Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Guthrie Center, IA

Springbrook State Park Campground permits pets at all campsites with electric hookups, tent sites, and cabins. Lenon Mill Park, Lake Anita State Park, and Nations Bridge Park also welcome dogs at all camping facilities. Most campgrounds require pets to remain leashed except in designated exercise areas. Campsites include standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities. Middle River Point stands out with its 5-star rating among pet owners, offering particularly quiet camping for those with noise-sensitive dogs. The campground is generally clean with friendly staff, though lacks bathrooms according to visitor reports.

The hiking trails at Springbrook State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with multiple paths through mature forests. Nations Bridge Park features walking trails with water views, making it ideal for dogs who enjoy swimming. Most campgrounds in the Guthrie Center area have drinking water available for pets, though visitors should bring portable bowls. Lake Anita State Park permits dogs near the water for fishing activities but maintains restrictions at designated swimming areas. Cell reception varies dramatically between locations, with Springbrook having zero service - beneficial for truly disconnecting but potentially concerning for pet owners needing emergency veterinary access. Casey City Park offers a convenient option just off Interstate 80, featuring a playground for families with both children and dogs, though some visitors note an abundance of bugs during certain seasons.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Guthrie Center, Iowa (64)

    1. Springbrook State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Guthrie Center, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 747-3591

    $12 - $200 / night

    "Pros:

    -Not a far drive from Des Moines, but still quite remote

    -Lots of nice hiking trails

    -Easy access to large, mostly clean modern bathrooms

    -The lake is a peaceful spot to spend the early mornings"

    "You’ll love this little park if you want to really disconnect and get away from things as there was absolutely 0 cell reception where we were at."

    2. Adair City Park

    11 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    15 miles
    +1 (641) 742-3751

    $6 - $15 / night

    "Based on other reviews we weren’t expecting much, but this spot is perfect for getting a good night’s rest when passing through Iowa."

    "Park was clean and close to highway. Husband said bathrooms were clean enough. Didn't use the showers. Arrived around 10pm on a Tuesday and there were 3 spots left."

    3. Lenon Mill Park

    5 Reviews
    Guthrie Center, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 755-3061

    "Turn of century museum within walking distance. National golf course, par 3 golf course at nearby lake panorama is open to the public."

    "The Guthrie County Historical Village& Museum is a 5 minute walk away. It's not open evenings or weekends but there is interesting stuff to walk around and see even when closed."

    4. Lake Anita State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 762-3564

    $15 - $33 / night

    "This campground has both RV full hookup and electric sites very close to the lake. Campsites offer a great view of lake and close access to docks."

    "We had 5 dogs in our group and spent a lot of time on the walking trails with them!"

    5. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities. KOA, so not a lot of nature. But no traffic or train noise."

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    6. Nations Bridge Park

    4 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 523-1789

    "It was green, very clean, and in a nice location (just on the outskirts of Des Moines). We were there on a Wednesday, and there was barely anyone there."

    "It’s a little ways off the highway through the town of Stuart (Home to 1600 good eggs). There is an upper and lower campground and rumor has it that the lower sites can be a little muddy."

    7. Casey City Park

    4 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 746-3315

    $10 / night

    "This is a small little park off the highway, we had been traveling for two days and needed to stop for the night."

    ".  clean accessible and a drive through a quaint little town. What else could you ask for?"

    8. Littlefield Rec Area

    7 Reviews
    Exira, IA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 268-2762

    "Nice campground and staff, town close by if you need more supplies, we like it here!"

    "Lots of space around your site. Fills up fast on weekends. Would recommend this park."

    9. Middle River Point

    2 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 231-8904

    $15 - $32 / night

    10. Menlo City Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Stuart, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 524-2411
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Guthrie Center, IA

412 Reviews of 64 Guthrie Center Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Winterset City Park

    Lovely Campground

    I just loved this campground. It has shade trees, grass, free showers and lots of room. It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance of the campground. This was well worth the 20 mile drive off I80. If I had known how m=nice this area was, I would have planned better and stayed here for more than one night.

  • Tom S.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Don't fall off the ledge!

    One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.

    The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.

    What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp.

    If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    The 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.

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • Jo E.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Timberline Campground

    Small family run full service park

    In a grove of trees in a slightly hilly area. Easy access, but sites are gravel. Nice bit of grass with each site, most are at least partially shaded. Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass.

  • M
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    Well run, lots of activities

    Spots kind of level, lots of choices of pull thru or buddy sites. Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities. KOA, so not a lot of nature. But no traffic or train noise. Full hook ups, including TV.

  • M
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Timberline Campground

    Ok

    Some full hook ups, sites not very level, playground ok. Can hear shots from gun range next door. Dog park, pool, arcade. We have camped here a couple times, and stored our rig here for a while. Didn't find there was that much going on here to keep us busy. Not a lot of nature, no trails or biking accessible from campground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Nishna Bend Rec Area

    Nice no frills park. NO PETS….

    I 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.

  • Matt S.
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Lenon Mill Park

    Lenon Mill is right next to Lake Panorama

    This County Park is located right on the edge of Lake Panorama, a great town North West of Des Moines, Iowa. It is surrounded by amenities, so if you forget something you can drive five minutes into town to replace anything you forgot at home.

    This is not a place to rough it, but if you have a family and want an outdoors experience close to amenities, this is the place for you. The campground is very clean and it is right next to a river.


Guide to Guthrie Center

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Guthrie Center, Iowa, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your furry friends behind. Here are some excellent choices for you and your pets.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

  • At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you’ll find ample space for your pets to roam, along with features like electric hookups and drinking water.
  • Des Moines West KOA Holiday offers a large, modern facility with a dedicated off-leash dog area, ensuring your pets have a great time.
  • Littlefield Rec Area provides a peaceful environment with full hookups, making it a comfortable spot for both you and your pets.

Pet owners like the variety of activities available

  • At Springbrook State Park Campground, you can enjoy hiking trails and fishing opportunities, perfect for a day of adventure with your dog.
  • Nations Bridge Park features walking trails and scenic views, ideal for leisurely strolls with your pet.
  • Squirrel Hollow Co Park offers a rustic experience with access to nature, making it a great spot for outdoor activities with your furry companion.

Tips for camping with dogs near Guthrie Center

  • Always keep your dog on a leash at Adair City Park to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet, especially when visiting Menlo City Park Campground where amenities may be limited.
  • Make sure to clean up after your pet to maintain the beauty of places like Kuehn Conservation Area, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Guthrie Center, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Guthrie Center, IA is Springbrook State Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 64 dog-friendly camping locations near Guthrie Center, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.