Crystal B.
Legend
LegendBailey Park in Wabasha MN
Small campground in the City of Wabasha MN
Small basic campground in Wabasha MN. Mostly permanent sites. There is a dog park directly next to the campground.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Preston, MN
112 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground allows pets at its established campgrounds nestled in a wooded valley near Preston. Tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options accommodate campers with dogs throughout the park's year-round operation. The Old Barn Resort, rated 4.9 out of 5, maintains pet-friendly policies across all its accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. The sites are spacious and not overcrowded, making them ideal for campers with dogs. Maple Springs Campground offers similar pet accommodations with electric hookups and water access. Campers note the resort's location directly on the Root River Trail System provides excellent opportunities for walking dogs while biking or running nearby.
Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit provides free dispersed camping with pets allowed, though facilities are limited to vault toilets and drinking water. The hiking trails include two overlook sites with spectacular views worth the challenging uphill trek. Dogs can explore the Root River alongside their owners at The Old Barn Resort, where tubing opportunities allow for a relaxing float in shallow, quiet water. Highway 250 Campground provides pet-friendly sites within walking distance of downtown Lanesboro. Schmidt Farm by Forestville offers secluded tent sites for a quiet back-to-nature experience with pets, situated adjacent to Forestville State Park trails. The private trails and native wildflowers provide excellent opportunities for pet exploration in a peaceful setting with dark skies. During seasonal visits, watch for falling walnuts in the fall when camping with dogs at Sylvan City Park.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Preston (112)
1. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground
"Mystery Cave State Park is surrounded in in a lush green forest with huge oak and maple trees that hang over the road like a huge living canopy."
"On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society."
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability2. Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
"Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals. This facility is clean and very well kept."
"Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water. If your close enough to the office wifi available."
from $30 - $46 / night
Check Availability3. The Old Barn Resort
"It was located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running."
"Beware, the office and bar/restaurant are located inside the barn. I say beware because there are barn swallows that nest on the outside of the barn. TONS of barn swallows."
4. Maple Springs Campground
"Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races."
"Some girlfriends and I wanted to stay at the camp for the weekend and have a place to social distance ourselves. We rented the horse camp sites and we couldn't have been happier."
from $35 / night
Check Availability5. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
"Whitewater is by far one of the top state parks in Minnesota. Their camping facilities are clean with running water and free showers. The campsites are quite spacious but not too wooded."
"Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."
from $25 - $250 / night
Check Availability6. Sylvan City Park
"Walking distance to downtown and easy access to Root River Trail. RV sites were close to each other with little privacy. Many tent sites around the perimeter. Short walk to bathhouse."
from $17 - $30 / night
Check Availability7. Schmidt Farm by Forestville
"If you're looking for a simpler camping experience focused on getting away from everything and solitude, then this is the place for you. "
"This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others."
from $35 / night
Check Availability8. Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit
"There are a few spaces with views you can hike in to but I opted for a spot next to my car. And ideal spot for a one nighter."
"The site has a shelter for the tent as well as other places outside for it. A fire spot and picnic table. Worth the hike."
9. Isinours Campsites
"Nice sites there was some trash around but it is right on the Root river bike trail."
from $17 / night
10. Highway 250 Campground
"Great location on the bike trail and Root River. You can easily walk or ride into town. Bathrooms and showers are clean and centrally located."
Drive Time
- 35 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 3 min from La Crosse, WI
- 1 hr 35 min from Waterloo, IA
- 2 hrs 4 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Preston, MN
38 Photos of 112 Preston Campgrounds
Demeri C.
Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest Isinours Management Unit
anne K.
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground
Roni J.
Maple Springs Campground
Rose L.
Hideaway Camper By The Cave 2.0
corey
Twins Campground
Jillian E.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground
Mike L.
Aefintyr
David G.
Prairie Island City Campground
Lisa D.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park -Beavertrails Camp-Resort
Jordan A.
Perrot State Park Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Preston, MN
509 Reviews of 112 Preston Campgrounds
- RRebecca R.
TravelerPrairie Island City Campground
Nice for RV Camping
If you are a tent camper, I would suggest going to local nearby state parks vs. this campground. Nice for a quick weekend away in an RV. On the Mississippi River and close to town. Across the street from a dog park so if you bring your fur-friend with, there is a nice enclosed area for them to run while being supervised.
David G.TravelerPrairie Island City Campground
River view
It is a nice clean quiet campground. Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart.
- JJOSEPH M.
ScoutMaple Springs Campground
Eden
We stayed here for the month of august, and this place is awesome! Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races. Dog park, small general store, backs up to a national park, close to town, immaculately maintained, volley ball court, lots of shade trees, easy access, and Andy(owner/operator) is the nicest person you’ll ever want to meet. For those so inclined there’s church service on Sunday in an old (cool looking!) barn! Fire pits at every spot. There is WiFi there, but little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster. 5/5 will definitely be back!
- Kayla S.Scout
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
Perfect set-up
This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.
This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.
This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.
Amy G.LegendShady Rest Acres
Bliss in the middle of the country
In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.
Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. They are happy to let you meet them with their presence.
There are 2 campsites, if you wish. One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing! The other is nestled in the woods. Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet. But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house. The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days. The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night.
At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours. It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food. So they know where it comes from and how it was treated. I love it.
This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic. Just what the soul ordered.
- Kari S.Scout
Pulpit Rock Campground
Beautiful!
My boyfriend and I stayed right on the river with our pups (pet friendly) and it was BEAUTIFUL. Easy access to restrooms but secluded and quiet too.
- DDan K.Traveler
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
River Camping
Overall great experience! Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water. If your close enough to the office wifi available. Some sites are tight for large motor homes, 5th wheelers and tavel trailer. If your a bicyclist, campgrounds on great paved trail. They like their grass, no rugs or carpet on the grass. I take this as a positive. Dogs n cats are welcome. Lots of seasonal sites. Camping during the week is quite!
Mike G.TravelerPulpit Rock Campground
Nicely Kept Campground
Really nicely kept camp ground. A bit too close to traffic for a completely quiet night. Bathrooms were warm and really clean, staff was really great and if youre bringing a pet, there were plenty of areas to walk. Fishing was really great catching several fish for dinner including some really nice size rainbow trout.
Guide to Preston
Dispersed camping areas near Preston, Minnesota give campers more flexibility and privacy than established campgrounds. Located in the driftless region with limestone bluffs and spring-fed creeks, the area offers camping options at elevations between 900-1300 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while spring and fall can see nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s.
What to do
Trout fishing access: At Beaver Creek Valley State Park, the creek offers excellent fishing spots. As one camper notes, "Small quiet campground with sites that back up to the creek. Very easy walking trail winding through the park and stream. An easy way to trout fish and enjoy the park."
Cave exploration: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground offers underground adventures. "The cave tours are well done and the sites are scenic and tucked into the woods. There is also a winery (Four Daughter) not far away that's more than worth stopping at," shares one visitor.
Biking the Root River Trail: The paved trail system connects several towns. "Located right on the Root River Trail System which we liked for biking and running. It has an indoor/outdoor heated pool, a big barn with a restaurant and bar, and clean restroom and shower facilities," reports one camper about regional trail access.
What campers like
Private hiking trails: Schmidt Farm by Forestville offers secluded nature experiences. "This location offers the opportunity to explore both private trails and less traveled areas of Forestville State Park. Secluded campsites so you are not camping side by side with others," explains one visitor.
Overnight solitude: Campers appreciate the quieter areas for stargazing. "You can tell that the hosts have put a ton of work and love into their property and I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know them. The peace and quiet allowed me to have one of the best nights of sleep while camping that I've had," shares a Schmidt Farm camper.
Clean facilities: Maple Springs Campground gets positive reviews for maintenance. "Well maintained trails, lovely hosts & amenities. Not like any other campground," notes one visitor, while another mentions "Clean showers and bathroom near office."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be significant in this region, especially in spring and fall. "It got colder and rainy and most of the campers left," notes a visitor at Whitewater State Park.
Cell coverage limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no service. "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office," reports one Forestville Mystery Cave visitor.
Drive-in considerations: Some access roads can be challenging. "Be warned that in order to get to sites #27 through #37 you have to drive through some water. In September it was only about 8 inches," advises a Beaver Creek Valley camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Eagle Cliff Campground offers river access for children. "The campground rents out tubes as well as provides a shuttle to the starting point and you float down to the campground. They are sticklers on the quiet time after 10 or 11pm," notes a visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Preston, MN?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Preston, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Preston, MN is Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Preston, MN?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Preston, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 112 dog-friendly camping locations near Preston, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring