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Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park accommodates campers with pets across six camping loops, offering a range of pet-friendly options from tent-only sites to full-hookup RV spots. All designated camping areas allow leashed dogs, with multiple sites featuring ample shade and privacy barriers that provide comfortable environments for pets. Each campsite includes a fire ring with cooking grate and picnic table, while clean restroom facilities with showers are available throughout the campground. The spacious campsites provide good separation between neighbors, reducing potential conflicts between pets at adjacent sites. Sites in the tent-only loop remain particularly peaceful due to the absence of generator noise.
Several miles of paved trails connect the campground to the surrounding park system, offering excellent dog walking opportunities with access to Centerville Lake where some pet owners allow controlled water access for their dogs. The park maintains a beach area separate from pet activity zones to accommodate all visitors. Campers should be prepared for seasonal insects, as summer horsefiy activity can make outdoor time with pets challenging during peak months. The campground's proximity to the Twin Cities makes it convenient for quick weekend getaways with pets, while still providing enough natural buffer to create a true camping experience. Firewood is available for purchase, though some campers recommend bringing supplies from outside vendors for better quality.
"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."
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"This is our home away from home. It's the perfect place for your kids to be kids like we did in the 90's home by the time the street lights come on. Us parents can finally relax!"
"The lake is nice. Good luck catching fish though. Bill the manager is a great guy! Definitely ex military veteran!"
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"The map provided was accurate which made locating the cruiser a breeze. There were further instructions inside as well. The RV was immaculate."
from $54 - $999 / night
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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.
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.
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.
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park provides secluded camping opportunities just 10 miles northeast of Vadnais Heights. The park spans over 5,500 acres across Anoka and Washington counties with multiple interconnected lakes. Summer temperatures range from 70-85°F with evening cooldowns to 55-65°F. The campground sits at approximately 880 feet elevation with sandy soil that drains well after rainfall.
Hiking and biking trails: Several miles of both paved and unpaved trails wind through Rice Creek Campgrounds, offering options for different skill levels. "We loved the trails. It was easy to takes hikes of varying lengths. There were so many different kinds of birds, and the wildflowers were blooming and ferns were unfurling -so many shades of green!" according to Karla at William O'Brien State Park.
Watercraft activities: Many campgrounds offer boat, canoe, and kayak access to nearby lakes. At Willow River State Park Campground, visitors appreciate river access: "We did SO many miles hiking! And at certain points in the river, you are able to get in and swim! We love camping here!" shares Sarah L.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the area provide fishing access throughout the camping season. "Nice lake to kayak on," notes Chris S. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park, which offers fishing opportunities in its small but productive lake.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide good site separation through vegetation or terrain. At Bunker Hills Regional Park, campers appreciate the natural spacing: "For being in the middle of the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, this park and campground is surprisingly woodsy, secluded and spacious," notes Doug B.
Proximity to Twin Cities: The location just outside the metro area makes these campgrounds convenient weekend getaways. "Great site close to cities," states Max P. about Rice Creek Campgrounds, adding it "Feels very secluded in spite of being so close to the cities."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Vadnais Heights typically maintain well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. "The bathroom facility has seen better days. The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," shares Krista T. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Seasonal insect activity: Beyond horseflies, mosquitoes can be intense during peak summer months. "The mosquitoes were absolutely nuts!" reports Justin Q. about his stay at Rice Creek Campgrounds.
Firewood quality varies: Some campgrounds sell better firewood than others, so check reviews or bring your own. "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises Bruce M. about Rice Creek.
Reservation timing: Popular dog friendly campgrounds near Vadnais Heights book quickly, especially for summer weekends. "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May," suggests Blair about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Beach access: Several parks feature swimming beaches for family enjoyment. "This campground is lovely. You can hear frogs all night and we even saw a turtle laying eggs in a different campsite," reports Laura E. about William O'Brien State Park Campground.
Playground availability: Multiple campgrounds include play areas for children. "The play area was really nice and looked brand new. Our girls loved making new friends to play with," shares Angela L. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Nature programming: Check for scheduled ranger programs or nature center activities. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," notes Krista T. about Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
Site selection for RVs: Look for campgrounds with designated loops for larger vehicles. "We stayed in the East Loop which is for smaller RVs and tents. It has electricity but no water hookups, however there are water pumps," explains Angela L. about Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Power and hookup options: Verify what utilities are available at specific sites before booking. At Baker Campground, RVers appreciate the convenient amenities: "There are nice paved trails around a couple of lakes/ponds for biking, and easy access to the shower and bathroom facilities (which were very nice)," says ERolf P.
Pull-through availability: Some pet-friendly campgrounds offer easier access sites for larger RVs. "Our spot was spacious, and close to the bathrooms and play area," shares Angela L. about her experience at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Vadnais Heights, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Vadnais Heights, MN is Willow River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 63 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Vadnais Heights, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near Vadnais Heights, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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