Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Zumbrota, MN
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.
