Dog-Friendly Camping near South Saint Paul, MN

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    Lebanon Hills Regional Park welcomes pets throughout its three distinct camping areas with different hookup options. The East loop provides more secluded, wooded tent sites with electric hookups, while full hookup RV sites are available in separate loops. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the campground, which features clean, well-maintained facilities including showers and restrooms that campers consistently rate highly in reviews. The campsites offer ample space between neighbors, providing pets and their owners with room to enjoy their surroundings without feeling crowded. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at all sites, and the campground maintains excellent bathroom facilities with spacious shower stalls. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near South Saint Paul, Minnesota.

    Several miles of pet-friendly hiking trails connect directly to Lebanon Hills campground, with additional trail systems accessible throughout the 2,000-acre regional park. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring with dogs, positioned just 15-20 minutes from Minneapolis attractions while maintaining a secluded natural setting. Pet owners appreciate the playground area for children and the proximity to Schulze Beach, where kayaks, canoes and paddle boards can be rented during summer months. Multiple lakes within the park system provide additional recreation options for visitors and their pets. The campground remains open from April 30 to October 12, with sites filling quickly during summer weekends due to its popularity among Twin Cities residents seeking convenient outdoor getaways with their pets.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near South Saint Paul (87)

      1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      4.8(44)11mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents

      "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

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      2. Afton State Park Campground

      4.6(37)13mi from South Saint Paul37 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      3. Willow River State Park Campground

      4.5(62)19mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents

      "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."

      4. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park

      4.6(17)19mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      5. William O'Brien State Park Campground

      4.3(39)26mi from South Saint Paul121 sitesTents, Cabins

      "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

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      6. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve

      4.5(38)31mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      7. Bunker Hills Regional Park

      4.6(16)25mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      8. Rice Creek Campgrounds

      4.1(7)19mi from South Saint PaulRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      9. Town & Country Campground & RV Park

      3.7(7)19mi from South Saint PaulRVs

      "It’s an easy on and off the interstate, super close to a gas station and RV wash bay. Also super close to some very large power lines. The kids enjoyed the compact playground and pool."

      "Some road noise, but you are in the city so expected, but yet still quieter then in some areas being close to things. I recommend this park."

      10. Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center

      2.0(2)11mi from South Saint PaulTents

      from $50 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near South Saint Paul, MN

    790 Reviews of 87 South Saint Paul Campgrounds


    • C Torey S.
      Apr. 17, 2019

      Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      Hiking, biking, camping & more

      Lebanon 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

    • 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!

    • 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.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 31, 2020

      Interstate State Park Campground

      Expeditions at Interstate!

      This 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.

    • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 4, 2025

      Dakotah Meadows RV Park

      Quiet and safe

      Small 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • S
      Aug. 13, 2021

      St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

      Top Shelf

      Beautiful, spacious, trees but open. Nice trails, clean restrooms, level sites. No alcohol allowed and no pets! Fire rings, sturdy picnic table. Electric and water.

      I made reservations online and when we arrived they said I had reserved a place at Elmo Lake which was 20 miles away. Same 2 county facilities but different campgrounds. Oops my bad. Different addresses!


    Guide to South Saint Paul

    Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers multiple tent and RV camping options between April 30 and October 12. The 2,000-acre park contains several lakes and miles of trails. Many sites fill quickly on summer weekends due to the park's convenient location just 15-20 minutes from Minneapolis, making it popular for pet friendly camping near South Saint Paul, Minnesota.

    What to Do

    Kayaking on multiple lakes: At William O'Brien State Park, visitors can experience the St. Croix River Valley landscapes. "This is a great place to see all the various landscapes of the St. Croix River Valley," notes Jason S. The park remains open year-round with hiking trails throughout.

    Trail running through diverse terrain: Afton State Park features prairie, forest and river landscapes on its numerous trails. "We will definitely be back for trail running!" states Emily G. The park's elevation changes create varied trail experiences, with some steep climbs to reach certain campsites.

    Swimming in accessible lakes: Several area parks offer swimming options, though conditions vary seasonally. At Willow River State Park, Jessica B. notes that while "Willow River State Park no longer has a beach or a lake, they are working on the dam to refill the lake once again. Willow River falls is definitely a beautiful site to see."

    What Campers Like

    Clean, well-maintained facilities: Baker Park Reserve receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "The bathrooms and showers are nice and clean, some of the best I've seen at a campground!" reports Jennifer H. The campground operates seasonally from April 30 to October 20.

    Proximity to Twin Cities: Many campers value locations that feel remote while remaining accessible. As Natalia J. notes about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, "We love to camp here as it's so close to home. Decent amenities, however NOT the feel of a State Park. Think suburbia meets nature." This park operates from May through September.

    Varied site options: Campgrounds near South Saint Paul offer different levels of privacy and amenities. One camper at William O'Brien noted, "Weekends have been packed and reservations scarce for months at state parks in Minnesota. Arriving on a Sunday afternoon was a dream—very few people in the campground loop."

    What You Should Know

    Reservation requirements: Most parks fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Afton State Park, Adam P. advises, "These sites do require a hike from parking. Would strongly discourage big coolers or lots of weight."

    Trail access considerations: Many pet-friendly camping areas near South Saint Paul require planning for trail usage. Blair from Willow River State Park notes, "Most of the trail heads start at the campground. Walked about a mile to the falls area."

    Bug preparation: Minnesota's warm months bring insects. Ariel H. warns about Rice Creek Campgrounds: "When our tent was finally set up instead of enjoying marshmallows at our fire pit we watched Netflix on our tablet instead our tent. Next day taking the tent down was even worse hot 90 degree day, horseflies and no breeze."

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Accessible playgrounds: Multiple parks feature play areas for children. Angela L. observed at Lebanon Hills, "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area. The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with."

    Water recreation options: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers extensive water activities. "Within the park is large water park and wave pool. There are many paved trails, and an activity center," reports Doug B. The park operates from May through October 15.

    Educational opportunities: Several parks provide nature programming. Owen H. states about Lebanon Hills, "I like this campground because there are some fun hiking trails and there is a lot to do!"

    Tips from RVers

    Full hookup availability: Campgrounds vary in their RV accommodations. At Town & Country Campground, Jennifer H. notes, "The site were in is w&e only but they have a dump station. It appears to be sold out for the weekend so book ahead."

    Navigating campground roads: Some parks have challenging access for larger rigs. Maria D. cautions about Willow River State Park, "While the walk to the running water bathroom was a bit longer than we preferred, the facilities themselves were clean and nicely updated."

    Electric hookup options: Most parks offer electric sites, but amperage varies. Joanne M. found at Lebanon Hills that "The site had a nice picnic table, which we used to help sort out our new (to us) trailer storage. We didn't use the fire ring, but it would have made for a nice campfire. We had full hookups, even though we only needed water and electric."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South Saint Paul, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near South Saint Paul, MN is Lebanon Hills Regional Park with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near South Saint Paul, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near South Saint Paul, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.