Dog-Friendly Camping near Zumbrota, MN

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    Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park accepts pets at all 25 campsites, offering electric hookups and water access along the Zumbro River. Nearby Shades of Sherwood Campground provides pet-friendly accommodations including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and cabin options where dogs can stay with their owners. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with showers and flush toilets, though pets must remain leashed at all times. Bluff Valley Campground in Zumbro Falls, approximately 15 minutes from Zumbrota, features riverside camping with designated pet exercise areas. Lake Byllesby Regional Park in Cannon Falls allows pets throughout the campground and maintains several walking paths ideal for dog exercise. The campground's spacious sites provide enough room for pets to relax while remaining on their required 6-foot leash.

    Hiking trails at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, located 25 minutes east of Zumbrota, welcome leashed dogs on all pathways, making it popular for day trips with pets. The park's well-maintained trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and wind through dense hardwood forest. Frontenac State Park offers additional pet-friendly hiking with spectacular bluff views along the Mississippi River. During summer months, early morning or evening walks prove most comfortable for dogs due to high daytime temperatures. Oxbow County Park provides a quieter alternative with less crowded trails and water access points where dogs can cool off. Most campgrounds in the area require proof of current rabies vaccination, and campers should pack waste bags as pet waste stations are limited at some locations. The pedestrian bridge at Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park creates a convenient loop for walking dogs without crossing busy roads.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Zumbrota (92)

      1. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground

      4.4(37)21mi from Zumbrota60 sitesTents

      "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."

      "Though they were right next to each other, they felt very secluded. Site 4 felt a bit more private from the main road because the campsite slightly slopes downward."

      from $24 - $34 / night

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      2. Frontenac State Park Campground

      4.4(34)23mi from Zumbrota65 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $24 - $75 / night

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      3. Hidden Meadows RV Park

      4.3(4)10mi from ZumbrotaRVs, Tents

      "The lower area of this park is so nice and right near a river. The owners are really nice, bathrooms/showers clean and everybody is friendly."

      "Portable toilets spaced around and a centralized bath house by the office. There are seasonal guests and everyone was friendly."

      from $38 - $45 / night

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      4. Bluff Valley Campground

      4.2(5)12mi from ZumbrotaRVs, Tents

      "Bathrooms near by need updated. But brand new showers by main entrance. Very clean, nice staff. They have a little restaurant that I saw but didn't eat or see open."

      "They have a pool, video games, driving range and park but the draw from this camp ground for us is sitting in the river and relaxing watching the tubers go by."

      5. Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park

      4.0(2)0mi from ZumbrotaRVs, Tents

      "Tent and rv camping, with a public pool close by, oldest covered bridge in the state, close to town, playground and miles of trails fir skiing, hiking and biking."

      from $20 - $35 / night

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      6. Haycreek Valley Campground

      4.3(7)15mi from ZumbrotaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      7. Oxbow County Park

      4.7(6)15mi from ZumbrotaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There is an awesome park near the sites for children."

      "The zoo is amazing, the campground is well cared and a ton of hiking trails!!"

      from $25 - $30 / night

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      8. Lake Byllesby Regional Park

      4.4(13)20mi from ZumbrotaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      9. Shades of Sherwood Campground

      4.0(1)4mi from ZumbrotaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great tent sites some along river lots of activities for children and adults tubing down the river, man-made lake with blowups, scooters, swimming poolAnd jumping pillow."

      10. Cannon Falls Campground

      4.7(6)18mi from ZumbrotaRVs, Tents

      "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."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Zumbrota, MN

    664 Reviews of 92 Zumbrota Campgrounds


    • C Torey S.
      Apr. 17, 2019

      Lebanon Hills Regional Park

      Hiking, biking, camping & more

      Lebanon 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

    • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 29, 2025

      Bailey 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.

    • Peter R.
      Jun. 8, 2017

      Frontenac 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.

    • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 4, 2025

      Dakotah 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.

    • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 26, 2023

      Tresure Island RV Park

      Crowded park, nice people

      We 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.

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 21, 2023

      Crystal Springs RV Resort

      Nice Campground

      As the campground(CG) is right off the interstate, it was easy to get to. Our check-in package was ready when we arrived at the little self-registration building at the entrance. We had requested site 40, where we had stayed two years ago, but they gave us back-in site 41 instead on the little lake. The utilities are in the middle of the site and worked well with water pressure near 45 psi. The sites are decently spaced for this type of CG. They have WiFi, but their info packet states it's not good enough for streaming but okay for email, etc. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi since we were only here for two nights. The CG is right off I-35, so you do get some highway noise. This CG is very well kept, with mostly seasonal and permanent parties. We came in with two other 5th wheels and had no problem getting sites, but we did reserve well before our arrival. There was not a formal dog park, but there was plenty of area to walk your dog. We noted that this CG was featured in RV Life’s 2023 Discover The Best RV Parks& Resorts In Every State with this narrative:"This family-owned campground prides itself on cleanliness; there is an owner on-site around the clock to ensure it stays in top condition. The park is beautifully landscaped and has both pull-thru and back-in sites. All sites(some are waterfront) are level and offer full hookups and free Wi-Fi. There are onsite restrooms and laundry facilities that are kept sparkling clean. They also offer a lending library of books and movies. There is a large pond on the property that is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports, and there is a walking path that circles the pond." Check out the Spam Museum in Austin, MN. We thought the museum would be cheesy, but it was a nice facility and a great experience. The CG deserved this praise, and we again enjoyed our stay.

    • Ash V.
      Aug. 21, 2018

      Chester Woods Park

      Great park

      Not 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

    • Sarah T.
      Oct. 4, 2018

      Lazy D Campground and Trail Rides

      Quiet Weekend Getaway

      Mellow family friendly campground with just enough for the kids to do - playground, bounce pad, tuning, pool. The petting zoo is a bit disappointing but otherwise it is a fantastic place!


    Guide to Zumbrota

    Camping options near Zumbrota, Minnesota sit within the rolling hills of Goodhue County at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet above sea level. The area features deciduous forest interspersed with prairie remnants and numerous creeks and rivers. Fall camping season offers particularly vibrant foliage with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 55-75°F in September and October, making it an excellent time to visit the region's parks.

    What to do

    Explore waterfall trails: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, located 25 minutes from Zumbrota, offers several hiking options leading to Hidden Falls. "We went there last July just to go hiking for the day. The trails were great and at the end of the trails there were beautiful falls. The falls weren't huge but they were pretty. A lot of things to photograph," notes Halie B. about Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground.

    Visit historic sites: The campground at Zumbrota provides direct access to Minnesota's only covered bridge, built in 1869. A paved trail from the campground leads directly to this landmark. As Pad F. mentions, the park offers "great paved walking and bike trail; leads to state bike trail; MN only covered bridge; huge park playground; disc golf course; along branch of the river; easy walk into town."

    River tubing: Summer visitors can enjoy tubing down the Zumbro River at several locations. "A wonderful campground with a saloon that was great! Friendly service and fun activities!" notes Chris P. about Shades of Sherwood Campground, which offers tubing opportunities along with other water activities.

    What campers like

    Clean modern facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathroom facilities in the region. "The bathrooms/shower building was new and clean, the camp host was friendly and helpful, and the hike to the hidden falls did not disappoint," reports Deb M. about Frontenac State Park Campground, which recently upgraded its facilities.

    Riverside sites: Several campgrounds offer premium sites along waterways. "We like spots 161 & 162 as you can park parallel with the river and nobody bothers you. It is just beautiful," explains Lisa D. about Bluff Valley Campground. Another camper adds, "the draw from this camp ground for us is sitting in the river and relaxing watching the tubers go by."

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Oxbow County Park combines camping with unique wildlife experiences. "Zoo and nature center are great. Animals are all rescued and given a home. Bison herd and elk and deer too," shares Tom about Oxbow County Park. Multiple trails also provide opportunities for spotting native wildlife.

    What you should know

    Site selection matters: Campsite quality and privacy can vary significantly within the same campground. About Frontenac State Park, Maria D. advises: "The downsides are that the campsites run small, usually only fitting two tents at most, and there aren't many trees for hammocking. Favorite sites: 37 – Shady and on the edge with just one neighbor. Decent privacy and potential for hammocking."

    Seasonal conditions: Fall offers spectacular colors but requires preparation. "This is a great campground for Fall camping. The colors are amazing. Nice hiking trails. Little area to get wet but not swimming," shares Tim B. about Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.

    Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. One camper notes about Lake Byllesby Regional Park: "Cell service was good," but others report spotty coverage at other parks. Tom mentions about Oxbow: "No cell service but able to text."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "This is a great family campground! Camping spots are rather close, but we have two little ones so they made friends quick with other children," notes Angela L. about Lake Byllesby Regional Park, adding "The playground is a short walk to the tent area, which was a big hit with our kids."

    Water activities: For summer family adventures, consider campgrounds with swimming options. "Great tent sites some along river lots of activities for children and adults tubing down the river, man-made lake with blowups, scooters, swimming pool and jumping pillow," reports Melissa R. about Shades of Sherwood Campground.

    Educational opportunities: For pet friendly camping near Zumbrota, Minnesota with an educational component, Oxbow Park combines natural experiences with learning. "The zoo is just 500 yards away, but you would never know it is there. It's a donation only entry, so you pay what you can for the zoo. There is an awesome park near the sites for children," explains Lindsay K.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup placement considerations: Some RV sites have unusual utility arrangements. "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," warns Karin W. about Haycreek Valley Campground, recommending extension cords for some sites.

    Level sites: Finding level ground for larger rigs requires research. "The parking pads are very unlevel," notes one camper about Hidden Meadows RV Park. At other parks, campers report better conditions: "Paved RV pads. Near lake and excellent bike path," shares Daryl L. about Lake Byllesby.

    Fire ring placement: Fire ring locations can impact RV camping comfort. One camper notes about Haycreek Valley Campground: "The fire pits were located in very odd spots too - basically unusable unless you wanted to light your rig on fire."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Zumbrota, MN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Zumbrota, MN is Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Zumbrota, MN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 92 dog-friendly camping locations near Zumbrota, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.