71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Stephens State Forest's pet-friendly campgrounds include Middle Area and Mine Pond, both offering electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings for campers with dogs. Red Haw State Park Campground also welcomes pets with similar amenities plus showers and a sanitary dump station. Most campgrounds in the Chariton area maintain standard pet policies requiring dogs to be leashed at all times, cleaned up after, and not left unattended at campsites. Both tent and RV campers find accommodations at these locations, with Mine Pond Campground offering free camping from April through December. Hickory Hills Park provides a more primitive camping experience for those seeking a quieter setting with their pets. The campgrounds remain well-maintained with clean facilities and spacious sites that provide adequate room for pets.
Trails surrounding Lake Rathbun provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with Island View Campground offering multiple boat ramps for water-loving dogs to access the lake. Lakeside Co Park features waterfront sites where pets can enjoy shoreline access, though campers note the sites need maintenance and leveling. When camping during warmer months, ticks become a significant concern for pets, requiring constant checking and appropriate preventative medications. The hiking trails at Hickory Hills Park pass by Native American burial mounds and provide a peaceful forest setting for dog walks. Most campgrounds in the area maintain a reasonable distance between sites, allowing pets some space without crowding neighboring campers. The region's conservation areas offer additional opportunities for primitive camping with dogs, though amenities are limited to basic toilets and parking areas.
"Great spot by a small lake in Stephen's State Forest. Didn't have a soul around us for the night we camped here (late September). Temps were around 43 degrees at night."
"Very nice and quite location when I went mid September. Seems like a lot of trails to explore. Will go back again to explore more. Lots of hills."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"Nearly empty. We’re self contained so it was $10/night with no hook ups. They have RV sites with water and electric. Nice free showers. Quiet and clean."
from $14 - $34 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $12 / night
Check Availability"We entered the park looking for a walk-up spot and landed on Site 67 which was not reserved. The site was spacious with a big tree with good shade and cover if needed."
"They have a beautiful lake and a beach. The water has minimal seaweed and great temperature! They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price!"
from $25 - $38 / night
Check Availability"There are a couple small hiking trails, but they were very well maintained and an easy hike to get my daughter started in her backpack."
from $5 / night
Check Availability"Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels"
"Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."
from $22 - $230 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $44 / night
Check Availability"Plenty of room for our dogs"
"Our site had a great view of the lake, as well. The campgrounds are a drive away from the beach and most boat ramps. "
from $20 - $288 / night
Check Availability"Honey Creek State Park is located on the north side of Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa. Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading."
"Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop."
from $14 - $50 / night
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GuideI just loved this campground. It has shade trees, grass, free showers and lots of room. It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance of the campground. This was well worth the 20 mile drive off I80. If I had known how m=nice this area was, I would have planned better and stayed here for more than one night.
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.
TravelerIn a grove of trees in a slightly hilly area. Easy access, but sites are gravel. Nice bit of grass with each site, most are at least partially shaded. Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass.
GuideSome full hook ups, sites not very level, playground ok. Can hear shots from gun range next door. Dog park, pool, arcade. We have camped here a couple times, and stored our rig here for a while. Didn't find there was that much going on here to keep us busy. Not a lot of nature, no trails or biking accessible from campground.
GuideWonderful trails, lots of space. Access to DM River, has nice pond, playgrounds, just a beautiful area. Fishing not the greatest, Pond is silted to about 9ft deep, have caught few small bass, bluegill. Never tried the river here, but is known for big cats. Camp sites are best around, large flat white rock cinder size area with picnic table, fire ring. Sites are well spaced. Shaded. Double lane dump station. Close to home, can usually get site without reservation, IF you roll in on Wed. By Thurs night, it's full. Few reservables, 90% i'd say are first come. The way it should be in my opinion.
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this roadside pit stop of a campground in very rural Iowa.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Fairly EZ access from I-80; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground that is both very clean and well-organized; (3) Despite being next to the highway where we were concerned with errant late-night visitors who had no business being at this CG, there’s excellent security and a feeling of being safe; (4) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the KOA staff and camping community; (5) RV slots offer very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings are in pretty good condition; (6) If you need anything, there’s a handful of just OK restaurants like Cratty Shack Diner and grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart Supercenter in nearby Newton; (7) Spectacularly clean bathrooms and shower facilities; and (8) Well-stocked catch & release fishing pond
LOWLIGHTS: (1) You are literally right next to I-80, but the CG sits down below the swooshing traffic, so if you’re not looking, you almost forget that you’re camping next to the busiest highway in Iowa; (2) Lack of privacy between sites as there’s not a ton of trees, bushes or brush on the interior of the CG; (3) Most of the RV slots have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (4) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (5) Some amenities feel dated and could be replaced and / or refurbished; (6) There’s a fairly nasty industrial park, complete with a junk yard and car mechanic garage with accompanying abandoned cars scattered around the entrance that you’ll have to navigate through before reaching this KOA; (7) This really isn’t a good place for tent camping, unless you can convince the staff to let you set up in the shaded area at the north end of the CG; (8) The pool was shut down for maintenance when we visited
Happy Camping!
LegendThis place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.
Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!
GuideTerrific small town RV park in Iowa. Long, level pull thru's and back ins, playground, dog walk, DELICIOUS on site restaurant. Clubhouse with immaculate laundry and individual showers, everything is new and cashless. Outstanding staff, friendly and helpful, shoutout to electrician (and footbal fan) Eric who made o ur day.
ScoutCamping doesn't get much better than this in Iowa. The North Overlook site is part of a much larger group of COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock. It is heavily shaded and offers direct access to a large beach on the lake complete with shower houses and concessions. Red Rock is the largest lake in the state and can accomodate any size water craft. The campground is located directly on the Volksweg trail which offers excellent opportunities for any level of hiker or bicyclist. The town of Pella is close by and is a worthy destination in itself. Shower houses are clean as is the campground in general. Campsites are well distanced from each other and offer a good degree of privacy. The only drawback, for some, is the fact that sewer and water hookups are not available. All sites have electric. I would highly recommend this, and all the COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock.
Camping opportunities near Chariton, Iowa include both public and private facilities located in the rolling hills and wooded areas of south-central Iowa. The region sits at approximately 1,000 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent humidity. Most campgrounds maintain open sites from April through October, with some offering year-round accessibility despite Iowa's variable winter conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Rathbun offers excellent fishing conditions with multiple access points. At Island View Campground, campers report successful catches. "Did some fishing while there and caught enough crappie for a nice dinner with some left over for breakfast the next morning," notes Mitch C.
Hiking native trails: Explore historical sites via wooded paths at Hickory Hills Park. "The hiking trails are pretty easy going through the forest and then opening up next to old Native American burial mounds," says Matt S. These trails provide cultural context while experiencing the local landscape.
Water recreation: Multiple boat ramps provide water access at various locations. "There are three different boat ramps in the park," Matt S. mentions about Island View, while Honey Creek offers "a large boat ramp (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading," according to Mitch C.
Spacious sites: Grant Park receives praise for well-designed campsites. "There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so your chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you can flip over the fire to cook," shares Abby M. Site separation creates privacy without isolation.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. Mitch C. notes about Honey Creek State Park, "Be careful driving around the park as I don't think there was a day we didn't see at least 8 deer wandering around the campsite or near roads."
Budget-friendly options: Several locations offer affordable or free camping. Grant Park provides "10 free sites. Well maintained and quiet. Pit toilet, paved fire ring area and picnic table at each site. Can stay up to 14 days," according to Maria H., making it accessible for extended stays.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes present challenges during warmer months. About Grant Park, Abby M. warns, "Let's talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van... If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!"
Site leveling concerns: Some campgrounds require equipment for leveling. At Lakeside Co Park, Daniel C. reports, "The campsites located near the entrance are pull-through but need maintenance. The campsites along the lake will support short to medium length RVs or trailers, and all are back in. As of this posting, all are not level and in poor condition."
Seasonal availability: Operating schedules vary by location. Island View operates from "May 1 to September 30," while other campgrounds like Middle Area at Stephens State Forest offer year-round access, though with limited amenities during winter months.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. Lake Ahquabi provides "a beautiful lake and a beach. The water has minimal seaweed and great temperature! They have rentals for paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, etc, for a decent price!" according to Jennifer M.
Pet-friendly considerations: Many campgrounds near Chariton welcome dogs with specific policies. Lake Ahquabi State Park is "one of my favorite places to go! Dogs are welcome on a leash (but not on the beach)," Jennifer M. notes. This makes it ideal for families camping with canine companions.
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on proximity to facilities. At Lake Ahquabi, Larissa C. advises, "There are some great spots down by the lake that are perfect for tent camping. There is quite a bit to do in this State Park."
Hookup availability: Electric connections vary across campgrounds. Jim H. reports at Stephens State Forest, "Great spot by a small lake in Stephen's State Forest. Fire pits have nice swinging grates on them. There was a picnic table at each spot as well."
Site spacing considerations: Campground layouts affect the camping experience. At Bridgeview Campground, Matt S. notes, "What I like about Bridgeview is the number of campsites with lake views." However, some locations like Lake Ahquabi have sites that are "all extremely packed in together, so you can really feel a part of other people's conversations and activities," according to Larissa C.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management accordingly. Daniel C. warns about Lakeside Co Park, "First, there is no dump station! All sites have water and electricity with 20, 30, and 60 amp plugs," while Red Haw State Park and other dog friendly campgrounds near Chariton typically provide this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chariton, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chariton, IA is Middle Area Campground — Stephens State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chariton, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 71 dog-friendly camping locations near Chariton, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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