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Dog-Friendly Camping near New Brighton, MN

86 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park campground offers pet-friendly accommodations with sites spaced farther apart than typical county or state parks. Sites feature established fire pits, picnic tables, and a mix of sun and shade with trees and brush providing privacy between campsites. The park welcomes pets in tent sites, RV spots, and cabin accommodations. Camping loops E and F provide good options for pet owners with some shade and trees. The campground maintains clean restrooms and shower facilities, though visitors should bring bug spray as mosquitoes and horseflies can be problematic during summer months, especially in densely wooded areas. Sites are generally level, flat, and grassy with convenient access to water pumps throughout the campground.

    Paved trails surrounding the park provide excellent walking paths for dogs, with routes extending around the nearby lake (3 miles) or connecting all the way to Minneapolis for more adventurous hikers. The park includes a beach area with tables, a pavilion, changing rooms, and playground equipment. Centerville Lake offers ample picnic space with room to beach boats if desired. Despite its proximity to the Twin Cities (about 30 minutes north), the campground maintains a secluded feel, though some road noise from nearby highways 35E and 35W is noticeable as background sound. The Wargo Nature Center sits approximately 2.5 miles from the campground, accessible via the trail system even for families with young children on bikes.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near New Brighton (86)

      1. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

      4.6(17)9mi from New BrightonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      2. Bunker Hills Regional Park

      4.6(16)11mi from New BrightonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      3. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      4.8(44)20mi from New BrightonRVs

      "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

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      4. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      4.5(39)21mi from New BrightonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      5. Willow River State Park Campground

      4.5(63)26mi from New Brighton155 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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 $26 - $90 / night

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      6. William O'Brien State Park Campground

      4.3(40)24mi from New Brighton121 sitesTents, Cabins

      "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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      7. Rice Creek Campgrounds

      4.1(7)10mi from New BrightonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."

      "Beach was closed but we still got some good walks in. Fire ring was a little shallow for my liking so had to get some solid coals going to get dinner on the table."

      from $20 - $32 / night

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      8. Afton State Park Campground

      4.6(37)25mi from New Brighton37 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      9. Minneapolis Northwest KOA

      3.7(11)16mi from New BrightonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."

      "The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."

      10. Ham Lake Resort

      3.8(4)14mi from New Brighton4 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."

      from $54 - $999 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near New Brighton, MN

    772 Reviews of 86 New Brighton Campgrounds


    • C Torey S.
      Apr. 17, 2019

      Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      Hiking, biking, camping & more

      Lebanon 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

    • Alison O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 1, 2021

      Crow Hassan Park Reserve

      One of the best dog parks in MN

      I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 31, 2018

      Riverside City Park

      Nice campground on the river.

      This 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.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 31, 2020

      Interstate State Park Campground

      Expeditions at Interstate!

      This 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.

    • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 4, 2025

      Dakotah Meadows RV Park

      Quiet and safe

      Small 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.

    • 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.

    • David E.
      Jul. 30, 2022

      Minneapolis Northwest KOA

      Good Campground but Close Sites

      Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground.

    • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 13, 2025

      RiversEdge RV Park

      Great location! Quiet!

      This 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.

      • Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond
      • Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service -Concrete Patios on every lot -Crushed granite streets and drives Fishing, tubing, & canoeing on the Elk River -Horseshoe and lawn games -Large pavilion provides for fun weekly events and activities -Laundry and shower facilities -Lush lawns and nice walking paths with colorful gardens -Pets Welcome -Electric golf carts welcome -Firewood available -Gracious owners live on-site

    Guide to New Brighton

    Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers practical cabin camping experiences for pet owners and families. Located within a 30-minute drive north of Minneapolis, this area features distinctive seasonal variations that affect camping conditions. Mosquitoes and horseflies peak in July, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer insects for camping with dogs.

    What to do

    Disc golf adventures: For active campers, Bunker Hills Regional Park offers a top-rated disc golf course just 20 minutes from New Brighton. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing (it's ours)," notes Lynsey M., who appreciated this unexpected amenity during their Minnesota travels.

    River activities: The St. Croix River at William O'Brien State Park provides excellent paddling opportunities. "You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," shares Laura E. about the natural encounters possible when staying at the Savanna Campground within the park.

    Sunrise watching: Morning views at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes are particularly rewarding. "Great beach & sunrise. Highly recommend!" states Max P., highlighting one of the natural spectacles available to early risers at this pet-friendly camping destination.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Lebanon Hills Regional Park receives consistent praise for its secluded camping spots. "Our family selected this camp ground to test out some gear. Turns out this is a wonderful camp ground and offers a lot of seclusion. Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either," reports Blair about their experience.

    Clean facilities: Many campgrounds near New Brighton maintain excellent restroom standards. "The bathroom facility near the ranger station was very well maintained and cleaned several times a day," notes Blair about Lebanon Hills, a detail particularly important for families or extended stays.

    Easy trail access: Campers appreciate the interconnected trail systems. "Paved trails surrounding the park provide excellent walking paths for dogs, with routes extending around the nearby lake (3 miles) or connecting all the way to Minneapolis for more adventurous hikers," according to visitor reports from Rice Creek Chain of Lakes.

    What you should know

    Seasonal insect patterns: Different camping areas have varying bug populations. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, Justin Q. notes: "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" This feedback from August reinforces the importance of timing your visit if insects are a concern.

    Site selection strategy: Request specific site types when booking. At Minneapolis Northwest KOA, one camper learned: "If you wanted one with trees I needed to put a note on my reservation. He also suggested calling the office and requesting a site with trees."

    Firewood considerations: Quality varies by location. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises Bruce M. about Rice Creek Campgrounds, suggesting campers might want to source wood from local vendors instead.

    Tips for camping with families

    Water park access: Baker Campground offers swimming options beyond standard beaches. "We love to camp here. Access to lake independence. A lot of biking trails. Nice clean bathrooms. Nice park for kids just a small hike away," shares Matt H., highlighting the family-friendly amenities.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy animal encounters at these parks. "We even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," reports Laura E. about William O'Brien State Park, demonstrating the natural education possibilities.

    Playground proximity: Some sites offer better access to play areas. "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," explains Angela L. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Site spacing considerations: Willow River State Park provides more spacious options for larger vehicles. "Large campsites, most with thick wooded areas between the sites. Most of the trail heads start at the campground," notes Leif D., highlighting the accessibility for RVers who also want to explore on foot.

    Electric hookup loops: For those requiring power, specific loops are designated for RVs. "We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. It has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps," explains Angela L. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park, providing useful information about utilities.

    Road noise factors: Highway proximity affects some pet-friendly camping near New Brighton. "We appreciated being in a no-generator loop, which kept things peaceful—though highway noise was noticeable in the evenings," reports Maria D. about her Willow River experience, suggesting noise-sensitive campers should consider site location carefully.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near New Brighton, MN is Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near New Brighton, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.