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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Dubuque, IA

564 Reviews

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.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Dubuque, Iowa (95)

    1. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Dubuque, WI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 568-7797

    "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."

    2. Swiss Valley County Park

    9 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 556-6745

    "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."

    3. Grant River Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Dubuque, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 582-0881

    $14 - $26 / night

    "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."

    4. Miller Riverview City Park

    7 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 589-4238

    "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."

    5. Creek Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 580-9453

    $45 - $65 / night

    "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."

    6. Mud Lake County Park

    5 Reviews
    Dubuque, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 552-2746

    "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."

    7. Palace Campground

    8 Reviews
    Galena, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 777-2466

    "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."

    8. Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Cassville, WI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 725-5374

    $33 / night

    "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."

    9. Frentress Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Dubuque, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 747-3155

    $50 / night

    "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."

    10. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    $20 - $28 / night

    "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."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Dubuque, IA

94 Photos of 95 Dubuque Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Dubuque, IA

564 Reviews of 95 Dubuque 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Steve F.
    Oct. 2, 2021

    Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

    Excellent Stay in this Well Maintained Campground

    My dog and I are traveling full time, currently making our way down the Mississippi River. We stopped at the Rustic Barn because it was away from the city (Dubuque), priced very reasonably, and seemed like a good spot for a one night stay. Some neighbors at a previous campground spoke highly of the Rustic Barn when I told them where I was headed.

    We ended up staying a second night, partially because of the excellent hiking trails at the Mines of Spain in Dubuque, but mostly because of the Rustic Barn. I considered an additional couple nights, but reluctantly decided to get on with our journey.

    Everything was in it placed and worked. Showers and restrooms were cleaned and well maintained.  Sites are a combination of cement pad and crushed gravel. Hookups are a little inconveniently placed, but not a concern. There's a very large grassy area for dog-walking - always a concern for me as my dog is older and has the need to go frequently.

    The owners are very nice and friendly, seeming to always stop and chat with folks as they go about their daily chores. And as an added "nice touch" they were currently placing Halloween themed decorations around the park.

    Quiet, unassuming, a pace to catch your breath. I'm prompted to write a review because rarely do "value" and "quality" appear together in such a friendly combination

  • Agapes D.
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground

    Wonderful hiking!-May 2018

    This is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day. The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc. Bring the strongest mosquito repellent you can get, Wisconsin in summer can be rough. We tried our Black Diamond poles and Thule day bags and we got to try cooling vests for the dogs from Ruffwear. It was so much fun. Note that there are sites to camp, cabins nearby and plenty of Hipcamp sites near. Strongly recommend Riverview Bottoms, which sits in a 500 acre property and is 10 min away.

  • Jamie M.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park

    Big, clean sites, nice trails, water access

    There aren't signs within the park directing you to the campsite. I found it eventually but I'm glad I wasn't towing a camper because there was a lot of turning around. Some of the sites are able to be reserved. We went Memorial Day weekend so there were quite a few people but it wasn't full so even without a reservation you'd likely find a space. The sites a nice and big. We chose 2 sites that were connected and even then they were a good distance from one another. The sites were also removed from the road so when people walk or drive by it doesnt feel like they're walking through your campsite. There is some nice water access to wade with shallows so kids or pets can play. Nice trails.

  • Scott M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2020

    Frentress Lake Campground

    Brand New...Lots of Ammenities

    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. The campground is young so not much shade here but you do get access to the marina and all that comes with it. Nice people and water is close by.

    Water is close by so while this area was pretty full you could easily put your boat in and get away.

  • Amanda K.
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Secluded Gem

    Mostly RV/Campers. We tent camped (1 adult & 4 kids). Odd spot for a tent with a cement slab. Pretty serene and clean park, until about 7am when landscapers show up with lawn mowers etc. each morning. Lots of space between spots and it feel more private than some spots we’ve stayed in. Fire pits with grates at each site. Bathrooms with flushing toilets, floors were a bit flooded and showers are a bit rusty, but warm! Small playground with sand that the younger kids enjoyed. 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. If you want to go in caves, bring headlamps/flashlights and prepare to have wet shoes. Also only 30-45mins from downtown Dubuque, Iowa.

Guide to Dubuque

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Dubuque, Iowa, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet owners like spacious sites and amenities

  • At Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, you'll find well-maintained sites with full hookups and plenty of grassy areas for your pets to roam.
  • Miller Riverview City Park offers electric-only sites with beautiful river views, perfect for a relaxing stay with your dog.
  • Mud Lake County Park features spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings, allowing for a comfortable camping experience with your pet.

Dog owners appreciate the friendly atmosphere

  • Hoot Owl Hollow is known for its welcoming vibe, making it a great choice for families traveling with pets.
  • At Grant River Recreation Area, you'll find a friendly community of campers who enjoy sharing their outdoor experiences with pets.
  • New Wine Park Dubuque County Park is a peaceful spot where fellow campers are often seen walking their dogs, creating a friendly environment.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Dubuque

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 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 95 dog-friendly camping locations near Dubuque, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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