Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Madrid, IA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Madrid, IA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Madrid is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Madrid camping trip.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Madrid, Iowa (74)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    2. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "There was four of us and a dog."

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    3. Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    17 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 984-6925

    $20 - $336 / night

    "The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."

    "The only down side of this was the grass was really long so it was bad when taking the dog out in the evenings or mornings. You would come back in with a soaked dog and wet feet."

    4. Acorn Valley

    11 Reviews
    Polk City, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0429

    $14 - $84 / night

    "Took the PUP, two kids, dog and grandma (first time in 20+ years) this past weekend. Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."

    "Great find on our way through Iowa. Clean and spacious. Very quiet, just listen to the frogs at night."

    5. Cherry Glen Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 964-8792

    $24 - $26 / night

    "Above average overall for central Iowa. Views of Saylorville Lake. Plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. It’s a large park and some sites are close together, but generally spacious. Good cell service."

    "Lots of RV sites around. The whole area around Saylorville Lake has camping. Lush green plots of land everywhere. I forget how pretty it is in the Midwest when I'm gone for so long."

    6. Bob Shelter Recreation Area & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Johnston, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 276-0873

    $22 - $26 / night

    "We stayed here for two nights while visiting family nearby. It’s a pretty location with the dam and waterway right there. The sites are well spaced."

    "Great spot located next to the Des Moines River. Check in was a breeze and conveniently near the fill and dump stations. Peaceful lot near the river. Great fishing in the river."

    7. Timberline Campground

    13 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 987-1714

    $35 - $80 / night

    "Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass."

    "If you’re traveling through Des Moines, Iowa area; this is the place you will want to camp at!"

    8. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    27 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."

    9. Greenhouse Camping

    2 Reviews
    Ankeny, IA
    14 miles
    +1 (515) 423-8877

    "My niece lives in Desert Moines and it was a short drive for her to come for a visit and bring some local, delicious tacos for dinner. We will definitely consider this spot next time through!"

    10. Walnut Woods State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    West Des Moines, IA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (515) 285-4502

    $25 - $38 / night

    "There's a boat camp, a bird watching area, a playground, plany of park space with picnic tables and BBQ pits, hiking and biking trails, and even a lodge that I assume can be rented for events."

    "Walnut Woods is conveniently located 25 minutes outside of downtown Des Moines. Sites are paved and mostly level, although we did have to throw a couple of blocks under one side of our TT tires."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Madrid, IA

474 Reviews of 74 Madrid 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.

  • Kerry M.
    Aug. 25, 2021

    Riverview Park Campground

    Urban campground is near a busy highway

    This campground has many sites to choose from - RV with hookups as well as some non-electric tent sites. There are quite a few activities in Marshalltown, and it is within the Marshalltown city limits.

    The downside is proximity. It is right next to the highway. When I was there in a tent, the hog trucks would drive by all night (loud and smelly). The RV sites are closest to the road, so maybe it is not so bad in an RV, but it is not particularly enjoyable in a tent.

    Pros:

    + Marshalltown has quite a few places to eat

    + Nice bike trails (and a great bicycle store downtown)

    + It is near the Iowa River

    + Nice park in general with activities like a dog park

    + Camp host on-site

    + Decent sized campsites

    + Playground for the kids

    Cons:

    + It can get busy on a summer weekend

    + Noisy - right by the highway

    + Mosquitos are really bad here

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Abby F.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Twin Anchors Campground

    Small, Close Campground

    The campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy. They have a small petting zoo and a small beach. This place feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature. Most people use this as a "summer home".

  • 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 Madrid

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Madrid, Iowa, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Tips for camping with dogs near Madrid

  • Ensure your pet is comfortable by bringing their favorite bedding and toys to make the camping experience enjoyable at Ledges State Park Campground.
  • Keep your dog leashed and under control while exploring the scenic trails at Jester County Park.
  • Pack plenty of water and snacks for your pet, especially during hikes around the beautiful landscapes of Prairie Flower Recreation Area.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Madrid

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Madrid, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 74 dog-friendly camping locations near Madrid, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.