William O'Brien State Park Campground accommodates tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and cabin users with pets throughout the year. The park's pet-friendly sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Pets must remain leashed at all times on the designated trails and camping areas. Located in Scandia, Minnesota, approximately 10 miles north of Stillwater, the park provides electric hookups with thirty-amp service for RV campers traveling with pets. The campground is well-maintained with clean facilities and showers. Campsites are spacious enough for pets to relax comfortably while remaining on their leash.
Several hiking trails near Stillwater welcome leashed dogs, making it easy to exercise pets during camping trips. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park offers pet-friendly cabin and glamping options along with traditional tent and RV sites from May through September. The park features multiple trail connections where dogs can explore alongside their owners. Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake permits pets at their tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with water and electric hookups available. Willow River State Park, just across the Wisconsin border, provides pet-friendly camping with hiking trails leading to scenic waterfalls. Campgrounds in the area typically require proof of current vaccinations for all pets, and most limit pets to two per site with breed restrictions varying by location.
"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."
$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."
"Location wise the park itself was super convenient - it was close to the cities, we got there in under an hour from where we live (near Chaska)."
$22 - $85 / night
"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."
$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."
$30 - $150 / night
"This this is an amazing Campground with two heated pools one up top and one down below they're also campsites located right alongside the river the campground offers tubing disc golf and many other activities"
$24 - $42 / night
"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"
$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."
"You can tube down the river which is fun and it’s close to town. But it can get loud. Not a campground for children though"
$20 - $110 / night
"The lake is nice. Good luck catching fish though. Bill the manager is a great guy! Definitely ex military veteran!"
"They have a small bar, small trail, fishing dock, swimming beach, boat dock, boat rental, kayak rental, golf cart rental, game room, parks, showers and bathrooms, pavilion."
$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"
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!
TravelerWe 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.
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.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutWe had a fun time staying at the state park. 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. Didn't feel like you were camping right next to others despite a lot of spots surrounding us.
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.
Camping options near Stillwater, Minnesota range from riverside settings to wooded retreats within a 20-mile radius. The St. Croix River valley features dramatic sandstone bluffs and deciduous forests with elevation changes of 100-300 feet above the river. Seasonal considerations affect campsite selection, with spring flooding occasionally limiting riverside access and summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F with high humidity.
Hiking varied terrain: At Willow River State Park, located just across the Wisconsin border, trails range from easy riverside walks to challenging bluff climbs. According to visitor Arielle P., it's a "huge park, you can climb the cliffs surrounding the falls and there are plenty of trail both paved and unpaved." The park's waterfalls remain a major draw even when other features change.
Water activities: Veterans Campground On Big Marine Lake offers multiple watercraft rental options. "The pontoons they offer for rent are beautiful!! The lake is nice. Good luck catching fish though," notes Staci J. The campground also provides a swimming beach, fishing dock, and kayak rentals for veterans and their guests.
Seasonal exploration: William O'Brien State Park provides year-round access to wildlife viewing with varying landscapes. David K. shares, "We decided to take a night trek through the park. The moon was very bright that night so visibility was excellent. We walked some trail through a frozen marsh landscape and happened upon a railroad that passed above our trail with a beautiful tunnel-overpass."
Private sites: Many campers appreciate secluded spots at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, where tent camping areas offer solitude. One reviewer noted, "Tent camp sites are far enough from each other that neighbors can't be seen, and we didn't hear them either." The park combines suburban convenience with a wilderness feel.
River views: Campsites along waterways provide both scenery and recreation. At Apple River Family Campground, camper Amber C. found: "The road to get to our water view site (69) was narrow and tricky with the camper but it was worth it for that peaceful view!" River-adjacent sites often command premium prices but deliver on the experience.
Tent-only sections: Dedicated non-RV camping loops ensure a quieter experience for tent campers. At Rice Creek Campgrounds, Amy G. appreciated that "the fact that this loop (F LOOP) was 'tent only' meant no generators! It was very quiet!" These specialized areas typically feature central water sources and simpler facilities focused on tent campers' needs.
Site privacy varies: Campgrounds near Stillwater offer different levels of seclusion between sites. At Interstate State Park, Maria D. observed: "The campground is small and very crowded, likely because it's so close to the Cities and popular with canoe rentals. Expect a lot of traffic noise... The sites are close together, with RVs and tents mixed on one loop, so generator noise is common."
Construction impacts: Some parks undergo extended renovation periods. As Tim noted at William O'Brien, "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. Constructing is scheduled to the end of 2025."
Weekend vs. weekday experiences: Campground atmosphere changes dramatically between weekends and weekdays. A Rice Creek Campgrounds visitor suggested arriving on Sundays: "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 (especially the non-electric ones)."
Beach access planning: Afton State Park Campground offers swimming but requires preparation. Alison points out, "Highlight of this location is beach which is nice for swim and sun bath. But beach isn't motor vehicle accessible so expect 5-10 min walk. Campgrounds are nearby beach and require further walk." Pack accordingly with portable gear for beach days.
Playground locations: Position your site near play structures if traveling with children. Angela L. found Lebanon Hills accommodating: "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings enhance camping trips for kids. At William O'Brien's Savanna Campground, Laura E. reported: "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite." Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing.
Water and electric details: Check precise hookup specifications before booking. At William O'Brien, the campground provides "electric hookups with thirty-amp service" according to the park information, making it suitable for most smaller to mid-size RVs without requiring 50-amp service.
Road access challenges: Some waterfront sites have difficult approaches. As Amber C. found at Apple River: "The road to get to our water view site (69) was narrow and tricky with the camper but it was worth it for that peaceful view!" Larger rigs may want to scout sites before committing or request specific site dimensions when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Stillwater, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Stillwater, MN is Willow River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 62 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Stillwater, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near Stillwater, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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