The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Rochester, MN

502 Reviews

Rochester-Marion KOA accommodates tent campers, RV owners, and cabin guests with pets throughout its shaded, well-maintained grounds. Located just minutes from Interstate 90, this pet-friendly campground maintains clean facilities and offers grassy sites perfect for dog walking. Pets are welcome at most sites with standard leash policies in place. Chester Woods Park similarly welcomes pets throughout its campground, featuring spacious sites along the edge of the park that provide soft ground ideal for setting up tents with dogs. Both campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities and shower areas, making longer stays with pets more comfortable. The bathrooms are regularly cleaned and stocked, important for campers traveling with animals who need reliable facilities nearby.

Multiple hiking trails at both locations allow leashed dogs, with Chester Woods offering paths along the lake shoreline particularly popular among pet owners. The county park environment at Oxbow provides peaceful pet camping with trails of varying difficulty levels from riverside walks to prairie top hikes. The small zoo at Oxbow operates on a donation-only basis and sits about 500 yards from the campground, though campers report you would never know it's there while at your site. Autumn Woods RV Park offers a convenient location for Mayo Clinic visitors traveling with pets, though reviews note their community campfire policy rather than individual site fires. Most campgrounds in the Rochester area maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes, waste cleanup, and responsible pet ownership, with no specific breed restrictions mentioned in reviews.

Map showing campgrounds near Rochester, MinnesotaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Rochester, Minnesota (94)

    1. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    50 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "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."

    2. Chester Woods Park

    6 Reviews
    Eyota, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 285-7050

    "Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activity’s, and other things to do. There are water and septic hook ups and pets are fine, they have bathrooms as well."

    "Chester Woods is a county park just east of Rochester, MN."

    3. Rochester-Marion KOA

    5 Reviews
    Marion, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 288-0785

    "It has convenient access to the freeway and the city of Rochester. Bathrooms are cleaned frequently and we'll stocked."

    "We got back on the Interstate & got off on exit 224. Took Co Rd 7 to HWY 52. This is a lot easier than the directions the KOA gave."

    4. Autumn Woods RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Stewartville, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 990-2983

    5. Oxbow County Park

    6 Reviews
    Byron, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 775-2451

    $25 - $30 / night

    "There is an awesome park near the sites for children."

    "The zoo is amazing, the campground is well cared and a ton of hiking trails!!"

    6. Hidden Meadows RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Pine Island, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 356-8594

    $38 - $45 / night

    "The lower area of this park is so nice and right near a river. The owners are really nice, bathrooms/showers clean and everybody is friendly."

    "Portable toilets spaced around and a centralized bath house by the office. There are seasonal guests and everyone was friendly."

    7. Carley State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Plainview, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    "Carley State Park is easy to overlook in favor of nearby Whitewater State Park. Whitewater has an actual visitor center, the dramatic scenery, the flush toilets, and spacious/level sites."

    "Site #2 is further down a path with 4 picnic tables and room for 4-5 tents. The site is right at the park border, with farm land/prairie just on the other Side of the trees."

    8. Bluff Hollow on Root River

    1 Review
    Marion, MN
    8 miles

    $35 - $45 / night

    "There were 2 options for camping - the upper site and lower near the river. We opted to camp and hang out down by the river."

    9. Tilly's American Travelers RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Pine Island, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 367-2499

    "It's a nice stop if you need close to Rochester. Not badly priced. Grill and Bar on site with good food. The store, bath, and laundry are still closed due to Covid."

    10. Bluff Valley Campground

    5 Reviews
    Pine Island, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 753-2955

    "Bathrooms near by need updated. But brand new showers by main entrance. Very clean, nice staff. They have a little restaurant that I saw but didn't eat or see open."

    "They have a pool, video games, driving range and park but the draw from this camp ground for us is sitting in the river and relaxing watching the tubers go by."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 94 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Rochester Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Rochester, MN

43 Photos of 94 Rochester Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Rochester, MN

502 Reviews of 94 Rochester Campgrounds

  • Mike L.
    May. 22, 2023

    Aefintyr

    Beautiful campsite with a lot of amenities.

    Its nice to have a place this nice only 35 minutes from Rochester. Beautiful campground with great amenities available. The hike to the site is steep but worth it once you get up there. I stayed at the Talia bell tent site so I didn't have to bring much so it made the hike a lot easier. Short drive to White Water State Park. A lot of great trout fishing spots along the river. Very peaceful campground, great view of the stars on clear nights! Will definitely be back.

  • Peter R.
    Jun. 8, 2017

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Beautiful Bluffs

    We 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.

  • R
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Prairie 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.
    May. 8, 2022

    Prairie 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.

  • J
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Maple 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!

  • 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.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Crystal Springs RV Resort

    Nice Campground

    As the campground(CG) is right off the interstate, it was easy to get to. Our check-in package was ready when we arrived at the little self-registration building at the entrance. We had requested site 40, where we had stayed two years ago, but they gave us back-in site 41 instead on the little lake. The utilities are in the middle of the site and worked well with water pressure near 45 psi. The sites are decently spaced for this type of CG. They have WiFi, but their info packet states it's not good enough for streaming but okay for email, etc. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi since we were only here for two nights. The CG is right off I-35, so you do get some highway noise. This CG is very well kept, with mostly seasonal and permanent parties. We came in with two other 5th wheels and had no problem getting sites, but we did reserve well before our arrival. There was not a formal dog park, but there was plenty of area to walk your dog. We noted that this CG was featured in RV Life’s 2023 Discover The Best RV Parks& Resorts In Every State with this narrative:"This family-owned campground prides itself on cleanliness; there is an owner on-site around the clock to ensure it stays in top condition. The park is beautifully landscaped and has both pull-thru and back-in sites. All sites(some are waterfront) are level and offer full hookups and free Wi-Fi. There are onsite restrooms and laundry facilities that are kept sparkling clean. They also offer a lending library of books and movies. There is a large pond on the property that is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports, and there is a walking path that circles the pond." Check out the Spam Museum in Austin, MN. We thought the museum would be cheesy, but it was a nice facility and a great experience. The CG deserved this praise, and we again enjoyed our stay.

  • Kayla S.
    May. 27, 2018

    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.

  • D
    Jun. 26, 2020

    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!

Guide to Rochester

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Rochester, Minnesota, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet owners like the variety of amenities available

  • At Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park, you'll find electric hookups, drinking water, and clean restrooms, making it a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • Oxbow County Park offers well-maintained facilities, including showers and picnic tables, perfect for a family outing with your dog.
  • Chester Woods Park features spacious sites with access to hiking trails, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the area with your pet.

Dog owners appreciate the outdoor activities

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great features

  • Rochester-Marion KOA is known for its clean facilities and friendly staff, making it a welcoming spot for pet owners.
  • Hidden Meadows RV Park boasts grassy sites and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxing with your pet after a day of exploration.
  • Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground features spacious campsites and attentive staff, ensuring a pleasant stay for you and your four-legged friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rochester, MN is Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 94 dog-friendly camping locations near Rochester, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring