16 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Backbone State Park's Six Pines Campground and South Lake Campground both welcome pets in all accommodation types, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Leashed pets are allowed throughout the camping areas and most hiking trails. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with the South Lake Campground offering electric hookups (30/50 amp) for RV campers with pets. Both campgrounds feature clean bathroom facilities, with South Lake providing shower access. The modern South Lake Campground sites are positioned somewhat close together, while Six Pines offers more secluded primitive camping with pets. Campers note that Six Pines Campground has no shower facilities nearby, so pet owners should plan accordingly for longer stays. Bailey Ford Delaware County Park and Delaware County Coffins Grove Park also accept pets at their campsites.
Multiple hiking trails throughout Backbone State Park accommodate leashed dogs, with the East Lake trail providing a scenic two-mile route along the water. The Devil's Backbone trail offers excellent opportunities for dogs and their owners to explore the rocky ridge formations and climbing areas that define the park. Several water access points exist for dogs needing to cool off, including creek areas with sandy, rocky bottoms ideal for wading. The park features multiple camping loops, allowing pet owners to select sites based on desired amenities and proximity to trails. Firewood is available for purchase at the park entrance, and the nearby towns of Strawberry Point and Manchester provide additional pet supplies if needed. The Six Pines trail connects directly to the Backbone trail system, creating convenient access for morning or evening dog walks from the campground.
"We hadn't been to Dundee in about 9 years so we decided to head up and check out the trout streams. The camp ground that we stayed at was family friendly. Hammocks were ok to put up."
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $25 / night
from $12 - $25 / night
"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."
"It is off of the beaten path and is usually not too busy. This has become a favorite of our Scouting BSA Troop."
"Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."
"from trout steam,river access for boats or kayaks, to the beautiful trails with educational signs along it. this park is perfect"
"Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!"
"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 $21 - $39 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 - $110 / night
"Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve."
"Dump available on entrance/exit. The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "
from $15 - $25 / night
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.
RangerGreat little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.
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.
GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
LegendWe came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.
We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.
The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”
We even saw a deer
LegendI edit my review - the gun range next door is obnoxious. Why would they have that next to a park with walking trails ?
Big enough for big rvs, big sites Showers Water Hydro Quiet $18 for unserved $30 for serviced
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.
GuideCampground sits on a hill overlooking a number of farms. Absolutely beautiful. Decent sized sites, full hook-ups. Also a dump station. Small store on site. Trees provide shade. Many acres of paths and grass to walk the dog. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Whole place is neat and tidy. Only negative is highway noise. Pull through sites are farther from highway so may be less noisy there.
Backbone State Park's Six Pines and South Lake campgrounds anchor pet friendly camping near Dundee, Iowa. The area sits within the Paleozoic Plateau landform region, characterized by steep slopes and distinctive limestone bluffs. Camping options span from primitive tent sites to cabins with electric hookups, with several parks allowing pets across various campsite types.
Trout fishing access: Fountain Springs County Park offers direct stream access from campsites. "I have been coming to Fountain Spring for the trout fishing for years. More recently, for the last two years, this has become my go-to spot for camping. Camping is free and there are several sites to choose from, most (literally) a few yards from the trout stream," notes Kerry M.
Cold water springs exploration: Visit the natural springs at Bailey Ford Park where shallow water is perfect for kids and dogs. "The RV/pull behind spots here fill up VERY fast. The park has the river on one end and cold water springs all around the other side," shares Chantal C.
Observatory stargazing: Wyalusing State Park features an astronomical observatory for nighttime viewing. The park's position on bluffs creates excellent dark sky conditions. "There are many burial mounds in the park, and there is an astronomical observatory on site," notes Jim J.
Private wooded sites: New Wine Park offers spacious, shaded sites that provide a sense of seclusion. "All of the sites are large and well spaced with good hammock trees, fire pits, and picnic tables, and nice gravel parking pads. The sites are so large you have lots of places to pick from to pitch your tent on the level grassy sites," says Annie C.
Clean facilities: South Lake Campground maintains modern shower houses and restrooms. "Clean bathrooms, showers and spots. Beautiful park!" reports Edward B.
Affordable pricing: Multiple county parks in the area offer economical camping options. "Very nice campground at reasonable price. Water/Elec was $18 dollars night," shares Russell B. about New Wine Park.
Weather variability: Fall camping requires preparation for temperature swings. "It was a Colder night as we camped in 30 degree weather and freezing rain came into our campground. This along with the wind made our situation feel pretty cold," reports Connor M.
Train noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. "There is a train track very close. The train runs very regularly and can be loud," warns Rene about Nelson Dewey State Park.
Water quality issues: Monitor park announcements for swimming advisories. "Lakewater often unsafe for swimming. To the extent the beach had weeds growing on it," notes Cheryl V. about one of the lakes.
Playground access: Bailey's Ford Delaware County Park features multiple play areas for children. "Bailey's Ford has everything you need for a night or a week. It's clean and beautiful. Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground," shares Laura.
Group-friendly layouts: Look for parks with open camping designs. "Nice, smaller campground! No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together (we camp here every year for our family reunion)," explains Elizabeth K. about Delaware County Coffins Grove Park.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs suitable for young children. "The nature program was great for our son who was 2 at the time," Jennifer B. mentions.
Reservation timing: Turtle Creek County Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis with spacious sites. "We were site 28A and had so much room! Could've put another camper on our site easily," explains Hilary B.
Hookup availability: Check specific campground loops for electric service. "Backbone Southlake Camp review: Great shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available," advises Edward B.
Tank management: With limited sewer hookups in the area, plan accordingly. "There is a dump station," notes one RVer about Bailey's Ford, making it convenient for longer stays with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dundee, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dundee, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dundee, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 113 dog-friendly camping locations near Dundee, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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