Alison O.
Guide
GuideCrow Hassan Park Reserve
One of the best dog parks in MN
I never tire walking the dog park circle along the crow river! Great for birding and tons of beautiful trails!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Zimmerman, MN
90 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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South of Sand Dunes State Forest provides multiple dispersed camping options where pets are allowed in an undeveloped natural setting. Campers access pull-off sites along gravel roads south of Ann Lake, with spots spaced for privacy between pine stands and open sandy areas. No amenities are provided at these free camping locations - no toilets, water sources, or trash receptacles. Ann Lake Campground in Sand Dunes State Forest also welcomes pets and offers more developed camping with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Sites at Ann Lake accommodate tents, RVs, and hammock camping, with spacious group sites available for larger parties with multiple dogs. Poison ivy is prevalent throughout the forest areas, requiring extra vigilance when walking dogs.
Numerous hiking trails throughout Sand Dunes State Forest provide excellent pet exercise opportunities, though owners should keep pets leashed and conduct regular tick checks after walks. The beach at Ann Lake is accessible from the campground via a walking trail, offering dogs a place to cool off during summer months. Most campers with pets recommend bringing plenty of water for their animals, as water sources are limited or non-existent at dispersed sites. Wildlife encounters are possible, with several campers reporting storks being particularly territorial toward dogs. Cell service throughout the area ranges from weak to non-existent, making emergency veterinary contact difficult - the nearest services are in Big Lake or Monticello. Weekday camping typically offers the quietest experience for reactive dogs, as weekend traffic on the forest roads increases substantially.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Zimmerman (90)
1. Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest
"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 Availability2. South of Sand Dunes State Forest
"For the proximity to the city and nearby highways, this was a good spot. Didn’t expect to see as many campers as I did, but all seemed to be friendly."
"I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock."
3. Lake Maria State Park Campground
"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 Availability4. Country Camping Tent & RV Park on the Rum River
"Nice river nearby canoeing swimming pool fireplaces and little store for treats."
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability5. Bunker Hills Regional Park
"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 Availability6. Baker Campground - Baker Park Reserve
"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 Availability7. Riverside City Park
"There is a dog park just across the river, within easy walking distance."
8. Minneapolis Northwest KOA
"Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground."
"The site was spacious and private-surrounded on 3 sides by trees. The bathrooms were clean. The pool area was clean and without issue."
9. Mississippi Riverwood RV Park
10. Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park Campground
"There was some suggestion that there was some drive in sites that were not reservable, that is. They were first come first serve. But I was unaware or unable to find those."
"Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees& shade. Really beautiful. Nice people staying in adjacent sites. We would return."
Drive Time
- 39 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 40 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 1 hr 40 min from Mankato, MN
- 1 hr 58 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Zimmerman, MN
44 Photos of 90 Zimmerman Campgrounds
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Zimmerman, MN
608 Reviews of 90 Zimmerman Campgrounds
- KKatrina M.Guide
Riverside City Park
Nice campground on the river.
This 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.
Janet R.
LegendInterstate State Park Campground
Expeditions at Interstate!
This 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.
Beth B.LegendDakotah Meadows RV Park
Quiet and safe
Small 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.
David E.GuideMinneapolis Northwest KOA
Good Campground but Close Sites
Sites are close to each other, but easy access, clean grounds and facilities, friendly staff, and a K9 fenced area for a pet friendly campground.
Tori K.LegendRiversEdge RV Park
Great location! Quiet!
This 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.
- Large wooded lots, most facing the river or wildlife pond
- Full hook-ups, with 30 or 50 amp service -Concrete Patios on every lot -Crushed granite streets and drives Fishing, tubing, & canoeing on the Elk River -Horseshoe and lawn games -Large pavilion provides for fun weekly events and activities -Laundry and shower facilities -Lush lawns and nice walking paths with colorful gardens -Pets Welcome -Electric golf carts welcome -Firewood available -Gracious owners live on-site
MickandKarla W.LegendFiddlestix RV and Golf Resort
This Place Has Grown
Our RV GPS brought us right to the campground(CG). We arrived about an hour early of their 3:00 PM check-in time with no issues checking in. We drove to FHU site 38 and backed in one and done. Our utilities were at the back of the site, and we needed about 35’ of electric and water hose. The sewer was more central, and I needed about 18’ of sewer hose for our rig. Our area had a few shade trees, but we had no problem hitting the north sky for Starlink. The water pressure was good, and we put on a reducer. Our nightly rate is based on an average over the weekday and weekend rates with no discounts offered. We stayed here three years ago when the CG was fairly young and not so built up. The clubhouse had gone to a full-service restaurant and bar, and when we were there around 10:30 AM, quite a few people were eating breakfast. We were told that the seasonal guests can golf on the weekends/holidays for free as part of their package, so tee times are needed. We saw a few seasonal folks going out, but just about every seasonal guest here has a golf cart, and they drove them around continuously during our Labor Day stay. Many of the seasonals also had ATVs, which they took off to ride the local trails. With the pool, new putt-putt golf, and other family activities, the CG was full of people. We were pleasantly surprised that the kids who rode on all sorts of electric bikes and scooters plus golf carts behaved themselves, and the parents seemed attentive. Everyone was friendly, and we happily noticed that the seasonal guests kept their sites clean and picked up after their dogs. They had expanded their dog park that’s up near the clubhouse, basketball court, and playground, but the dog area was not very convenient to the backside of the CG now that there are about 142 sites plus cabins/trailer park models available(with plans for more sites). However, there was plenty of room and little trails to walk your dog. The original/older sites 4-12 and the 30-40 area are currently being used for short-termers. Sites 1-3 are now cabins/park models. They have WiFi, but the signal was not very strong in our area. The golf course was under new design construction due to adding additional sites, but it was playable. Based on this CG becoming a seasonal golf cart community, we probably will not return.
Joe S.GuideA J Acres Campground
Good Enough for our Needs
We 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.
Gregory J.
TravelerPierz Park
Too many kids driving golf carts.
First 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.
Guide to Zimmerman
Dispersed camping opportunities near Zimmerman, Minnesota span beyond the Sand Dunes State Forest area, with additional options within a 30-mile radius. The region features sandy terrain with elevation ranging from 930-1,100 feet and numerous lakes and waterways. Winter temperatures can drop to -20°F while summer camping season sees average highs of 83°F with frequent thunderstorms from June through August.
What to do
Mountain biking on forest trails: South of Sand Dunes State Forest offers several unmarked trails suitable for off-road cycling. "The trails are a lot of fun.. lots to see. The outhouses are kept up well and pump water road side," notes Johnny H. about Ann Lake.
Tubing on the Rum River: A popular summer activity for campers staying near Princeton. "Great tubing and canoeing," shares Rory T. about Country Camping Tent & RV Park, which provides equipment rentals and river access points.
Birdwatching: The wetland areas attract diverse bird species, particularly around Bertram Chain of Lakes. "Really nice campground! Meadow setting where the campsites are, but then TONS of hiking trails with significant trees & shade. Really beautiful," reports Kathy L. who camped there in September.
Disc golf: Several courses are available within 15 miles of Zimmerman. "Close to a top 10 disc golf course if that's your thing," mentions Lynsey M. about Bunker Hills Regional Park, which features an 18-hole course through wooded terrain.
What campers like
Rustic solitude: The dispersed areas south of Sand Dunes offer significant privacy. "I love that it's so close to home. I was able to walk in and find an incredible spot to camp and lay in my hammock," explains Joslyn H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Clean facilities: Many established campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. "The bathrooms were nice and clean. The pool area was clean and without issue," notes Jessica M. about Minneapolis Northwest KOA, which is pet-friendly and offers tent sites "surrounded on 3 sides by trees."
Proximity to Twin Cities: Several campgrounds provide wilderness experiences within an hour drive of Minneapolis. "Have stayed at this campground numerous times and will stay again. Love that it's only an hour from the metro area! Very rustic campground, clean facilities, and water spigots throughout," shares Lisa O. about her Ann Lake experience.
Wildlife viewing: Deer, birds and small mammals frequently visit campsites. "This place had awesome trails and so many deer! It's like they were camping with us," reports Christopher C. who stayed at Bertram Chain of Lakes.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito intensity: Insects can be overwhelming during peak summer months. "We went in the middle of Summer. High bug season... Walking along the kids all looked like Pig-Pen from Peanuts. Even though we'd sprayed everyone down the bugs must have felt safety in numbers because we were covered in welts in no time flat," warns Steph H. about Lake Maria State Park.
Road traffic on forest roads: Some dispersed camping areas experience vehicle noise. "This road is pretty busy for a dirt forest road and people FLY down it. Almost got hit a few times walking. Even through a Wednesday night cars are flying down the road," cautions Ryan P. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest.
Vehicle restrictions: Certain areas limit what camping vehicles are permitted. "I had a county sheriff person tell me it's not lawful to park a trailer and they kicked me out. I called the DNR and they said that wasn't right but I decided to leave anyway," reports Jason B. who attempted to camp with an RV in the dispersed areas.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across all camping areas. "2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites," notes Andy L. about Ann Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playground access: Several campgrounds feature children's play areas. "The waterpark is a blast and we were able to find discount passes online," recommends Bryan S. about Bunker Hills Regional Park Campground, which includes both "a water park with a wave pool" and "several pavilions with grills, a few playgrounds."
Verify bathroom facilities: Not all sites offer convenient restrooms. "Cons: The bathrooms were yucky. Bring baby wipes and hand sanitizer!" advises Ashley V. after staying at Ann Lake with her family, where she found "great biking around the grounds for youth."
Scout tent sites before setup: Inspect areas thoroughly before unpacking. "We arrived after sundown and in the morning, we realized we wouldn't have picked the site if we would have seen all the problems with it. Broken glass under picnic table, grill on fire pit was broken," warns Ashley about Site 30 at Ann Lake.
Consider weather backup plans: Summer thunderstorms can disrupt camping activities. "It's peaceful and tons of spots to park," says Skip H. about dispersed camping south of Sand Dunes State Forest, but these areas lack shelter facilities for inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions apply: Most forest roads cannot accommodate large rigs. "Great spot. Plenty of parking. Best for straight vehicles or very small trailers," advises Skip H. about South of Sand Dunes State Forest's dispersed camping.
Overhanging branches: Watch for low-hanging trees when navigating forest roads. "Some overhanging branches on the road in scrape the top and sides," warns Andy L. about driving his "30' class C motor home" into Ann Lake campground.
Elevation affects services: Lower campsites may have reduced utilities. "Higher elevation sites for air tv reception. 2 bars of 4g service made it a little difficult to pay online over the phone. No reception in lower elevation sites," notes Andy L. who stayed at Ann Lake.
Water and power availability: Established campgrounds offer varying hookup levels. "There are a few spots that have great views or pull-through areas, and there are limited spots that are big-rig friendly," explains Samuel C. about dispersed camping areas near Zimmerman.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Zimmerman, MN?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Zimmerman, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Zimmerman, MN is Ann Lake Campground — Sand Dunes State Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Zimmerman, MN?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Zimmerman, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 dog-friendly camping locations near Zimmerman, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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