3 MONTHS FREEPlan your Iowa trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months

Dog-Friendly Camping near Burlington, IA

6 campgrounds with availability next weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Big Hollow Recreation Area provides pet-friendly camping options with both tent and RV sites. The campground features electric hookups, water, and full-service amenities for pet owners camping with their furry companions. Primitive camping costs just $10 per night while full hookup sites are also available. Pets must be leashed throughout the campground. Spring Lake Campground offers additional pet-friendly accommodations including cabins where dogs are welcome. The campground gets filled quickly during peak season so reservations are recommended. Lower Augusta Skunk River Access campground provides a quieter pet-friendly camping experience with electric sites situated directly next to the river. Campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with most offering picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water access for both campers and their pets.

    Dog-friendly trails surround many of the area campgrounds, particularly at Geode State Park where hiking paths offer exercise opportunities for pets. The park features recently upgraded facilities including some full hookup sites and a new shower house. Wilson Lake Park provides a fishing pond where leashed dogs can accompany their owners, and the campground host is notably friendly to visitors with pets. Lee County Pollmiller Park combines pet-friendly camping with beach access where dogs can cool off during summer months. The park includes cabin options for those preferring indoor accommodations with their pets. Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Burlington maintain a strict leash policy to protect wildlife and other campers. Local veterinary services are available in Burlington for emergency pet care, with the closest full-service animal hospital located within 15 minutes of most camping areas.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Burlington (71)

      1. Big Hollow Recreation Area

      4.7(6)11mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out."

      "If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."

      from $15 - $20 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

      5.0(3)8mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents

      "Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket."

      "Amazing view of the skunk river and eagles flying nearby."

      3. Spring Lake Campground

      5.0(2)5mi from BurlingtonTents, Cabins

      "I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat"

      4. Geode State Park Campground

      4.6(5)13mi from Burlington85 sitesRVs, Tents

      "We ventured south to Geode State Park near Burlington, IA. We are getting the travel trailer tweeked in. We weathered a rainy 🌧 day Saturday (all day)."

      "I love this place good camping and a beautiful lake."

      Available next weekend

      from $12 - $20 / night

      72 Sites Available

      5. Welter Recreation Area

      3.0(1)8mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents

      6. Lee County Pollmiller Park

      4.7(3)17mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs."

      7. Rodeo Park

      4.0(1)15mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents

      "I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max."

      from $20 / night

      8. Nauvoo State Park Campground

      3.9(7)22mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents

      "There are a couple of close playgrounds you can walk to. Right across the street from the historic sites, if you're up for it it's just a little further to walk to main street."

      "I felt you might have trouble in long rigs getting around. The drives are not clearly marked and it was a little confusing! No modern facilities close and the pit toilets were very disgusting."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Delabar State Park Campground

      2.0(2)14mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents

      10. Keithsburg Riverside Campground

      3.8(6)22mi from BurlingtonRVs, Tents

      "Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend."

      "Shower and head is a bit of a walk. There is a Convenience store I think circle K where people are quite nice ."

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time



    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Burlington, IA

    263 Reviews of 71 Burlington Campgrounds

    • Benjamin S.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Louisa County Fairgrounds

      $25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 10, 2026

      Wildcat Den State Park Campground

      Great State Park with Great trails and mature forests.

      This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 9, 2026

      Buffalo Shores County Park

      Nice county campground on the Mississippi River

      This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 24, 2026

      Nauvoo State Park Campground

      Perfect for seeing Historic Nauvoo

      Beautiful wooded campsites. Pit toilet in the Class A section (with electricity). Road in campground had a lot of potholes. It was quiet with just a few campers. Wood to burn available (pay by Venmo). Price was good.

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 20, 2026

      Buffalo Shores County Park

      Great spot to camp with a view of the Mississippi

      We just stayed a quick night on the way driving across country. We pulled up in the dark, and were awakened the next day by an amazing view of the Mississippi River. Some camping spots have water, They all have electricity, and there is one bathroom with showers. Portapotties and dumpsters are situated throughout. There is a slightly confusing registration process of a QR code on you camping spot. Overall, a great place to stop.

    • Tripp F.
      Aug. 20, 2026

      Lake Darling State Park Campground

      Primitive camping

      Lake Darling is by far the best, cleaners, friendliest campground I hand every stayed at.... Traveling all the way from New Mexico they really make everything easy and welcoming thanks Iowa for welcoming us

    • Tripp F.
      Aug. 20, 2026

      Marr Park

      Marr park

      Has bathrooms that are clean... Beautiful landscape and quiet

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 18, 2026

      Citizens Lake Campground

      Great experience!

      Campground is clean and well maintained. The bathrooms are very clean and don’t smell like a typical campground bathroom the campground managers are easy to deal with and are very kind. If you like dad jokes the campground manager has plenty lol. Overall great experience.

    Guide to Burlington

    Camping near Burlington, Iowa centers around the Skunk River Valley and Mississippi River backwaters where elevations range from 500-700 feet. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F from June through August, making spring and fall popular camping seasons. Multiple county-managed campgrounds offer both primitive and developed sites within 30 miles of Burlington.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: At Big Hollow Recreation Area, campers can access a no-wake zone lake for fishing. "Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats or kayaks. If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish," notes Sarah J.

    Star-gazing: The primitive camping areas at Big Hollow Recreation Area provide darker skies away from city lights. "There's even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!" mentions Lisa M., highlighting the designated astronomy viewing areas.

    Beach swimming: Several campgrounds offer water recreation during summer months. At Lee County Pollmiller Park, "The beach is a great addition for some family fun," according to Brittany M. The park also offers canoe rentals for water activities.

    Hiking trails: Wooded paths provide exercise opportunities around the camping areas. "The trail system around the lake is in pretty good shape and makes for some great mountain biking," shares Douglas P. about Geode State Park Campground.

    What campers like

    Variety of site options: Big Hollow Recreation Area offers diverse camping experiences. "This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots," explains Travis R.

    Waterfront sites: Lower Augusta Skunk River Access provides camping directly beside flowing water. "Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river)," reports Travis R.

    Value pricing: Affordable rates make camping accessible across the region. "Paid $10 for site," mentions Fred S. about Big Hollow's primitive section. At Nauvoo State Park Campground, Jill notes, "$10 a night for primitive camping, $20 a night for electric and water hookups."

    Full hookups: RV campers appreciate complete utilities at select sites. "This is a great campground. Sites are pretty level and easy to get parked. Full hookup!!!" says Jeremy about Big Hollow Recreation Area.

    What you should know

    Self-registration: Many area campgrounds use honor-system check-in procedures. "You self check in and cost is only $10/night for primitive," explains Lisa M. about Big Hollow Recreation Area's tent camping area.

    Seasonal water access: Water systems often shut down during cooler months. At Nauvoo State Park Campground, Stuart O. notes: "We stayed in mid-November when a lot of places are closed. They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off."

    Site availability: Reserve early during peak seasons for guaranteed spots. "Get there early or make reservations fills fast!" advises Troy P. about Spring Lake Campground.

    Park maintenance varies: Some locations maintain facilities better than others. "This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared," reports Travis R. about Welter Recreation Area.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recreation equipment for children. "There is a large playground and shower house," mentions Travis R. about Big Hollow Recreation Area, making it suitable for families with young children.

    Pet-friendly options for family camping: Many Burlington area campgrounds welcome pets, making them ideal for family camping with animals. "We tent camped here a few weeks ago and it was pretty nice," shares Lisa M. about Big Hollow Recreation Area, noting it was "quiet" and good for simple camping with pets.

    Water recreation: Spring Lake Campground offers multiple water activities for children. "I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat," explains Taylor A.

    Historic attractions: The area offers educational opportunities beyond camping. "Right across the street from the historic sites, if you're up for it it's just a little further to walk to main street," Gretchen F. mentions about Nauvoo State Park's proximity to historic attractions.

    Tips from RVers

    Level parking sites: Big Hollow Recreation Area offers concrete pads for easier setup. "This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through," notes Travis R., beneficial for larger RVs requiring stable parking.

    RV hookup options: When seeking pet-friendly camping near Burlington with RVs, utility access varies by location. "The site was a full hookup- electric, water and sewer," explains Melissa A. about her stay at Crossroads RV Park.

    Quiet considerations: Environmental factors can impact sleep quality in RVs. "The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away," warns John C. about Crossroads RV Park, important for light sleepers traveling with pets.

    Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide sanitary disposal options. "They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off," notes Stuart O. about Nauvoo State Park's facilities during off-season camping.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Burlington, IA is Big Hollow Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 71 dog-friendly camping locations near Burlington, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.