Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Mason City, IA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mason City, IA has a lot to offer. Mason City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Mason City and user-submitted reviews.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Mason City, Iowa (63)

    1. Clear Lake State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Clear Lake, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 357-4212

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We love coming to Clear Lake! The campgrounds are always very well kept, bathrooms very clean! Easy access to the lake, and the town has so much to do during the summer months!"

    "Clear lake state park is a nice campground. It does get very busy during peak season and traffic is continuous. It is clean and close to the beach. Down town and other shopping is a short drive away."

    2. MacNider Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mason City, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (641) 421-3679

    $12 - $26 / night

    "This campground is just across the river from East Park, a very large part in Mason city. The river flows through the park and there are several, maybe 5 playgrounds in the park."

    "There are also awesome parks within walking distance. If we ever come through this area again we will definitely be staying here!"

    3. Camp At The Woods

    4 Reviews
    Nora Springs, IA
    7 miles
    +1 (641) 696-3413

    "Perfect size sites and near the river for some water fun. Pool wasn’t open yet but looked to be a good size. Would go back there again for sure!"

    4. Shellrock River Co Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Nora Springs, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 423-5309

    "Big grassy field surrounded by huge (walnut) trees. There a gravel track that goes along a large river. Trees everywhere so bring bug spray. Quiet, peaceful. Not private but worth it."

    5. Oakwood RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Clear Lake, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 357-4019

    "Nice and quiet, many families around. Had a great overnight and a lazy morning before a 2 PM checkout. Would stay again when we're back this way."

    6. McIntosh Woods State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Ventura, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 829-3847

    $12 - $60 / night

    "Sites arranged in a circle around a clean shower house. Potable water. Only 2 non-electric sites. Most sites level. Sites are close to each other, not offering much in the way of privacy."

    "Beautiful shaded campground near the lake, not far from town if you forgot something. We stayed in one of the two yurts- bunk bed plus a futon and table/chairs inside. Picnic table and grill outside."

    7. Pilot Knob State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Forest City, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 581-4835

    $10 - $28 / night

    "Located by New Ulm, MN this campground has plenty of activities in the park or very near the park."

    "When driving to my site two fawns were laying near the playground."

    8. Wilkinson

    1 Review
    Nora Springs, IA
    7 miles
    +1 (641) 423-5309

    9. Rudd Eastside Park

    2 Reviews
    Rockford, IA
    15 miles
    Website

    "We tent camped but they’ve got lots of spaces for campers and tents as well, bathrooms are close, there is a nice lake near with play equipment located at the lake and at the campground, the campground"

    10. Woody’s Campground by the Lake

    1 Review
    Rockford, IA
    15 miles
    +1 (641) 420-3842

    $25 / night

    "Short walk to the lake and playgrounds. Bar and grill 1/4 mile away."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Mason City, IA

206 Reviews of 63 Mason City Campgrounds


  • Desiree R.
    Apr. 15, 2019

    MacNider Campground

    Peace in the city

    This campground is just across the river from East Park, a very large part in Mason city. The river flows through the park and there are several, maybe 5 playgrounds in the park. The campground is also next door to the city pool.

  • m
    Oct. 5, 2022

    Wilder City Park

    Beautiful city park

    Wilder Park is a beautiful city park. Very much a gem, quiet and peaceful . 50 + sites with about half of them full hook up. Costs for a full hook up in 2022 was under $25 a night. The park has two fishing areas, a dog park,pickle ball, volleyball mini golf, basketball and two playgrounds. A beautiful walking and bike path connects the parks to the neighboring cities. A free dump is also available. We highly recommend this park. 1

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Crystal Springs RV Resort

    Nice Campground

    As the campground(CG) is right off the interstate, it was easy to get to. Our check-in package was ready when we arrived at the little self-registration building at the entrance. We had requested site 40, where we had stayed two years ago, but they gave us back-in site 41 instead on the little lake. The utilities are in the middle of the site and worked well with water pressure near 45 psi. The sites are decently spaced for this type of CG. They have WiFi, but their info packet states it's not good enough for streaming but okay for email, etc. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi since we were only here for two nights. The CG is right off I-35, so you do get some highway noise. This CG is very well kept, with mostly seasonal and permanent parties. We came in with two other 5th wheels and had no problem getting sites, but we did reserve well before our arrival. There was not a formal dog park, but there was plenty of area to walk your dog. We noted that this CG was featured in RV Life’s 2023 Discover The Best RV Parks& Resorts In Every State with this narrative:"This family-owned campground prides itself on cleanliness; there is an owner on-site around the clock to ensure it stays in top condition. The park is beautifully landscaped and has both pull-thru and back-in sites. All sites(some are waterfront) are level and offer full hookups and free Wi-Fi. There are onsite restrooms and laundry facilities that are kept sparkling clean. They also offer a lending library of books and movies. There is a large pond on the property that is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports, and there is a walking path that circles the pond." Check out the Spam Museum in Austin, MN. We thought the museum would be cheesy, but it was a nice facility and a great experience. The CG deserved this praise, and we again enjoyed our stay.

  • M
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Prairie Bridges Park

    Very nice!

    Great small town campground. Very quiet, especially on weekdays. Great place to take long walks with great paths and scenery. Small town Iowa with convenience store close by.

  • Kerry M.
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Beed's Lake State Park Campground

    Camping by a beautiful lake

    Beeds Lake campground offers an opportunity to camp by a picturesque lake with a beautiful waterfall.

    There are many campsites to choose from. My only negative point for Beeds Lake is that the campground is very "campgroundy". Many of the RV sites are very close together, which is the norm in Iowa. However, there are a few on the outskirts that have a little more privacy.

    Things to do:

    • Nice trails to hike or bike
    • Beautiful small lake, great for kayaking and fishing
    • Paddle boat rental available
    • Man-made waterfall
    • Fishing (lake and beneath the waterfall)
    • Enjoy the nearby town of Hampton
  • E
    Apr. 17, 2019

    Eldred Sherwood Park

    Hidden gem (in a cornfield)

    This is about as "middle of nowhere" as you can get in Iowa 🙂! The campground offers both electric RV sites and primitive sites (with an accompanying bathhouse ~500 feet away)

    The park offers a couple nice walking paths both forested and prairie. The lake is small, but I'm told has some good fishing.

  • Emily H.
    Jun. 8, 2019

    Otranto Co Park

    Highly recommended family spot

    Right off county road and next to the river. The bathrooms and shower facilities are very basic, but the showers are nice and warm. There is a great playground area and a horseshoe pit play area. There is a public access point to the river, adjacent to the park. Lots of big shade trees throughout the camp sites, perfect for hammocks. The spot is very quiet, according to all of our kids. There are electric camp sights camps available. Prices are very reasonable. If you like to wake up and walk a few steps to fish, canoe, paddle board or swim, then this park is a dream come true.

  • Brian F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2020

    Eagle City County Park

    Quiet camping in the middle of nowhere.

    This park is located on 172 acres of land. It has an enclosed picnic shelter, hand pump well, vault rest rooms, primitive camping, and 2 swing sets. The park was named after the town of Eagle City platted in 1878 and at one time contained a general store, post office, grist mill, saw mill, blacksmith’s shop and doctor’s office.  This area has been used for primitive camping with an upper and lower level. The Iowa River runs next to this campground. The campground is down a couple miles of maintained gravel Rd.

  • anne K.
    May. 4, 2022

    White Fox — Myre-Big Island State Park

    Newer Facilities, neat landscape

    We stayed on the mainland campground White Fox in site #78, bordered on 3 sides by trees and shrubs for privacy. The bathroom/ shower facilities were very recently done. This park is unique as you can drive across a causeway and get on the Big Island which has more trails and another campground. We were here in May and the bugs were awful (I get it, they're part of being out in nature). At one point I just had to yell "RUN" at my partner as I fled with our dog because the may flies were swarming so thickly that it was all you could hear and see. Great park with lots of history, check it out and enjoy.


Guide to Mason City

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

Pet owners like the variety of amenities available

Tips for camping with dogs near Mason City

  • Bring along a leash and waste bags when visiting Camp At The Woods, as the campground is pet-friendly and encourages responsible pet ownership.
  • When camping at Oakwood RV Park, ensure your dog is comfortable with other campers, as sites can be close together.
  • At MacNider Campground, take advantage of the nearby parks for walks and playtime with your pet.

Dog owners appreciate the range of activities

  • Rudd Eastside Park features a lake with play equipment, making it a fun spot for kids and dogs alike to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Enjoy fishing and boating at Halvorson Park, where your dog can accompany you on water adventures.
  • Shellrock River Co Preserve offers a secluded environment perfect for a peaceful retreat with your pet, allowing for quiet walks and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mason City, IA is Clear Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 63 dog-friendly camping locations near Mason City, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.