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Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground and Maple Springs Campground welcome pets throughout their grounds, offering a range of accommodation options including tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins. Both campgrounds feature picnic tables and fire rings at their pet-friendly sites. Maple Springs provides full hookups for RVs with both 50-amp service and water connections, while Forestville offers electric-only sites with 30-amp service. Visitors seeking more privacy with their pets appreciate Forestville's wooded sites that provide natural separation between neighbors. The park maintains well-marked trails where leashed dogs can accompany their owners through the forested terrain. Maple Springs Campground backs up to a trout stream where many campers exercise their dogs along the water's edge.
Campers with pets can explore several nearby hiking opportunities, including trails connecting to Forestville State Park's extensive path system. The Root River flows near multiple campgrounds in the area, providing water access for dogs who enjoy swimming. Eagle Cliff Campground offers additional pet-friendly cabins about 25 minutes from Spring Valley. Most campgrounds require dogs to be leashed at all times outside vehicles or camping units. Cell service can be limited in these rural camping areas, so visitors should note the location of the nearest veterinary services in Preston or Spring Valley before arrival. Well-maintained shower facilities at Maple Springs and Forestville provide comfort for human campers after outdoor adventures with their pets. Winter visitors should note that while Forestville remains open year-round, many surrounding campgrounds including Maple Springs operate seasonally from April through October.
"There are so many activities to do both within the park and surrounding areas, but my most favorite thing to do was walk the endless miles of hiking trails."
"On top of that it has this awesome living history 1800's village managed by the Minnesota Historical Society."
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License!"
"Our group of 12 stayed at one of the two group sites at Lake Louise State Park. Our site holds up to 30 and the neighboring site holds up to 50."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"It has convenient access to the freeway and the city of Rochester. Bathrooms are cleaned frequently and we'll stocked."
TravelerIf 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.
TravelerIt 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.
ScoutWe 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!
RangerMystery 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. My new word while we stayed there was “Forresty” due to feeling like we had entered a different world. There are so many activities to do both within the park and surrounding areas, but my most favorite thing to do was walk the endless miles of hiking trails. (Word to the wise, some of the trails are hiking/equestrian so watch your step😂) We didn’t do our homework, but if we would have known, we would have brought our fishing rods as the rivers were full of trout!!
We arrived at 2:00pm on Saturday, after a long 5 hour drive from northern Minnesota. It was amazing to watch the landscape change from iron ore mining pits to countless acres of corn and potatoes!! Check in time is 4:00pm, but our spot was empty when we arrived, so the park rangers let us set up early (Friendly and most helpful!!) We grabbed a bundle of wood for $6.00 for a campfire while we were at the park office. (that is pretty normal rates as you can’t bring in your own wood at State Parks in Minnesota) There are 3 different loops, an additional equestrian loop, and 5 cabins. We stayed in loop “C” with has bigger sites for RV’s and offers electricity. Loops “A” and “B” have smaller sites (still big!!) and both of those loops are non-electric. None of the sites are “full” hook up, but there is a dump station & fresh water fill right off the park office. The restrooms and showers are just off of the “C” loop, as was the amphitheater, and there are garbage/recycling bins every 4-5th site. The park was very noisy, but that all changed when most of the folks left Sunday. It was very peaceful the rest of the week.
There are so many things outside the park to do too!! We were not aware, but the Mystery Cave is a short drive from the state park. We took the scenic tour, and our guide Kip was fantastic!!! Hey let everyone ask all the questions they wanted to, and didn’t rush us at all!! The rate is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids 5-12, and kids under 5 go for free. The pictures just don’t do it justice!! The next day we drove to Masonic Park in Spring Valley and we were amazed by the sheer size of the rock face!! There is no charge to picnic or visit there and there is one spot for camping, but you need to get permission from the city before doing so. We also toured Niagra Cave which is a longer drive, but well worth it!! The underground waterfall was super cool!! They charge $16.00 per adult, kids 4-12 are $10.00, and children under 4 are free.
All in all this was a great get away for our family, and I highly recommend staying at the park:)
LegendAs 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.
ScoutThis 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.
ScoutMy 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.
TravelerOverall 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!
TravelerReally 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.
The Spring Valley area sits in the southeastern Minnesota bluff country at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, characterized by unique limestone formations and spring-fed rivers. Most campgrounds in this region maintain accessibility from April through October, with limited wintertime options at state parks. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even during summer months, particularly in the valley areas near water.
Cave exploring: Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground offers guided tours of Mystery Cave, an extensive underground system. "I came here to explore the caves and it blew me away. I think the cave was around 12-13 miles long and there was water and different formations. The floor was really wet so bring shoes you won't slip in," notes Kevin T. Tours cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-12.
Cycling: The Root River Trail System connects multiple campgrounds in the area. "The Root River Trail System runs right along the campground. We spent most of our time exploring the trail, visiting Lanesboro and Whalen," explains Jason S. about his experience at The Old Barn Resort. The paved trail offers relatively flat terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels.
Tubing: Several campgrounds provide river access and equipment rentals. Eagle Cliff Campground offers a convenient shuttle service for tubing. "The campground rents out tubes as well as provides a shuttle to the starting point and you float down to the campground," shares Jennifer M. A typical float takes 1-2 hours depending on water levels and entry points.
Historical sites: Visit the restored 1800s village at Forestville. "We did not see the caves. Camp ground was nice. Adequate shower facilities. Very nice trail system, very will maintained trails all through park. Historic Forestville is a fun stop (additional $)," describes ERolf P. The village operates as a living history museum with interpreters in period clothing.
Quiet camping spaces: Maple Springs Campground offers secluded sites away from highway noise. "This campground is small and quaint...plenty of space without being too close to your neighbors. Super easy to social distance here," notes Kim H., adding it's "quiet and mosquito free campground on the root river." Trout streams border many of the campsites.
Dark skies: Schmidt Farm by Forestville provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "A quiet, back to nature experience under dark skies," writes Karen S. The farm's location away from town lights creates ideal viewing conditions for astronomical observation, with minimal light pollution compared to other regional campgrounds.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region. "There is NO CELL SERVICE in the campground - no Verizon, ATT or T-Mobile. Wifi down at the ranger office," reports Jim C. about Forestville Mystery Cave State Park. Some campgrounds offer WiFi near their offices or common areas, but coverage can be spotty.
Weather considerations: The valleys can retain moisture after rainfall. "It was very wet, standing water in the grass from lots of rain," reports Andy C. about his experience at Maple Springs Campground. The limestone and sandstone terrain absorbs water slowly, creating muddy conditions that may persist for days after precipitation.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "If you go on weekend probably need to make reservations," advises Jim C. regarding cave tours at Forestville. State parks typically allow reservations up to 120 days in advance, while private campgrounds may have different booking windows.
Kid-friendly activities: Lake Louise State Park Campground offers fishing without licenses. "This is a great family park where the kids and grown-ups can have fun! You can go fishing at the pond without having to purchase a Minnesota Fishing License," notes Rodney A. The park maintains a small lake stocked with panfish and some trout.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide water recreation areas. "There's a covered swimming pool, golf course, right on the bike trail, near Root River, and great restaurant," Sheena B. mentions about The Old Barn Resort. Most swimming areas close by early evening, with pool hours typically running from 10am to 8pm during peak season.
Educational opportunities: Nature programs are available at state parks during summer months. "We hiked, took trout fishing lesson, sat at the beach and had relaxing evenings by the fire," shares Melissa H. about Whitewater State Park. Programs typically run on weekends and require no additional fees beyond park admission.
Hookup availability: Whitewater State Park Campground offers electrical sites with varying accessibility year-round. "We visited in winter (February) and while there was snow on the ground, the spaces were kept plowed with easy access to the electric boxes," reports Amy G. The campground maintains plowed access to electric sites throughout winter months.
Site sizing: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "Some sites are tight for large motor homes, 5th wheelers and travel trailer," Dan K. notes about Eagle Cliff Campground. RVs over 35 feet should verify site dimensions when making reservations, particularly at older campgrounds with tree-lined approaches.
Pet guidelines: Multiple pet-friendly camping options exist near Spring Valley. "Lots of families with children, couples of all ages and well behaved dogs everywhere," Jen M. observed at Maple Springs Campground. Most campgrounds require pets to remain leashed at all times, with designated exercise areas at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Spring Valley, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Spring Valley, 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 Spring Valley, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 107 dog-friendly camping locations near Spring Valley, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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