55 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground welcomes pets at all campsites and cabin accommodations. The park provides electric and full hookup sites with picnic tables and fire rings where dogs can camp alongside their owners. Pets must remain leashed throughout the campground, including on the 2.1-mile lake loop trail that many campers enjoy with their dogs daily. The park's well-maintained hiking paths offer multiple options for exercising pets, with the trails remaining accessible even during late fall and winter months. Clean restrooms and shower facilities are available for campers, though no designated dog washing stations exist. Camping rates range from $23 for basic sites to $35 for full hookups, with separate cabin rentals also permitting pets.
Indian Lake Park offers additional pet-friendly camping options with spacious, clean sites that accommodate tents, RVs, and pet-friendly cabin rentals. The park features a swimming beach, fishing areas, and canoe access where leashed pets can accompany their owners. Both primitive tent sites and full hookup RV spots welcome dogs throughout the campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound as deer frequently emerge in the evenings to forage, providing entertainment for both pets and their owners. Bentonsport Riverside Park provides another alternative with riverfront camping where pets are permitted, though the sites offer more limited amenities with only electric hookups available. Campers should note that while most parks provide water access, designated pet waste stations are limited, so bringing waste disposal bags is recommended. The parks maintain quiet hours which apply to barking dogs, and closest emergency veterinary services are located in nearby towns.
"Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks."
"Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice."
from $15 - $36 / night
Check Availability"close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."
"Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."
"Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."
"We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there."
"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
from $8 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming."
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors."
"Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away."
from $12 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 / night
Check Availability"Close to geode hunting locations!! Quiet. There is also a restaurant on site. We did not go but there were always lots of people there. Heard good things about food."
TravelerNice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.
TravelerWe stayed on the primative group side of the lake. There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake. Great fishing and walking paths. Iowa has done a great job fixing up this area. The cabins are small but clean.
LegendLacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks. The Park and campground are well maintained and clean. We visited over Labor Day weekend and the park was only two-thirds full. It was a variety of Tent campers and RV's. The camp sites are spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another. They have electric and non-electric sites and the shower is very clean. There are almost 80 sites in the campground.
Don't miss the hiking trails and the Beach House and swimming lake. Don't miss lake Sugema, the Indian Mounds or the Ely Ford Mormon Trail crossing.
GuideConservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities. Unless you're a hunter, I'd avoid camping there during the November deer season or spring or fall turkey seasons. Otherwise summer camping is fine. Indian Hills Conservation Area is no exception: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/indian-hills-ca It is located in Scotland County in northeast Missouri and consists of rolling hills along the two branches of the Fabius River. Camping is allowed in the parking areas and the grassy areas next to the parking areas. A map of the 3,974 acre conservation area showing the parking/camping sites is found here (If you can't access this link, there is also a link to the map on the main page above): https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/8622map.pdf
The only amenities, are two unisex toilets. The CA is on the west side of Missouri State Highway 15. This highway starts in Mexico, MO and runs northbound through the county seats of Paris, Shelbyville, Edina and lastly Memphis, MO, in Scotland County. As you leave Edina, in Knox County, northbound, you'll pass through Baring and then Greensburg. About a half mile north of Greensburg you'll enter into Scotland County and the CA will be on your left (west). Missouri blacktop T, an east/west highway, is on the north side of the CA. There is a gravel road that runs west on the county line that is just south of the CA. Missouri blacktop C is an east/west highway about a half mile south of the CA area (which ends in Greensburg). There are 4 north/south roads that access the CA. The east border is Missouri Highway 15. The next road to the west is Seven Oaks. It connects on the north to Highway T and on the south end it turns to the east at the county line and connects to Highway 15. The next road is Indian Creek Road and connects on the north to Highway T. It goes through the northwest part of the CA and loops back to Highway T. There is a Tee intersection with Otter Creek Road that runs to the east and then turn back south to end just short of the Fabius River. The westernmost road is Old Trail Road which runs along part of the west side of the CA. The map shows that the road turns east and becomes Ivy Road. Actually it is a Tee intersection and is easy to miss. Old Trail Road continues to the south. At this intersection there is a farmstead and at first glance one would think that Ivy Road is a drive. It is not. Ivy Road continues to the south leaving the CA. At the county line there is a Tee intersection. You can turn left or right. If you turn left, the road will shortly turn to the right (south) and the road becomes Knox County Autumn Rd. If you turn right you'll shortly come to another Tee intersection. Turn left and the road becomes Ash Rd. Both Autumn and Ash will connect to Blacktop C at the south end. Turn Left on C and you'll find yourself back in Greensburg. Turn right and C will intersect with Missouri Highway 11. In Scotland County, the gravel roads that intersect with Highway T don't have the names as shown in the map, but have street numbers. Seven Oaks is easy to miss, but it's almost exactly 1 mile west of the intersection of Highway T and Missouri 15. Indian Creek Road is well marked as an entrance to the CA. Old Trail Road is in the community of Bible Grove. I've included a picture of the old school in Bible Grove located a couple hundred yards to the south of Highway T. I've also included pictures of all the gravel road intersections on Highway T.
My favorite camping spot is the one at the far west edge of the CA. It has a well maintained unisex bathroom and a lovely view. Next there is a parking area on Otter Creek Road where it turns from east/west to north/south. There is a walking trail that connects this road to Seven Oaks at this location. Next there is a parking area at the midpoint on Seven Oaks I like, and finally there is the parking area on Highway 15. The good thing about this area is that it is easy to get to, being right on 15, and has a bathroom. The other parking areas are fine, but there are no bathrooms and the views are not that great. I've included pictures of 4 of my favorite parking areas, as well as the turnoffs from Highway T.
GuideConservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities. Rebel's Cove is no exception: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/rebels-cove-ca. It is located in Putnam/Schuyler Counties in northeast Missouri along the Chariton River and borders southern Iowa. Camping is allowed in the parking area and the grassy areas next to the parking areas. A map of the 4,225 acre conservation area showing the parking/camping sites is found here: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/7944map.pdf The only amenity, is a unisex toilet at site E. The best camping, in my opinion is at one of 5 sites: At site A, where there is a wonderful overlook for handicap access overlooking the Chariton River swampland, at site E where there is the bathroom, but also quite a bit of mowed grass areas, at site G, where there is an old iron bridge over the Chariton that has a wooden walkway over the river, at site B where there is a neat shelter where the superstructure is constructed out of old barn timbers and where there is a lovely view of the hillside, and at site I, which is right up next to the River. Quite a few people use kayaks on the river. The river is 20 miles or so downriver from Rathbun dam in Iowa, and outflows from the dam vary the amount of water in the Chariton. The Chariton is largely channelized, but not here, so you get a good idea of what the River used to look like.
LegendLake Rathbun is a destination for boaters and campers in the State of Iowa. The Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains several facilities around the lake. Prairie Ridge campground is one of those facilities.
The campsites are good. They have a fire pit, a place to hang food to keep away from raccoons, electricity, and a nice gravel pad for your vehicle or camper. It has modern toilets and some of the campsites have a nice overlook of the lake.
What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers. It is a nice weekend getaway.
RangerClose to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment. Bathrooms with flush toilets nearby. Dump station for a fee. All sites had water and electric. Water was off during our visit in March. Park connected to nearby town by paved trail, approx 1 mile away. Gas and convenience store nearby. Camphost on site. Park is in a quiet rural location. Payment is made at dropbox when entering the park. Cell signal was 2 bars with Verizon.
GuideI don't think this camp site exists anymore. There is a roadside stop next to it with a Pavillion but no campground
GuideNice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice. Cheap too. Walking trails nearby.
Camping options near Keosauqua, Iowa center around the Des Moines River valley in southeastern Iowa's rolling hills. The area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with mild springs, hot summers, and cold winters. Camping facilities range from basic dispersed sites at wildlife management areas to full-service state park campgrounds with most sites open from April through October, though some offer year-round access.
Hiking trails: Lacey Keosauqua State Park offers well-maintained trails including the 2.1-mile lake loop trail which remains accessible in late fall and winter. "The trails, lake, and camp sites are well kept and just wonderful. The bath house is nice, the staff friendly, and the views breathtaking," notes Dani K. about Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground.
Historical exploration: The Bentonsport area provides unique historical sites within walking distance of campsites. "Down the road from the sleepy little town of Bentonsport, IA is this small riverfront campground... The view of the Des Moines River and the Bentonsport Bridge was beautiful, and it is an easy and short walk into town," says Lee D. about Bentonsport.
Swimming and fishing: Multiple parks offer water recreation options during warmer months. "This park has something for everyone... There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends. Hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, bird watching," explains Dave N. about the amenities at Indian Lake Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings away from urban areas. "Quiet campground located away from the lights of big cities. This has been one of our favorite campgrounds for years," shares Ashley A. about Lacey Keosauqua State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Evening wildlife sightings add to the camping experience. "We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors," notes Rebecca W. about Eldon Wildlife Management Area, a primitive option for those seeking solitude.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise. "Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean," reports Charles A. about Indian Lake Park, highlighting the importance of good amenities even in rural settings.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions throughout the year. "Stayed for a week in mid November. Although we had a storm at the beginning and end the overall stay was great. Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night," reports Melissa W. about her late-season stay at Lacey Keosauqua.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Keosauqua: Most area campgrounds welcome pets but have specific rules. "My pups and I loved walking the lake loop (2.1miles) every day," adds Melissa W., confirming the pet-friendly nature of trails at Lacey Keosauqua State Park.
Site availability: Weekday camping offers more solitude than weekends at most locations. "Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends," warns Dave N. about Indian Lake Park, suggesting advance reservations for summer weekends.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area were nice surprises. All for under $20 for electric RV site! Great campground for a small group event," mentions Tracy J. about Waubonsie Trail Park.
Beach activities: Sandy beaches provide safe swimming options for children. "Nice sites, great beach, and just close enough to town to grab some ice cream from a local shop," shares Mark about Lacey Keosauqua, highlighting family-friendly amenities.
Local attractions: Nearby towns offer additional activities for families. "We had a wonderful time camping and riding the trails," notes Dorothy H. about Lick Creek Unit - Upper Equestrian Campground, one of several pet-friendly campgrounds near Keosauqua with specialized activities.
Hookup options: Electric, water, and sewer availability varies by campground. "They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced. Most of the sites are nice and shady and level," explains Dave N. about Indian Lake Park.
Site spacing: Campground layouts affect privacy between sites. "The camp sites are spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another," notes Matt S. about Lacey Keosauqua State Park, an important consideration for larger rigs.
Accessibility: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "Small lot for hunters to park and go. For a secluded spot, good enough to camp. As long as you don't need any utilities," explains Chunk S. about Eldon Wildlife Management Area, indicating its limitations for larger RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Keosauqua, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Keosauqua, IA is Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Keosauqua, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 dog-friendly camping locations near Keosauqua, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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