92 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Afton State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites offer private camping with excellent hiking trails. Located near Oakdale, Minnesota, this backpacking destination allows dogs throughout the campground and on most trails. The park features secluded campsites accessed via a one-mile hike with some steep sections. Both tent sites and cabins accommodate pets, with camper cabins like the Eastern Bluebird providing heated shelter with electricity and double bunk beds. Lebanon Hills Regional Park, William O'Brien State Park, and Rice Creek Campgrounds also welcome pets with designated pet-friendly areas. Dogs must remain leashed at all times with a maximum six-foot leash. All sites require pet owners to clean up after their animals, with waste disposal stations available near restroom facilities. The campsites are mighty large and mostly secluded from nearby sites, providing privacy for pets that may be reactive to other animals.
The St. Croix River provides water access for dogs needing to cool off after hiking Afton's extensive trail system. Trails range from easy to difficult with rolling hills throughout the park, making it ideal for active dogs who enjoy varied terrain. Pet owners should prepare for wildlife encounters including deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, and occasional snakes on trails. During summer months, the sandy beach area along the river offers shallow, warm water where dogs can swim while eagles soar overhead. Winter camping with pets remains popular, with snowshoeing opportunities allowing dogs to explore off-trail. Campers should pack extra water for pets as the solar-powered well water station takes approximately 30 seconds to start flowing. Nearby veterinary services can be found within a 15-minute drive in Hudson, Wisconsin or Stillwater, Minnesota, providing emergency pet care if needed during overnight stays.
"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"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"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"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
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"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
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"This is our home away from home. It's the perfect place for your kids to be kids like we did in the 90's home by the time the street lights come on. Us parents can finally relax!"
"The lake is nice. Good luck catching fish though. Bill the manager is a great guy! Definitely ex military veteran!"
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"This this is an amazing Campground with two heated pools one up top and one down below they're also campsites located right alongside the river the campground offers tubing disc golf and many other activities"
from $30 - $150 / 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
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.
TravelerStaying here currently & they have been very accommodating, friendly & flexible. Water & electric hookup but no sewer however there is a dump station, a bathhouse with real toilets & nice showers. Pretty quiet for being so close to the main highway. My cats are able to free roam the property & my dog can be tied up outside. Usually pretty nice neighbors too.
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.
Campgrounds near Oakdale, Minnesota range from densely wooded sites to open prairie settings, with most positioned within a 30-minute drive of the Twin Cities metro area. The region sits at elevations between 700-950 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain with rolling hills and river valleys. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak camping season from May through September, with nighttime temperatures dropping 15-20 degrees.
Hiking diverse trails: Willow River State Park Campground offers multiple trail options. "Huge park, you can climb the cliffs surrounding the falls and there are plenty of trail both paved and unpaved," notes Arielle P. The waterfall area provides a central attraction for hikers of all skill levels.
Kayaking and canoeing: Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides lake access for paddlers. Chris S. mentions it has a "Nice little lake to kayak on," while another camper notes "Great biking and hiking trails. Great amenities." Equipment rentals available on-site include single and double kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.
Glacial pothole exploration: Interstate State Park features unique geological formations. "The draw here is the world's largest glacial potholes. When the river ran 200' higher than it does today, tornados of water eroded smooth round, massive holes in the rock," explains Erik R. Some potholes remain unmeasured in depth due to their extensive size.
Private wooded sites: Campers appreciate the seclusion at Rice Creek Campgrounds where "sites are a little close with little to no privacy in most" but many campsites are "fantastic with good spacing and shade," according to Bruce M. The tent-only loop is particularly valued for its quiet atmosphere.
Waterfront locations: Access to rivers and lakes ranks high among visitor preferences. At Apple River Family Campground, "The river sites are AMAZING!" says Mariah F., while another camper notes, "We were right on the river. Ride to 3 hour tubing right back to the campground." Waterfront sites often book months in advance during summer.
Clean facilities: Bunker Hills Regional Park maintains well-kept amenities. Melissa A. reports, "The bathrooms were nice and clean," while another visitor mentioned, "Amazing campsites nice trails clean shower's and bathroom's." The park employs a full-time maintenance staff to service facilities multiple times daily.
Reservation timing: Book early for weekend stays, especially at popular parks. According to Blair, at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May." Weekday availability typically remains more open, even during peak season.
Insects and wildlife: Mosquitoes and horseflies can be problematic at certain campgrounds. One camper at Rice Creek noted, "Horseflies nonstop attacked us," while another mentioned, "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" Bug repellent with DEET provides the most effective protection in this region.
Water access: Water availability varies by campground. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, "Water was easy to access, but the pit toilet is in the next loop over," reports Dani K. Some campgrounds offer hookups while others provide central pumps or fill stations.
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options for children. Bunker Hills Regional Park features "a water park with a wave pool" as mentioned by Arielle P. Beaches at lakes provide natural alternatives with gradual entry points suitable for younger swimmers.
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Family-friendly amenities enhance the camping experience. Angela L. points out that at Lebanon Hills, "The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with." Many campgrounds maintain multiple play areas throughout their grounds.
Short hiking options: Trails suitable for children exist at most area campgrounds. At Interstate State Park, "There are trails for all levels. Even rock climbing and glacial potholes!" according to Brian C. Trail maps typically mark easier paths with distance measurements and elevation changes.
Site specifications: Verify site dimensions before booking. Davis notes at Lebanon Hills, "Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All RV sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out." Always add buffer space beyond your RV's measured length.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary widely. At Willow River State Park, sites include "electric hookups" but "NO thirty-amp-hookups" according to site information. Rice Creek offers sites with "full hookups" in certain sections, while others provide only electric or no hookups at all.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. As one camper at Apple River Family Campground noted, "The road to get to our water view site was narrow and tricky with the camper but it was worth it for that peaceful view!" Call ahead to confirm access for RVs over 30 feet in length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Oakdale, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Oakdale, MN is Willow River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 63 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Oakdale, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 92 dog-friendly camping locations near Oakdale, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
