People with pets often have problems traveling because of restrictions against pets. But the state parks in Minnesota are very welcoming to four-legged friends, as long as your pet is on a leash and in view at all times. However, some areas of the park might have pet restrictions. Campsites are available with reservations or on a first-come, first-served basis and cost between $12 and $20 per night, as of June 2010.
Afton State Park
Just east of Minneapolis, Afton State Park features beautiful flowers and tall trees throughout the park. The park is great for hiking or cross-country skiing, and it has horse trails. Dogs must be on a leash and in view at all times. There is a swimming beach, but it is off-limits to animals. Tent camping is available and pet-friendly. There are both first-come, first-served and reservation-only sites, and flush toilets are available nearby.
William O'Brien State Park
William O'Brien State Park is about an hour northeast of Minneapolis. There are about 12 miles of hiking trails and 1.5 miles of paved pathways in the park. The park also has great water for canoeing. Dogs are allowed in the park, but must be kept on a leash and cannot go onto the beaches. You can camp at drive-in campsites or at sites with electric hook-ups. The length limit for RVs is 60 feet. Showers, flush toilets and dumping stations are all available nearby.
Blue Mounds State Park
Blue Mounds State Park is in the southwest corner of Minnesota. You can see a 100-foot Sioux quartzite cliff, bison herds, cacti in the summer and prairies as far as the eye can see. Take a hike on one of the park's 13 miles of trails, which are easy to moderate in difficulty. Dogs are welcome on the trails if they are leashed. There are drive-in sites, sites with electric hook-ups and walk-in sites available. Showers, flush toilets and dump stations are near all the campsites.
Buffalo River State Park
In the western part of Minnesota, just east of Fargo, North Dakota, sits Buffalo River State Park, which is a prairie park rich in wildlife. There are 12 miles of hiking trails leading through the prairies and forested areas. Your leashed pet is welcome on the trails. Electric hook-ups are available at some of the campsites, and there is a 50-foot limit for any RV in the park. Showers, flush toilets and dump stations are also available.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is in the southeastern section of Minnesota. While hiking the eight miles of trails, you can get up close to many of the streams and see trout. Dogs are allowed, as long as they are on a leash. Camp at a drive-in site, some of which have electric hook-ups. There also are group sites and RV sites, as long as the camper is less than 55 feet. Showers, vault toilets and dumps stations are nearby.
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