Indian Lake Park offers full pet accommodation at both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV spots near Farmington, Iowa. The park includes cabins that welcome pets, along with electric-only and electric/water sites with level, shady areas suitable for dogs. While pets must remain leashed throughout the campground, the open areas near the lake provide space for dog walking. Wilson Lake Park, Lacey Keosauqua State Park, and Bentonsport Riverside Park all maintain pet-friendly policies, with concrete pads available at Wilson Lake that prevent muddy paws during wet weather. Campsites generally feature fire rings and picnic tables where pets can rest nearby while families gather. Campground hosts at several locations have been noted as particularly accommodating to campers with animals.
The hiking trails throughout Shimek State Forest's camping units provide excellent dog walking opportunities with several miles of paths winding through wooded areas. Lick Creek Unit's Upper Equestrian Campground welcomes both horses and dogs, making it suitable for campers traveling with multiple animal types. The Des Moines River access points at River Valley Horsecamp and Bentonsport provide water play opportunities for dogs that enjoy swimming. During summer months, ticks can be prevalent in the area, so pet owners should perform regular checks and bring appropriate preventatives. The sandy beach at Indian Lake offers another spot for dogs to enjoy water access when permitted. Most campgrounds in the region operate on a seasonal basis with full amenities available from spring through fall, though some like Wilson Lake Park remain open year-round with varying levels of service.
$8 - $50 / night
"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
"close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."
"Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."
"Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks."
"Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ 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."
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
"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."
"Nice 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."
$15 - $26 / night
"Did go to the creamery nearby. If you stay here and don’t visit the creamery, you’re definitely missing out!"
"Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs."
"Kid and dog friendly. Playground. Dog walk. We stayed over Easter weekend and had a great stay."
"Large campground that has a few full hookup sites open year around. We were given a site between a couple of traveling workers. Both came out to greet us which was very nice."
"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."
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.
TravelerI’ve been going to this campground since I was a child, it’s one of my favorite places to camp. A popular place, during the summer it’s always full and kids running around, people walking and running and riding bikes, walking dogs. Great trails too, ranging from half a mile to 3 miles. Nice lakes, kayaking rentals available, and a swimming beach too.
RangerClose to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment. Bathrooms with flush toilets nearby. Dump station for a fee. All sites had water and electric. Water was off during our visit in March. Park connected to nearby town by paved trail, approx 1 mile away. Gas and convenience store nearby. Camphost on site. Park is in a quiet rural location. Payment is made at dropbox when entering the park. Cell signal was 2 bars with Verizon.
GuideI don't think this camp site exists anymore. There is a roadside stop next to it with a Pavillion but no campground
GuideI stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max. I was here mid-November in town for work and there was no more than four other campers at any point. Pretty basic surroundings though. There's barrel trash cans, didn't see a dumpster. Didn't see any toilet or shower buildings. Hardly any trees near the sites. Decent playground close by though, and a heavily wooded park with trails beyond that.
GuideNice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ 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.
Farmington, Iowa offers a variety of dog friendly camping options within Lee and Van Buren counties. Located in the southeastern corner of Iowa along the Des Moines River, this area features wooded terrain with rolling hills at elevations ranging from 550-700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions with average daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
Fishing access points: Nauvoo State Park provides Mississippi River fishing opportunities. As one camper notes, "There is a lake to walk to" at this campground, though they mentioned, "Did a little fishing but didn't catch anything."
Historic exploration: Visit the historic village of Bentonsport near the riverside campground. A reviewer shared, "Close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy." Another camper detailed, "There is a blacksmith, an Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing."
Trail hiking: Lacey Keosauqua State Park offers well-marked trails through wooded areas. A camper mentioned, "Don't miss the hiking trails and the Beach House and swimming lake." Another visitor appreciated that "The trails, lake, and camp sites are well kept and just wonderful" and that there are "Well marked trails. Beautiful views."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean bathrooms and shower facilities. At Hickory Haven Campground, a visitor noted, "First of all I have to say the bathrooms and laundry were very clean" and "Bath house kept very clean. Plenty of hot water for showers."
Concrete pads: Wilson Lake Park offers paved sites that stay clean in wet weather. A camper mentioned, "The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins," and another noted "We stayed at site 2 which is a little smaller than we would've liked but it is all concrete and has full hook ups."
Reasonable rates: Campgrounds in the area maintain affordable pricing. At Bentonsport Riverside Park, a camper shared, "$17 Bentonsport campground. Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers, toilets, 30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property."
Seasonal closures: Many facilities limit services during winter months. At Nauvoo State Park, a late-season camper reported, "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 and the bath house was closed for the winter."
Bugs and insects: Be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks. A camper at Wilson Lake Park mentioned, "Very nice. Clean rest rooms and coin op showers. There were a lot of ticks, but the camp was quiet."
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have variable site sizes and accessibility. At Nauvoo State Park, a camper warned, "I felt you might have trouble in long rigs getting around. The drives are not clearly marked and it was a little confusing!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Lee County Pollmiller Park offers "a beach, cabins, all on a small lake" and one visitor noted it's "clean and family friendly. The beach is a great addition for some family fun."
Swimming options: Indian Lake Park provides a beach area for families. A camper described, "A lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends. Hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, bird watching."
Nature activities: Several parks offer wildlife viewing opportunities. At Lacey Keosauqua State Park, a camper shared, "Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage" and "My pups and I loved walking the lake loop (2.1miles) every day."
Seasonal water access: Plan ahead for limited water services in colder months. A Nauvoo State Park visitor noted, "Water was available at a hydrant across from the bath house, but lacked a garden hose thread, so you could only fill water jugs."
Site amenities: Lick Creek Unit - Upper Equestrian Campground in Shimek State Forest offers full hookups despite its rustic setting. A visitor reported it has "Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping" making it one of the dog friendly campgrounds near Farmington that accommodates both horses and dogs.
Campground layout: Consider site arrangement when booking. At Hickory Haven Campground, a visitor reported, "Large campground that has a few full hookup sites open year around" and noted "Site was a bit small but certainly ok for a night's stay. Many larger sites farther back in the closed area."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Farmington, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Farmington, IA is Indian Lake Park with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
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