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Dog-Friendly Camping near St. Joseph, MN

86 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    St. Cloud Campground & RV Park accommodates pets in its tent sites, RV spots, and cabins with accessible walking areas throughout the grounds. Multiple fire rings and picnic tables provide comfortable spaces for campers and their dogs to relax, while the large grassy areas offer room for pets to stretch their legs. El Rancho Manana Campground maintains pet-friendly policies across its diverse accommodation options including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The campground features dedicated areas for dog walking and maintains clean facilities that accommodate pet owners. Visitors note the convenient park access and well-maintained grounds where pets can comfortably accompany their owners.

    Lake Maria State Park permits dogs throughout its hiking trails and camping areas, requiring pets to remain leashed at all times. The park's multiple access options—boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in—provide diverse ways for campers with pets to reach their sites. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park offers shaded sites particularly appealing to pet owners during summer months, with mature trees providing necessary coverage for dogs sensitive to heat. The campground's family-oriented amenities include grassy areas suitable for dog exercise, clean facilities, and seasonal camping options from May through October. Staff members are consistently helpful with pet-related questions and accommodations, making this location particularly suitable for first-time campers with dogs.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near St. Joseph (86)

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      1. St. Cloud Campground & RV Park

      4.0(8)10mi from St. JosephRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "On the outskirts of St Cloud, this campground was very well maintained and clean."

      "No lake but a pool. More like an RV Park although they do have rustic sites."

      from $75 / night

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      2. Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842

      4.7(3)3mi from St. JosephRVs

      "Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!"

      "Conveniently off highway 23 and I94 so you should be able to get back on the road quickly!"

      from $29 / night

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      3. Lake Maria State Park Campground

      4.4(34)24mi from St. Joseph22 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      4. St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park

      4.4(8)15mi from St. JosephRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We have a pop up so we parked on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field. It was nice to be there instead of in the thick of the big camper section. Pool was nice and store too."

      "If this place was close to home I’d be here every weekend. Absolute beautiful weather with a nice breeze no mosquitoes not something you get in Florida in July !!"

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      5. El Rancho Manana

      3.5(4)9mi from St. JosephRVs, Tents

      "You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."

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      6. Two Rivers Campground

      3.9(8)15mi from St. JosephRVs, Tents

      "This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."

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      7. El Rancho Manana Campgrounds & Riding Stable

      3.0(3)9mi from St. JosephRVs, Tents

      "This is a small campground in the middle of Minnesota that plays host to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association' two annual festivals."

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      8. Benton Beach Campground

      3.3(3)15mi from St. JosephRVs, Tents

      "Nice lake!!"

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      9. Mississippi River County Park

      4.0(1)12mi from St. JosephTents

      "The bicycle campsite is located by the fire pit near the picnic shelter. First come-first serve; Register onsite."

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      10. Cozy Corners

      4.0(1)14mi from St. JosephRVs, Tents

      "Located on long lake on the horseshoe chain if you like to fish!"

    View all 86 campgrounds

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near St. Joseph, MN

    33 Photos of 86 St. Joseph Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near St. Joseph, MN

    383 Reviews of 86 St. Joseph Campgrounds

    • Alison O.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 1, 2021

      Crow Hassan Park Reserve

      One of the best dog parks in MN

      I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 31, 2018

      Riverside City Park

      Nice campground on the river.

      This 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.

    • JoAnn E.
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Cedar Lake Memorial Park

      Nice relaxing

      We 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

    • David E.
      Jul. 30, 2022

      Minneapolis Northwest KOA

      Good Campground but Close Sites

      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.

    • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 13, 2025

      RiversEdge RV Park

      Great location! Quiet!

      This 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.

      • Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond
      • Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service -Concrete Patios on every lot -Crushed granite streets and drives Fishing, tubing, & canoeing on the Elk River -Horseshoe and lawn games -Large pavilion provides for fun weekly events and activities -Laundry and shower facilities -Lush lawns and nice walking paths with colorful gardens -Pets Welcome -Electric golf carts welcome -Firewood available -Gracious owners live on-site
    • Joe S.
      Oct. 29, 2021

      A J Acres Campground

      Good Enough for our Needs

      We 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.

    • Gregory J.
      Jul. 31, 2021

      Pierz Park

      Too many kids driving golf carts.

      First 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.

    • Brittney B.
      May. 24, 2022

      Two Rivers Campground

      New owner-now over priced

      New 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.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 9, 2019

      Oak Ridge Campground — Sibley State Park

      Forest meets prairie

      This 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

    Guide to St. Joseph

    Camping areas near St. Joseph, Minnesota offer diverse terrain along the Sauk River watershed, which features a mix of hardwood forests and prairie landscape. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 1,050-1,100 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though facilities operate with reduced services from November through April.

    What to do

    Swimming and water activities: Lake Maria State Park Campground offers multiple water access options including swimming areas and canoe-friendly shorelines. As camper Lydia N. notes, "This site was nearly surrounded by a lake which lended to a lot of bugs, but was absolutely gorgeous!"

    Hiking opportunities: Lake Maria State Park Campground maintains several trail systems through hardwood forests, ranging from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes. "Good trails and a fun experience," writes Brian K., who appreciated the "camper cabin and the clean sites."

    Horseback riding: El Rancho Manana provides on-site horseback riding trails for campers of all experience levels. Jesse H. mentioned, "On site horseback riding was great," also noting the "dynamic and lush" surroundings with "well-kept" grounds.

    River tubing: Two Rivers Campground sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Platte Rivers, making it ideal for water recreation. According to Kelly O., "tubing down the river is a MUST! Lots of fun." The campground also offers "mini golf, a decent arcade, a camp store."

    What campers like

    Secluded campsites: For those seeking privacy, Lake Maria's backcountry sites offer seclusion within walking distance of amenities. Camper Brian C. explains, "This lovely spot is a one mile hike from the parking lot, so be ready to walk if you need to make more than one trip...You could hear voices, but not see anyone. In fact, I went the whole weekend without seeing a single person."

    Clean facilities: St. Cloud Campground & RV Park maintains well-kept shower and restroom facilities. As Jody M. reports, "This campground is well maintained. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The shower house was clean. We enjoyed our stay here and will return."

    Pool and recreation: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provides multiple recreational options including a saltwater pool and games area. "Pool was nice and store too," mentioned Teresa O., who stayed in a pop-up camper "on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field."

    Weekend activities: Seasonal programming keeps campers entertained at several local campgrounds. Andy R. noted that at El Rancho Manana they "Every weekend have something different going on to do," making it suitable for repeat visits.

    What you should know

    Bug preparation: Minnesota summers bring mosquitoes and flies, particularly in wooded and lake areas. One Lake Maria visitor advised, "Pack light and bring permethrin-treated clothes during bug season," while another noted the black flies "were dive bombing the car like a scene from Armageddon."

    Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October with limited or no winter services. According to Tori K., Love's RV Hookup remains "Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23."

    Site spacing varies: Two Rivers Campground and other established campgrounds have mixed reviews on site privacy. "Campground very nice but lots of people. Not very private," writes Ida B. about Two Rivers, while Amanda S. noted at St. Cloud Campground that "the sites were pretty large, much larger than data KOA, but not so big or private as some campgrounds we've been to."

    WiFi reliability: Internet connectivity remains inconsistent across most dog friendly campgrounds near St. Joseph. Dave P. found that at St. Cloud Campground, "Host stated that the wifi was weak but since there were not a lot of campers we should be alright. We were unable to even get a signal!"

    Tips for camping with families

    Water play options: Two Rivers Campground offers multiple water recreation features for children. Preston R. describes, "They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered."

    Playground access: St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park provides play areas for younger campers within supervised distance of sites. According to S L., "This a nice family campground. It has a 9 hole mini golf, shuffleboard, salt water pool, and a lobby/gift shop."

    Game areas: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near St. Joseph include indoor entertainment options for rainy days. Elizabeth W. mentioned St. Cloud Campground has "a lodge with games and a store, and a hall where they hold bingo and other events."

    Food delivery option: Several campgrounds offer in-park food service. Preston R. notes that at Two Rivers, "The general store has all your camping essentials, plus they make great pizza and other food—delivered right to your campsite along with firewood and ice, just by calling or texting."

    Tips from RVers

    Power line proximity: When selecting an RV site at St. Cloud Campground, note the power infrastructure. Amanda S. observed, "the only weird thing is that the campground is situated under some very large high tension power lines...didn't affect our stay whatsoever, just worth mentioning."

    Alternative overnight stops: For travelers needing brief stops with hookups, Love's RV Hookup-Rockville MN 842 provides convenient access. Tori K. explains, "I love that Love's has RV spots that are big rig friendly! These are a great option for a stop halfway through a trip."

    Full hookup availability: Most dog-friendly RV parks near St. Joseph offer water, electric and sewer connections, though amp service varies. S L. notes about St. Cloud-Clearwater, "Verizon cell coverage is good here and OTA TV has a few channels."

    Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, especially for weekend stays. According to Janet R., at Two Rivers "nightly rental is not cheap" and "Summer is peak season of course, it is quieter and cheaper in the fall and spring."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near St. Joseph, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near St. Joseph, MN is St. Cloud Campground & RV Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.

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