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Birch Lake's spacious tent sites accommodate pets with privacy for dog owners, offering both drive-in and walk-in camping options from May to October. The campground features multiple pet-friendly pathways connecting sites, making it convenient for walking dogs throughout the forested property. Pets must be leashed in common areas and around the swimming beach. Cedar Lake Memorial Park and Sinclair Lewis City Campground also welcome pets with designated areas where dogs can accompany campers. Most campgrounds in the area maintain a standard pet policy requiring leashes no longer than 6 feet, proper waste disposal, and pets attended at all times. Many campers find the walk-in sites particularly beneficial for dogs that need more seclusion from other campers. Sites are spaced far enough apart to give privacy when camping with pets.
The hiking trails surrounding Birch Lake State Forest provide excellent opportunities for dog exercise, though some trails can become swampy during wet seasons. Sauk River City Park offers riverfront sites where pets can cool off during summer months with easy water access. Most campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables at each site, allowing pet owners to keep their animals close during meals and evening relaxation. The shallow waters at Cedar Lake create safe wading opportunities for dogs that enjoy swimming. During peak summer weekends, early arrival is recommended as the pet-friendly sites tend to fill quickly. Year-round campers should note that while some parks advertise year-round access, Sauk River City Park and others may close unexpectedly during off-season months, requiring a phone call to confirm pet policies and availability before arrival.
"There is a boat launch right next to the campground. A fish cleaning house is provided at the campground. Bathrooms are also located within the campground."
"Just blocks from the original Main Street, the campground is in the west end of the beautiful lakeside city park."
"Walking distance to stores water and electricity"
"There was so many goodies and we walked around park. It is right on river nice playground basketball courts walking trails everything you would need. Very nice and well kept!!! :)"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend"
"Shallow lake for swimming not a lot of sites"
"There is about a 500yd walk to the restrooms, and you have to go another 500yds to the main campground to find the showers."
"Sites are close together compared to some other Minnesota state parks. Lots of trees. Bathroom is older but decent. Hiking trails ok nothing special."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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 lical get away."
"And it’s less than 1/8 mile from the Long Drive in. A great family experience and one of the few left in the state. We went to the Scott co fair during the day and the drive in that night."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The main community ball park is located here, along with several playgrounds, volleyball fields, picnic shelters, and a Veterans memorial."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Lots of screaming kids the weekend we were here, but we found the quiet trails. Lower campground offers no privacy, but a newer shower house and views and access to the lake."
"The lower campground has electric sites and is situated along Lake Carlos but there is little privacy between sites (126 and 127)."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."
"Right on Lake osakis, which usually has good fishing."
LegendFun for the whole family. Amenities include: playground, pool, lake, dog park, and store. Each site has a table and fire pit. Keep an eye on your account. We noticed goggles charged to ours even though none of the 3 of us bought any. Somebody must've given them the wrong site number to charge to. Overall great campground, but a little spendy.
ScoutWe stayed at the campground during the week, it was so relaxing and not a lot of campers out felt like we had the park to ourselves. Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend
ScoutWe love camping here, reservations are easy, pet friendly, quiet area to relax!
LegendThis 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.
GuideWe stayed here for a weekend in May. The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites. There are a lot of mature trees that help with the shade! The beach area is nice, but the only problem is that boaters and kayaks are in the same general area so you have to be careful so you don't get hit. There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee. If you want to walk the whole campground having a golf cart would be nice. Also there is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website or the campground maps. We went there partly because there was a petting zoo for the little kids. Seems lazy to me that they can't update the website or the campground maps.
TravelerFirst the negatives. No internet, medium phone signal. The campsites are too small and too crowded. The adults let their young kids drive their cold carts and atvs back and forth from the campground to the beach all day long. I counted one particular one make 34 trips in less than 6 hours. I used to golf and I occasionally used a cart but usually I walked. Kids and young parents are way too lazy now, because it's a small campground and short walk to the beach from the farthest site. I think they do it for 2 reasons, they are bored, and they can. There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass. Now for the positives. Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free. Lots of shade from all the trees. Mosquitoes are few, flies plentiful. It is a quiet park after 10pm, but although they say closed after 8pm there was traffic all night long. Ask for a site in the back to avoid headlights shining on you all night long. Rates are $40/night for the pull through site we had w50 amp service. It has a few seasonal sites, all located at the rear. There is a golf course right next door across the creek. That is where the office is located. The town is small, only a gas station and small grocery store, so bring what you need. A Subway and nice drive-in are close by. Oh, the water is in me/my dogs opinion not for drinking. I wouldn't suggest weekends here unless you're into hearing every conversation your neighbors have or want to sleep in. Maybe the week days are better? They do allow leashed pets.
ScoutNew owner as of 2022- huge jump in prices! Extra fees added everywhere-more than two children fee, guest fees, pet fees, river view fees, holiday fees. One year difference our bill went from $235 up to $347 for a 3 night stay. Not worth it! Not family budget friendly for the average family. I could stay in a hotel for cheaper.
LegendThis state park uniquely showcases an ecologic transition zone between hardwood forest, savannah, and prairie. There are also local history connections. As a bird watcher, I was very excited to see birds here that I dont usually see at home in northern Minnesota, and to learn a bit more about glaciation in this area and about prairie and savannah habitats. The park has self guided hikes, educational nature programs, and learning kits for birding and more that you can check out at the ranger station. The lakeshore is pretty, and the lakeside campground is green and leafy with mature trees but the campsites are very close together, and the beachfront and bath house are currently closed for renovation which puts a damper on waterfront activities. Away from the lake is another campground in the oak savanna section of the park, and this campground seems quieter with more spacious sites, although they are more open. The park’s camper cabins are located here and are in a very pretty setting tucked into a little hill, though a bit of a walk to the bathrooms and showerhouse. At both campgrounds there are nice ADA sites which are level, spacious and accessible, and also close to the bathrooms. I was at a conference in nearby Willmar, and this park is a good alternative for lodging if you need to be in the area. If you are really into learning more about prairies and local glacial geology, the nearby Prairie Environmental Learning Center is fantastic to visit, and lots of prairie pothole WMAs are also closeby for waterfowl watching
ScoutNo shade or shelter is provided. Right next to water but it will clog up your water filter if you're using one. We saw beavers swimming; They were not fearful of campers. Due to the grass, there were many ticks, pets should be treated for ticks ahead of time. We didn't stay overnight due to the amount of then. Parking was easy, hike in was very easy and clearly defined. It's a good spot for camping in the fall or spring.
Possibly bring your own shade. Note that you CANNOT hammock camp at Kettle Lake. Firewood will also be slightly harder to find here due to lack of trees. It would be smart to carry your own in (if possible).
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near North Shore, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near North Shore, MN is Sinclair Lewis City Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near North Shore, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 81 dog-friendly camping locations near North Shore, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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