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Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt near Maxwell accepts pets at both electrical and primitive campsites. Several pet-friendly campgrounds in the area offer varied accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Jester County Park, Hickory Grove Campground, and Ledges State Park all maintain pet-friendly policies throughout their grounds. Campsite sizes vary considerably, with reviewers noting that Hickory Grove offers some of the largest tent camping spaces in central Iowa, providing ample room for campers with dogs. Most locations require pets to remain on-leash at all times while on campground property. The modern bathrooms with showers at multiple locations provide convenience for campers staying multiple days with pets. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Maxwell, Iowa.
Well-maintained trails throughout these pet-friendly parks offer excellent walking opportunities for dogs and their owners. Chichaqua Bottoms features clearly marked paths through wooded areas, though some trail forks could use better signage. Hickory Grove Park provides paved trails ideal for dog walking, with the restored lake offering water access points suitable for pets that enjoy swimming. Camping is seasonal at most locations, with Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt closing for fall and winter months while Jester County Park remains open year-round. Pack extra water for pets as water availability varies between locations - Ashton Wildwood Park has no water access at the campground area, requiring campers to bring sufficient water for themselves and their animals. The quiet, spacious sites at Ashton Wildwood provide a more secluded camping experience with pets away from crowds.
"Next to skunk river oxbows, kayak, no swimming, water stagnant, no fish, about 4ft depth everywhere. Great hiking trails, clean, great camp hosts, ranger. All sites first come."
"We haven't camped here, but have seen that the tent areas are right next to the water. Super serene with great hiking trails and bird watching!"
"Most of the sites are tucked into the woods and very spacious. It's only $7/night! There is some play equipment for children. "
"There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station."
from $7 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Lots of trees for shade but the lake has trails and a swimming beach with watercraft rentals. Truly a hidden gem in central Iowa!"
"Got to the campground around 6pm on a Friday and no one was at the primitive campground which was nice. The picnic table and fire ring were clean and in good condition."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $336 / night
Check Availability"Thomas Mitchell park is located outside of Altoona Iowa on 197 acres. There are electric and non electric sites available."
"This is a sweet well-maintained campground just south of Mitchellville, Iowa off of 80. Not many sites and only a handful were occupied mid week in July."
"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."
from $12 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Been camping here every summer for about 3 years as pass thru Iowa."
"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."
from $24 - $26 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $26 / night
Check Availability"With a theme park on one side and a casino on the other, both in walking distance. It’s more of a park and party place hahaha"
"Short walk to the amusement park. We were there for most of the early summer so we got a season pass to the park which included the water park. They also have workcamper programs."
LegendVery nice state park campground. There are cabins as well as campsites. The park is adjacent to Pine Lake and water based recreation is available including swimming beach and boating. The campground is off a paved road and is near to town. There is a walking path to the boat launch from the campground. Biking/hiking trails are on property.
LegendSmall park with basic amenities along the river. There is a big event center at the entrance and keep going back and the campground is there along the river. This would be a great area for paddling the river. Seemed pretty quite and spaces are moderately spread out. There is a rifle range on the property if that interests you (negatively or positively- there is a photo of the rules in my review). No shooting while I was there.
ScoutNot free $10 a night.
ScoutNot free. $10 a night. Haven’t been here yet just writing a review to let everyone know it’s not free.
ScoutAs you arrive there is parking and a center with rest rooms, maps, and shelter with information. They print out free maps and it is easy to follow. The camp site is a short walk and they have a porta potty for use at the group site which is nice. Kuehn has some fire pits and grates available for a fire. They also have a table which is nice. The trails are in great condition and are multi connected throughout the park. There is also an additional camp spot by the river that we spotted which looked even a bit nicer and secluded. The only cons are At night when it’s still you can hear the highway in a distance ever so faintly and walking to the campsite with toddlers is super manageable but annoying if you need to make multiple trips. Overall it’s a fantastic place and well kept up!
TravelerOnly stayed one night but very convenient location and registration.
Legend9-14-26 Timberline East RV Campground, I do not think this is a KOA anymore. Tent site T1 & 2 was level and on grass with table and fire ring. checked in at 7pm, overcast, Molly was great at the check in, offered a 10% Veteran discount. $34 for the night. We only stayed one night. Showers and bathrooms were decent. T-Mobile was 5G 4 bars. Rained all night, you can hear the noise from the highway but you drown it out.
ScoutThis is a great location by the lake with some spots having great water views. You dont feel like sardines with all the space between sites. You can walk down to the beach as well in no time. We had a nice relaxing weekend. Will be back.
ScoutI love being close to the river and watching the birds.
Seasonal camping conditions vary across Maxwell's central Iowa woodlands. Campsites typically sit at elevations around 830-900 feet, with summer highs in the mid-80s and cooler spring and fall temperatures. Winter camping options are limited as several campgrounds close completely from late fall through early spring.
Observatory access: Ashton Wildwood Park offers a unique astronomy experience near its campground. "The observatory that's open on Saturday's (except the 1st Saturday) was awesome and the astronomers were great people and very knowledgeable. They showed how their telescopes worked and took us a tour of the building and classroom," notes reviewer Willy W.
Orienteering course: Ashton Wildwood Park features a dedicated orienteering course through its wooded areas. "There are a couple of hiking trails in the park that are maintained. One goes to a creek and a bird watching station. There is also a orienteering course but you have to walk in the woods to finish it," reports a camper.
Water crossings: Ledges State Park Campground offers distinctive low-water road crossings for campers to experience. "This is the best park in the state of Iowa, so much fun going thru the low water crossings!" shares Kent B. The park reopened in 2019 after closure for renovations and flood recovery.
Creek exploration: Thomas Mitchell County Park provides rock-lined creek access points. "Perfect weather last weekend and loved the little creek to splash around in with the dogs. Loads of rock stairways to enter and edit the creek throughout the park," says Kimberly W.
Observatory viewing: The astronomical facilities at Ashton Wildwood Park receive consistent praise. "The entire property was well maintained... the observatory and orienteering course all look awesome," writes Topaz G. The facility includes a classroom and multiple telescopes operated by knowledgeable staff.
Private tent areas: Spacious tent sites at Hickory Grove Campground provide ample room for campers. "We tent camp, so the modern bathrooms (with showers!!) is a huge plus. The spots are some of the biggest we've seen at any campground, so there aren't many and it's almost always quiet," notes Kaylinn W.
Concrete pads: Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt features upgraded campsites. "Nice quiet spot. New concrete at the campsites. Pretty trails," says Jay F. The improved pads provide better leveling for tents and equipment.
Modern tornado shelters: Safety features at campgrounds include severe weather protection. "The shower house and restroom was new in 2017, is large with private shower rooms and serves as a tornado shelter," reports Debra T. about facilities at Hickory Grove Campground.
Seasonal closures: Winter camping options are limited in the Maxwell area. "Drove 6 hours to find out the campground is closed (apparently for all of fall and winter) without any awareness of that being the case online," warns Katie P. about Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.
Water levels: Water-based activities depend on current conditions. "The campground was well maintained and very quite. Great place for a quick trip. Unfortunately you can not rent kayaks or canoes at this time due to water levels," notes Nathan M. from Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.
Water access limitations: Ashton Wildwood Park has no running water near tent sites. "The bathroom at the campground doesn't have plumbing and no water available so make sure to bring plenty of water," advises Willy W., though "Drive up the road to the observatory and there is a bathroom with flush toilets and a hot shower, also a water spigot on the back side."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Maxwell typically restrict pets to leashed areas. Bob Shelter Recreation Area, Prairie Flower, and Thomas Mitchell all welcome pets but require they remain under control at all times to protect wildlife and other campers.
Lakeside activities: Prairie Flower Recreation Area offers water-based recreation for families. "Lots to do at Saylorville Lake. The facilities are modern and clean and there is some real pride at this park," notes Matt S. The campground connects to regional trails suitable for family bike rides.
Animal viewing: Jester County Park provides wildlife viewing opportunities. "Buffalo ranch near by which is cool as well as Pingora outdoor supply store near by where you can purchase firewood and other camp supplies," reports Luke C. Kids particularly enjoy seeing the bison exhibit.
Playground proximity: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. "There are playgrounds for the kids and shelter/picnic areas for day trips with the little ones," notes Willy W. about Hickory Grove, while Thomas Mitchell Park features "a small park to play at for kids."
Pet-friendly activities: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Maxwell feature trails accessible to leashed pets. Cherry Glen Campground offers "Lush green plots of land everywhere... Quiet, relaxing place. Friendly staff. We took a long walk through the campground and others nearby," according to Patti M.
Concrete pads: Adventureland Campground provides solid foundations. "Pull through paved 50 amp sites, with water and sewage. Picnic table for use," reports Gillian L. The level surfaces make setup easier for larger vehicles.
Dump station waits: Allow extra time at busy campgrounds. "There's one dump station for a campground that is large is size and popularity. Trying to leave on Sunday is a good 1 hour wait... that's being generous!" warns Elizabeth A. about Prairie Flower Recreation Area.
Electric-only sites: Many campgrounds feature electric hookups without water or sewer. "We stayed at spot 20 which was extra wide, concrete pad with electric hook up. No water or sewer," notes Wendy H. about Bob Shelter Recreation Area, adding it "backs to the river below the spillway from the dam."
Tank filling logistics: Planning for water needs requires preparation. "No water connections at sites but in group camping there is a one water connection to fill tanks. On large loops you will need a lot of hose to reach. I think I needed about 80' some campers will need 100'," advises Ron B. at Prairie Flower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Maxwell, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Maxwell, IA is Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Maxwell, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 dog-friendly camping locations near Maxwell, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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