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Waubonsie Trail Park accommodates both pets and their owners across tent sites, RV spots, cabins and glamping options with exceptional cleanliness. The campground provides electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site, with water access and full hookups available for RVers. Most sites maintain comfortable spacing to prevent crowding. The exceptionally clean bathrooms and shower facilities offer welcome comfort after outdoor activities. Campers note the campground's peaceful atmosphere with horseshoe pits, playground equipment, and a campfire swing area creating family-friendly recreation options.
Dog-friendly hiking trails surround the campground, including the Waubonsie Trail that leads directly to the historic covered bridge and Dutchman's Store, perfect for stretching legs after travel. Lacey Keosauqua State Park, 10 miles northeast, offers additional pet-friendly camping with numerous well-maintained hiking paths where dogs can explore on-leash. The park features cabins that accept pets alongside traditional campsites with electric hookups. Indian Lake Park provides further pet accommodation options with a swimming beach, fishing opportunities, and canoe rentals for campers bringing water-loving dogs. The park maintains primitive tent sites alongside electric-only, electric-water, and full-hookup options, giving pet owners various comfort levels when traveling with animals.
"Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks."
"Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice."
from $15 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."
"We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there."
"close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."
"Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."
"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
from $8 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Close to geode hunting locations!! Quiet. There is also a restaurant on site. We did not go but there were always lots of people there. Heard good things about food."
"Bathrooms within walking distance. Even have a pistol and rifle range. Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint."
"We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors."
"Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming."
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
from $16 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 / night
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TravelerNice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.
TravelerWe stayed on the primative group side of the lake. There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake. Great fishing and walking paths. Iowa has done a great job fixing up this area. The cabins are small but clean.
LegendLacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks. The Park and campground are well maintained and clean. We visited over Labor Day weekend and the park was only two-thirds full. It was a variety of Tent campers and RV's. The camp sites are spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another. They have electric and non-electric sites and the shower is very clean. There are almost 80 sites in the campground.
Don't miss the hiking trails and the Beach House and swimming lake. Don't miss lake Sugema, the Indian Mounds or the Ely Ford Mormon Trail crossing.
GuideConservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities. Unless you're a hunter, I'd avoid camping there during the November deer season or spring or fall turkey seasons. Otherwise summer camping is fine. Indian Hills Conservation Area is no exception: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/indian-hills-ca It is located in Scotland County in northeast Missouri and consists of rolling hills along the two branches of the Fabius River. Camping is allowed in the parking areas and the grassy areas next to the parking areas. A map of the 3,974 acre conservation area showing the parking/camping sites is found here (If you can't access this link, there is also a link to the map on the main page above): https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/8622map.pdf
The only amenities, are two unisex toilets. The CA is on the west side of Missouri State Highway 15. This highway starts in Mexico, MO and runs northbound through the county seats of Paris, Shelbyville, Edina and lastly Memphis, MO, in Scotland County. As you leave Edina, in Knox County, northbound, you'll pass through Baring and then Greensburg. About a half mile north of Greensburg you'll enter into Scotland County and the CA will be on your left (west). Missouri blacktop T, an east/west highway, is on the north side of the CA. There is a gravel road that runs west on the county line that is just south of the CA. Missouri blacktop C is an east/west highway about a half mile south of the CA area (which ends in Greensburg). There are 4 north/south roads that access the CA. The east border is Missouri Highway 15. The next road to the west is Seven Oaks. It connects on the north to Highway T and on the south end it turns to the east at the county line and connects to Highway 15. The next road is Indian Creek Road and connects on the north to Highway T. It goes through the northwest part of the CA and loops back to Highway T. There is a Tee intersection with Otter Creek Road that runs to the east and then turn back south to end just short of the Fabius River. The westernmost road is Old Trail Road which runs along part of the west side of the CA. The map shows that the road turns east and becomes Ivy Road. Actually it is a Tee intersection and is easy to miss. Old Trail Road continues to the south. At this intersection there is a farmstead and at first glance one would think that Ivy Road is a drive. It is not. Ivy Road continues to the south leaving the CA. At the county line there is a Tee intersection. You can turn left or right. If you turn left, the road will shortly turn to the right (south) and the road becomes Knox County Autumn Rd. If you turn right you'll shortly come to another Tee intersection. Turn left and the road becomes Ash Rd. Both Autumn and Ash will connect to Blacktop C at the south end. Turn Left on C and you'll find yourself back in Greensburg. Turn right and C will intersect with Missouri Highway 11. In Scotland County, the gravel roads that intersect with Highway T don't have the names as shown in the map, but have street numbers. Seven Oaks is easy to miss, but it's almost exactly 1 mile west of the intersection of Highway T and Missouri 15. Indian Creek Road is well marked as an entrance to the CA. Old Trail Road is in the community of Bible Grove. I've included a picture of the old school in Bible Grove located a couple hundred yards to the south of Highway T. I've also included pictures of all the gravel road intersections on Highway T.
My favorite camping spot is the one at the far west edge of the CA. It has a well maintained unisex bathroom and a lovely view. Next there is a parking area on Otter Creek Road where it turns from east/west to north/south. There is a walking trail that connects this road to Seven Oaks at this location. Next there is a parking area at the midpoint on Seven Oaks I like, and finally there is the parking area on Highway 15. The good thing about this area is that it is easy to get to, being right on 15, and has a bathroom. The other parking areas are fine, but there are no bathrooms and the views are not that great. I've included pictures of 4 of my favorite parking areas, as well as the turnoffs from Highway T.
GuideConservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities. Rebel's Cove is no exception: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/rebels-cove-ca. It is located in Putnam/Schuyler Counties in northeast Missouri along the Chariton River and borders southern Iowa. Camping is allowed in the parking area and the grassy areas next to the parking areas. A map of the 4,225 acre conservation area showing the parking/camping sites is found here: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/7944map.pdf The only amenity, is a unisex toilet at site E. The best camping, in my opinion is at one of 5 sites: At site A, where there is a wonderful overlook for handicap access overlooking the Chariton River swampland, at site E where there is the bathroom, but also quite a bit of mowed grass areas, at site G, where there is an old iron bridge over the Chariton that has a wooden walkway over the river, at site B where there is a neat shelter where the superstructure is constructed out of old barn timbers and where there is a lovely view of the hillside, and at site I, which is right up next to the River. Quite a few people use kayaks on the river. The river is 20 miles or so downriver from Rathbun dam in Iowa, and outflows from the dam vary the amount of water in the Chariton. The Chariton is largely channelized, but not here, so you get a good idea of what the River used to look like.
GuideHoney Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess).
The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;) There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path, but not right in the RV area.
Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze.
Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available.
Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.
LegendLake Rathbun is a destination for boaters and campers in the State of Iowa. The Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains several facilities around the lake. Prairie Ridge campground is one of those facilities.
The campsites are good. They have a fire pit, a place to hang food to keep away from raccoons, electricity, and a nice gravel pad for your vehicle or camper. It has modern toilets and some of the campsites have a nice overlook of the lake.
What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers. It is a nice weekend getaway.
GuideNice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice. Cheap too. Walking trails nearby.
GuideI don't think this camp site exists anymore. There is a roadside stop next to it with a Pavillion but no campground
Camping options near Cantril, Iowa sit among the rolling hills of Van Buren County in southeastern Iowa, where the landscape transitions between farmland and wooded river valleys. The Des Moines River runs through the region, creating natural areas for recreation and camping within 20 miles of Cantril. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for outdoor activities.
Hiking trail networks: At Lacey Keosauqua State Park, visitors can explore several well-marked paths including the 2.1-mile lake loop trail. "My pups and I loved walking the lake loop every day. Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage," notes Melissa W. The park offers year-round trail access, though some areas may close during wet conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Showme Campsites provides access to a substantial fishing lake just 20 miles southwest of Cantril. The lake supports multiple species including bass, catfish, and panfish. "Great spot, $20 for RVs and campers. Free if primitive camping," reports Chunk S.
Historic exploration: Visit the historic riverside village of Bentonsport near the campground. "There is a blacksmith, an Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing," writes Greg K. The preserved 19th-century buildings and pedestrian bridge over the Des Moines River offer educational opportunities about Iowa's canal town era.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region prioritize cleanliness. "Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean. Horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area were nice surprises," writes Tracy J. about their stay at Waubonsie Trail Park.
Secluded camping spots: For those seeking quieter pet friendly camping options near Cantril, Eldon Wildlife Management Area offers primitive sites. "We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors," reports Rebecca W.
Affordable rates: Camping in the Cantril area remains budget-friendly. The Bentonsport Riverside Park charges modest fees according to Thomas B.: "Quite roomy on river... camp ground has 30 and 50 amp elect there is no water or sewer on your site but water is available in camp."
Seasonal considerations: Lacey Keosauqua State Park remains open from April 1 to December 31, but weather varies considerably. "Stayed for a week in mid November. Although we had a storm at the beginning and end the overall stay was great. Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night," notes Melissa W.
Equestrian facilities: River Valley Horsecamp near Farmington provides specialized facilities for campers traveling with horses. "Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming," reports Lesley R., highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Lake Showme offers limited bathroom access according to Chunk S.: "Bathrooms within walking distance... Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint." Consider bringing supplies for primitive sites.
Water recreation options: Indian Lake Park offers multiple activities for families with children. "They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent... There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach," writes Dave N.
Seasonal timing: Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience. According to Dave N., Indian Lake Park is "Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. Tony, the camp host at Indian Lake Park, maintains "spacious and clean" sites according to Jeannie B., with playground facilities available for younger campers.
Hookup variations: The Catfish Place Campground offers RV sites with water and electric connections. "My family stayed in our popup last September and it was great. Friendly staff, nice clean bathroom and showers. Spot on beautiful pond," reports Amy W.
Level sites: Many campers note the quality of RV pads in the region. Dave N. mentions that "Most of the sites are nice and shady and level" at Indian Lake Park, which helps with RV setup and stability.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups, but many provide dump facilities. Mary F. notes that Indian Lake Park has "a dump station" available for campers, which is convenient for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cantril, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cantril, IA is Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cantril, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Cantril, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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