Crystal B.
Legend
LegendBailey Park in Wabasha MN
Small campground in the City of Wabasha MN
Small basic campground in Wabasha MN. Mostly permanent sites. There is a dog park directly next to the campground.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Winona, MN
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Great River Bluffs State Park Campground accommodates pets in both tent and RV sites across its year-round facility near Winona. The park's pet policy requires dogs to be leashed at all times on a lead no longer than six feet. Prairie Island City Campground offers additional pet-friendly options with tent, RV, and cabin sites available from April through November, maintaining clean bathroom facilities throughout the grounds. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic pet amenities including designated pet waste disposal stations and access to hiking trails. Campers can expect standard requirements including proof of current vaccinations, proper cleanup of pet waste, and restrictions on leaving pets unattended at campsites. Camping with dogs remains particularly popular at waterfront sites where pets can cool off during summer months.
The nearby Mississippi River trails provide excellent exercise opportunities for leashed dogs, with multiple access points available from riverside campgrounds. Perrot State Park across the Wisconsin border offers additional hiking options with interconnected trail systems suitable for pets. Dog owners should note the heavy mosquito presence at many Mississippi River camping areas, particularly at lower elevation sites like those at Merrick State Park. Seasonal campers report fewer issues with insects at Whitewater State Park's higher elevation sites. Local regulations prohibit pets from entering buildings, beach areas, and certain wildlife observation areas at state parks. Prairie Island features a dog park across from the campground where pets can run off-leash, a convenient amenity for campers staying multiple nights with active dogs.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Winona (119)
1. Perrot State Park Campground
"There is a rail line that runs along between the Mississippi and the park edge, campsites are away from this but still can be heard as well as motor boats on the River."
"Great hiking options that overlook the Mississippi River and surrounding countryside, hiking was a lot of uphill but the view was worth it. Dogs are welcome!"
from $39 / night
Check Availability2. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park
"Whitewater is by far one of the top state parks in Minnesota. Their camping facilities are clean with running water and free showers. The campsites are quite spacious but not too wooded."
"Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."
from $25 - $250 / night
Check Availability3. Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
"Great River Bluff State Park is located outside of Winona, MN. The trails at this park are very easy to hike with hardly any incline."
"Beautiful area with very nice trails. 20-30 mins to Winona, 20 mins to La Crosse. Not a huge site selection, but very nice sites. My wife and I try to go there as much as we can!"
from $24 / night
Check Availability4. Prairie Island City Campground
"Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart."
"This is a great local campground right on the river and a great stay for gorgeous Winona, MN. Management is helpful and friendly."
5. South Campground — Merrick State Park
"Showers and flush toilets at the north campground which is a quick drive or a very long walk. They were clean, but showers could use a refresh."
"Some are more off by themselves and some are right next to each other. There is drive in, cart in, and pull in sites. There is nice ground for renting as well. Many of the sites are on the river."
from $15 / night
Check Availability6. North Campground — Merrick State Park
"We loved that this campground was right on the river; our dog loved thIs. The campsites were very open and train tracks were nearby."
"The website states there are tracks nearby that are active 24 hours. This was not a problem for us at all. They were hardly noticeable. We did stay at the north loop, as we wanted electric hook up."
from $15 - $26 / night
Check Availability7. Sleepy Hollow Campground
"We camped with tents on 2 sites next to each other! Wonderful family camping trip ever! The water activities were awesome 👌. Child activities are super fun. 4th of July weekend! Two thumbs up 👍👌"
"It is set in a valley with 3 to 4 hundred foot hills full of trails on a working farm."
from $22 - $36 / night
Check Availability8. Island Campground — Merrick State Park
"We always bring the kayaks, so the water access offered is why we stay. 3 Campgrounds:
- Island sites offer the best-in-park privacy for a campsite, but they are walk in (carts provided"
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability9. Camp Everyday
"We were visiting our daughter in nearby Winona, MN. This place is also close to La Crosse WI. We stayed here three nights."
from $29 - $999 / night
Check Availability10. Frickson Family Farms LLC
"Great Harvest Host location super nice family."
"We pulled in from a long driving day .we were greeted by our host . She was very friendly and explained where the site was . Had a great night sleep . This is a good over night stop ."
from $30 / night
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Drive Time
- 30 min from La Crosse, WI
- 46 min from Rochester, MN
- 1 hr 17 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 1 hr 57 min from Minneapolis, MN
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Winona, MN
51 Photos of 119 Winona Campgrounds
David G.
Prairie Island City Campground
Amelia B.
Perrot State Park Campground
Tori K.
Great River Bluffs State Park Campground
Mike L.
Aefintyr
Crystal B.
Kruger Unit - RJD Memorial Hardwood State Forest
Jillian E.
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GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Veterans Memorial Park & Campground
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Winona, MN
592 Reviews of 119 Winona Campgrounds
Peter R.
TravelerFrontenac State Park Campground
Beautiful Bluffs
We 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.
- RRebecca R.Traveler
Prairie Island City Campground
Nice for RV Camping
If you are a tent camper, I would suggest going to local nearby state parks vs. this campground. Nice for a quick weekend away in an RV. On the Mississippi River and close to town. Across the street from a dog park so if you bring your fur-friend with, there is a nice enclosed area for them to run while being supervised.
David G.TravelerPrairie Island City Campground
River view
It is a nice clean quiet campground. Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart.
- Jarrett G.Traveler
Veterans Memorial Park & Campground
Very nice campground
Large campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!
- JJOSEPH M.
ScoutMaple Springs Campground
Eden
We stayed here for the month of august, and this place is awesome! Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races. Dog park, small general store, backs up to a national park, close to town, immaculately maintained, volley ball court, lots of shade trees, easy access, and Andy(owner/operator) is the nicest person you’ll ever want to meet. For those so inclined there’s church service on Sunday in an old (cool looking!) barn! Fire pits at every spot. There is WiFi there, but little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster. 5/5 will definitely be back!
- Lynn N.
GuideHixton - Alma Center KOA
Nice Place
Small, clean campground! Very friendly staff, very well kept! Dog park. There's also plenty of activites to do! You can swim in the pool, fish in the pond etc. Bathrooms are very well kept and clean! Showers are hot! Sites are good sized, and well spread out!
- Kayla S.Scout
Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging
Perfect set-up
This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.
This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.
This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.
Amy G.LegendShady Rest Acres
Bliss in the middle of the country
In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.
Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners. They are happy to let you meet them with their presence.
There are 2 campsites, if you wish. One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing! The other is nestled in the woods. Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet. But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house. The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days. The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night.
At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours. It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food. So they know where it comes from and how it was treated. I love it.
This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic. Just what the soul ordered.
Guide to Winona
Camping options near Winona, Minnesota center around the Mississippi River and its tributary valleys. The region's distinctive bluff country features elevations from 650 to 1,300 feet, creating notable temperature and mosquito population differences between river-level and higher elevation campgrounds. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, with winter camping available at reduced rates and with limited services at sites like Great River Bluffs and Whitewater State Park.
What to do
Hiking at Perrot State Park: Located across the Wisconsin border near Trempealeau, this park features multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. "Amazing scenic hiking trails!" notes Amelia B., while another visitor mentions "Brady's Bluff hike for a challenging path full of stairs and gorgeous views or go a little slower with the black walnut path."
Fishing at Merrick State Park: This park provides excellent river access for fishing enthusiasts with dedicated areas for shore casting. "Great access to awesome fishing!" reports one reviewer. Multiple boat launches accommodate anglers seeking Mississippi River species, though they can get crowded on summer weekends.
Water activities at Money Creek Haven: Located 30 minutes from Winona, this campground features a man-made lake popular for swimming and water play. "The lake is murky and there are a lot of frogs, but that's camping. There are chairs and a shaded area available," notes Erica H. The campground's swimming area provides a good alternative to the Mississippi River, which has strong currents in many areas.
What campers like
Scenic overlooks at Great River Bluffs: The park offers multiple viewing points across the Mississippi River Valley. "The views are breathtaking! Lots of trails climbing the bluffs. Breathtaking scenery in the wide open areas," says Tony J. The park's King's Bluff Overlook requires a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike from the parking area or a longer 5.5-mile trek from the campground.
Root River access at Eagle Cliff Campground: This facility offers both camping and river recreation. "The Root River goes right alongside most of the campsites which creates a really peaceful space," notes Jen H. The campground provides tubing services with shuttle transportation, allowing campers to float back to their sites. "They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals."
Low insect populations at Whitewater State Park: Unlike many riverside camping areas, Whitewater has notably fewer mosquitoes. "We were surprised that there were minimal mosquitoes at Whitewater," states Amber Z., while another camper explains: "Best part: very few mosquitoes!! (The cold, constantly moving water helps keep them away.)"
What you should know
Train noise impacts several campgrounds: Merrick State Park and other river-adjacent sites experience frequent train traffic. "This site can get noisy from the nearby trains and traffic," one reviewer warns. At some campgrounds, the tracks run close enough that earplugs may not sufficiently block the noise.
Limited cell service at several parks: Many campgrounds in the bluff region have poor connectivity. Whitewater State Park offers limited service: "We had no cell service at our site, but 2 bars plus WIFI outside the visitor center," reports Karla J.B.
Bug populations vary significantly by location: Merrick State Park Campground struggles with significant mosquito issues: "Very nice walk-in site right on the river. LOTS of bugs to the point it was uncomfortable so make sure to bring bug spray," advises Rebecca R. Sites closer to water typically experience more insects than higher elevation campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Prairie Island City Campground provides beach access on a calmer section of the Mississippi. "The campground has very nice views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding bluffs. Plenty of playground equipment and some organized activities for children. There was a nice beach," notes Peter R.
Family-friendly trails: Perrot State Park offers interactive educational experiences. "We stayed here last summer and it's a great place to explore the region near the Mississippi River. Lots of amazing views, interactive signs and information that was perfect for our 4 year old," says Jennifer B.
Educational opportunities: Some parks organize special events for families. "The Saturday we were there they had a heritage camp set up to learn about how things were done in the past," reports Tiffany K. about Perrot State Park. These seasonal programs typically run from late spring through early fall.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Great River Bluffs: The campground layout requires attention when booking. "There are 31 pull in/back in sites. The sites are spacious and shaded and have a picnic table and fire pit," notes Mary S. Sites are well-marked but fill quickly during peak season.
Electric options at Camp Everyday Winona: This campground offers reliable electric hookups with both 30 and 50 amp service. "We upgraded to a cabin because rain and cold nights were expected. The cabin was the one for 4 people. The bed was really comfortable!" reports Patti M. The campground maintains clean facilities and provides access to dump stations.
Winter camping availability: Whitewater State Park accommodates winter camping with plowed sites. "We visited in winter (February) and while there was snow on the ground, the spaces were kept plowed with easy access to the electric boxes," shares Amy G. Winter campers should note that water systems shut down during cold months, though a spigot at the visitor center remains operational year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Winona, MN?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Winona, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Winona, MN is Perrot State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Winona, MN?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Winona, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 119 dog-friendly camping locations near Winona, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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