Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ankeny, IA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Ankeny, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Ankeny, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ankeny, Iowa (84)

    1. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Nice CG located on the North end of Saylorville Reservoir. Camped in the upper CG site#145. Numerous shade trees, gravel pad and room for our 20' trailer and TV."

    "There was four of us and a dog."

    2. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "The only down side of this was the grass was really long so it was bad when taking the dog out in the evenings or mornings. You would come back in with a soaked dog and wet feet."

    3. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."

    "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."

    4. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    5. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0429

    $14 - $84 / night

    "Took the PUP, two kids, dog and grandma (first time in 20+ years) this past weekend. Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."

    "Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."

    6. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 266-1563

    "Wonderful trails, lots of space.  Access to DM River, has nice pond, playgrounds, just a beautiful area. "

    "camped here in 2021 and I enjoyed it but the first night I was there I ran my vehicle down the second night I was there I took a tour on the campgrounds and got verbally accosted but another camper for walking"

    7. Adventureland Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 265-7384

    "With a theme park on one side and a casino on the other, both in walking distance. It’s more of a park and party place hahaha"

    "There are lots of restaurants near by like Spectators and Jethro’s BBQ.

    As far as the RV park goes it’s pretty busy, mostly small families and older folks."

    8. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 285-4502

    $23 - $25 / night

    "There's a boat camp, a bird watching area, a playground, plany of park space with picnic tables and BBQ pits, hiking and biking trails, and even a lodge that I assume can be rented for events."

    "Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."

    9. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "Perfect weather last weekend and loved the little creek to splash around in with the dogs. Loads of rock stairways to enter and edit the creek throughout the park."

    10. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $12 - $25 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

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Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ankeny, IA

496 Reviews of 84 Ankeny Campgrounds



Guide to Ankeny

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Ankeny, Iowa, where several well-reviewed campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities and activities.

Tips for camping with dogs near Ankeny

  • At Ledges State Park Campground, you can enjoy spacious, wooded sites that provide plenty of shade for your pet to relax.
  • Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog while hiking the scenic trails at Jester County Park, where pets are allowed and can enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Keep your dog leashed at all times at Prairie Flower Recreation Area to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Ankeny

  • Explore the hiking trails at Cherry Glen Campground, where your dog can enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
  • Take your dog for a swim at the beach area near Hickory Grove Campground, which also offers trails for walking and exploring.
  • Engage in outdoor fun at Timberline Campground, where you can enjoy a pool and various recreational activities while your dog enjoys the open space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ankeny, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ankeny, IA is Jester County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ankeny, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 84 dog-friendly camping locations near Ankeny, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.