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Dog-Friendly Camping near Tower, MN

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    Bear Head Lake State Park Campground accommodates pets throughout its spacious sites and hiking trails. Campers with dogs can choose from tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, or pet-friendly cabins. The park maintains clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, making extended stays with pets comfortable. Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park also welcomes pets with ample space between sites and plenty of trees and bushes for privacy. Chipmunks often become temporary "pets" for the weekend at these campgrounds. Most sites require pets to be leashed at all times, and owners should bring waste bags as dedicated pet stations are limited.

    Superior National Forest's Fall Lake Campground provides excellent access for dogs who enjoy water activities. The campground connects to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with multiple dog-friendly hiking trails and swimming spots. Dogs can accompany owners on canoe trips into the BWCA with proper permits. The paths around many campgrounds can be buggy, so bringing pet-safe insect repellent is advisable. Wildlife encounters are common in this region, with wolves and coyotes occasionally approaching campsites at night. Several campgrounds feature paths leading directly to the water, allowing dogs to cool off during summer months when temperatures can reach the 90s. Local veterinary services are available in Ely, approximately 6 miles from many of these campgrounds.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Tower (72)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

      4.7(41)9mi from Tower85 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "They were clean and the chipmunks were our pets for the weekend. The docks are convenient for your boats or pontoons. The fishing is phenomenal and beautiful!"

      "Minnesota does a nice job with their state parks. The campsites are varied in types, sizes and layouts. Ours works great for our 26’ travel trailer and truck, and includes electrical."

      from $23 - $90 / night

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      2. Lake Vermillion-Soudan Mine State Park Campsites — Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

      4.0(12)5mi from Tower39 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We especially liked how ample trees and bushes were separating the sites, and you are well away from your neighbors."

      "Lake Vermilion is a large multi-purpose recreational lake at the edge of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness."

      from $23 - $300 / night

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      3. HooDoo Point Campground

      3.6(5)1mi from TowerRVs, Tents

      "This is a campground with good access to Lake Vermilion and excellent fishing, so that would be a main draw."

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      4. Pfeiffer Lake

      4.6(5)10mi from Tower17 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Its a small lake so recreational boating is a little hard but there are larger lakes nearby for that sort of fun. New camp host  and excellent work on the grounds.  It looks fantastic. "

      "Beautiful little lake. Awesome kayaking. Caught a few fish."

      from $18 / night

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      5. Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground

      4.9(35)28mi from Tower66 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Camping in October in Northern Minnesota is a great time of year and the fall colors are out of this world! Fall Lake is on the edge of the Boundary Waters and has easy access to it."

      "The campground is fairly small, has plenty of towering trees for shade and privacy, and sits right on Fall Lake."

      from $30 - $130 / night

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      6. Big Rice Lake

      5.0(3)12mi from TowerRVs, Tents

      "Great spot to camp away from everyone. Available spots last minute Labor Day weekend 😎. Thr gravel road is a maintained gravel road. Easy for any type of car."

      "Very easy to pull our 20’ nobo through the loop (yes…the road access loops around and puts you out by the boat landing… so, no worries about getting in and out) and backing into the site was a breeze"

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      7. Big Rice Lake

      4.0(2)12mi from TowerRVs, Tents

      "There is an open spot near the lake where we set up for the night. The road to drive in is gravel but very smooth."

      8. Fenske Lake Campground

      4.4(8)21mi from Tower16 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Fenske Lake Campground, MN: Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4 - Great place for a canoe trip, I am told."

      "Next time we made sure to snag a site along the lake!"

      from $22 - $65 / night

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      9. BWCA Trout Lake

      5.0(1)15mi from TowerTents

      "Boat in from Lake Vermillion and take the portage to Trout Lake. You can pay $35.00 for a round trip on the portage. Sites cannot be reserved but permits must, 1st come 1st serve."

      from $16 - $32 / night

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      10. Lake Jeanette Campground & Backcountry Sites

      4.9(7)22mi from Tower14 sitesRVs, Tents

      "It's pretty amazing to wake up right next to the lake. There are about a dozen sites here. Some are reservable, but most are first-come first-serve. Camp sites have a table and fire ring with grate."

      "Our site did not have direct clear access to the water, but we walked past other sites that did. Boat launch available right at the entrance to the campground."

      from $18 / night

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Tower, MN

    32 Photos of 72 Tower Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Tower, MN

    288 Reviews of 72 Tower Campgrounds

    • Jessi J.
      Jul. 31, 2018

      Fisherman's Point City Campground

      Beautiful

      Grew up camping here. Its beautiful with water and trees everywhere. Pet friendly, close to town, clean showers, friendly staff. The only bad thing is no water hook ups.

    • Carrie C.
      May. 18, 2021

      Silver Rapids Lodge

      Ely, Mn

      We stayed here last June with our large family. My bf and I stayed 2 nights in a cabin and tent camped 2 nights on a camp site. This area has great access to many lakes including the BWCA along with being close to Ely for anything you may have forgotten. Silver Rapids Lodge itself has a bar/restaurant right by campground along with many other amenities. Many cabins to choose from from 4-6 ppl all the way up to a 24 person cabin!! Good fishing and lots of areas to do so without a boat, if you don’t have a boat and would like to rent one SRL offers boat rentals. Small swimming area and play place for kids. Pet friendly, clean, and nice hosts.

    • E
      Sep. 4, 2020

      Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

      Great, clean sites. Gorgeous lake!!

      I spent 3 nights in a tent and my friends had a large camper in the same site. They were clean and the chipmunks were our pets for the weekend. The docks are convenient for your boats or pontoons. The fishing is phenomenal and beautiful! Definitely recommend for hiking, site seeing, swimming at the beach, fishing and other things 😊

    • Christine T.
      Sep. 10, 2022

      Side Lake Campground — McCarthy Beach State Park

      It’s “Loony”!

      Nothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that’s what greeted me upon arrival at my site! This site is lovely—water and easy to access to water sports on either Sturgeon or Side Lake. Some road noise but not too bad. I am imagine it’s much more hectic in the summer with the big beach across the road. Great for kids! Easy trails for walking and dog friendly. Can be buggy but that’s MN. For more rustic, head further up to Beatrice Lake Campground.

    • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 30, 2022

      Lake Vermillion-Soudan Mine State Park Cabins — Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

      Cabins are very modern and full of modern amenities

      PETS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK BUT NOT THE CABINS - see below for details.

      This part of the state park is very new! These cabins are a fairly new addition and aimed to cater to those that love winter outings but want warmth and electronic lifelines.

      We stayed in "Ning" cabin which is an abbreviation of the actual name. All cabins have native Ojibwe names. It was there last on the loop and right next to a short trail. A vault toilet is about 30 feet away.

      This campground had wifi throughout the campground and cabins. This let me work while we were there with my computer without issues. It's easy to log into (open your browser and the option will pop up, or search for it in your wifi network options). 

      Firewood - this is a super cool policy.  You can't bring your own wood, but you can pay $10/day for a permit that you hand at your site. They have a "shed" with pre-split wood that's dry and ready for the campfire.  You can burn what you need daily and put the rest back before you leave.  This is not meant to "burn it all" but it allows you to have a fire, stay warm, have fun and not run out of wood.  Great price considering the amount many places charge for a dinky little bundle that lasts about an hour. You also can't take it home, so just be smart about the process and it's a great option for everyone!

      The inside of the cabin was wow!  Electricity outlets were plenty (in all the bunks - as well as lights in all bunks).  Hard floors, a vacuum for when you were done, shelves for gear and food, baseboard heaters, A/C in summer, big windows, ceiling fan, rug to wipe your boots, lots of coathangers.

      Outside a small deck and picnic table, food prep station with an outlet - very cool!  Fire ring was down a set of stairs near the woods.

      Please note:  PETS are allowed in the park, but NOT in the cabins and NOT on the deck of the cabin.  Pretty steep fees if they find this happening. 

      Also...you have to bring your own bedding (sleeping bags or sheets/blanket).

      Nice perk - there is an indoor showerhouse with bathrooms, hot water and potable drinking water station so you don't have to sacrifice in the winter!

      Overall great stay for $90 - quieter than a hotel for sure!

    • Timothy W.
      Aug. 22, 2021

      Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

      Great state park near Ely/BWCA

      We have enjoyed staying here. Minnesota does a nice job with their state parks. The campsites are varied in types, sizes and layouts. Ours works great for our 26’ travel trailer and truck, and includes electrical. Main restroom has showers. Nice canoeing lake adjacent to the campground. The Taconite State Trail is nearby. Only complaints are campsites are close to each other and only one bar of service on T-Mobile phone.

    • R
      Oct. 4, 2019

      Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground

      Great place in the fall!

      We have been rained on and snowed on but there are no bugs! Camping in October in Northern Minnesota is a great time of year and the fall colors are out of this world! Fall Lake is on the edge of the Boundary Waters and has easy access to it.

    • Kayla A.
      Jul. 4, 2018

      Echo Lake (minn)

      Unique, quiet campground near Boundary Waters

      This is my favorite campground in all of Minnesota. Located outside of Orr close to 20 miles, there are no people or towns to make noise or light. The stars are incredibly bright at night. Plenty of hiking trails and great for fishing walleye.

    • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 12, 2024

      Indian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake

      Beautiful free site on an island

      **NOTE:  To the best of what I can find, this appears to be a free site.  I can't, at this time, find any indication that's it's paid or reserve-able**

      This is a great little free campsite right on Crane Lake before you go into the Boundary Waters Canoe area.

      The site has a fire ring with grate, picnic table, plenty of trees for hammocks, and a small tent pad that would be good for a three or four person tent. There's also a primitive toilet so you don't have to dig a cat hole!

      This is a motorized lake so there is boat noise, but the water lapping on the rocks at the island makes it very tolerable. Fairly easy access to grab drinking water for filtering, and some decent pine branches for hanging a bear bag. (even on an island - it's advisable to hang a bear bag. Also helps with other critters like squirrels and mice)

      The campsite faces the West so if the weather is good, you're in for a great sunset!

    Guide to Tower

    Superior National Forest surrounds Tower, Minnesota with dense pine forests and interconnected waterways at elevations between 1,300-1,500 feet. Summer temperatures can reach the 90s, while winter brings deep snow and sub-zero temperatures. Many campgrounds near Tower operate seasonally from May through October, with only limited winter camping options available.

    What to do

    Paddling and portaging: Fall Lake Campground provides excellent access to multiple waterways. "You canoe out to your island to camp on and if it doesn't get better then that I don't know lol... we brought a canoe out and spent all day on the lake!" reports Anne G. The campground allows rentals at $20/day with permits for boundary waters access.

    Underground mine tours: Explore mining history at Lake Vermillion-Soudan State Park. "Soudan Mine tour was awesome! Travel down in the mine and ride cars to see the way iron ore was mined in early 1900s," notes Sara P. Tours typically run hourly between 10am-4pm during peak season and cost $15 for adults.

    Wildlife viewing: Local facilities offer close encounters with northern species. "In Ely both the Wolf Center and the Bear Center are great places to visit. If you can only visit one I would recommend the Bear Center as you get to see the animals more up close and the guided tour is very informative," suggests Makayla B. Centers are approximately 20 miles from Tower and require admission fees.

    What campers like

    Lake access: Many visitors appreciate direct water connections. At Fenske Lake Campground, "There was even littles coves down by lake to leave your canoe like your own personal water garage!" notes Jordan L. Sites with direct water access fill quickly during summer weekends.

    Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention generous site spacing. "Sites are large and well spaced. Free wifi, several pit toilets along with a new shower/restroom building," reports Makayla B. about Lake Vermillion-Soudan State Park. Most established campgrounds maintain at least 30-50 feet between sites.

    Fishing opportunities: The region offers productive fishing. At HooDoo Point Campground, "Clean, and animal friendly. Provides top fishing for walleyes," says Lynn F. Local lakes contain bass, northern pike, panfish and walleye, with peak fishing often occurring during evening hours.

    What you should know

    Storm damage: Some campgrounds have experienced significant weather impacts. At Fenske Lake Campground, "The campground sustained a lot of damage from a windstorm not long ago, and the recovery has been slow. Many of the tall old pines are gone now, so most of the campsites are no longer secluded from each other," reports Janet R.

    Site surfaces vary: Many sites prioritize RVs over tents. At Lake Jeanette Campground, sites have "plenty of privacy between them - this campground was established a long time ago," notes Amy G. Some campgrounds feature primarily gravel pads while others offer grass tent areas.

    Pet restrictions: While pet-friendly camping near Tower, Minnesota is common, each area has specific rules. Most require leashes 6 feet or shorter at all times, and pets must be attended. Some swimming areas prohibit pets, and all require waste pickup.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beach and playground access: Not all campgrounds have water play areas. At Lake Vermillion-Soudan State Park, "No playground or beach. Our kids mainly played at the campsite or rode their bikes around the loop by the sites in the 400s," notes Makayla B.

    Boulder features: Natural rock formations provide entertainment for children. "Our site had a great combination of open area for wind flow and sun and shade to put our tent in," notes A J. about Bear Head Lake State Park. Many campsites incorporate granite outcroppings children can safely climb.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours provide best animal sightings. "The best part...the loons and ducks at dusk and dawn. One of my favorite things," writes Jill G. about Lake Jeanette Campground. Binoculars help spot distant wildlife, particularly waterfowl.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited hookups: Most campgrounds offer only partial services. "For tent campers, the sites are large but newly cleared so still a bit rough. For RV campers or fishermen with boats and trailers, there is ample room for your vehicle and trailer," explains Janet R. about Lake Vermillion-Soudan State Park.

    Small campground navigation: Older campgrounds may have tight turns and limited maneuvering space. At Big Rice Lake, "We have a 40' 5th wheel, so decides not to stay in the 'formal' campground. There is an open spot near the lake where we set up for the night," reports Pamela B.

    Cell service availability: Coverage varies significantly by location. Amy G. notes at Lake Jeanette Campground: "We had Verizon coverage." Most campgrounds near highways maintain at least minimal service, while more remote locations may have no connectivity.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Tower, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tower, MN is Bear Head Lake State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 41 reviews.

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