Treasure Island RV Park welcomes pets with designated grassy walking areas, allowing campers to enjoy the Minnesota outdoors alongside their dogs. The RV park features full hookups on mostly gravel surfaces with some tent sites on grass areas. While the campground layout resembles a parking lot, the sites are well-spaced with level pull-through options. Pet owners appreciate the dedicated exercise areas that help control common pet behavior issues seen at other parks, such as off-leash dogs or excessive barking. Nearby Cannon Falls Campground offers grassy sites more conducive to pets, with campers noting the area is excellent for bringing furry family members along for weekend getaways.
Lake Byllesby Regional Park provides lakeside camping with pet-friendly accommodations, featuring scenic water views from most campsites. The paved trail around the campground serves as an ideal walking path for dogs, with multiple visitors mentioning the well-maintained paths as perfect for pet exercise. Haycreek Valley Campground near Red Wing offers trails accessible directly from campsites for hiking with dogs, plus proximity to bike paths that provide shaded routes under tree cover. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash requirements, though specific pet policies vary by location. Campers should note that some waterfront areas may have seasonal algae issues in late summer, potentially affecting swimming options for pets. The region's campgrounds generally provide clean facilities with reasonable access to nearby towns for pet supplies or veterinary services if needed.
$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."
$24 - $75 / night
"Quiet, pretty hiking trails, nice people, close to home but tucked away enough to be away from everything"
"The ranger station was small and charming, stocked with board games to rent, and it’s clear the staff cares about creating a positive camping experience."
"Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."
"Lakeside sites are close together, with W/E hookups, but they’re right in the lake with a wonderful view. The facilities are very clean and well-kept."
"Nice campground outside of Red Wing, MN with a bar/restaurant and other features. Access to trials for bikes and horses. I stayed in the horse camp without a horse but it was a nice area."
"Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn’t reach so we ended up backing up the hill to get next to the water and filled our tank for the weekend."
"Close to the Twin Cities yet out in the country. Mostly grass sites. Beautiful pool. Susan and Brad are wonderful hosts and very accommodating. We took our grandkids and they had a blast!"
"Nearby are bike trails, a winery, and a brewery."
$24 - $34 / night
"This is a Nice campground middle of Minnesota. Surprising place in the middle of farm country. Very nice campground and lots of walking trails. Great for leaf peeping."
"To be on the safe side, incase we had issues, we decided to stay close to home so we decided to hit up a new park, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park just outside Northfield, Minnesota."
$39 - $60 / night
"We didn’t get to swim at the lake because it was shut down due to a chemical spill at the time, but we did walk over and check it out. The views are great! We stayed in a RV spot next to the lake."
"Sites were so easy and the bike trails were awesome! Lots of nature paths too."
$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"
"We have dogs so the fact that it’s all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area and they do love little walks."
"No grassy areas so if you have animals you need to walk a bit to get to the grass"
"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."
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
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.
LegendSmall basic campground in Wabasha MN. Mostly permanent sites. There is a dog park directly next to the campground.
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 called for an RV site but they don't allow pets.
GuideNot to experience and good things to do. Swimming in the lake, lots of fishing, hiking, nature center, free activity’s, and other things to do. There are water and septic hook ups and pets are fine, they have bathrooms as well. Lots of other campers and area to run around
ScoutWe are here for a show at the casino and thought it would be fun to bring the camper down and glamp for the weekend. It is just a parking lot but the sites are all pull through and there is plenty of room between sites and ours was perfectly level.
We have dogs so the fact that it’s all asphalt and rock is a bit of a bummer but we are close to the exercise area and they do love little walks. It also seems to be controlling some of the normal bad pet parent behavior we see at even parks. Like letting the dogs run with out leashes or tethering them all day to bark at everything.
The sites do not have fire rings but there are some community ones and it appears the other campers brought their own smokeless fire pits to use.
There is a shuttle to the casino and at 7pm folks seemed to clear out to head over. It was honestly one of the quietest campgrounds we’ve been to on a Friday night.
The bath house is newer and super clean- not a single creepy spider web in any corners.
On Verizon I have full bars so we haven’t tried the park WiFi but we’ve been able to use our chrome cast and two iPads off my cell phone with zero issues. Because it’s in a river valley the air tv single is terrible so we are glad to have the chrome cast with us- since the forecast called for a raining day.
ScoutTent camping - Fun things to do with kids - jumping pillow, petting zoo, kids train ride, playground, pool, sandpit, volleyball, peddle bikes, river with tubing, horse rides, close to white water with hiking and beach. Seasonal people were friendly and staff was great. Low bugs and a good size camping space. Only negative was the pedestrian bridge is a little old and could use some repairs.
Camping areas near Welch, Minnesota span elevations from 675 to 1,100 feet above sea level in the Mississippi River Valley, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F. The region features limestone bluffs and hardwood forests with over 40 miles of hiking trails accessible from campgrounds. Fall camping season extends through mid-October with most facilities closing between October 15-31 depending on weather conditions.
Hiking to waterfalls: At Frontenac State Park Campground, the steep descent to the Mississippi River makes even short hikes more interesting. "Great hiking trails but very steep along the river. Can also take part in birding walks," notes Tegan C. The park offers both Lower and Upper Bluff trails with connected paths throughout.
Beach and lake activities: Lake Byllesby Regional Park offers waterfront recreation on the reservoir. "The lake is nice for fishing, boating or swimming. Has a small store," writes Carla A. However, be aware that water conditions vary seasonally: "The only thing disappointing is the lake becomes green with algae as the summer goes on," mentions Kayla O.
Biking trails: Access paved trails directly from Haycreek Valley Campground, perfect for rides with tree coverage. "We really enjoyed the bike trail that was so close, paved and had lots of tree cover to keep us cool. Very nice ride to Red Wing right from our site!" reports Karin W. The trails connect to larger networks in the area.
Quiet wooded sites: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground offers forested camping with natural privacy. "The tent pad was very spacious and flat, great for sleeping! The bathrooms and showers were clean and well lit," shares Hannah Y. The park preserves a significant stand of original Big Woods forest that once covered much of southern Minnesota.
River views: Campsites at Frontenac State Park provide views of Lake Pepin (the widest part of the Mississippi). "Site 20 has an absolutely outstanding view of Lake Pepin and fall colors. The sites on the outside of all the loops are TINY and there's very little privacy between sites," explains Dani K., who recommends sites "5, 19e, 20, 22, 42, 46, and 49 in terms of view and privacy."
Accessible amenities: Lake Byllesby campground maintains clean facilities that campers appreciate. "Very nice county park. Water and electric hookups. The lake is nice for fishing, boating or swimming," notes Carla A. Another camper mentions, "Nice showers and restrooms. Paved RV pads. Near lake and excellent bike path. Great brewery and winery close by."
Site layouts and privacy: Many campgrounds in the area have mixed reviews on site spacing. At Afton State Park Campground, "The hike to the campground is short and grueling. A few of the sites are in wooded areas, but we stayed in one of the prairie sites. The terrain is just hilly enough - and in August - the grass long enough to give the sites a sense of privacy and seclusion," explains Andrew C.
Water conditions: Lake quality varies throughout the summer. At Lake Byllesby, "It's a nice park, sometimes hard to get into on weekends. The lake is right next to the campground with RV sites right on the water. The only thing disappointing is the lake becomes green with algae as the summer goes on," cautions one reviewer.
Reservation planning: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. At popular parks like Lebanon Hills, one camper advises, "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May." This applies to most campgrounds in the area during peak season.
Playground access: Cannon Falls Campground receives high marks for family-friendly features. "This campground was an excellent getaway for my husband and I as well as our two fur-babies. The campground was organized and clean. We felt like we were secluded yet there were so many spots at the campground! The campground offered music and an arcade," writes Anna S.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer specific features for children. "This site is a gem! Close to the Twin Cities yet out in the country. Mostly grass sites. Beautiful pool. Susan and Brad are wonderful hosts and very accommodating. We took our grandkids and they had a blast!" reports Mike K. about Cannon Falls Campground.
Pet-friendly trails: For families bringing dogs, trail access directly from campsites is important. At Haycreek Valley Campground, "We have been going to Haycreek for over 15 years... The trails are shaded, no bugs, friendly campers and staff." The shaded trails provide comfortable walking for both pets and children.
Hookup locations: At Haycreek Valley, pay attention to utility placement when selecting sites. "Our site was rather odd as the electric and water post was on the opposite side of our camper. Our standard water hose and electrical cord wouldn't reach so we ended up backing up the hill to get next to the water and filled our tank for the weekend," reports one RVer.
Site surfaces: Most pet-friendly camping near Welch involves gravel or grass sites depending on the campground. At Treasure Island RV Park, "It is basically a parking lot with mostly pull through sites. The last row consists of 'deluxe' back-in sites with a few trees. That being said, it is well maintained, the sites are level, the park was clean, and the utilities were in good working order."
RV size considerations: Check site dimensions when booking. At Frontenac State Park, "The electric sites seem small, so big rigs are deterred from setting up shop (and generators)." For larger rigs, Treasure Island offers more accommodation: "All spots have a lake view and the beach is within walking distance. We love it here. It's not too easy to get spots on the holiday weekends, but somehow we managed it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Welch, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Welch, MN is Afton State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Welch, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 93 dog-friendly camping locations near Welch, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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