Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Center, ND
Cross Ranch State Park Campground accommodates pets throughout its diverse camping options, including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, yurts, and glamping facilities. Located in Center, North Dakota, the park maintains well-groomed, shaded hiking paths where leashed dogs can explore alongside their owners. The campground features clean water access to the river for dogs to swim and play. Nelson Lake offers free primitive camping with pet-friendly sites where dogs can enjoy the lakefront setting. Both campgrounds provide fire rings at each site, though Nelson Lake has no services beyond the fire rings while Cross Ranch offers more amenities including toilets and trash disposal.
Primitive Campground within Cross Ranch State Park provides excellent options for pet owners seeking a more secluded experience with their dogs. The tall cottonwood trees create private camping spots along the river where pets can enjoy water access. Campers report having the walk-in section completely to themselves on weekdays, creating a peaceful environment for pets that may be nervous around other campers or animals. The park rangers provide wagons in the parking area for easy transport of camping supplies, helpful for carrying pet food and gear. During summer months, visitors should be mindful of high temperatures when hiking with dogs on the park's extensive trail system, and always carry sufficient water for both human and canine companions.
