Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Valley City, ND
Faust Park's primitive camping area offers free accommodation for pets and their owners along the Sheyenne River. This well-maintained Barnes County site permits camping for up to 10 consecutive days with dogs welcome throughout the grounds. Mel Rieman Recreation Area also welcomes pets while providing more amenities including electric hookups, water access, and sanitary dump stations. The local general store at Mel Rieman serves as a convenient stop for pet supplies and ice cream. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Valley City area maintain standard leash requirements while providing ample space for dog walking. Moon Lake campground features multiple stone fire rings and picnic tables with space for pets to explore, though the dust from nearby gravel roads can be considerable for animals with respiratory sensitivities.
Dogs enjoy swimming access at most Valley City campgrounds, with Lake Ashtabula offering excellent water recreation opportunities for pets. The North Country Trail provides hiking access for leashed dogs with connections near several campgrounds including Baldhill Dam. Campers report varied experiences with local wildlife—farm dogs occasionally visit Moon Lake campsites and can be both friendly and somewhat bothersome while cooking or packing. During summer months, the bugs can be intense for both humans and pets, so appropriate insect repellent is recommended. Most campgrounds maintain reasonable quiet hours and have minimal restrictions on barking, though common courtesy is expected. Valley City's Tourist Park offers in-town camping with pets allowed, though reviews consistently note this is best for quick overnight stays rather than extended camping with animals.