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Lebanon Hills Regional Park accommodates pets at all campsites across its two distinct camping areas. The East Loop offers secluded tent sites tucked among pine trees while the West Loop provides full-hookup RV sites with more open spacing. Campers consistently rate the park's pet-friendly features highly, noting the well-maintained trails that provide excellent walking routes for dogs. The campground serves as an outdoor oasis in the middle of the Twin Cities, with clean facilities that are maintained several times daily.
Pet owners camping near Mendota have access to multiple regional and state parks that welcome dogs. William O'Brien State Park Campground, Afton State Park, and Bunker Hills Regional Park all permit leashed pets throughout their grounds and trails. Dakota Meadows RV Park and Town & Country Campground also maintain pet-friendly policies year-round. Many campgrounds provide spacious sites that offer ample room for pets to rest comfortably while leashed at campsites. Lebanon Hills in particular features wooded areas surrounding many sites where dogs can explore during walks. When planning a camping trip with pets, reservations should be made months in advance as these popular pet-friendly campgrounds often fill completely during peak season.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things. I recommend this park."
"It was a large back in site with plenty of room for our two very large dogs. The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat."
"The grass around the lots is very green, lush and well maintained. Campground is right next to the hotel/casino and very much within walking distance."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"I imagine in the middle of summer, it might feel slightly less secluded as there are 3 other sites relatively close by, one of which you have to walk through to get to this one, but in early September,"
"The access to water is really nice and a couple sites were perfect. The hike in sites are super close to the car so it doesn’t even require much work. Plan to come here again!"
from $16 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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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TravelerLebanon 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
GuideI never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!
TravelerWe 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.
LegendThis 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.
LegendSmall 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideSites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground.
ScoutWe called for an RV site but they don't allow pets.
TravelerWe just found this campground in September and this year we've been there 3 times and we live in Montana, there's no place I'd rather stay. 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 helpful.
lots of things in the area to do, and the "city" isn't that far to drive to.
Dispersed camping options near Mendota are limited due to the area's suburban development and protected parklands. Mendota sits at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers at an elevation of 841 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 83°F and humidity levels often exceeding 70%. Most camping in the region requires reservations at established campgrounds, with peak season running May through September.
Kayaking on lakes: 10-acre lake at Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers rentals for paddlers. The lake connects to a chain of smaller water bodies through maintained portage routes. "Nice little lake to kayak on," notes Chris S., who frequently visits the park.
Mountain biking at Willow River: Trails range from beginner to advanced with dedicated single-track sections. Willow River State Park Campground provides direct trail access from several campsites. "Most of the trail heads start at the campground. Walked about a mile to the falls area. This was really beautiful and was only a couple hundred yards from my site," explains leif D.
Golfing near Prior Lake: 18-hole course with weekday discounts available. Cleary Lake Regional Park includes a golf course with reasonable prices. "The golfing nearby that seemed reasonably priced for those interested," mentions Truly W., who stayed at the park recently.
Privacy between sites: Sites at Bunker Hills Regional Park offer substantial vegetation barriers. The campground features both primitive and electric sites with natural screening. "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," writes Doug B.
Waterfront camping: Several sites at Cleary Lake Regional Park sit directly on the shoreline. Site 13 is particularly noted for its water access and privacy. "Site 13 is the only one right on the water and it's HUGE with lots of trees and absolutely beautiful scenery," reports Clare L., who visited in early September.
Clean shower facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain shower houses that are serviced daily. Baker Campground features some of the most frequently praised bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" notes Jennifer H.
Reservation requirements: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Mendota require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. Sites at William O'Brien State Park Campground fill particularly quickly. "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop," Dani K. observes.
Fire pit placement: Some campgrounds position fire rings far from tent pads. At Baker Park Reserve, campers should be prepared for this layout quirk. "The only reason this isn't a full 5-star banger is the fire ring placement. That thing is doing its own thing like 30 feet from the tent pad—felt like I needed a shuttle to roast a marshmallow," Alison O. comments.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are common visitors at night, especially at waterfront sites. Campers report regular nighttime activity at William O'Brien State Park. "Raccoons will visit your site at night. We had everything secured but they still tried and plenty of racket until we chased them away," Tim explains.
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks feature short loop trails under 1 mile designed for young hikers. Bunker Hills offers multiple trail options with varying difficulties. "This was a great park and close to everything. There were nice trails to help explorer the regional park," Melissa A. shares.
Playgrounds within walking distance: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Mendota include play areas. Lebanon Hills features newly renovated equipment near certain campsites. "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area. The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with," says Angela L.
Water activities for hot days: Public beaches at multiple parks provide supervised swimming. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers a nice swimming area. "The site was large and flat with a nice fire pit. Thank you!" Mackenzie G. notes about her family's stay.
Electrical hookup availability: Sites at Dakotah Meadows RV Park offer full hookups with concrete pads. The facility provides both back-in and pull-through options. "The sites are paved and have well-maintained grass. We were located near the casino road, which has an occasional loud car, even at night," Chris F. mentions.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites include sewer hookups. Self-contained RVs should plan accordingly. "We stayed 2 nights in site B5. The water wasn't turned on yet, but we were able to fill our fresh water tank with a hose from their laundromat," Michelle A. reports from Dakotah Meadows.
Site length accuracy: Always call to confirm actual RV lengths accommodated. Reservation systems may not accurately reflect available space. "All rv sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out," advises Davis D. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mendota, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mendota, 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 Mendota, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 dog-friendly camping locations near Mendota, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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