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Dog-Friendly Camping near Colesburg, IA

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    Fountain Springs County Park allows primitive camping with pets along a small stocked trout stream. This free campground has fire pits, picnic tables, and clean vault toilets with sites positioned just yards from fishing access. Several other pet-friendly options surround Colesburg, including Twin Bridges County Park where all sites have trees and shade, with three reservable pavilions available. New Wine Park permits pets in all 29 campsites including water/electric hookups for $18 per night. Backbone State Park offers pet-friendly cabin accommodations in addition to tent and RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Most campgrounds in the area provide picnic tables and fire rings at pet-friendly sites, with varying levels of privacy. Campers report being the only visitors in Fountain Springs during off-peak times, making it perfect for those seeking solitude with their dogs.

    Wooded campsites at pet-friendly parks near Colesburg offer protection from summer heat for dogs. Elk Creek at Twin Bridges provides stream access where pets can cool off, though limited sites have direct water access. The Mississippi River overlooks at Nelson Dewey State Park allow pets on trails with varying degrees of ruggedness. Designated trout fishing streams at multiple parks create opportunities for pets to explore while owners fish. Wildlife encounters including turkey, deer, squirrels and raccoons are common in the quieter campgrounds. Fountain Springs permits up to two weeks of free camping with pets, though cell service is limited to texting in some areas. Camping near creeks and rivers means higher mosquito activity during warmer months, so pet owners should bring appropriate insect protection. The cleanest facilities can be found at Nelson Dewey State Park, where even the vault toilets are well-maintained.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Colesburg (110)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

      4.3(20)11mi from Colesburg48 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."

      "Friendly Crowds and secluded spot despite us staying next to the main road for the camping area. Sunsets were beautiful looking west over the Mississippi River."

      from $18 - $110 / night

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      2. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

      4.4(29)19mi from Colesburg27 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."

      "The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."

      from $16 - $25 / night

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      3. Wisconsin Ridge Campground — Wyalusing State Park

      4.7(53)25mi from Colesburg56 sites

      "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 :)"

      "This is an amazing park on the Wisconsin/Iowa border, overlooking where the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers join. I usually try to get in at least 1 trip a year, if lucky enough 2-3."

      from $23 - $40 / night

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      4. New Wine Park Dubuque County Park

      4.5(6)8mi from ColesburgRVs, Tents

      "General: This is a small (29-site) county park campground situated along the North Fork Maquoketa River. Nine of the sites are reservable, and the rest are first-come, first-served."

      "Great campground near Dyersville, IA (home to The Field Of Dreams site). The campground is a lollipop loop with sites on one side along the creek and on the other along woods."

      5. Fountain Springs County Park

      4.0(5)6mi from ColesburgRVs, Tents

      "It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy.  This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."

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      6. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

      4.6(29)25mi from Colesburg61 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "It is crowded with older people like us,in the electric sites, and their older dogs. Level sites. Showers. Concession stand at the picnic area."

      "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa’s state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!"

      from $20 - $38 / night

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      7. Twin Bridges County Park

      4.0(1)1mi from ColesburgRVs, Tents

      "Along Elk Creek, about half of the campground has sites on the Creek, but very few actually have access to the creek. All of the sites have nice trees and shade."

      from $35 / night

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      8. Baileys Ford

      5.0(4)17mi from ColesburgRVs, Tents

      "The RV/pull behind spots here fill up VERY fast. This was no big deal for us since we went for a long tent camping weekend, there are plenty of sites if you are ok without all the hookups."

      "The tent camping sites are quiet, well shaded and good access to the fishing stream. Running water Bathrooms closed due to covid but the vault toilets are fine."

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      9. Lakeside Campground

      2.0(2)12mi from ColesburgRVs
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      10. Motor Mill Historic Site

      4.0(1)14mi from ColesburgRVs, Tents

      "There are a handful of picnic tables and fire pits scattered around, and there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to sites, although there is a pay station with “sites” noted."

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Colesburg, IA

    60 Photos of 110 Colesburg Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Colesburg, IA

    463 Reviews of 110 Colesburg Campgrounds

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 9, 2024

      Horseshoe 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.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Oelwein City Park

      This is a beautiful city park campground

      I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.

      There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.

      The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.

      There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.

      I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 24, 2021

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Feb. 16, 2023

      Rustic 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.

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 7, 2021

      Echo Valley State Park Campground

      Awesome Iowa

      Came in late but found a spot, only 6 first come fist serve camping sites. I was a quarter mile from the next nearest site. Certainly a tent oriented campground, RV’s would have a difficult time. Will certainly stay here again. The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)

    • Brett F.
      Aug. 5, 2021

      Maquoketa 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.
      Jul. 5, 2016

      Wisconsin 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 :)

    • j
      Jul. 17, 2022

      Skip-A-Way Resort

      Nice camp ground

      We stayed here 4 nights. They have a beach for swimming. Boats for renting but they were out of order for repairs when we were here. You can rent kayaks, bikes. They have mini golf but you have to pay 8 dollars for that. That’s why they didn’t get 5 stars. I feel if your paying to stay you should get that as included, They have river rafting, a playground for little kids, and a mini horse for petting. Lots of things for kids to do!

    • Stephanie S.
      Jul. 10, 2023

      Rustic 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 Colesburg

    Several state and county parks offer pet-friendly camping near Colesburg, Iowa, within the Driftless Area known for limestone bluffs and river valleys. Campgrounds sit at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,100 feet, with summer temperatures typically 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though some provide year-round access with limited winter amenities.

    What to do

    Fishing in stocked streams: Baileys Ford Park provides direct access to trout fishing from campsites. "Access to the trout stream directly from our site! The facilities were clean even for a vault toilet (regular toilets and showers available at the main building which were extremely clean)" (Ashley F., Baileys Ford).

    Hiking on varied terrain: The area offers multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "The whole park offers beautiful views and nice trails of varying ruggedness. I was hoping to camp at one of the walk-in sites to enjoy the great views" (Karnpal C., Nelson Dewey State Park).

    Historic site exploration: Motor Mill Historic Site combines camping with historical structures. "There is a really neat historical Mill building that is open a few hours a week for tours as well as an amazing old bridge with a wood plank roadbed that you can still drive across" (Annie C., Motor Mill Historic Site).

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high-standard bathrooms and showers. "This is by far the cleanest campground I have stayed at. The facilities were well kept including the vault toilet houses" (Ashley F., Nelson Dewey State Park).

    River activities: Campsites near waterways allow for recreation. "Great place to go tubing and kayaking. Great showers" (Jacob D., Baileys Ford Park).

    Secluded camping spots: Some parks offer privacy from other campers. "Often, I have been alone in the campground, which is perfect for those seeking solitude" (Kerry M., Fountain Springs County Park).

    Affordable rates: County parks provide economical camping options. "Water/Elec was $18 dollars night. We stayed just after Labor Day and we were one of 6 trailers in the entire park" (Russell B., New Wine Park).

    What you should know

    Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. "When trains are blowing their horns miles away, the sound carries. When they go past the site, it's incredibly loud! Bring ear plugs, trains rolled through until just after midnight and started up around 5am" (Steph P., Nelson Dewey State Park).

    Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in rural areas. "Very odd wormy looking things falling from the trees. I forgot where my morning destination was and had to use GPS to feel my way out until I had service again. You'll want a hard copy of your directions if you stay the night" (Tammie C., Fountain Springs County Park).

    Campsite positioning: Sites vary in quality and access. "Along Elk Creek, about half of the campground has sites on the Creek, but very few actually have access to the creek. All of the sites have nice trees and shade" (Annie C., Twin Bridges County Park).

    Reservation needs: Popular locations require advance planning. "While Site C is incredibly difficult to reserve (best dates I could find were a Mon-Wed in October which I booked in APRIL), it's worth the views and the privacy" (Steph P., Nelson Dewey State Park).

    Tips for camping with families

    Multiple playgrounds: Several parks feature child-friendly facilities. "Plenty of things for kids to do volleyball ball court, softball field, and several playgrounds! Many shelters available for larger gatherings" (Ashley F., Baileys Ford Park).

    Nature programs: Educational activities enhance family camping experiences. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time" (Jennifer B., Wyalusing State Park).

    Camping carts: Some parks provide equipment for hauling gear. "The wheelbarrows provided are a lifesaver, the trail to the site is manageable until the last 50 feet, which is steep and rocky" (Steph P., Nelson Dewey State Park).

    Water features: Safe water access points appeal to families with children. "There are a handful of picnic tables and fire pits scattered around. The best sites are on the back edge, up against the woods where you can have some tree cover and possibly hang a hammock" (Annie C., Motor Mill Historic Site).

    Tips from RVers

    Dump station availability: Not all parks offer full RV services. "There is a dump station and a handful of sites with hookups for RV's" (Annie C., Twin Bridges County Park).

    Site specifications: RV campers should verify site measurements before booking. "Nice pull-through, large enough for our 36' 5th Wheel and pickup tow vehicle, needed more leveling than some. Some sites have power and water, ours only power" (Grace D., Pikes Peak State Park).

    Hookup options: Electric and water access varies between parks and specific sites. "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa's state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!" (Danny J., Pikes Peak State Park).

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Colesburg, IA is Nelson Dewey State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 110 dog-friendly camping locations near Colesburg, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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