Birch Lake State Forest offers tent camping with both drive-in and walk-in options from May through October. Sites are spaced to provide privacy between campers and connected by pathways throughout the forested property. The campground maintains a 6-foot leash requirement for pets, with owners responsible for proper waste disposal and keeping animals attended at all times. Water access includes a swimming beach and boat landing, though some nearby trails can become swampy during wet seasons.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Cedar Lake offers a shallow, family-friendly fishing experience where children can wade in safely. According to Jeff F., "kids had fun fishing from the dock and enjoying the trails. The swimming beach was clean but was too cold to enjoy."
Winter recreation at Lake Carlos: The park maintains winter camping options with one electric site available during cold months. Tori K. reports, "I stayed here with a few friends in the winter when the park was doing their lantern-lit snowshoe trail... We had room for a truck bed camper and a pop-up clam ice fishing tent."
River activities in Melrose: Sauk River City Park offers riverfront camping with multiple recreational facilities. One camper noted, "Large riverfront site with picnic table and fire ring provided. Campground is on a city park so there were lots of amenities: Fishing, horseshoe pits, basketball court, sand volleyball court, disc golf, soccer fields, softball fields, picnic pavilions."
Historical exploration: The Charles Lindbergh boyhood home is accessible from nearby camping areas. A visitor explained, "We also hiked to the Mississippi River, which is a nice trail in and of itself, but also leads to two history museums and a Living History Site."
What campers like
Affordable primitive camping: Several campgrounds offer low-cost options for tent campers seeking minimal amenities. Joel L. mentioned about Birch Lake State Forest, "Nice place to get away from people. $17 per night, dry camping. Fire pits."
Walk-in site privacy: Secluded sites provide better separation from other campers. Mike K. notes, "If you like quiet/off the beaten path sites, this one is awesome. Walk in sites as well as drive in... Sites are spaced far enough apart to give you some privacy."
Self-registration convenience: Many area campgrounds offer simple check-in processes. Dan R. explains, "Registration is easy & self service. They have envelopes at the entrance you just fill out, so you can use any payment method including card if you're comfortable with that."
Seasonal atmosphere variations: Each season offers different experiences at the same campgrounds. Wendy I. commented, "Camped here on July 4th weekend. The lake sounded busy, but there were lots of spots available. There are several pit toilets, dumpsters, and water fill stations throughout."
What you should know
Limited signage on water approaches: Finding canoe-in sites can be challenging without proper navigation. One camper at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park reported, "Coming at it off the river, it seemed to be hidden. Until we saw a tiny sign, over a bridge, off to the right that said the name of the park (and no STATE PARK signs anywhere like you usually see along the river)."
Site spacing variations: Not all campgrounds provide equal separation between campsites. One visitor observed, "Sites are close together compared to some other Minnesota state parks."
Winter facility limitations: During colder months, many amenities close even when camping remains available. A camper noted, "We camped in mid-September, and the water to the main campground had already been turned off for the winter, so no shower review."
Seasonal closures despite advertising: Several parks advertise year-round availability but actually close. Brandon S. warned about unexpected closures: "The linked website says this is a year round park. Called to make sure payment could be done after 5, which is when I found out that it's in fact not open year round, even without hookups."
Tips for camping with families
Choose quiet weekday stays: For dog friendly campgrounds near North Shore with children, weekdays offer more space and tranquility. Bruce F. from Sinclair Lewis City Campground shares, "Birch Lake is Lake Wobegon personified. Fish, swim, canoe, jet ski, you name it. The campsite is located in the Burch State Forest with tons of trees around each site."
Check playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds within walking distance of campsites. A visitor to Sauk River City Park mentioned, "We had my brothers birthday BBQ here and it was alot of fun! Something for everyone to do, big playground, walks by the river, nice stone fire pit!"
Consider lake activities for all ages: When camping with pets and children together, lakefront options provide entertainment for both. Tori K. explains, "Lakefront sites are available. The town is small so pretty quiet but there are gas stations, restaurants, and stores (including Walmart), it is close to home for everybody."
Look for city campgrounds with amenities: Pet-friendly campgrounds near town services offer convenience for families. Ashley A. recommends, "This is one of the nicest campgrounds. Right on the lake and in town. It has a boat launch, playground, splash pad, fish cleaning station, beach, bathrooms and showers."
Tips from RVers
Book sites early at popular campgrounds: Pet-friendly RV sites fill quickly during summer months. According to a visitor at Two Rivers Campground, "Two Rivers Campground is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway. They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages."
Consider small town options: Dog friendly campgrounds in smaller communities often provide better value and quieter settings. One camper at Camp S'more Campground shared, "This is a quiet and fairly small but impeccably maintained campground located near the town of Long Prairie. It would be a nice family friendly destination for an easy local get away."
Check seasonal rates: Many campgrounds offer significant discounts for longer stays. Janet notes, "The monthly RV site rental is about $800 a month for a bluff side site which might be a nice retreat for families or retirees."
Verify accessibility before arrival: Some sites advertise big rig friendly but have access limitations. Charlie S. reported, "The owners were very personable and helpful. Nice grassy sites beautiful trees. Full hookups, Very clean restrooms and shower. (ADA accessible) A nice quiet campground."
