James M.
Legend
LegendHorseshoe Pond
Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa
CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bernard, IA
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground accommodates pets throughout its 28 wooded campsites. The campground provides electric hookups at 24 sites with lengths ranging from 31 to 68 feet, making it suitable for both tent campers and RV owners traveling with dogs. Swiss Valley County Park and Riverview Ridge also welcome pets, with Swiss Valley offering boat-in access alongside traditional drive-in sites. Tent sites at Riverview Ridge located along the North Fork Maquoketa River provide more seclusion for campers with dogs. Most campgrounds maintain standard leash requirements, though specifics vary by location. Facilities typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and clean restrooms, with many sites also providing showers. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though Maquoketa Caves closes between December and February. Camping photos and user guides for Bernard, Iowa are available on The Dyrt.
The hiking trails throughout Maquoketa Caves State Park create excellent opportunities for exercising dogs, with 6 miles of paths connecting 13 distinct caves across 370 acres. Primitive tent sites #12 and #13 offer more privacy for campers with pets seeking a quieter experience. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area provides free primitive camping with pets allowed, though amenities are minimal with only vault toilets available. Creek Valley Campground includes a swimming pool alongside pet-friendly accommodations. Campers report the wooded settings provide ample shade during summer months, while most campgrounds maintain clean facilities for both human and pet comfort. When planning visits to Maquoketa Caves, note that bat hibernation periods affect cave access, though trails remain open year-round for hiking with dogs. The small campground size creates a peaceful atmosphere even during peak season.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Bernard, Iowa (103)
1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
35 ReviewsBaldwin, IA14 milesWebsite+1 (563) 652-5833$20 - $28 / night
"You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit."
"Caves were closed but we had a great time hiking the trails. Very clean campground. Plenty of wood for campfires, just had a donation box. Electric campsites have plenty of shade."
2. Swiss Valley County Park
9 ReviewsDubuque, IA9 milesWebsite+1 (563) 556-6745"Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails."
"Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight. There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late bc he tends to two other parks."
3. Riverview Ridge
3 ReviewsCascade, IA9 milesWebsite+1 (563) 543-1258"Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean."
4. Creek Valley Campground
4 ReviewsDubuque, IA13 milesWebsite+1 (563) 580-9453$45 - $65 / night
"Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric."
5. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park
15 ReviewsDubuque, IA22 milesWebsite+1 (608) 568-7797"Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles"
"There’s a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers. There’s a huge grassy area for walking the dog and several stations set up with poop bags/garbage."
6. Fillmore Recreation Area
1 ReviewBernard, IA4 milesWebsite+1 (563) 556-6745"The golf course was pretty and the area around the campsites was nice. This campsite was right off the highway so it was super easy to get in and out of. We had good phone service here. No wifi."
7. Miller Riverview City Park
7 ReviewsDubuque, IA17 milesWebsite+1 (563) 589-4238"All the sites had fire pits but one site, either 51 or 52 had that pit too close to the bushes so it wasn't really useable. We were right on the river bank with a good view of the bridge."
"But it was very quiet and our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge."
8. Eden Valley Refuge
7 ReviewsBaldwin, IA18 milesWebsite+1 (563) 847-7202"Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."
"Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"
9. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area
1 ReviewMonmouth, IA11 milesWebsite+1 (563) 652-3783"Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace."
10. Palace Campground
8 ReviewsGalena, IL21 milesWebsite+1 (815) 777-2466"This campground is tucked into a little area next to a Walmart, Culvers, and Mini golf course. It sits between east Dubuque and Galena. When we stayed they had a dirt bike rally."
"Campground was right next to Walmart, which was convenient, and a short walk down to the high school to get the shuttle into Galena itself."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Bernard, IA
67 Photos of 103 Bernard Campgrounds
Jerry H.
Swiss Valley County Park
Shelly S.
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Stuart K.
6B's Campground
KadeeJo
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello
Becky
Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only
Lindsey M.
New Wine Park Dubuque County Park
Stephanie S.
Rustic Barn Campground RV Park
Lindsey M.
Mud Lake County Park
Dj Y.
Grant River Recreation Area
Brad S.
Whitetail Bluff Campground and Resort
Jeri T.
Honey Bee & Bee Homestead
Sara S.
Wapsipinicon State Park Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bernard, IA
575 Reviews of 103 Bernard Campgrounds
- James M.Legend
Iowa 80 Truckstop
Good overnight parking and I 80 access
This overnight access is a small town in itself. This site offers not only the basic communities and needs of fuel, including EV, charging stations, but auto parts, showers, dentist, Chiropractic, care, gifts, dog park, and is right next to the I 80 trucking museum. Good lighting in the overnight spots which has room for long RVs.
- James M.Legend
Horseshoe Pond
Small City CG in Maquoketa Iowa
CG lies within Maquoketa and is seasonal. Has pond for fishing, shelter, dog park, playset, disc golf course. Sites are pulling, have electric and fire pits. Camp supplies including wood in nearby stores. Prairie Creek runs along south of CG.
Lee D.LegendRustic Barn Campground RV Park
Very clean and well-maintained
General: 58 sites with various amenities. Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio. Tents are NOT allowed. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and asked to sign a waiver and given a welcome packet. The rules are extensive, but most are common sense/courtesy and not at all unreasonable.
Site Quality: All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park. Our site had a patio and decent-sized picnic table but it was chilly when we were there so we ate inside.
Bathhouse: Very clean as were the showers.
Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table. Coffee is available after 9 am. There is also a small chapel available 24/7 and a laundry room. WiFi is also available. There is a camp store with ice, ice cream, some camping supplies, clothing, crafts, and more. We were told several restaurants will deliver to the campground.
We don’t typically prefer to stay in RV-style campgrounds, but it was conveniently located with easy access off Route 151 just over the Wisconsin border from Iowa, we were warmly welcomed, and enjoyed our short stay passing through. Pride of ownership was evident throughout.
- Jamie M.
ScoutCanyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park
Big, clean sites, nice trails, water access
There aren't signs within the park directing you to the campsite. I found it eventually but I'm glad I wasn't towing a camper because there was a lot of turning around. Some of the sites are able to be reserved. We went Memorial Day weekend so there were quite a few people but it wasn't full so even without a reservation you'd likely find a space. The sites a nice and big. We chose 2 sites that were connected and even then they were a good distance from one another. The sites were also removed from the road so when people walk or drive by it doesnt feel like they're walking through your campsite. There is some nice water access to wade with shallows so kids or pets can play. Nice trails.
- James M.Legend
Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
Private CG with lake
This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming.
Brett F.
GuideMaquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Camping & Caves
This is one of our favorite parks in the Midwest. We usually make a day trip from Chicagoland, but this time we camped at the park. We are glad we did!
You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit. You can climb up about 5-7 feet and out the "window". The kids felt like real spelunkers!
While the park is usually crowded during the day, we find it nearly empty beginning in the late afternoons on the weekdays we visited. It felt like we had the place to ourselves.
The campground is about a five minute walk to the park's main entrances. The campground was very quiet... just the way we like it. There is a family of cats that hang around: they visit from a nearby dairy farm. The kids loved this added attraction. The dog did not.
The bathroom and shower house is clean. There is only one. So it gets pretty busy during "flush hour". Our campsite was right next to the bathroom/ shower and dumpster. We noticed flies and the occasional whiff of trash.
We'll continue visiting this park. And we look forward to camping on site.
Holly M.GuideWisconsin Ridge Campground — Wyalusing State Park
Great Park!
A very nice park located close to the Iowa border. Close to Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak! It has great trails & campsites & lots of geocaching! Come one New Years for the annual carp drop :)
Stephanie S.GuideRustic Barn Campground RV Park
Rural paradise
We had such a lovely stay here! We will be back! It’s a beautiful setting, very quaint with the Rustic chapel and the view for miles. The sites are all clean and most all are level. Unfortunately our site 26 seemed to be the most in level, which was our only negative. We had to use all our blocks to get us as level as possible. The grounds are nicely landscaped and very well maintained. There’s a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers. There’s a huge grassy area for walking the dog and several stations set up with poop bags/garbage. There are several benches set where you can sit and stare for miles and miles. The campsite is close to several cute small towns, like Cuba City, Wisconsin and Galena, Illinois. It’s also close to Dubuque, Iowa, but we didn’t get to that one this trip. All sites are full hookup! We highly recommend Rustic Barn!
Guide to Bernard
Camping areas near Bernard, Iowa offer diverse options for outdoor enthusiasts in the rolling hills of eastern Iowa. The region features wooded bluffs overlooking limestone formations with elevations ranging from 650 to 950 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from April through October, though some primitive sites remain accessible during winter months.
What to do
Explore underground formations: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, visitors can access 13 distinct bat caves throughout the 370-acre park. "The campground that resides here, is less than a quarter mile away from the access point to the bat caves, creating huge upside for selecting this campground in the first place," notes reviewer Stuart K. Plan your visit carefully as bat hibernation periods affect accessibility.
River paddling options: The North Fork Maquoketa River provides water recreation near many camping areas. At Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area, campers can "access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace," according to James M. The primitive campsites here are accessible by either hiking in or paddling.
Trout fishing spots: Several streams in the area are regularly stocked with trout. Swiss Valley Campground features "a trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR," as James M. notes. Many fishing enthusiasts bring their own equipment, though some campgrounds offer basic fishing supplies for purchase.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Tent campers seeking privacy have specific options. At Eden Valley Refuge, "It's a little hike in for the dispersed sites, but worth it to be in a secluded woodsy site. Was peaceful and relaxing... Site 1 has more sun during the day and site 2 is right on a trail head connected to site 1," reports Carissa V. These walk-in sites provide a backcountry feel while still maintaining basic amenities.
Clean facilities: Several reviewers highlight well-maintained restrooms and showers. Creek Valley Campground (formerly Hoot Owl Hollow) features a swimming pool and clean facilities. "It was a great campground that was very quiet. The help was wonderful and to my surprise it had a swimming pool," says CJ, making it one of the few dog friendly campgrounds near Bernard with swimming options.
Wildlife viewing: The area's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area," notes a reviewer about Buzzard Ridge. Many campsites feature bird feeding stations or have established wildlife viewing areas within walking distance of camping spots.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding considerations: Low-lying campgrounds near rivers may experience spring flooding. At Miller Riverview City Park, "Checked the availability before you go. We were told this place floods on occasion and has to close. (It's that close to the river!)" advises Patti M. Always check park websites or call ahead during spring months.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Prepare accordingly for primitive camping areas. "You need to bring all of your supplies including water. (Showers & modern facilities are 1/2 mile back at the main campground)," notes Linsey M. about Eden Valley's pack-in sites. Cell service can be spotty in ravines and valleys throughout the region.
Weekend reservation needs: More popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many dog friendly camping spots near Bernard, Iowa book completely 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Rustic Barn Campground offers "outdoor games set-up on the grass like Cornhole, croquet, etc." according to Lee D. This campground also features "a dog park, basketball, horseshoes... a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table."
Child-friendly cave options: When exploring Maquoketa Caves with children, start with the more accessible formations. "There are caves for everyone, whether you're claustrophobic and don't want to be in tight spaces or you're willing you army crawl for 1/4 mile," explains Amanda F. Bring extra clothes and shoes as children will likely get muddy in the caves.
Evening entertainment: Some campgrounds organize family activities. At Palace Campground, "They host events like mini golf. Swings and playground for kids," reports Ivana B. Check with camp hosts upon arrival to learn about scheduled events during your stay.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: RVers should research specific site dimensions before booking. At Maquoketa Caves State Park, "All sites designated for RV's are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet," advises Stuart K. Sites near campground entrances typically provide easier access for larger rigs but may experience more traffic.
Water and electric availability: While many campgrounds offer hookups, services vary significantly. Swiss Valley Campground provides both water and electric at designated sites. Teresa S. notes about Creek Valley Campground: "Quite a few pull through sites... no wifi but firewood is very reasonable on the honor system."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites include dump stations. Research facilities in advance if staying multiple days. Some campgrounds charge additional fees for dump station use even for registered guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Bernard, IA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bernard, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bernard, IA is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Bernard, IA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bernard, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 103 dog-friendly camping locations near Bernard, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring