Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Des Moines is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Des Moines camping trip.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Des Moines, Iowa (85)

    1. Yellow Banks County Park

    15 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 266-1563

    "Nice quiet campground with the Des Moines river close by for fishing or kayaking. Most of the spots are shaded and well maintained. The backpacking area is very nice as well."

    "It’s got access to trails and to the Des Moines river. It’s a great little escape. There is a fishing pond that’s got plenty of bluegill and largemouth bass."

    2. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 285-4502

    $23 - $25 / night

    "We checked out the camping situation for our next visit to Des Moines and decided a park a bit further away was worth a more secluded camping experience."

    "Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."

    3. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."

    "The Des Moines area has a fairly large camping population - because of this, reservations are usually necessary. The area does not have a ton of shade - so be weary in the middle of summer."

    4. Jester County Park

    29 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Stayed at this campground for 3 nights while visiting Des Moines.  We stayed in Loop 1- site 138 because we wanted electrical.  The electrical box has 2 standard household plugs which is nice. "

    "There was four of us and a dog."

    5. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "This campground is connected to regional bike trails that will take all the way to Des Moines and suburbs."

    "This campground is a hot spot for Des Moines to escape the weekend - with that said, reservations are a must! Most times you need to Make them six months out."

    6. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    7. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $35 - $80 / night

    "If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"

    "Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass."

    8. Thomas Mitchell County Park

    11 Reviews
    Mitchellville, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 967-4889

    "Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."

    "Perfect weather last weekend and loved the little creek to splash around in with the dogs. Loads of rock stairways to enter and edit the creek throughout the park."

    9. Adventureland Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bondurant, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 265-7384

    "With a theme park on one side and a casino on the other, both in walking distance. It’s more of a park and party place hahaha"

    "There are lots of restaurants near by like Spectators and Jethro’s BBQ.

    As far as the RV park goes it’s pretty busy, mostly small families and older folks."

    10. Iowa State Fairgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 262-3111

    "The Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the world with more than a million visitors every year! There is something for everyone in the family."

    "I always loved going here when I lived in Iowa! The State Fair was a blast! Being able to actually stay there made it that much better!!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Des Moines, IA

504 Reviews of 85 Des Moines Campgrounds



Guide to Des Moines

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Des Moines, Iowa, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. Here are some excellent campgrounds that welcome pets and offer a variety of amenities and activities.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

  • At Jester County Park, campers can enjoy large sites with plenty of shade, making it a comfortable spot for pets to relax.
  • Des Moines West KOA Holiday features clean facilities and a dedicated off-leash dog area, ensuring your pet has space to roam freely.
  • Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers well-maintained sites with easy access to water hookups, perfect for keeping your pet hydrated during your stay.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include fun activities

Pet owners like the welcoming atmosphere

  • Cherry Glen Campground is known for its friendly staff and peaceful environment, making it a great choice for a relaxing getaway with your pet.
  • Timberline Campground boasts a fun pool and quality facilities, ensuring a pleasant stay for both you and your furry companion.
  • Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground offers a beautiful lake and well-maintained sites, perfect for enjoying nature with your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Des Moines, IA is Yellow Banks County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Des Moines, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.