James M.
Legend
LegendHorseshoe 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.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near West Branch, IA
Cedar Valley County Park near West Branch allows pets at electric sites for $15 per night. This family-friendly park offers camping along the Cedar River with electric hookups, water access, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Tent and RV campers can enjoy riverfront locations suitable for fishing and boating, with both drive-in and walk-in options available. The campground features basic amenities including toilets, drinking water access, and trash disposal. Campers appreciate the clean campsites, recycling bins, fishing spots, and trails that wind through native forest areas along the river.
Little Bear Campground provides pet-friendly accommodations with full hookup RV sites and tent camping options just off I-80 near West Branch. The campground includes two small pet-friendly cabins that rent for $49 per night, alongside RV sites ($33/night) and tent sites ($22/night). Facilities include a seasonal swimming pool, playground, fire rings, and picnic tables. The property features clean showers and restrooms, with grassy tent sites and level rock/gravel RV spots with full hookups including water, sewage, and 30/50-amp electric connections. Sites are situated among mature trees offering some shade, with direct access to nearby hiking trails at Hickory Hill Park which spans 185 acres of Midwest prairieland suitable for walking dogs.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near West Branch, Iowa (110)
1. Sugar Bottom Campground
24 ReviewsNorth Liberty, IA13 milesWebsite+1 (319) 624-2102$14 - $260 / night
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
2. West Overlook Campground
18 ReviewsCoralville, IA11 milesWebsite+1 (319) 338-3685$22 - $28 / night
"The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."
"LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."
3. Little Bear Campground
9 ReviewsWest Branch, IA5 milesWebsite+1 (319) 627-2676$22 - $49 / night
"Little Bear Campground is located right off I-80 at the West Liberty exit. It is right next to a trailer park. There are a few tent sites ($22/ night)and Rv sites($33/night)."
"Very cute campground right off highway. I called while traveling and Mike was very accommodating. Full hookups and showers. Even got a pool. Gas station nearby full of character."
4. Cedar River Campground
11 ReviewsWest Liberty, IA11 milesWebsite+1 (563) 946-2431$35 - $50 / night
"Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"
5. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
15 ReviewsSolon, IA15 milesWebsite+1 (319) 624-2200"My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "
"Close access to boating and town"
6. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
10 ReviewsSolon, IA13 miles+1 (319) 624-2200"You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."
"This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful."
7. F. W. Kent Park
19 ReviewsOxford, IA20 milesWebsite+1 (319) 645-2315$20 / night
"We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."
"It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."
8. Linder Point Campground
4 ReviewsCoralville, IA11 milesWebsite+1 (319) 338-3685$26 - $30 / night
"This is one of around 4 campgrounds near/around Lake Coralville."
"Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites."
9. Tailwater West Campground
4 ReviewsCoralville, IA11 milesWebsite+1 (319) 338-3685$14 - $30 / night
"Iowa River runs alongside offering fishing. Trails, play area and Visitor Center just a 2 minute drive or hike away. Firewood available at check station."
"Very short walk to the overflow of the dam. People are friendly facilities are clean."
10. Cedar Valley Co Park
2 ReviewsWest Branch, IA7 milesWebsite+1 (563) 886-6930"Sites include electric, tables, fire rings, restrooms near by, boat ramp access, playgrounds, shelters, and outdoor amphitheater."
"Clean campsites, trash and recycling bins, trails, fishing, boating, cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night"
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near West Branch, IA
52 Photos of 110 West Branch Campgrounds
Suzan E.
Draco Hill Farm and Prairie
juliana
Tailwater East Campground
Phillip B.
Tailwater West Campground
Tim M.
West Overlook Campground
Judith B.
Sugar Bottom Campground
Elizabeth G.
Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
James M.
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground
James M.
Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping
Susanjoy P.
River Junction
James M.
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
Terri R.
Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
Tiffany K.
Sandy Beach Camp
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near West Branch, IA
621 Reviews of 110 West Branch Campgrounds
- DDick M.
ScoutCamelot Campground Quad Cities USA
Great for an overnight
Gravel pad for one night. Didn’t use facilities, pool was closed for the season. Very nice walk around the lake, dog park was not large, but clean with enough room to run. There were much nicer spots, but we had all we needed for one night.
- James M.Legend
Iowa 80 Truckstop
Good overnight parking and I 80 access
This overnight access is a small town in itself. This site offers not only the basic communities and needs of fuel, including EV, charging stations, but auto parts, showers, dentist, Chiropractic, care, gifts, dog park, and is right next to the I 80 trucking museum. Good lighting in the overnight spots which has room for long RVs.
- James M.Legend
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.
- James M.Legend
Lakeside RV Park and Campground
Travelling overnight stay suggested
I suggest this site only if you need to get off the road for an overnight stay. Very few amenities, all but a few spots appear to be full-time RV living onsite, has nice playground, gazebo, dog park (small), lake is small but appears well kept, electric/water/septic onsite.
- CCassie K.Scout
Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
No Pets?
Was looking forward to camping there until I found out they do not allow pets at tent sites. Apparently they don’t feel responsible pet owners use tents. Not happy will never stay there
- James M.Legend
Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
Private CG with lake
This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming.
Janet R.LegendWest Overlook Campground
A darn good dam campground
This campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River. The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay. The recreation area also includes campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993.
This review is for the West Overlook campground located on the lakeside upstream of the dam. This is one of the larger campgrounds at Coralville Lake, and is popular due to the large sandy beach, the modern boatlaunch area, and options for a variety of kinds of campsites in separate loops. Some of the loops are close to the lake or in various heights overlooking the lake, some loops are tucked into beautiful shady woods further inland. As a tent camper I chose one of the loops in the woods as the sites are larger and quieter and more spacious. All of the loops seem family friendly and pretty quiet even though pretty full. There are new modern bath houses with showers, and hiking trails all around. There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating. This seems to be a camping destination for a lot of folks in the area, but is also an easy stopover right off Interstate 80 for folks on road trips. It is also a nice and inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City or the University of Iowa, only about a 15-20 minute drive away. My most recent time camping here was this month, May 2025, but I have camped here many times in the past as far back as 1964, and the campground improvements and recreation opportunities have just gotten better and better over the years. Its a popular location, so Spring camping is quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then.
Brett F.
GuideMaquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Camping & Caves
This is one of our favorite parks in the Midwest. We usually make a day trip from Chicagoland, but this time we camped at the park. We are glad we did!
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. You can climb up about 5-7 feet and out the "window". The kids felt like real spelunkers!
While the park is usually crowded during the day, we find it nearly empty beginning in the late afternoons on the weekdays we visited. It felt like we had the place to ourselves.
The campground is about a five minute walk to the park's main entrances. The campground was very quiet... just the way we like it. There is a family of cats that hang around: they visit from a nearby dairy farm. The kids loved this added attraction. The dog did not.
The bathroom and shower house is clean. There is only one. So it gets pretty busy during "flush hour". Our campsite was right next to the bathroom/ shower and dumpster. We noticed flies and the occasional whiff of trash.
We'll continue visiting this park. And we look forward to camping on site.
Guide to West Branch
Camping near West Branch, Iowa offers access to riverside locations and prairie landscapes across Cedar County. The area contains multiple campgrounds within a 15-mile radius of West Branch, situated between 650-750 feet in elevation. Fall visitors can expect mild temperatures ranging from 50-70°F during the day with cooler evenings dropping into the 30-40°F range, while summer campers should prepare for high humidity.
What to do
Fossil hunting: The Devonian Fossil Gorge near West Branch features exposed 375-million-year-old ocean floor. "This is one of many outdoor recreation complexes around a large dam on the Iowa River. The recreation area includes a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993," notes a visitor to West Overlook Campground.
Paddling: Coralville Lake offers multiple boat launches and rental options. A Sugar Bottom Campground visitor reports, "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites... amenities like a boat ramp, beach, playground, walking trails, recycling and an amphitheater."
Hiking: Trail systems connect many campgrounds to natural areas. "There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating," explains a West Overlook camper. The campground serves as "a nice and inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City or the University of Iowa, only about a 15-20 minute drive away."
What campers like
Privacy: Secluded sites can be found despite the popularity of the region. A Primitive South Campground visitor mentions, "This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful. Two views of the lake, a modern bathroom and a pit style bathroom as well, no showers though. Plenty of wildlife, great for fishing, or just relaxing."
Value pricing: Budget-friendly options exist throughout the area. At Cedar Valley Co Park, campers appreciate "cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night." Senior pass holders can find even better deals at some locations—a Sugar Bottom camper notes, "This is a COE Park so you also can get a discount with your Senior Pass."
Stargazing: Open sky viewing areas in several campgrounds. "We were able to see stars and be separated from our neighboring site," reports a Primitive South Campground visitor. At Linder Point, a reviewer mentioned, "Open sky at most sites for Starlink," which also indicates good stargazing potential.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds require advance planning. "Reservations are a must," warns a F. W. Kent Park visitor. Another camper adds, "If you want to reserve a campsite online, do so at least 2 days ahead."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. A Tailwater West visitor observed, "This would be a good stopover campground if you were on your way somewhere else. It's clean and well cared for, but the sites are very close together and there's very little privacy."
Seasonal differences: Fall brings lower crowds and changing colors. "We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors," notes a West Overlook camper. Spring camping is described as "quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple age-appropriate play areas exist. F.W. Kent Park offers "many beautiful spots to camp. There were also a few playgrounds that my grandkids loved. We were there on a lovely night and had a great campfire."
Swimming locations: Beaches vary by campground. At Tailwater West Campground, families can enjoy "the dam and the lake are cool, there's a decent beach, two playgrounds, and lots of sites to choose from." Sugar Bottom campers mention a "great beach swimming area. Fun for all."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer best animal sighting times. "Plenty of wildlife, great for fishing, or just relaxing," notes a Primitive South camper. Another visitor shares, "Quiet park, beautiful park setting. Lots of deer, squirrel and other wildlife."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Level sites with adequate separation vary by location. A Little Bear Campground visitor mentions, "Very conveniently located off I-80, Fair price, full hook up and pull through site $33.00." However, they caution the property is "smaller than a football field" with sites "fairly close to one another."
Dog friendly campgrounds near West Branch: Multiple pet-welcoming options exist. A visitor to Linder Point describes it as a "natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites." Those seeking pet-friendly accommodations can access nearby Hickory Hill Park with its 185 acres of prairieland suitable for dog walking.
Hookup availability: Water and electric options vary by campground. A Little Bear camper notes, "There are a few tent sites ($22/night) and RV sites($33/night). We pulled in late to stay the night. It had full hook ups with a fire ring and picnic table. The spot was good sized and clean."
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near West Branch, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
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