Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Pepin, WI

Lake Pepin Campground welcomes pets throughout its 30 sites, offering access to the Mississippi River shoreline for dogs needing water activities. Pet owners must keep dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside RVs or tents. Situated in Pepin, Wisconsin, the campground provides electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings at most sites. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground across the river in Minnesota offers another pet-friendly option with spacious, wooded sites where dogs can enjoy shaded areas during summer months. The campground grounds seem well cared for overall, though the grass can be a bit long during peak season. Both campgrounds maintain pet waste stations and require owners to clean up after their animals.

Trails near Kruger Campground provide excellent hiking opportunities with dogs, with the area's hiking paths allowing leashed pets throughout the natural forest setting. The nearby Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest permits dogs on all trails when properly restrained. Sites at these campgrounds tend to be very private with adequate space between neighbors, reducing potential conflicts between pets from different camping parties. Stockholm Park Campground sits right on Lake Pepin, offering shoreline access ideal for dogs who enjoy swimming, though train tracks run nearby. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid heat exhaustion in pets. For RV campers, Nelson's Landing RV Park in Nelson features gravel sites with good spacing and a large open grassy area behind sites that dogs particularly enjoy.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Pepin, Wisconsin (83)

    1. Frontenac State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Frontenac, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3401

    $24 - $75 / night

    "Frontenac is a quiet campground right outside of Redwing. Great hiking trails but very steep along the river. Can also take part in birding walks. Also, love the drive around Lake Pepin!"

    "The walk in sites were really nice - secluded and peaceful. The facilities were well kept up and the views from the bluffs were just incredible - you could see all of Lake Pepin!"

    2. Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lake City, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3855

    $22 - $132 / night

    "It is only 1 1/2 hours away from the TwinCities which makes it an ideal getaway. The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal."

    "Stay in the N sites, they are a little more private, and a few offer great views of Lake Pepin. N1 is a prime site."

    3. Minneiska Campground — Whitewater State Park

    51 Reviews
    Elba, MN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 932-3007

    $25 - $250 / night

    "Easy access to hiking trails. My site was close in distance to adjacent ones, but was on the edge by the creek, so it was pretty quiet."

    "Keep watch on the ground to not accidentally step on a snake. They do have Timber Rattlesnake but they are so rare I didn't see one."

    4. Nelson's Landing RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Nelson, WI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 951-2842

    $10 - $40 / night

    "There was a large open grassy area behind us that our two dogs enjoyed. Brand new fire rings/pits. Beautiful view of the bluffs. Walking distance to several restaurants."

    "Walking distance to local restaurants and shops. Just pay online. No worries about checking in."

    5. Kruger Campground and Management Unit

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-3401

    $14 / night

    "Lovely walking trails. Near Lake Pepin. One negative was orange/rusty water from hand pump well. $14 a night!!! We plan to camp there again."

    "Nice and tucked away. Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing."

    6. Big River Resort

    3 Reviews
    Nelson, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 565-9932

    $68 / night

    "Short drive to Stockholm and Pepin Wisconsin."

    7. Stockholm Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Stockholm, WI
    6 miles
    Website

    "Right on Lake Pepin"

    "The town of Stockholm is an easy walk with restaurants, baker, gift shops, and art gallery. The campground is first come, first serve."

    8. Kruger Unit - RJD Memorial Hardwood State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Kellogg, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 299-3000

    $17 - $50 / night

    "This is a nice basic campground near Wabasha/Kellogg area. Mississippi is within a few miles. Lark Toys nearby also."

    "Hiking trails and the Zumbro river are available for outdoor adventures. Primitive camp ground. Pit toilets and a well, though we brought our own water supply."

    9. Lake Pepin Campground & Trailer Court

    1 Review
    Lake City, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (651) 345-2909

    10. Lake Pepin Campground

    2 Reviews
    Pepin, WI
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 442-2012
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Pepin, WI

559 Reviews of 83 Pepin Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • R
    Aug. 30, 2019

    Prairie Island City Campground

    Nice for RV Camping

    If you are a tent camper, I would suggest going to local nearby state parks vs. this campground. Nice for a quick weekend away in an RV. On the Mississippi River and close to town. Across the street from a dog park so if you bring your fur-friend with, there is a nice enclosed area for them to run while being supervised.

  • David G.
    May. 8, 2022

    Prairie Island City Campground

    River view

    It is a nice clean quiet campground. Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart.

  • Anne T.
    Jul. 6, 2016

    Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground

    Perfect Camping Getaway!

    This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Southern Minnesota! It is only 1 1/2 hours away from the TwinCities which makes it an ideal getaway. The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal. I especially love the view of Lake Pepin and the nice little swimming beach. On our last stay, we were able to watch eagles from our campsite, which was amazing. They have recently added 3 small cabins to rent which would be a nice alternative to tent camping. If you do plan a camping trip to Hok-Si-La and you're driving in from the Twin Cities, be sure to take Wisconsin Highway 35 through Maiden Rock, Stockholm, Pepin, and other small towns. You can loop back into Minnesota through Wabasha. This adds about an extra half hour to your drive but it is definitely worth it!

  • 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.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2021

    Big River Resort

    Very Nice

    Very large, very level sights. Excellent, clean, roomy restroom/shower. Friendly check in. Lots to do in the area. Short drive to Stockholm and Pepin Wisconsin.

  • Kayla S.
    May. 27, 2018

    Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

    Perfect set-up

    This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.

    This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.

    This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.

  • T
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Frontenac State Park Campground

    Beautiful Drive

    Frontenac is a quiet campground right outside of Redwing. Great hiking trails but very steep along the river. Can also take part in birding walks. Also, love the drive around Lake Pepin!

  • D
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

    River Camping

    Overall great experience! Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water. If your close enough to the office wifi available. Some sites are tight for large motor homes, 5th wheelers and tavel trailer. If your a bicyclist, campgrounds on great paved trail. They like their grass, no rugs or carpet on the grass. I take this as a positive. Dogs n cats are welcome. Lots of seasonal sites. Camping during the week is quite!


Guide to Pepin

Camping in the Lake Pepin area offers diverse experiences in the Upper Mississippi River Valley, with elevations ranging from 680 to 1200 feet above sea level. The region contains a natural lake formed by the widening of the Mississippi River, spanning approximately 22 miles long and 2 miles wide. Water recreation opportunities abound with boat ramps available at multiple locations.

What to do

Hiking trails: Frontenac State Park Campground features challenging hiking paths with significant elevation changes. "Great hiking trails but very steep along the river. Can also take part in birding walks" notes Tegan C. The park offers both Lower and Upper Bluff trails with connections throughout.

Bird watching: Frontenac State Park serves as a premier bird watching destination. "You can also take part in birding walks," according to one visitor. The diverse habitats attract numerous species, making it a favorite for wildlife photographers.

Swimming access: Hok-Si-La City Park & Campground provides excellent water recreation opportunities. "The lake is incredible" mentions Beth W., who appreciated the swimming beach. "This campground is a tent only campground with a couple cabins as well, which adds to its secluded feel."

Winter recreation: Minneiska Campground at Whitewater State Park remains open year-round for cold-weather activities. "We had the entire State Park to myself. It was super cool be eerie. Great hikes and the view from the top was worth it," reports Erik R., highlighting the solitude of winter camping.

What campers like

Private campsites: Kruger Campground offers secluded sites for those seeking privacy. "Sites are very private. Has beautiful trails. Next to the river great for exploring and fishing," explains Nick G. The campground maintains separation between sites with natural barriers.

Lake views: Several campsites at Frontenac State Park offer scenic overlooks. "Site 20 has an absolutely outstanding view of Lake Pepin and fall colors," reports Dani K. "Plenty of trees for hammocks if you're on the outside circle. The site itself was level and had a very spacious gravel tent area."

Tent-only options: Hok-Si-La City Park provides a tent-focused camping experience. "The campsites are wooded and have enough distance between them that noise is minimal," according to Anne T. The campground prohibits vehicles at campsites, creating a quieter atmosphere.

Clean facilities: Big River Resort maintains exceptionally clean amenities. "Restrooms, showers, the areal is so clean! We felt very welcome," writes Niki und Uwe S. The resort features "Excellent, clean, roomy restroom/shower" according to robert.

What you should know

Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water sources. "One negative was orange/rusty water from hand pump well," reports Neen K. about Kruger Campground. Bringing your own drinking water supply is recommended.

Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds in the area. "Trains come by every 15-30 minutes just feet away from camp site," warns Nick G. about Stockholm Park Campground. At Frontenac State Park, "When the wind died down, you could easily hear trains—there are several that run nearby."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pepin, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pepin, WI is Frontenac State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 32 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pepin, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Pepin, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.