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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Carroll, IA

173 Reviews

Swan Lake State Park Campground allows pets at both tent and RV sites with electric hookups. Located just outside Carroll, this state park features a scenic lake, paved walking path, and frisbee golf course. The campground provides water, electric hookups, showers, toilets, and full amenities for pet owners. Sites are primarily designed for RVs with a "parking lot" style layout, though tent campers can find suitable spots with some effort. The tent-friendly options are limited, with most visitors noting they were the only tent campers among numerous RV sites. Dogs must be kept on leashes throughout the campground and surrounding park areas.

Multiple dog-friendly camping options exist within a short drive of Carroll. Yellow Smoke Park in Denison allows pets at its tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins with reservation options available. Spring Lake County Park in Jefferson provides year-round pet-friendly camping with electric hookups, showers, and firewood for purchase. Bathrooms at many of these campgrounds receive regular cleaning, though availability varies with some facilities closing overnight. Hiking trails throughout these parks welcome leashed dogs, with Swan Lake's 3-mile paved path offering an ideal walking route for campers and their pets. Pet owners should note that most campgrounds in the region require dogs to be leashed at all times, with no dedicated off-leash areas available.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Carroll, Iowa (52)

    1. Swan Lake State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Carroll, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 792-4614

    "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."

    2. University 40

    7 Reviews
    Lanesboro, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 297-7131

    $25 / night

    "I really think that thanks to my initiative, many students were able to step out of academic trouble and get back to focusing on their studies."

    " Enjoy drifting& driving awesome cars. Explore beautiful maps, find your favourite drift locations. Do experiments with car tuning."

    3. The Hausbarn Heritage Park

    2 Reviews
    Audubon, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 655-3131

    $10 - $18 / night

    4. Thirty Acres Campground — Black Hawk State Park

    2 Reviews
    Lake View, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 657-8712

    $15 - $33 / night

    "Park is right next to the lake. Beautiful lake. Pretty busy with lots of campers. Nice walking path around the lake."

    "Beautiful view of the lake! Multiple options of camping sites. Clean RR and showers. Nice area!"

    5. Camp Crescent Park — Black Hawk State Park

    1 Review
    Lake View, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 657-2189

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Utility location did require us to use a longer hose and extension cord to reach from our site.   Nice town and trails for biking nearby. "

    6. Dickson Timber County Park

    Be the first to review!
    Lanesboro, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 412-7090

    7. Spring Lake County Park

    9 Reviews
    Jefferson, IA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 738-5069

    $20 / night

    "There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline. There are approximately 100 sites. There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand."

    "Plenty of camping spaces, some right next to the lake. Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends. My favorite childhood camping spot."

    8. Springbrook State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Guthrie Center, IA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 747-3591

    $12 - $200 / night

    "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."

    9. Hagge County Park

    1 Review
    Sac City, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 662-4530

    "We love hiking the trails there & almost always observe fisherman along the river. There aren't a ton of trails, but what the ones there are beautiful & well maintained."

    10. Yellow Smoke Park

    1 Review
    Denison, IA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 263-2748

    "The kids could walk down to the sand and a bridge. Very well kept, you must clean up after yourself - which should always be the case anyway."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Carroll, IA

11 Photos of 52 Carroll Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Carroll, IA

173 Reviews of 52 Carroll Campgrounds

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    The 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.

  • Deborah C.
    Sep. 22, 2018

    Swan Lake State Park Campground

    Not very tent friendly

    This 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Nishna Bend Rec Area

    Nice no frills park. NO PETS….

    I 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.

  • Matt S.
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Lenon Mill Park

    Lenon Mill is right next to Lake Panorama

    This 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.

  • austin
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    The most windy experience ever

    We 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.

  • John K.
    May. 6, 2019

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    Beautiful Park

    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.

  • N K.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Prairie Rose State Park Campground

    Peace & quiet

    Reserved 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.

  • Mary J.
    Jun. 19, 2019

    Kennedy County Park

    Beautiful campground

    I can't say enough about Kennedy Memorial County park in Fort Dodge Iowa. Its beautiful well taken care of has a nice playground and access to a beautiful golf course! And FREE WIFI! All for $18.00 a night.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2020

    Albert the Bull Campground

    Not our preferred type of camping

    We 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.

Guide to Carroll

If you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends, there are several pet-friendly camping options near Carroll, Iowa. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities and activities that cater to both you and your pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near Carroll

  • Make sure to bring plenty of water and bowls for your pets, especially at places like Swan Lake State Park Campground, which has drinking water available.
  • Keep your pets leashed and under control, as some campgrounds, such as Hagge County Park, have wildlife and other campers to consider.
  • Always clean up after your pets to maintain the beauty of the campground, which is a common expectation at places like Yellow Smoke Park.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Thirty Acres Campground

Pet owners appreciate the amenities

  • Campgrounds like The Hausbarn Heritage Park offer full hookups and allow pets, making it convenient for RV travelers.
  • Dickson Timber County Park provides electric hookups and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.
  • Riverside Park features essential amenities like drinking water and fire pits, creating a welcoming environment for pet owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Carroll, IA is Swan Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 52 dog-friendly camping locations near Carroll, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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