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Rice Creek Campgrounds welcomes pets throughout its spacious, shaded campsites in Anoka County, just minutes from White Bear Lake. The campground features tent and RV sites with electric hookups, as well as cabins that permit dogs. Sites provide ample privacy with mature trees and good spacing between neighbors, particularly in the tent-only F loop which offers a quieter experience without generator noise. Firewood is available on-site for $7 per bundle, though some campers recommend purchasing it elsewhere for better quality. The campground maintains clean shower facilities and restrooms, though seasonal insects can be problematic during summer months.
Visitors camping with dogs enjoy access to the extensive Rice Creek Trail system which connects to the larger regional network, allowing for miles of pet-friendly hiking and biking opportunities. The nearby Centerville Lake features a beach area where many campers exercise their pets along the shoreline, though dogs must remain on leash throughout the park. Despite occasional traffic noise from nearby highways 35E and 35W, the natural setting provides a convenient outdoor escape with pets just 30 minutes north of the Twin Cities. Wildlife encounters are common, so keeping dogs secured is essential. The campground enforces a strict policy against pets being left unattended at campsites, and waste disposal stations are available throughout the property.
"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 $26 - $90 / 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"Kelly's Bar nearby has a great fish fry on Friday. The campground is neat and well managed."
"There is a dump station and playground, but I didn’t come across a bathhouse when walking the inner campground loop—it’s likely I just missed it."
from $20 - $75 / 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"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"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"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"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 $25 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $30 - $150 / 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!
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.
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.
TravelerStaying here currently & they have been very accommodating, friendly & flexible. Water & electric hookup but no sewer however there is a dump station, a bathhouse with real toilets & nice showers. Pretty quiet for being so close to the main highway. My cats are able to free roam the property & my dog can be tied up outside. Usually pretty nice neighbors too.
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.
Campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of White Bear Lake offer diverse terrain from wooded lakeshores to prairie settings. The area features glacial lakes and rolling hills with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,100 feet above sea level. Seasonal camping typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and frequent evening thunderstorms.
Waterfall hiking: 30 minutes from White Bear Lake, Willow River State Park campground provides access to multiple falls. "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. The park features both paved and unpaved trails leading to impressive falls.
Paddling opportunities: Multiple lakes within 20 miles of White Bear Lake offer rentals. At William O'Brien State Park Campground, the St. Croix River provides prime paddling. "The river side of the park had been closed for months for construction, but had just opened two days before our stay," reports Karla J.B., highlighting recent improvements to river access.
Local fishing spots: Early morning best, though success varies by season. Baker Park Reserve offers shoreline fishing opportunities. "There is a nice 6+ mile biking trail that connects to others, so bring the bikes," notes Jennifer H., adding transportation options beyond the fishing areas.
Privacy in tent-only areas: The F Loop at Rice Creek Campgrounds offers a generator-free experience. "We stayed in a group site but there was no way 35 people could have camped in W3," notes a camper at another park, showing the importance of researching site capacity. The F Loop sites include central water access and portable toilets.
Spacious sites with mature trees: Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers well-separated campsites. "Sites with full hookups or more remote sites with electric that are more tucked away in the pines. Great hiking," says katie C. The campground layout provides natural barriers between sites.
Proximity to Twin Cities: Several campgrounds within 30 minutes of White Bear Lake provide quick getaways. "I have long overlooked William O'Brien because I thought you had to drive a long way to get away. I was wrong!" says Karla J.B. This makes these locations suitable for weekend camping without extensive travel time.
Seasonal insect conditions: Horseflies and mosquitoes peak in July-August. One camper at Bunker Hills Regional Park shares, "Amazing campsites nice trails clean shower's and bathroom's. There's a water park down the road and friendly staff." Plan accordingly with proper repellents and screen shelters.
Firewood quality varies: Purchase from local sources rather than campgrounds when possible. At Rice Creek, "Firewood at $7 a bundle doesn't burn, it just smokes. I asked for a refund. Buy firewood elsewhere," advises Bruce M. Prices range from $6-8 per bundle at most campgrounds.
Reservation windows: Most campgrounds open reservations 120 days in advance. One Lebanon Hills visitor notes, "Reserve early online, most weekends were already reserved by mid May." Weekdays typically have better availability, especially Mondays through Thursdays.
Water recreation options: Several parks feature beaches for swimming. At Afton State Park Campground, one visitor notes, "Less than an hour drive from Minneapolis this is a good get away. As expected it has many walk trails. 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."
Playground proximity: Some campgrounds offer play areas near tent sites. At Baker Park Reserve, a camper reports, "Nice park for kids just a small hike away. Plus a decent amount of rentals." Consider site location relative to play areas for convenience with young children.
Nature centers with programs: Several parks offer educational opportunities. "The nature center is nice and a great place to spend some time if it is raining during their open hours," mentions a visitor to Rice Creek, highlighting indoor options for inclement weather.
Site selection for larger rigs: Lebanon Hills Regional County Park accommodates various RV sizes. "Reservation system is weird and the sites are much bigger than they say. All rv sites are the listed length plus 16' for your tow vehicle, which you need to call to find out," advises Davis D. This additional information proves crucial for proper site selection.
Electric-only vs. full hookup options: Several dog friendly campgrounds near White Bear Lake offer varying hookup configurations. "Sites 98, 110, 111, 112, 113, and 114 are right on the road into the campground with some tree coverage and prairie behind. These do not feel very private at all," warns a camper about one layout option at Interstate State Park, helping RVers choose more secluded sites.
Off-season availability: Several pet-friendly campgrounds remain open in shoulder seasons. Baker Campground opens April 30, providing early season options when many White Bear Lake area campgrounds remain closed. One visitor mentioned, "After months of winter the first trip of the season is something we look forward to. The sites at Baker Park Reserve are larger than average."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near White Bear Lake, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near White Bear Lake, MN is Willow River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 65 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near White Bear Lake, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near White Bear Lake, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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