Dog-Friendly Camping near Ida Grove, IA

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    Crawford Creek County Rec Area provides multiple pet-friendly camping options near Ida Grove, Iowa. The campground welcomes pets at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping units. Spacious campsites make it comfortable for families with dogs, and the clean, well-maintained grounds include modern shower facilities and bath houses. Little Sioux Park Campground offers similar pet-friendly accommodations with electric hookups and water access. The park features buddy system sites perfect for group camping with pets. Both locations enforce standard leash policies to ensure all campers' safety. Silver Sioux Recreation Area provides a more developed experience for pet owners with full RV hookups while still accommodating tent campers.

    Pet owners appreciate the water access available at these campgrounds for dogs that enjoy swimming. The recreation areas offer fishing opportunities, kayaking access, and designated swimming areas where supervised pets can cool off during summer months. Multiple trails around the campgrounds provide exercise options for dogs. Yellow Smoke Park maintains pet-friendly cabins open from May through September and offers clean facilities with electric and water hookups. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be kept on leashes no longer than six feet, properly supervised at all times, and waste properly disposed of in designated receptacles. Visitors note that rangers regularly patrol the campgrounds to ensure pet policies are followed, particularly during busy summer weekends.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Ida Grove (57)

      1. Crawford Creek County Rec Area

      5.0(3)8mi from Ida GroveRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      2. Little Sioux Park Campground

      4.5(4)18mi from Ida GroveRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      3. Silver Sioux Recreation Area

      4.5(2)22mi from Ida GroveRVs, Tents

      "Tent camping is just a field with a few picnic tables in it and has a bit of a walk from the parking lot with your equipment. The shower house was nice and clean."

      4. Stieneke Area Park

      3.5(2)21mi from Ida GroveTents

      "There's a river behind and the sign says you can launch a kayak."

      5. Thirty Acres Campground — Black Hawk State Park

      4.0(2)22mi from Ida Grove128 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Park is right next to the lake. Beautiful lake. Pretty busy with lots of campers. Nice walking path around the lake."

      "Beautiful view of the lake! Multiple options of camping sites. Clean RR and showers. Nice area!"

      from $15 - $36 / night

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      6. Ranney Knob Area

      3.0(1)21mi from Ida GroveTents

      7. Yellow Smoke Park

      5.0(1)23mi from Ida GroveRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The kids could walk down to the sand and a bridge. Very well kept, you must clean up after yourself - which should always be the case anyway."

      8. Camp Crescent Park — Black Hawk State Park

      4.0(1)22mi from Ida GroveRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Utility location did require us to use a longer hose and extension cord to reach from our site.   Nice town and trails for biking nearby. "

      from $16 - $50 / night

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      9. Peters Park

      4.0(3)26mi from Ida GroveRVs, Tents

      "Nice, clean, quiet, lake for swimming and fishing, playground, store, movie nights for kids on Fri and Sat."

      10. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

      4.3(22)41mi from Ida Grove78 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"

      "There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."

      from $15 - $52 / night

      Check Availability

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Ida Grove, IA

    6 Photos of 57 Ida Grove Campgrounds


    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ida Grove, IA

    154 Reviews of 57 Ida Grove Campgrounds


    • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 6, 2020

      Cobb Park and Campground

      OK for passing through

      The small town of Ida Grove is known for its castles (!) and as we were driving through town, we saw this campground. It is located right on Hwy 59 so you will definitely hear road noise when staying here. Many sites are shaded but there is no physical separation between the sites. It was very quiet on a Monday morning in August (only about two sites were occupied) and I could not find anyone to speak with. The ladies room was reasonable. There is a path that goes around the campground and two play structures but other than that, I don’t think there would be much to do, making this good for a pass-through overnight stop.

    • N K.
      Oct. 11, 2020

      Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

      Clean & kid friendly

      Well 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!

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 19, 2022

      On-Ur-Wa RV Park

      Nice stopover

      This 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.

    • Deborah C.
      Sep. 22, 2018

      Swan Lake State Park Campground

      Not very tent friendly

      This 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.

    • Christopher S.
      Jul. 29, 2020

      Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

      Unique, Must-See Landscape

      Continuing our tour of the best Backpacking parks in our great state of Iowa, my comrade and I spent 2 nights at Preparation Canyon State Park. 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. 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.

      The park boasts 10 backpacking, hike-in campsites. However, you will find maps and literature that reference only 8, for seemingly good reason. Sites 9 and 10 (apparently more recent additions) are the most remote in the park and might tempt those seeking that added level of solitude. We examined both of them and they were both found to be overgrown and the nearby creek tributary was mostly dry. Instead, we spent both of our nights at 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. The creek just to the North was still flowing and provided our water source. You will not regret staying here. The other sites are mostly in the woods and line said creek. I'm certain they would be great as well.

      A quick drive from the park lands you at the State Forest Lookout, which is partnered with a short 0.91 mile loop trail that is picturesque. Around the "back," (Northwest side) of the park there are shelters, picnic areas, and overlooks. You cannot park at these locations while camping in the park.

      The immediate surrounding towns provide very little in the way of amenities, so plan ahead. The cultural history of the park is intriguing, as it was the site of a 19th century Mormon town (from which the park gets its name). The town however is completely gone, there are no abandoned historical structures to explore.

      You won't miss them. Hike through the hilled prairie trail which is the first right as you enter from the Eastside Boundary, and you'll know why you came.

      In summary, this park is the quintessential example of the diversity that Iowa has to offer, and rivals Yellow River for it's backpacking. It's proximity to the larger State Forest means you could spend weeks exploring if so inclined.

    • Kris H.
      Jul. 24, 2019

      Scenic Park

      very friendly

      Scenic park is across the Missouri river from Sioux City,  Iowa.  It is easy to get to. Very friendly staff.  Restrooms are kept clean.  It is a large campground with several different restrooms with showers.  There is a number of permanent campsites, there is also some that can be reserved.  Some are also pull thru's. Ice and firewood are available on site.  There  is a separate area available for tents. With it being  on the edge of South Sioux City, Ne and across the river from Sioux City, Ia. there is lots of shopping options close by.  It can also be reserved for groups, with a shelter available for use.  There are some sunny spots and also spots with lots of shade.  I really like this campground!

    • Alison D.
      Oct. 9, 2020

      Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

      Surprise find in Iowa!

      I stayed here on a long road trip across the country. 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. Picnic table and fire ring included. Also, there’s a trail up a hill right near by that had great views of the area and a lovely sunset! I would definitely recommend. Just a head’s up: I saw some pics of people car camping here on this site. Not sure how that would work since it’s supposed to be walk-in only and pretty clearly roped off from access with a car.

    • M
      Oct. 4, 2020

      Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

      Clean, very nice campground, kid friendly

      There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers. Very nice for Iowa state parks.


    Guide to Ida Grove

    Crawford Creek County Rec Area provides tent, RV, and cabin camping options within 15 miles of Ida Grove, Iowa. Campsites in this region average $10-19 per night, with peak season running May through September. The area features prairie terrain with rolling hills, located in the Little Sioux River watershed with several lakes and water access points for recreation. Campgrounds range from basic primitive sites to developed areas with electric hookups and modern facilities.

    What to do

    Fishing access: Blue Lake at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers shoreline fishing near campsites. "Great fishing and is very well maintained not to mention that they have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago," notes Katie S.

    Kayaking routes: Multiple water access points for paddlers at Crawford Creek Recreation Area. "Water good for fishing, kayaking and swimming," states Megan H. The Little Sioux River provides several launch points at county parks.

    Swimming areas: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Ida Grove offer water recreation. "Large site under trees with mix of sun & shade. Nearby boat ramp to load kayak onto Blue Lake. Many water lilies but sheltered at one end so good for kayak," explains Sharon T.

    What campers like

    Affordable rates: Peters Park charges modest fees for amenities provided. "Nice, clean, quiet, lake for swimming and fishing, playground, store, movie nights for kids on Fri and Sat," reports Adam.

    Family-focused recreation: Campgrounds offer various entertainment options. "Multiple play areas for kids. Water good for fishing, kayaking and swimming. Nice cabins for rent," according to a camper at Crawford Creek Recreation Area.

    Quiet surroundings: Smaller county parks provide peaceful camping experiences. "Small park, peaceful, river access for canoe/kayak. No designated camp sites but plenty of space for tent or camper," writes Joshua D. about Ranney Knob Area.

    What you should know

    First-come sites: Many local campgrounds don't take reservations. "All sites are first come first serve. We arrived on a Saturday evening around 5:30pm and found a site no problem," shares Tim K. about Little Sioux Park Campground.

    Limited amenities: Primitive sites have basic facilities. "Small quiet campground. I only saw 3 sites, but there is room for 3 or 4 more. $10 per night and the Rangers came at about 3:30 pm to clean the vault toilet and collect my fee from the lockbox," notes Kent H. about Stieneke Area Park.

    Varying facility quality: Thirty Acres Campground offers different levels of comfort. "Beautiful view of the lake! Multiple options of camping sites. Clean RR and showers. Nice area!" reports Lynz N.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "This campground was perfect for a small family reunion. We rented out their 3 cabins and had a whole area to ourselves. The kids could walk down to the sand and a bridge," shares MomOfBoys W. about Yellow Smoke Park.

    Weekend activities: Some parks offer scheduled events. "Store, movie nights for kids on Fri and Sat," mentions Adam about Peters Park, making it ideal for family weekend trips.

    Beach swimming: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Ida Grove offer beach access. "Large playground for kids. Campground host had firewood. Picnic table & firepit with grill rack in good condition," notes Sharon T.

    Tips from RVers

    Site utilities: Check hookup locations before setting up. "Utility location did require us to use a longer hose and extension cord to reach from our site," advises Bruce P. at Camp Crescent Park.

    Dump station access: Lewis and Clark State Park has limitations. "The dump station is a tight squeeze for anything other than a small bumper pull camper," warns Pat V.

    RV site spacing: Consider site proximity during busy periods. "Nice level campground right on the water and in town. Many types of sites available from full hook to dry camping. Some paved but most are gravel sites. Gets busy on the holidays and some areas are pretty tight if your pulling a large unit," explains Bruce P.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ida Grove, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ida Grove, IA is Crawford Creek County Rec Area with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Ida Grove, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.