88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides free dispersed camping with pet-friendly sites along gravel roads. Multiple pull-off areas accommodate tent camping and small trailers with ample space between sites for privacy. No amenities are available—no toilets, drinking water, or trash facilities—making this a true primitive camping experience. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River offers a contrasting experience with full hookups, large sites, and pet-friendly policies throughout the campground. Pets are welcome at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with 30/50 amp service, and glamping options. The campground features dedicated areas for pets to exercise while maintaining clean grounds. Sites are well-kept and spaced apart for privacy while still providing access to amenities.
The Rum River provides excellent opportunities for dogs to swim and play in clean, sandy-bottomed water. Hiking trails through Sand Dunes State Forest allow leashed pets to explore pine stands and open sandy areas, though owners should be vigilant about poison ivy which is prevalent throughout the forest. Cell service is limited in dispersed camping areas, so visitors should download maps before arrival and prepare for true disconnection. Ham Lake Resort also accepts pets and provides access to a small lake for swimming. Wildlife is abundant in these areas—campers report seeing sandhill cranes that can be territorial, requiring careful management of dogs during encounters. Campers with pets particularly appreciate the quiet atmosphere at dispersed sites once side roads thin out after midday.
"For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."
"I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
"We picked this spot as we had dogs with and liked that there was a row of trees where we could tie them away from the fire . Would be a GREAT lot for multiple hammocks. "
from $50 / 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"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Close to the Twin Cities, right on the Rum River. Great tent sites right on the river.
Tubing! They have a bus that takes you into town float back to the campground, love it."
"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"Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
"The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."
from $54 - $999 / 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!
GuideThis is a nice city campground with lovely views of the Rum River. There is a nice playground with a small climbing wall, benches to sit looking over the river. Picnic tables and a shelter are great for eating at. There is a dog park just across the river, within easy walking distance.
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.
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.
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.
LegendOur RV GPS brought us right to the campground(CG). We arrived about an hour early of their 3:00 PM check-in time with no issues checking in. We drove to FHU site 38 and backed in one and done. Our utilities were at the back of the site, and we needed about 35’ of electric and water hose. The sewer was more central, and I needed about 18’ of sewer hose for our rig. Our area had a few shade trees, but we had no problem hitting the north sky for Starlink. The water pressure was good, and we put on a reducer. Our nightly rate is based on an average over the weekday and weekend rates with no discounts offered. We stayed here three years ago when the CG was fairly young and not so built up. The clubhouse had gone to a full-service restaurant and bar, and when we were there around 10:30 AM, quite a few people were eating breakfast. We were told that the seasonal guests can golf on the weekends/holidays for free as part of their package, so tee times are needed. We saw a few seasonal folks going out, but just about every seasonal guest here has a golf cart, and they drove them around continuously during our Labor Day stay. Many of the seasonals also had ATVs, which they took off to ride the local trails. With the pool, new putt-putt golf, and other family activities, the CG was full of people. We were pleasantly surprised that the kids who rode on all sorts of electric bikes and scooters plus golf carts behaved themselves, and the parents seemed attentive. Everyone was friendly, and we happily noticed that the seasonal guests kept their sites clean and picked up after their dogs. They had expanded their dog park that’s up near the clubhouse, basketball court, and playground, but the dog area was not very convenient to the backside of the CG now that there are about 142 sites plus cabins/trailer park models available(with plans for more sites). However, there was plenty of room and little trails to walk your dog. The original/older sites 4-12 and the 30-40 area are currently being used for short-termers. Sites 1-3 are now cabins/park models. They have WiFi, but the signal was not very strong in our area. The golf course was under new design construction due to adding additional sites, but it was playable. Based on this CG becoming a seasonal golf cart community, we probably will not return.
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.
Sand Dunes State Forest and surrounding areas near St. Francis, Minnesota feature unique glacial deposits that created sandy hills and wetlands. The area's mixed terrain transitions between prairie and forest ecosystems, with elevation changes of 20-100 feet between lowlands and sandy ridges. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F while spring and fall camping seasons experience 45-65°F with variable rainfall.
Canoe the Rum River: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers river access with equipment rentals. "Great tubing and canoeing," notes Rory T. The river provides a gentle current suitable for beginners and families.
Hiking forest trails: Lake Maria State Park features wooded paths with diverse terrain. "Lots of trails and a fun experience," writes Brian K. The park maintains several miles of trails through maple-basswood forest with moderate elevation changes.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings offer prime viewing times. "Lots of wildlife throughout the forest. Campers report seeing sandhill cranes, pileated woodpeckers, red squirrels, and chorus frogs," according to Alison O. Bring binoculars for better viewing.
Swimming beaches: Bunker Hills Regional Park features a water park alongside camping. "Huge waterpark, miles of bike trails," mentions Tiffany W. Beach access typically costs $5-7 per vehicle during summer months.
Spacious, private sites: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers well-designed camping areas. "This campground was big with privacy between the camp spots. There were nice trails to help explorer the regional park," writes Melissa A.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities receive consistent praise at established campgrounds. "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The only down fall was there was no trash cans in the campground only with you were leaving the campground," notes a camper.
Family-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds cater to families with young children. "Something for everyone here! The facilities are well kept, the park is patrolled by rangers and the local sheriff after closing hours. Very safe place to camp. Perfect for kids, they have a water park with a wave pool, a disc golf course, a golf course," explains Arielle P.
Solitude options: For those seeking peace and quiet, dispersed camping provides isolation. "Lots of little spots off the main gravel road. Nothing allowed further into the forest. One pull through area that I found. Couple vehicles pass a day," reports Heather W.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. "Sites are large with varying degrees of privacy. Well spaced out, just some have less undergrowth. Be aware that the undergrowth is at least 25% poison ivy," warns Kari P. about Ann Lake.
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly throughout the area. "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites," mentions Andy L. Download maps before arrival.
Bug preparation: Insects are prevalent, particularly in summer months. "The black flies were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon... First step onto the grassy trail exploded in a cloud of mosquitos," describes Steph H. Bring repellent containing DEET or permethrin-treated clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near St. Francis, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near St. Francis, MN is South of Sand Dunes State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near St. Francis, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 88 dog-friendly camping locations near St. Francis, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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