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Creek Valley Campground offers pet-friendly camping with full hookup sites near Dubuque, Iowa. Swiss Valley County Park and Mud Lake County Park also welcome pets, providing electric sites and water hookups for campers with dogs. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times outside vehicles or camping units. The campsites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby bathroom facilities with showers. Miller Riverview City Park provides riverside sites where campers with dogs can enjoy views of the Mississippi. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park and Palace Campground extend their pet-friendly policies to various accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, and in some cases, cabins or yurts. Campgrounds like Swiss Valley maintain clean facilities though some reviews note sulfur odors in the shower water.
Hiking trails at Swiss Valley County Park allow leashed dogs on paths that follow Catfish Creek, providing exercise opportunities for pets and owners. Most campgrounds in the area lack dedicated dog parks or off-leash areas, so bringing long leads for supervised recreation is recommended. Campers should pack plenty of water and waste bags as pet amenities are limited at these more rustic facilities. The proximity to the Mississippi River offers water-loving dogs swimming opportunities, though owners should be vigilant about water safety. Summer temperatures in the region can reach uncomfortable levels for pets, making shaded sites particularly valuable. The nature center at Swiss Valley and fishing opportunities at Mud Lake provide additional recreational options for campers while maintaining pet-friendly environments.
"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"
"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."
"Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails."
"Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight. There is a sign that states firewood is for sale at 6pm but the ranger was about 45 min late bc he tends to two other parks."
"All the sites had fire pits but one site, either 51 or 52 had that pit too close to the bushes so it wasn't really useable. We were right on the river bank with a good view of the bridge."
"But it was very quiet and our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge."
from $18 - $25 / night
Check Availability"The tent site that we were at was very specious for my dog to run freely with his long leash. A lot of shade and space for everyone. We stayed right by the bathrooms."
"Train tracks border the campground and train horns are loud. Has sites with views of the Mississippi."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"Our site backed up to the forest, there's a short trail thru the trees. Most sites have FHU, most are back-in. We had one of the sites with only water and electric."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Mud Lake is a wonderful county park near Dubuque. Beautiful views of the Mississippi River. We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. The sites are mostly sunny."
"A little off the beaten path, but a nice place. Pulled in after a fiasco at another campground, was able to get 2 sites over the Fourth of July weekend. Very kid friendly."
"Fire wood is available near the bathrooms with a donation box. Best part of this campsite was the walking distance from Maquoketa Caves State Park site with beautiful hiking trails easy to explore."
"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."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"This campground is tucked into a little area next to a Walmart, Culvers, and Mini golf course. It sits between east Dubuque and Galena. When we stayed they had a dirt bike rally."
"Campground is convenient to Galena and Dubuque. We stayed in site 73, which they call a double. If the campground is full, it would be pretty tight. No negatives I encountered here to mention."
"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 $19 - $110 / night
Check Availability"This campground was created for those who visit Frentress Lake and need a place to stay in East Dubuque. Currently a lot of pipeline workers and their families stay here."
from $60 / night
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RangerVery nice campground with a few FHU sites, most are electric only. Some sites are pretty sloped making it hard to level longer rigs. Check carefully when making your reservation. Nice close hike to see the overlooks to the river, and there’s a well maintained hike down to the Bridal Veil Falls. Minus 1 star for the horrible push-button operated showers that only stay on for 6 seconds at a time. Good phone service for both t-mobile and AT&T.
GuideWe came towards the end of season so we were one of the few people staying there. The spaces are close together but we had no one near us so we didn’t mind. We had a great experience with the host, very friendly. However, it is a bit noisy since the highway is right there and you do constantly hear the trains. Also, there are some questionable people roaming through the campground.
TravelerCampground is nice spacious and we’re well divided. The drive from the entrance of Governor Dodge to cox hollow was a good 2-3 miles but was very scenic.
LegendTons to do, trails, the caves, playground, picnic areas The sites are average The caves are amazing Water, power, bathrooms and dumping station
ScoutVery quiet campground. Not a bad spot. Has dump station and a few water spigots to fill up on your way in. Plenty of old trees. Cell service is spotty.
LegendThis campground has both primitive, spacious shaded sites, as well as RV sites towards the north. Primitive sites include Tables and Fire rings only, no hard pads to pull up onto. It has a boat ramp for the Wapsi river, offering paddling and fishing. The primitive side does flood so watch a river levels. The RV side has a seasonal host, restroom and showers, playground, and a shelter for rent. Sites have tables, fire rings, and electric, with a dump station nearby.
ScoutBe advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
LegendThough the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.
TravelerWe really enjoy this park. It’s almost empty during the week days. We stay Monday through Thursday and always find a spot. Quiet and peaceful.
Camping near Dubuque centers around the Mississippi River valley with its limestone bluffs and forested ridges. The area sits in the Driftless Region, characterized by deep river valleys and steep terrain that escaped glacial flattening during the last ice age. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with occasional rainfall that affects trail conditions.
Explore limestone caves: $5 entrance fee at Maquoketa Caves State Park, where "there are caves for everyone, whether you're claustrophobic and don't want to be in tight spaces or you're willing to army crawl for 1/4 mile" according to Amanda F. Bring headlamps and prepare for wet conditions as "if you want to go in caves, bring headlamps/flashlights and prepare to have wet shoes" advises Amanda K.
Riverside fishing: Free access at Mud Lake County Park with boat launch facilities. "Lots of trees and access to the Mississippi River" notes Ronnie N. The park offers "marina and boathouse next door" according to David B., making it convenient for boaters.
Bird watching: No fee required at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground, where the elevated position provides excellent viewing opportunities. "There was a pair of bald eagles in a nest down by the river - bring binoculars!" reports Steph P., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities from the bluff trails.
Clean, modern bathhouses: Swiss Valley County Park maintains well-kept facilities according to James M., who notes the "campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, firewood available." Multiple reviewers appreciate the park's amenities, though one mentioned "the toilets can use a little cleaning but the showers stunk so bad I wasn't sure I wanted to shower in them."
Spacious sites with utilities: Palace Campground receives praise for site layouts. "Some sites were tight and the lack of fire rings was disappointing," notes Mike F., while another reviewer mentions "Campground is convenient to Galena and Dubuque. We stayed in site 73, which they call a double. If the campground is full, it would be pretty tight."
Riverside views: The sites at Miller Riverview City Park offer direct river access. "We paid $15 online to reserve a spot for the night...our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge," shares Courtney K. Some campers recommend careful site selection as "spots 56,57,58...can flood."
Train noise impacts sleep: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Dubuque sit close to active rail lines. At Grant River Recreation Area, "a railroad mainline ran along the campground. Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour," reports Lyle B.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have sulfur-smelling water. At Swiss Valley County Park, one camper noted "the shower facilities weren't bad but they have sulfites in the water so it stinks a little."
Seasonal flooding: Riverside locations may experience closures during high water. Miller Riverview City Park "floods on occasion and has to close. (It's that close to the river!)" according to Patti M. Check availability before planning trips in spring.
Mini-golf and recreation areas: Rustic Barn Campground RV Park offers various activities for children. "There's a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers," notes Stephanie S. Another camper mentions "outdoor games set-up on the grass like Cornhole, croquet, etc."
Swimming options: Seasonal pool access at Creek Valley Campground where "it was a great campground that was very quiet. The help was wonderful and to my surprise it had a swimming pool. The kids loved the Friday night movie," shares CJ.
Kid-friendly caves: Allow 3-4 hours for exploring at Maquoketa Caves. "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous. It proved to be tons of fun for me, my son and his friends," reports Charles M. Plan for muddy conditions after rain.
Level sites with amenities: Nelson Dewey State Park offers well-maintained spaces. "The electric and non-electric sites are well spaced and on the larger side," notes Steph P. Consider booking early for holiday weekends.
Full hookup availability: Frentress Lake Campground provides complete services for extended stays. "The campgrounds appear to have activities almost every weekend for the children. The pool was great, children enjoyed the volleyball & basketball court," shares Kathy W.
Dump station locations: Note that not all pet-friendly parks have sewer hookups. Swiss Valley has "standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables," according to James M. The campground offers a dump station near the entrance for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dubuque, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dubuque, IA is Rustic Barn Campground RV Park with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.
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