The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Rochester, Minnesota

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Rochester, Minnesota that allows pets? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 460 options in the area, you're sure to find the ideal campsite for you and your furry friend. From the Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland with 239 reviews, to the Ranch Retreat with 226 reviews, and the Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff with 209 reviews, there are plenty of highly rated options to choose from. Plus, with popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and potable water, and activities such as wind sports, biking, and hiking, you'll have everything you need for a fantastic camping experience. And the best part? Prices start as low as $18 per night, with an average price of $35 per night. So pack up your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

96% (2.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for the perfect camping spot near Rochester, Minnesota that allows pets? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 460 options in the area, you're sure to find the ideal campsite for you and your furry friend. From the Gilles Family Dairy & Woodland with 239 reviews, to the Ranch Retreat with 226 reviews, and the Quarry in the Mississippi Bluff with 209 reviews, there are plenty of highly rated options to choose from. Plus, with popular amenities like toilets, campfires, and potable water, and activities such as wind sports, biking, and hiking, you'll have everything you need for a fantastic camping experience. And the best part? Prices start as low as $18 per night, with an average price of $35 per night. So pack up your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

96% (2.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Whispering Winds Retreat

86%

(7)

23mi from Rochester · 2 sites · Lodging · Spring Valley, MN

Immerse yourself in nature and experience the magic of the lush gardens, free-roaming bunnies, fairy walkway, stargazing area w/ telescope, meditating in the Soul Garden, fishing in the fully stocked trout stream and more. 5 minute walk to City Park w/ frisbee golf, less than 0.5 miles to local restaurants & shops. Come relax, rejuvenate, and live out your best life at Whispering Winds Micro Retreat! (420 & pet friendly) Whispering Winds is a holistic healing micro retreat specializing in nature-based self-care. We believe in caring for the land and ensuring it’s just as magical for future generations as it is for the current ones. And that is incredibly important — this place really does have a certain magic to it. Guests are constantly commenting on the healing energy that seems to blanket the farm. The Fairy Walk sparkles with solar lights in the evening. Hammocks for afternoon naps, a nature trail you can walk barefoot, and an outdoor meditation/yoga area. The Soul Garden includes sound healing with outdoor gongs, wind chimes, bird song, crickets, frogs, and the evening dance of the fireflies, in season. Whispering Winds is also home to many animals and features a horse pasture, ducks, bunnies, cats, chickens, and a fully stocked trout stream. The centrally located Community Kitchen is a shared space with lots of options for cooking: Gas & charcoal grills, wood powered pizza oven, dutch oven, solar cooker, fire pit w/ grill grates, chiminea & a rocket stove. The Kitchen is equipped with a sink, Berkey for filtered water, and has prep & dining areas.

2. Hidden Bluffs Resort

48mi from Rochester · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Spring Grove, MN

Hidden Bluffs Resort offers a range of amenities and activities that make it an excellent choice for a camping trip. The resort caters to all types of campers with its diverse accommodations, including cabins and spacious RV spots with full hookups. Families can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, mini-golf, and playground, while those seeking a more rugged experience can take advantage of the tent camping areas. Essential facilities like clean restrooms, showers, a laundry, and a general store ensure a comfortable stay. For added convenience, firewood is available on-site, and WiFi keeps you connected even in this serene setting. Beyond the resort's amenities, the surrounding Bluff Country provides numerous opportunities for adventure and exploration. Campers can hike over four miles of groomed trails through beautiful hardwood forests and limestone bluffs or fish directly from the resort's trout stream. The area is rich in attractions, with the nearby Niagara and Mystery Caves offering underground explorations and the Root River area providing options for kayaking, tubing, and ATV riding. Local towns like Forestville and Lanesboro add cultural experiences, and a short drive can take you to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum or a scenic Mississippi River cruise.

3. Camp Crimson Turtle

72%

(34)

48mi from Rochester · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hastings, MN

Established by naturalists in the 1920's this parcel features a waterfront cabin (currently being restored), a two acre spring fed pond that is stocked with fish, a small stream and great privacy. We have had this as our family paradise and now we are sharing it with you! We now offer a bohemian wagon if you would prefer to get up off the ground! Available at site 1. Learn more about this land: 8 acres of wooded privacy. Spring fed 2 acre pond, fishing, swimming, boating. Clothing optional if total site is rented. Extremely private. Electric available upon request for site number 2, other sites are quite far from electric hook up. New toilet facilities available!! We now have a flush toilet and exterior shower available for use onsite.

Public campgrounds near Rochester

Carley Campground

17mi from Rochester · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carley State Park

100%

(7)

Cedar Hill and Goosberry Glen

22mi from Rochester · 114 sites · Tents, RVs · in Whitewater State Park MN

Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - Central

26mi from Rochester · 20 sites · in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

100%

(1)

Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - West

27mi from Rochester · 100 sites · in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Zumbro Bottoms Horse Campground - North

27mi from Rochester · 5 sites · in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

Stories from the community

L

Leslye

September 2025

3 nights at Whispering Winds Retreat

From the moment my husband and I arrived with our two pups at Whispering Winds Retreat, we knew we’d found something truly special. Tucked into this lush corner of nature, the land feels alive—towering trees, gentle textures of grass and the rustle of leaves instantly set a peaceful tone. Beverly has created such thoughtful spaces, like the outdoor meditation area, that invite you to pause and breathe. We stayed in the Fantasy Woodland Haven, which was the perfect balance of rustic and comfortable. It felt off-grid enough to be an escape, yet had all the amenities to make our stay relaxing and restorative. Every detail—from the cozy fairy décor to the privacy of the space—was intentional. One of the best parts was how much our dogs enjoyed it, too! Whispering Winds is incredibly dog-friendly, with a private dog park, wooded trails, and little touches that made our pups feel just as welcome as we did. Watching them run, explore, and settle in so happily made our experience even more meaningful. Beverly, the host, is a gem. Her warmth, authenticity, and passion for creating a place of renewal shine everywhere you look. She made us feel so welcome, and we left not only refreshed but inspired. Plan to unplug and let nature set your pace. Bring good shoes, watercolors, maybe a fishing pole—but also be ready to leave expectations behind. Whispering Winds is a rare treasure, and we can’t wait to come back!

David

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Crimson Turtle

Great little hidden gem. Not a lot of amenities but the rustic privacy was just what we were looking for. Enjoy!

Heather

July 2025

With pets

1 night at Whispering Winds Retreat

Such a cute little place to stay! Cozy and comfy. My pups loved having an area of their own to run and play. Loved visiting the goat 🐐 and the horse 🐎 too❤️

J

Jason

July 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Camp Crimson Turtle

There were some truly magical moments here—the sunset over the pond was stunning, and the nighttime sounds of nature were beautifully undisturbed. I found two perfect trees for my hammock in the shade, and the outdoor shower was a refreshing touch. Communication with the host was fantastic—super responsive both before and during my stay, which made things much easier. I appreciated being able to order firewood ahead of time. Most of the wood by the fire pit was damp, but the dry bundle that was included burned hot enough to get the rest going. A few things did take away from the natural vibe: the pond was too algae-filled to swim comfortably, and the plastic jugs, random porch clutter, and a rusted table and chair disrupted the wild aesthetic. Highway noise was noticeable at times, and it took a minute to figure out which gate to use. Still, if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with some real beauty and don’t mind a little rustic imperfection, this spot delivers.

J

Jess

July 2025

2 nights at Whispering Winds Retreat

I really enjoyed camping the air conditioner was really nice to have there was lots of space for my dog to be off leash i thought the toilet with running water was really a neat way to save on water and be able to wash your hand ls RJWas nice I will definitely come back again

G

Greg

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Crimson Turtle

It was an awesome overnight! Everything went great! Hopefully going to get back soon! Theresa was responsive and very accommodating! I couldn't ask for anymore!

Barb

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Whispering Winds Retreat

Whispering Winds was the weekend away we didn't know we needed. The dog park was incredible for our tripod who we have difficulty taking to actual dog parks!! She loved the resident and non resident animals! The lands are beautifully curated and designed with the human and dog in mind. We loved the paths, the community kitchen is such a great bonus! We can't wait to come back!

J

Joy

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Crimson Turtle

Beautiful spot. Very private and I appreciate the trailer with the toilet 😄. Quiet atmosphere and host was great at answering all of my questions. I would definitely stay again!