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Prairie Rose State Park Campground features multiple pet-friendly camping options with sites for tents, RVs, and cabins approximately 15 miles from Audubon. All campsites welcome pets with proper leash control, though owners should note that pets must remain supervised throughout their stay. The park offers electric hookups and fire rings at most sites, with picnic tables available for campers with animals. Littlefield Recreation Area also accepts pets at their campground with spacious sites that provide ample room for pets to rest while leashed. Reviewers consistently note the clean, well-maintained grounds at both locations, with Littlefield receiving particular praise for sites that aren't cramped together. Very clean campground with lots of shade trees makes for comfortable pet camping during summer months.
Both campgrounds provide access to water features where pets can cool off when temperatures rise. Prairie Rose State Park surrounds a scenic lake with multiple shoreline access points where leashed dogs can accompany owners while fishing or enjoying lakeside trails. The park's hiking paths offer opportunities for exercising pets, though all dogs must remain leashed on trails to protect wildlife and other visitors. Littlefield Recreation Area provides similar water access with full hookup sites near the lake. Neither location offers dedicated dog parks or off-leash areas, so visitors should bring appropriate restraints. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities with trash receptacles available for proper disposal of pet waste. Campers report quiet camping experiences ideal for those traveling with pets who might be sensitive to noise or crowding.
"These Iowa state parks are extremely clean and well taken care of. The lake is huge with multiple trails that the kids loved. Playground was directly behind us which is a plus for us."
"Reserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa!"
from $16 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This campground has both RV full hookup and electric sites very close to the lake. Campsites offer a great view of lake and close access to docks."
"The drive in from I-80 was easy, with plenty of signage leading to the campground. We made online reservations and went straight to our water and electric site( 50/30/20 amp), site 110."
from $15 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground and staff, town close by if you need more supplies, we like it here!"
"Lots of space around your site. Fills up fast on weekends. Would recommend this park."
"We loved the drive into the campground and found a grove of oaks to camp under. Everyone slept great."
"It is connected to a preserve which has a myriad of trails as well as there being trails in the park. The bathroom in the main campground is closed and the water is off."
from $18 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Based on other reviews we weren’t expecting much, but this spot is perfect for getting a good night’s rest when passing through Iowa."
"Small campground in a city park in Adair Iowa. Adair is known for its water tower with a big yellow smiley face painted on it. There is a lot of charmed to this town."
from $6 - $15 / night
from $10 - $18 / night
Check Availability"Pros: Not a far drive from Des Moines, but still quite remote
-Lots of nice hiking trails
-Easy access to large, mostly clean modern bathrooms
-The lake is a peaceful spot to spend the early mornings"
"You’ll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at."
from $14 - $200 / night
Check Availability"The directions on this app take you to the first entrance which is not where the camping is, but follow the huge arrow and you’ll find it no problem."
"I saw two tractors driving through town and only a few more cars. Best of all we had a full 5 bars of ripping Verizon service. What's not to like?"
"The trees at the campsites aren't mature enough for shade, but the ponds and trails more than make up for that."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it. Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites."
"Great trail all the way around the lake, we took a bike ride around it was about 3 ish miles. Camp host was a gem. Bathrooms were very clean! Great view of the lake."
GuideThe trees at the campsites aren't mature enough for shade, but the ponds and trails more than make up for that. Full hookups, shower house and huge dog park are also onsite making this a Cass County hidden gem. Camp host is great and and you're close to old downtown.
GuideSpots kind of level, lots of choices of pull thru or buddy sites. Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities. KOA, so not a lot of nature. But no traffic or train noise. Full hook ups, including TV.
GuideI didn’t stay here but did scout it out. Small park by the NishnaBotna river. I did see a camper there with his dog but website specifically says no pets.
LegendThis County Park is located right on the edge of Lake Panorama, a great town North West of Des Moines, Iowa. It is surrounded by amenities, so if you forget something you can drive five minutes into town to replace anything you forgot at home.
This is not a place to rough it, but if you have a family and want an outdoors experience close to amenities, this is the place for you. The campground is very clean and it is right next to a river.
ScoutWe showed up easter sunday when everyone in the loop left except one van, so it was pretty empty. But the wind was so intense an constant. Probably about 20 to 25mph wind all day and night. Temp was mid 70s to 80s. Well kept sites and the park ranger came through to check reservations were correct on the posts. Random people did come through the loop area to either hang out or go to the trail, which alerted our dogs everytime. We even thought some lady did a drug deal by grabbing an orange bag from one of the electric posts then left, pretty weird. We stayed on site 81 next to water which was essential. Big lake close by to fish which I'm guessing the only thing to do here other than walk the trail. I ran the trail for a workout, it's all grass around the lake. All the sites are pretty close together, about 20 to 30 apart so of you like that then there you go, but we wanted space for our dogs and privacy. Stayed 2 nights. All views of corn.
LegendThis state park camp site close to Carroll, Iowa was nice, but we were the only tent campers there, it seemed more like a permanent RV home site. The bathrooms while nice had no working showers, they had showers but no way to turn on the water. There was a cute frisbee golf on property, a beautiful lake, and a nice paved walking path.
GuideThese Iowa state parks are extremely clean and well taken care of. The lake is huge with multiple trails that the kids loved. Playground was directly behind us which is a plus for us.
TravelerReserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa! Paved roads, level gravel sites, wide & mowed trails, clean pit toilets and a layout that isn’t too cramped. The pond has multiple shoreline fishing spots with picnic tables and a cleaning station. Basic playground in front of the beach which is a short drive or a ~1 mile trail walk away.
LegendWe often seek out city parks for eating lunch when on the road and this is how we found this park/campground. Albert, the world’s largest bull, was constructed in 1964 as a way to draw tourists to the area. Press the button to hear him bellow and learn his history.
Albert is part of a park and campground, which is located next to a pool and water park. The campground is ok but nothing special. On a Monday afternoon in August, only two sites were occupied, and no one seemed to be around but judging by the overflowing dumpster, I’m guessing it was full over the weekend. Sites were typical of what I have come to expect in many campgrounds in Iowa – close together and no physical separation between them. Full hookup sites are $20; all others are $15. There is only one toilet and shower each for women and men; it was in reasonable shape but not the best.
Since the park is adjacent, there is a nice playground and this, along with learning about Albert’s history, might be entertaining for children. I am not sure if non-residents can access the pool/water park; although it was open, no one was there when I was there- this may have been due to Covid.
Prairie Rose State Park Campground provides diverse camping options near Audubon, Iowa, with multiple water access points around its scenic lake. The park sits in Shelby County about 15 miles southeast of Audubon at approximately 1,300 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with cooler evenings in the 60s, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor recreation despite occasional humidity.
Hiking trails and wildlife viewing: Prairie Rose State Park features well-maintained hiking paths where visitors can observe native prairie wildlife. One camper noted, "The hiking trails were well cut out and offered views of the lake, woods, and natural prairie." Another visitor shared their wildlife encounters: "Our family enjoyed prairie wildlife such as a blue heron, geese, bald eagles, frogs etc."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Anita State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access with multiple docks close to campsites. "Campsites offer a great view of lake and close access to docks," reports one visitor. The 171-acre lake supports multiple fish species and allows fishing from shore or boat.
Water recreation: Water activities are popular at Littlefield Rec Area where campers can enjoy swimming and boating during summer months. The campground surrounds a lake suitable for various water activities. As one reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful lake, spacious sites power & water at sites, 15, 30 & 50 amp."
Quiet surroundings: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at campgrounds near Audubon. At Prairie Rose State Park Campground, one visitor described it as "an oasis of solitude" noting "it was actually quiet" despite being only 9 miles from the highway.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent positive feedback. A visitor to Littlefield Rec Area reported: "Very clean campground, lots of shade trees and full hook ups." Similarly, a Lake Anita camper noted: "Everything is beautifully maintained from the grass covered campsites to the clean bathrooms and free showers."
Spacious sites: Campers frequently comment on site sizing and layout. One Littlefield visitor appreciated that "lots of space around your site" made for comfortable camping. Another mentioned the area has "spacious sites power & water at sites" providing ample room for setup.
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have limited or no cellular coverage. A Springbrook State Park Campground visitor advised: "You'll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at."
Reservation considerations: While some campgrounds require reservations, others operate first-come, first-served. At Lake Anita, "Full hookup and tent campsites are plentiful with or without reservations" according to one reviewer, making it flexible for travelers without firm plans.
Seasonal factors: Most campgrounds near Audubon have limited operational seasons, typically April through October or December. Summer weekends fill quickly at popular sites. A Prairie Rose visitor noted "I stayed one night, a Thursday, so I don't know if it gets bad on a weekend."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds that keep children entertained. At Casey City Park, a visitor highlighted the "magnificent playground" noting "My kids had been cooped up for two days and needed to run off some pent up energy and this was perfect."
Swimming options: Beaches and swimming areas provide cooling recreation during summer months. A Prairie Rose camper mentioned: "The kids enjoyed biking and swimming," making it ideal for families looking to combine activities.
Educational opportunities: Nature exploration teaches children about local ecosystems. One family at Prairie Rose shared: "The whole family enjoyed prairie wildlife such as a blue heron, geese, bald eagles, frogs etc." These wildlife viewing opportunities create memorable learning experiences for children of all ages.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Audubon offer various hookup options. At Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds, "All pull through spots and all sites are level" with full hookups available for $20, providing excellent value for RVers.
Site spacing concerns: RVers should research site dimensions before booking. A Lake Anita visitor warned the park "definitely needs to be updated to accommodate the bigger and wider campers" noting "If you like to be on top of each other, this is your campground!"
Dump station access: Plan for dump station availability and potential wait times. A Springbrook visitor cautioned: "1 dump, long wait," suggesting RVers should plan accordingly, especially during busy weekend departures when lines can form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Audubon, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Audubon, IA is Prairie Rose State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Audubon, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Audubon, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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