock, and a fire ring. It was very quiet at night (there was only one other site being used), and we heard a beautiful owl chanting in the night.
The lake was very nearby, and some sites have access via stairs, if you like. There seemed to be plenty of firewood, if you care to collect it, and it was the best option for a wonderful camping experience!
- SSam C.Guide
Spirit Lake RV and Marina
Where RV’s and Boats are Neighbors
The entrance to the marina & campground is a little rough and could use some attention. Camp office & store and restrooms could also use some fresh-ing up as well. Staff was friendly and helpful.
If you like being next to the water in your RV you would be hard pressed to find an RV site any closer to the water. We had ships / sailboats as your neighbors.
Water and electric sites only that seemed to also be positioned for docked boats. Most sites were pretty level except for the occasional pot hole and mud puddle. Some trees were planted in the RV spot areas.
Dump station was a challenge with RV and a blue boy. To dump RV you most likely need to turn around and back in. Watched several RV’ers had some trouble getting their rigs in a good position to dump. I chose to use my tote (blue boy) and I had to lift / drag it up on a nearby railroad tie next to dump because the PVC sewer pipe was 4-6” above the ground. They did have a dump service for an additional fee, that was used by several boats during our stay.
Great proximity to Duluth and like many RV parks it comes with railroad tracks close by. The RV campground felt like a after thought to the marina but it works.
Severe weather rolled in on our last night and things got pretty scary. We thought at one point that we might tip over from high winds.. You are very exposed when you are parked on what could almost be called a “dock”. Several of the boats that were tied up next to use and their docks broke loose and were floating in bay. The storm does not reflect the review score but more of something to be considered.
Guide to Meadowlands
Camping near Meadowlands, Minnesota offers access to a mix of forested landscapes, rivers, and northern continental divide terrain typically at elevations around 1,300 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below -30°F, while summer daytime highs average 75-85°F with significant mosquito activity in wetland areas. Most campgrounds in the region maintain standard quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
What to do
Explore rocky riverscapes: At Jay Cooke State Park Campground, the St. Louis River provides unique geological features. "I spent a day trip with friends at Jay Cook. The water levels were low, so we clambered around on the sculpted granite rocks that line the river and falls, dipping on and out of pools and up slick rock faces," shares Jared S. The park offers accessible river exploration within a 45-minute drive from Meadowlands.
Fish at multiple access points: Knife Island Campground offers fishing opportunities with wooden bridge access to the island. "The campground has an island you can take a wooden bridge over too that offers some fishing spots and a nice little walking trail," notes Tori K. The campground includes a fish cleaning station for successful catches, located about 1 hour from Meadowlands.
Try winter recreation: Many area campgrounds maintain winter accessibility. "This park is a nice one but we went in Mid-July and the bugs were terrible! I will make a trip back next year during the fall," writes Amber S. about Savanna Portage State Park. Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on designated trails.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Floodwood Campground receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "This campsite really surprised me and exceeded my expectations. I simply was looking for a campground with a shower, and this definitely delivered that and so much more. Every single campsite has potable water and electric hook up," reports Emily S. The campground maintains a fish cleaning station that is "Crisp and clean."
Well-spaced campsites: Red Pine Campground offers generous spacing between sites. "Ogston RV Park is a great campground, it's like a little slice of heaven with wide open spaces. The space between campsites is impressive, lots of room to walk, roam, stretch, or whatever strikes your fancy," notes Lucas P. Sites accommodate various RV sizes with full hookups available.
Dog-friendly hiking options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Meadowlands feature accessible trail systems. "Very pretty and secluded! It was pretty buggy and ticks were bad, but that's to be expected. Bog/marsh was beautiful with some wildlife and was generally a very pleasant place to camp," writes Lydia N. about Jay Cooke's Lost Lake backpacking site, which includes bear boxes for food storage.
What you should know
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent in warmer months. "We did one overnight at Savanna Portage State Park with my young children. The bugs were pretty intense, a lot of mosquitoes, flies, and several wood ticks, so we recommend a screen tent for eating," advises Elissa W. Bug activity typically peaks from late May through August.
Train noise at some locations: Buffalo Valley Camping and other area campgrounds experience train noise. "One of the only things that was obnoxious about this park is that there is a frequently used train track nearby- and the trains really lay on whistle. I slept with earplugs in because of this, but I was still woken up around 4 times that night," explains Krista T. about her Jay Cooke experience.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have unreliable connectivity. "This would be a great place for anyone wanting seclusion and to disconnect. No wi fi signal," notes Charyle C. about Savanna Portage State Park. Visitors should download maps in advance and prepare for limited communication options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and recreation areas: Spirit Mountain Campground provides family-oriented facilities. "We had so much fun staying at Spirit Mountain, visiting Duluth and Gooseberry Falls. The campgrounds were very private due to tree cover but it rained every night and never dried out because of the tree cover so it's a plus and a minus," shares Melissa H. The campground offers adventure activities beyond basic camping.
Beach access for children: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Meadowlands feature swimming areas. "Loon lake has a nice little 'park' with a beach so that is great for families. The campground itself sits next to the lake which is nice and while no site has true waterfront claim several can see the water," explains Scott M. about Savanna Portage State Park. Most beach areas lack lifeguards.
Expect map discrepancies: Park maps may not reflect current amenities. "We were frustrated as a family with 2 young kids to find that the 'playground' on the map is just a green (actually weed) space with no playground, no volleyball net, literally nothing. The trail around shumway lake is apparently closed which I take to mean unkept so we stayed off of it," reports Amy K. about her Savanna Portage visit.
Tips from RVers
Varied site conditions: Hay Lake and other local campgrounds feature basic amenities. "A nice campground and a nice stay. It's pretty but no views of the lake except from the boat launch area. All in all a nice day but nothing that would make me come back again," notes Debbie J. Most sites include picnic tables and fire rings.
RV site selection strategy: Campground layouts vary significantly. "Our 35' travel trailer fit well into our back-in site. Full hookups and everything worked as expected. Site was gravel and a a little un-level, but nothing extreme," shares Sam C. about Red Pine Campground. First-time visitors should call ahead for site recommendations based on their rig size.
Limited seasonal availability: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Meadowlands operate from May through October. "We wanted a weekend away in Duluth and this was a great spot to be close. The campground is really nice. The only reason it's a 4 star and not a 5 star is because of the firewood. $8 per bundle for wet wood," explains Dan B. about Buffalo Valley Camping, which maintains year-round operation unlike most area campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Meadowlands, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Meadowlands, MN is Jay Cooke State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 69 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Meadowlands, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 78 dog-friendly camping locations near Meadowlands, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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