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St. Cloud Campground & RV Park accommodates pets at all site types including tent areas, RV spots, and cabins. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the grounds with designated pet waste stations positioned near common areas. Crow Hassan Park Reserve features one of the best dog parks in Minnesota according to frequent visitors, with extensive walking trails along the Crow River ideal for birding while exercising pets. Love's RV Hookup in Rockville, just minutes from Waite Park, allows pets and remains open year-round for travelers needing a convenient overnight stop with their animals. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard leash policies, typically requiring pets to be secured on leads no longer than 6 feet when outside vehicles or camping units.
Several campgrounds near Waite Park offer pet-specific amenities that enhance the camping experience with dogs. El Rancho Manana Campground provides spacious sites with room for pets to relax while still maintaining proximity to hiking trails. The Minneapolis Northwest KOA, within driving distance of Waite Park, includes a fenced K9 area specifically for off-leash play. Lake Maria State Park Campground allows pets in both tent and cabin accommodations, though pets must remain leashed on the extensive trail system. Westrich RV Park features walking paths directly behind campsites, particularly convenient for early morning or evening dog walks. During summer months, mosquitoes can be problematic at many locations, so pet owners should pack appropriate insect repellent safe for both humans and animals.
"This park is only about 50 minutes away from me, and for hiking/camping I only think it is worth a trip in the fall."
"I chose Lake Maria for a solo camping excursion because it was close to the Cities, but still offered the level of seclusion I wanted."
from $22 - $80 / night
Check Availability"On the outskirts of St Cloud, this campground was very well maintained and clean."
"No lake but a pool. More like an RV Park although they do have rustic sites."
from $75 / night
Check Availability"We have a pop up so we parked on a grassy spot next to the cabins that backed up to a field. It was nice to be there instead of in the thick of the big camper section. Pool was nice and store too."
"If this place was close to home I’d be here every weekend. Absolute beautiful weather with a nice breeze no mosquitoes not something you get in Florida in July !!"
"Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!"
"Conveniently off highway 23 and I94 so you should be able to get back on the road quickly!"
from $29 / night
Check Availability"You can spend extra money to go horseback riding on trails. The sites are very close together not much privacy."
"This is a well kept and well run campground tucked in between the Mississippi River and the outlet of the Platte River."
"This is a small campground in the middle of Minnesota that plays host to the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association' two annual festivals."
"Lots of close camp sites for larger groups near the entrance. The further back you go on the road, the more spread out sites get. There are a few walk-in sites that I absolutely love."
"We picked this spot as we had dogs with and liked that there was a row of trees where we could tie them away from the fire . Would be a GREAT lot for multiple hammocks. "
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Lots of walking trails , well groomed. Camping spots were large and specious."
"There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports. Fishing is mostly pan but you can catch large bass and northern on this lake."
LegendStayed here kind of last minute on my way home and wanted electric hook ups.
Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food. Love's is open 24 hours and has most things you would need. There is also a Hardee's if you need dinner!
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.
ScoutWe stayed at the campground during the week, it was so relaxing and not a lot of campers out felt like we had the park to ourselves. Had a nice park area with playground, clear lake swimming area. We had a dog with so limited areas that pets can go. It was very enjoyable. Would recommend
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.
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.
GuideWe stayed here for a weekend in May. The campsites are a little bit on top of each other. There aren't many campsites that you're able to reserve. The majority of the campsites are seasonal campsites. There are a lot of mature trees that help with the shade! The beach area is nice, but the only problem is that boaters and kayaks are in the same general area so you have to be careful so you don't get hit. There is a dock for fishing as well. You can also rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards for a small fee. If you want to walk the whole campground having a golf cart would be nice. Also there is NO petting zoo as stated on the website or on the campground maps. There hasn't been one for a few years but they have yet to edit the website or the campground maps. We went there partly because there was a petting zoo for the little kids. Seems lazy to me that they can't update the website or the campground maps.
TravelerFirst the negatives. No internet, medium phone signal. The campsites are too small and too crowded. The adults let their young kids drive their cold carts and atvs back and forth from the campground to the beach all day long. I counted one particular one make 34 trips in less than 6 hours. I used to golf and I occasionally used a cart but usually I walked. Kids and young parents are way too lazy now, because it's a small campground and short walk to the beach from the farthest site. I think they do it for 2 reasons, they are bored, and they can. There is only one road in and out so there is constant traffic, and the road is gravel so prepare to eat dust. The sites aren't paved or even gravel, you park on the grass. Now for the positives. Some sites have 50 amp, most just 30 amp or less. Water hookups at most. No full hookups or dump site. There is a beach and swim area on Skunk Creek. A playground by the bathroom and showers. That building is clean, showers are free. Lots of shade from all the trees. Mosquitoes are few, flies plentiful. It is a quiet park after 10pm, but although they say closed after 8pm there was traffic all night long. Ask for a site in the back to avoid headlights shining on you all night long. Rates are $40/night for the pull through site we had w50 amp service. It has a few seasonal sites, all located at the rear. There is a golf course right next door across the creek. That is where the office is located. The town is small, only a gas station and small grocery store, so bring what you need. A Subway and nice drive-in are close by. Oh, the water is in me/my dogs opinion not for drinking. I wouldn't suggest weekends here unless you're into hearing every conversation your neighbors have or want to sleep in. Maybe the week days are better? They do allow leashed pets.
ScoutNew owner as of 2022- huge jump in prices! Extra fees added everywhere-more than two children fee, guest fees, pet fees, river view fees, holiday fees. One year difference our bill went from $235 up to $347 for a 3 night stay. Not worth it! Not family budget friendly for the average family. I could stay in a hotel for cheaper.
Pet friendly camping near Waite Park, Minnesota offers options for tent campers through RVers with sites ranging from rustic to full-service. Located in central Minnesota's glacial moraine landscape, the area features rolling hills and numerous lakes within a 30-minute drive. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during camping season with mosquitoes typically most active during June and July.
Horseback riding adventures: El Rancho Manana has on-site horseback riding trails where campers can experience guided excursions. According to one visitor, "On site horseback riding was great. Unfortunately, during COVID, the bar was not available. Can't wait to stay during one of the music events" at El Rancho Manana.
River tubing opportunities: Two Rivers Campground offers tubing experiences down the river. A camper notes, "Nice and clean, tubing down the river is a MUST! Lots of fun. There's mini golf, a decent arcade, a camp store" at Two Rivers Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming areas including beaches and pools. One visitor to Schroeder County Park mentioned, "This campground is about 1.5 hours from the twin cities and it has a beautiful sandy beach and swimming area. There is also a fishing pier and boat launch available, great lake for water ski and other water sports."
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous site sizes at many locations. A visitor to St. Cloud-Clearwater RV Park stated, "Absolutely beautiful campground with mature trees. Cedars, white oaks, hickory's and more. The birds are singing and so are the kids because this place has so much to do for them."
Family activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated amenities for families. One camper noted, "They have a lazy river, a splash pool for little ones, and another pool for all ages. Kids will love the giant inflatable bouncy house, mini golf, and the many activities offered."
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings provide shade and privacy at many locations. A visitor to Lake Maria State Park Campground mentioned, "If you're looking for a peaceful escape where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birdsong, and frogs singing at dusk — Site B6 at Lake Maria State Park is the one."
Backpacking options: Lake Maria State Park offers backpack-in sites of varying distances. According to a camper, "Backpack sites only. Love this park as it offers many backpacking sites with some being very short hikes in and some being longer hikes. Some are lake front and some are more woodsy sites."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through October with limited winter options. Love's RV Hookup-Rockville stands out as a reviewer noted, "Still open in the winter! Convenient location right off I94 and HWY 23. Close to Waite Park for entertainment and food."
Variable pricing structures: Some campgrounds have implemented new fee systems. One camper commented, "New owner as of 2022- huge jump in prices! Extra fees added everywhere-more than two children fee, guest fees, pet fees, river view fees, holiday fees."
Beach access: Schroeder County Park provides excellent swimming options for children. A visitor shared, "The beach front is long and beautiful, lots of room to roam," making it ideal for families with kids who enjoy water activities.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas designed for children. A visitor to St. Cloud Campground mentioned, "Nice facilities including 2 bathroom facilities, playground, volleyball court, dog walking area, baseball field, a lodge with games and a store, and a hall where they hold bingo and other events."
Cabin accommodations: For families new to camping, cabin options provide comfort with outdoor access. One visitor to Lake Maria noted, "Appreciated the camper cabin and the clean sites. Most if not all sites are in the woods from what I could tell so there is a lot of leaves. Good trails and a fun experience."
Site selection: When choosing an RV site, consider tree coverage and positioning. A camper at St. Cloud Campground shared, "We were in a pull through at the north end of the campground and the site itself was nice and had decent spacing between sites, but I noticed some of the other sites were quite close."
Convenience stops: For those traveling through, Love's offers practical overnight options. A reviewer noted, "I love that Love's has RV spots that are big rig friendly! These are a great option for a stop halfway through a trip. You have clean bathrooms in Love's, Hardee's for food, Love's for snacks and drinks."
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds present difficulties for larger rigs. One camper at A J Acres Campground shared, "Navigating around trees was not so fun with our 5th wheel. We got the slideouts to fit in between the trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Waite Park, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Waite Park, MN is Lake Maria State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Waite Park, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Waite Park, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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