Interstate State Park permits pets at designated campsites with specific guidelines for responsible ownership. Campers must keep dogs leashed at all times on the premises, clean up after their pets, and respect quiet hours to prevent excessive barking. The park offers various accommodation options including tent sites and RV spots with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings where pets are welcome. Sites remain well-spaced with adequate room for both camping equipment and pet activities. The campground is clean and provides water access making it ideal for dogs who enjoy swimming.
Wild River State Park and William O'Brien State Park both welcome pets throughout their camping areas with similar policies requiring leashes no longer than six feet. These parks feature hiking trails where dogs can accompany owners while exploring the natural surroundings. Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers exceptional river access with sandy bottoms clean enough for both humans and pets to enjoy. Large sites provide ample space for dogs to relax while still maintaining appropriate distance from neighboring campers. The parks maintain waste disposal stations throughout the grounds and offer nearby water sources convenient for pet hydration. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid hot ground surfaces that could harm paw pads, particularly on paved camping pads and roadways.
$23 - $90 / night
"We stayed in campsite 29 in the drive in campsite over Labor Day weekend."
"Great trails! Most sites are located along the river. We were at the furthest location called buck hill. About a 2 mile hike from your car."
$25 - $90 / night
"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."
$20 - $75 / night
"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."
$22 - $38 / night
"Nice pool and a lake. Room between campsites and some tree coverage. All in all a nice place to camp."
"Great little family camp non-motorized lake great for kayaks or canoes couple decent spots for group camping, new owners only four years inand working hard to make it better"
$20 - $32 / night
"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"
$40 - $75 / night
"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
$20 - $32 / night
"Access to lake is great. Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere."
"When Rice Creek Campground opens up again in April I'd highly recommend going there if all you want is a simple camping experience to get away from the city grind."
"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."
$54 - $999 / night
"The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."
"We were visiting family nearby and they could come visit us for picnics with no problems and no extra cost. Very friendly grounds keepers. Will be back again when in the area."
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.
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.
ScoutWe called for an RV site but they don't allow pets.
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.
GuideBeautiful, 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!
TravelerWe just found this campground in September and this year we've been there 3 times and we live in Montana, there's no place I'd rather stay. 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 helpful.
lots of things in the area to do, and the "city" isn't that far to drive to.
Camping opportunities near Lent, Minnesota span dense forest terrain and river valleys across elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet. The area experiences humid continental climate with warm summers reaching 80°F and cold winters often below freezing. Campgrounds in this region offer access to multiple waterways including the St. Croix River and Rum River, with many sites situated directly on sandy riverbanks.
Hike river trails: The Buck Hill site at Wild River State Park provides direct access to riverside hiking. "It's a 2.37 mile walk from the parking lot, mostly shaded" and offers "a beautiful view to the east. Circled by flowers (goldenrod in the late summer), brush and trees," according to amber N.
Explore glacial potholes: At Interstate State Park, visitors can witness unique geological formations. "The draw here is the world's largest glacial potholes. When the river ran 200' higher than it does today, tornados of water eroded smooth round, massive holes in the rock. Some are so big that they still to this day have no idea how deep they go," explains Erik R.
Go river tubing: Country Camping Tent & RV Park offers river activities with clean, sandy bottoms. "The tubing is a plus... Key thing is the river is very clean and sandy bottom," notes David G. The park provides canoe, tube and kayak rentals for exploring the Rum River.
Secluded backpacking sites: The Deer Creek site at Wild River State Park offers remarkable isolation despite proximity to urban areas. Sarah D. reports: "It includes a fire ring and picnic table overlooking the creek and river. It also includes 2 large tent pads... and a spot nestled in some pine trees that could fit a smaller tent, canoe storage, or I found it to be the perfect spot to hang my hammock!"
Spacious campsites: Rice Creek Campgrounds provides well-maintained tent-only areas. "The spaces seemed fairly level, lots of mature trees, fire rings at all of them (with cooking grates that flipped out of the way) and picnic tables at most (resin tables, not wood)," shares Amy G. who adds the dedicated tent loop means "no generators! It was very quiet!"
Variety of landscape features: Willow River State Park combines multiple natural attractions. "Beautiful campground and hiking. We loved the falls. Our family spent a week here. Went in town to some great places to eat. Stop by the office and get suggestions," says Keith M., adding "June as the prefect time for us to go. Warm days and cool nights make for great camping and campfires."
Variable privacy between sites: At William O'Brien State Park, site selection matters significantly. "Compared to Wild River State Park, the sites at Savannah are pretty cramped with inconsistent vegetation between sites. I wouldn't want to stay here when the loop is fully reserved," cautions Dani K., who recommends specific sites: "If I stayed again, I might try site 121 or 123 since they have more privacy."
Bug preparation: Rice Creek Campgrounds requires insect precautions. "I know that bugs are part of camping, so I don't review based on that, but I'll add details, if needed. This one didn't have many, but it was raining, so I'm sure that factored in. When I camp, I come prepared," advises Amy G.
Seasonal limitations: Some parks undergo construction projects. One William O'Brien visitor notes: "The east part of the park was all closed for construction. Everything on the east side of the highway was closed so we could not hike a lot of the trails or use the beach which was a challenge with kids."
Water features for kids: Country Camping offers multiple water-based activities for children. "It has a heated pool, splash pad area, BIG playground area, indoor game room, HUGE sites! You can either relax in the pool or even take a ride down the rum river in a rented canoe, tube, or kayak," recommends Spencer C.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Interstate State Park provides numerous animal sightings for children. "A nice spot for families. The campers were very friendly and welcoming to us parents and our toddler. A beautiful spot, right along the river (you can even fish from some of the sites), there are trails for all levels. Even rock climbing and glacial potholes!" shares Brian C.
Year-round activities: Bunker Hills Regional Park offers multiple recreation options. "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, several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds and plenty of trails both paved and unpaved," notes Arielle P.
Site selection: At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campsites vary significantly. "There are both primitive (tent) non-electric sites, and sites with electricity, even some 50 amp," explains Doug B. who adds "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious."
Seasonal planning: Willow River State Park requires advance booking during peak periods. "Unfortunately, I was only able to stay one night as my cross country trip hit this campground on the Thursday before memorial day and the whole weekend was booked," shares leif D.
Firewood sources: Several campers recommend purchasing firewood outside park boundaries. At William O'Brien, "Wood was $8 bundle. This was steep in my opinion. They do not all any gathering of firewood," reports one camper, while another at Rice Creek notes: "Only recommendation is to get the firewood from down the road and not at the campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lent, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lent, MN is Wild River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lent, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Lent, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
