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Nelson Park Crawford County Park and Loess Hills Hideaway accommodate pets with designated camping areas in the Dunlap region. Both destinations maintain clean facilities with Nelson Park offering electric hookups, picnic tables, and showers for campers traveling with animals. The bathhouses at Nelson Park receive positive mentions for cleanliness, making extended stays with pets more comfortable. All pet-friendly sites require leashed pets throughout public areas with owners responsible for waste cleanup. Accommodation options include tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, and cabins that allow pets at select locations like Prairie Rose State Park and Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Preparation Canyon State Park provides hike-in camping options for backpackers with dogs seeking a more secluded experience. The park features eight backcountry campsites along maintained trails, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Dogs must remain leashed on the nearly 8 miles of trails that wind through the unique Loess Hills landscape. Water access is available from creek tributaries, though visitors should plan accordingly as the area has limited amenities. Wildlife is abundant throughout the region, so keeping pets controlled is essential for safety. The surrounding towns offer minimal services, making advance preparation important for camping with animals.
"I wanted a weekend away from the craziness so chose to go "home" for my first solo trip in quite awhile."
"Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing."
"Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."
"Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."
from $9 / night
Check Availability"The lake is small and meant for non. Motorized boats. There's a ton of trails around the outside of the park. If you follow the far outside one, it's almost three and a half miles."
"These Iowa state parks are extremely clean and well taken care of. The lake is huge with multiple trails that the kids loved. Playground was directly behind us which is a plus for us."
"Reserved electric unit 090 for the weekend, which had a scenic corn field for a backdrop - this is Iowa!"
from $16 - $50 / night
Check Availability"There were plenty of pit toilets around and they were very clean. The grounds offer plenty of mowed trails to walk about which we enjoyed a lot with our dogs over the weekend."
"Not a bad place to stop for the night, we were able to take the dogs hiking and didn’t have a problem."
"I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."
"if you want to get some hiking in that’s not just all flat walking this is a great place in this area. The views show you the vast farmland here and are great for sunrise and sunset!"
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door."
"It took a lot of driving to get back in here, but the payoff was a lovely little isolated, three or 4 acres of grass and hardwood trees by a sweet little cemetery of the hill."
TravelerWell kept & family friendly camping in Iowa! We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water. Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers. Will come back!
GuideThe trees at the campsites aren't mature enough for shade, but the ponds and trails more than make up for that. Full hookups, shower house and huge dog park are also onsite making this a Cass County hidden gem. Camp host is great and and you're close to old downtown.
LegendThis small campground is right off the interstate, easy to get to. It’s right by a small truck stop, but the noise was not bothersome at all. There is a small dog park for the pups. Bathrooms and showers are clean. One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom. Hosts are very friendly. Sites are close, but for a one night stay that was just fine.
GuideI didn’t stay here but did scout it out. Small park by the NishnaBotna river. I did see a camper there with his dog but website specifically says no pets.
GuideThis campground is not really designed as an actual campground. It is for fair workers to hook up to during the county fair but is available for use by the general public at all other times. It gets 4 stars not because of any amenities, but because it is a safe uncrowded overnight location that is perfect to stay at with fuel and food nearby and a large area to walk pets.
Pros: Easy to move rigs in and out of, 30&50amp hookups, perfect for an overnight stop right off the highway if you don't want to stay in a Walmart parking lot. Pretty flat spots
Cons: Not built for actual camping (no fire rings/picnic tables/paved sites/bathrooms), sewer dump on location but unavailable for general population use, if you plug into the 30 amp receptacle it is $20 a night, if you plug into the 50amp receptacle it is $25 a night, each pedestal has both plugs. Some may say that is steep for a place like this, but it helps keep it maintained.
ScoutWe showed up easter sunday when everyone in the loop left except one van, so it was pretty empty. But the wind was so intense an constant. Probably about 20 to 25mph wind all day and night. Temp was mid 70s to 80s. Well kept sites and the park ranger came through to check reservations were correct on the posts. Random people did come through the loop area to either hang out or go to the trail, which alerted our dogs everytime. We even thought some lady did a drug deal by grabbing an orange bag from one of the electric posts then left, pretty weird. We stayed on site 81 next to water which was essential. Big lake close by to fish which I'm guessing the only thing to do here other than walk the trail. I ran the trail for a workout, it's all grass around the lake. All the sites are pretty close together, about 20 to 30 apart so of you like that then there you go, but we wanted space for our dogs and privacy. Stayed 2 nights. All views of corn.
LegendThis state park camp site close to Carroll, Iowa was nice, but we were the only tent campers there, it seemed more like a permanent RV home site. The bathrooms while nice had no working showers, they had showers but no way to turn on the water. There was a cute frisbee golf on property, a beautiful lake, and a nice paved walking path.
LegendThis is a state park in Iowa right off the Missouri river. And also directly next to or connected to the great nature preserve Desoto Bend. Unfortunately there were massive floods in 2019 in this area that effected the area near the missouri, Platte, and Elkhorn river. Due to these flood this great park is closed along with other parks that are still closed. If you look around and see a few parks that are closed and some that are open but have repairs needed. I hope this park will open in the future. And this and other parks get the repairs that they need. This park is one of Iowa best in my opinion.
LegendIt is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge.
It is right next to the Missouri River, and although the park and campground are in Iowa, the DeSoto National Wildlife Preserve is in both Iowa and Nebraska.
You have to pay separate fees to enter the Wildlife Preserve but it is worth it. The entire area is beautiful and has great views of the Missouri River. There is a visitor center and a few other attractions but the trails and the Missouri River are the best feature.
Nelson Park Crawford County Park offers electric sites, drinking water, and fishing opportunities on a decent-sized lake. The park has well-maintained facilities with 30-amp hookups and a sanitary dump station. Primitive tent camping areas are available for those seeking more basic accommodations. Willow Lake Recreation Area and Preparation Canyon State Park provide additional camping options with varying levels of amenities and trail access for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Dunlap region.
Explore the unique Loess Hills geology: Preparation Canyon State Park features nearly 8 miles of hiking trails through rare loess soil formations found in only two places worldwide. A camper notes, "Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America. If you have not visited this area, put it high on your to-do list."
Fish in calm lake waters: Willow Lake Recreation Area offers a small lake perfect for non-motorized watercraft and fishing. "The lake is small and meant for non-motorized boats. There's a ton of trails around the outside of the park. If you follow the far outside one, it's almost three and a half miles," notes one visitor.
Try backcountry camping: For a more secluded experience, Preparation Canyon State Park provides hike-in only sites. "This is a nice hike in only camping area. The trails are well maintained as are the campsites," says one camper. Another visitor recommends, "Site 3, which seems to be the crown jewel. It is a small trek up a hillside and looks out across the general area, with a phenomenal star gazing opportunity."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Nelson Park receives consistent praise for its upkeep and amenities. One camper notes, "The bath houses are nice. Nice playground for the kids. There's trails to walk and fishing right on site." Another visitor found that "the grounds and facilities at the park were in excellent shape even though many of the buildings were still the same ones that I had known from childhood."
Affordable camping options: Arrowhead Park offers budget-friendly sites with good amenities. A camper reports, "20$ is a really good deal for a nice site with electricity, a picnic table on a cement slab and a hot free clean shower." Another notes, "For only $10 dollars this campground has a lot to provide including free showers."
Nature education opportunities: Hitchcock County Nature Center provides educational programs beyond typical camping. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping," shares one visitor. Another camper adds, "With the Nature Center there is plenty for the kids to do. There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy."
Limited services in surrounding areas: When camping near Preparation Canyon, plan accordingly for supplies. "The immediate surrounding towns provide very little in the way of amenities, so plan ahead," warns one camper.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels. One camper reported, "The weekend was blistering hot at 95° F and a 9/10 UV index, but we were conditioning for a larger trip this summer, so we welcomed the challenge."
Site selection matters: At Prairie Rose State Park, lakefront sites provide better views but different shade conditions. "We paid extra for an electric site to be close to the lake. It is 9 or so miles north of the highway so it was actually quiet." Another camper notes, "Hard to choose a campsite, all had great views and little perks."
Pet policies vary by area: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Dunlap require pets to remain leashed. Backpackers with dogs at Preparation Canyon must follow trail leash requirements while navigating the 8 miles of hiking paths throughout the park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Lewis and Clark State Park, "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water."
Water activities for kids: Arrowhead Park Campground provides affordable water recreation. "Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids."
Nature education programming: Prairie Rose State Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities. "The kids enjoyed biking and swimming. The whole family enjoyed prairie wildlife such as a blue heron, geese, bald eagles, frogs etc. The hiking trails were well cut out and offered views of the lake, woods, and natural prairie."
Site leveling and hookups: Many campgrounds near Dunlap offer level sites with electric hookups. At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, "the rate was 19.00 for full 50 amp hookup. Beautiful state park in the water nice level sites paved. Fire rings and tables."
Water quality concerns: Some RV campers report water quality issues in certain parks. One camper noted at Lewis and Clark, "The water at the water for filling smells horrendous. The dump station is a tight squeeze for anything other than a small bumper pull camper."
Seasonal camping considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Prairie Rose State Park open from April 1 to December 31 and Schaben County Park available from April 1 to October 31. Nelson Park Crawford County Park typically operates from mid-May through mid-October. Plan accordingly when scheduling RV trips to dog friendly campgrounds in the Dunlap area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dunlap, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dunlap, IA is Nelson Park Crawford County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dunlap, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 dog-friendly camping locations near Dunlap, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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