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Dog-Friendly Camping near Monticello, IA

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    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello welcomes pets at its tent, RV, and cabin camping sites from April 15 to October 15. This family-oriented campground offers electric hookups, water access, and sewer connections for RV campers traveling with dogs. Central Park in Center Junction and Matsell Bridge Natural Area also accommodate pets at their campsites, with Central Park providing electric hookups and shower facilities while Matsell Bridge offers a more primitive camping experience directly adjacent to the Wapsipinicon River. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to remain on leash at all times, with picnic tables and fire pits standard at virtually all pet-friendly sites. The tent sites at Riverview Ridge, particularly those down by the river, provide good spacing between neighbors for campers with dogs.

    Wapsipinicon State Park Campground features pet-friendly camping atop the bluffs with hiking trails accessible for leashed dogs. RV campers should note that finding level sites can be challenging at this state park, with several on approximately 20-degree slopes. The North Fork Maquoketa River at Riverview Ridge offers two-hour float trips directly from the campground that can be enjoyed with well-behaved dogs. Bug spray is essential when camping with pets at Matsell Bridge Natural Area, where gnats and mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in late May. Worthington Sportsman's Club provides secluded pet-friendly camping near a pond with clean pit toilets, though campers should watch for stinging nettles in some areas. Most campgrounds in the region maintain pet waste disposal stations, and overnight camping options range from fully-developed sites with electric to primitive riverside spots.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Monticello (123)

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      1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      4.5(35)22mi from Monticello32 sitesRVs, Tents

      "You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit."

      "Caves were closed but we had a great time hiking the trails. Very clean campground. Plenty of wood for campfires, just had a donation box. Electric campsites have plenty of shade."

      from $20 - $28 / night

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      2. Central Park

      4.8(6)8mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."

      "Small lake to fish and kayak!"

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      3. Wapsipinicon State Park Campground

      3.7(7)11mi from Monticello25 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The RV sites aren’t really out of the ordinary but the park sits upon a slight rise above the Missouri River and the road around the campground leads down to the river."

      "It is a short drive to the river to hike, picnic, paddle, fish. There are 2 boat ramps, one just above the dam. This site is a Registered Historic site."

      from $12 - $40 / night

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      4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello

      4.7(3)2mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Cabins

      from $35 - $105 / night

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      5. Riverview Ridge

      4.7(3)10mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents

      "Apparently there are also good trails, as many of the campers have ATV’s parked at their sites. The shower house, under the office, was spacious and clean."

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      6. Pinicon Ridge Park

      4.6(10)18mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Dump available on entrance/exit.  The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table.  Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "

      "Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."

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      7. Matsell Bridge Natural Area

      4.3(4)12mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."

      "The first day my dog got off his leash and jumped into the river. An hour later he had gotten up the cliff and was in the woods and the DNR picked my up and took me back to camp."

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      8. Blue Inn Campground

      2.5(2)1mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents

      "37 full-hookup sites, some tent sites, all right on edge of town. Adjacent to Kitty Creek, joins Maquoketa River. Some concrete pads, most are gravel, fairly level."

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      9. Worthington Sportsman's Club - Members Only

      5.0(1)13mi from MonticelloTents

      "People driving around the pond didn't even know we were there! The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles). Great fishing while we were there too."

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      10. Eden Valley Refuge

      4.1(7)21mi from MonticelloRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."

      "Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Monticello, IA

    68 Photos of 123 Monticello Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Monticello, IA

    585 Reviews of 123 Monticello Campgrounds

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 9, 2024

      Horseshoe Pond

      Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa

      CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 22, 2024

      Oelwein City Park

      This is a beautiful city park campground

      I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.

      There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.

      The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.

      There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.

      I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 9, 2025

      Iowa 80 Truckstop

      Good overnight parking and I 80 access

      This overnight access is a small town in itself. This site offers not only the basic communities and needs of fuel, including EV, charging stations, but auto parts, showers, dentist, Chiropractic, care, gifts, dog park, and is right next to the I 80 trucking museum. Good lighting in the overnight spots which has room for long RVs.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 24, 2021

      Horseshoe Pond

      Small City CG in Maquoketa Iowa

      CG lies within Maquoketa and is seasonal. Has pond for fishing, shelter, dog park, playset, disc golf course. Sites are pulling, have electric and fire pits. Camp supplies including wood in nearby stores. Prairie Creek runs along south of CG.

    • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Feb. 16, 2023

      Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

      Very clean and well-maintained

      General: 58 sites with various amenities. Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio. Tents are NOT allowed. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and asked to sign a waiver and given a welcome packet. The rules are extensive, but most are common sense/courtesy and not at all unreasonable. 

      Site Quality: All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park. Our site had a patio and decent-sized picnic table but it was chilly when we were there so we ate inside. 

      Bathhouse: Very clean as were the showers. 

      Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table. Coffee is available after 9 am. There is also a small chapel available 24/7 and a laundry room. WiFi is also available. There is a camp store with ice, ice cream, some camping supplies, clothing, crafts, and more. We were told several restaurants will deliver to the campground. 

      We don’t typically prefer to stay in RV-style campgrounds, but it was conveniently located with easy access off Route 151 just over the Wisconsin border from Iowa, we were warmly welcomed, and enjoyed our short stay passing through. Pride of ownership was evident throughout.

    • C
      Oct. 5, 2022

      Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

      No Pets?

      Was looking forward to camping there until I found out they do not allow pets at tent sites. Apparently they don’t feel responsible pet owners use tents. Not happy will never stay there

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 25, 2022

      Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

      Private CG with lake

      This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming.

    • Brett F.
      Aug. 5, 2021

      Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

      Camping & Caves

      This is one of our favorite parks in the Midwest. We usually make a day trip from Chicagoland, but this time we camped at the park. We are glad we did!

      You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit. You can climb up about 5-7 feet and out the "window". The kids felt like real spelunkers!

      While the park is usually crowded during the day, we find it nearly empty beginning in the late afternoons on the weekdays we visited. It felt like we had the place to ourselves.

      The campground is about a five minute walk to the park's main entrances. The campground was very quiet... just the way we like it. There is a family of cats that hang around: they visit from a nearby dairy farm. The kids loved this added attraction. The dog did not.

      The bathroom and shower house is clean. There is only one. So it gets pretty busy during "flush hour". Our campsite was right next to the bathroom/ shower and dumpster. We noticed flies and the occasional whiff of trash.

      We'll continue visiting this park. And we look forward to camping on site.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 16, 2025

      West Overlook Campground

      A darn good dam campground

      This campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River. The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay. The recreation area also includes campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993.

      This review is for the West Overlook campground located on the lakeside upstream of the dam. This is one of the larger campgrounds at Coralville Lake, and is popular due to the large sandy beach, the modern boatlaunch area, and options for a variety of kinds of campsites in separate loops. Some of the loops are close to the lake or in various heights overlooking the lake, some loops are tucked into beautiful shady woods further inland. As a tent camper I chose one of the loops in the woods as the sites are larger and quieter and more spacious. All of the loops seem family friendly and pretty quiet even though pretty full. There are new modern bath houses with showers, and hiking trails all around. There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating. This seems to be a camping destination for a lot of folks in the area, but is also an easy stopover right off Interstate 80 for folks on road trips. It is also a nice and inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City or the University of Iowa, only about a 15-20 minute drive away. My most recent time camping here was this month, May 2025, but I have camped here many times in the past as far back as 1964, and the campground improvements and recreation opportunities have just gotten better and better over the years. Its a popular location, so Spring camping is quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then.

    Guide to Monticello

    Monticello, Iowa sits within rolling hills and farmland at 850 feet elevation in eastern Iowa's Jones County. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winters often dropping below freezing. Camping options range from primitive riverside spots to full-hookup RV sites, with most facilities open from April through October when temperatures are most favorable.

    What to do

    Explore limestone caves: Maquoketa Caves State Park, located 22 miles east of Monticello, offers more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails and 13 distinct bat caves. "This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat cave spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you've also struck the campground lottery," writes Stuart K.

    Float the river: New Wine Park provides access to the North Fork Maquoketa River for fishing and water activities. "The North Fork Maquoketa River at Riverview Ridge offers two-hour float trips directly from the campground that can be enjoyed with well-behaved dogs," notes Wayne K. Most local outfitters charge $15-25 per tube rental with shuttle service.

    Disc golf and playgrounds: Pinicon Ridge Park features extensive recreational facilities beyond camping. "They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured. There is also a beautiful walking/biking trail and canoe rentals," reports Chelsea D.

    What campers like

    Peaceful camping among trees: Central Park in Center Junction offers sites around a scenic lake. "This park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas," writes James M.

    Secluded riverside sites: Riverview Ridge provides excellent spacing between campsites, especially in the tent area. "Great private campground. Lots of trailer sites but the gem is the tent sites down by the river. Very clean and the office was so friendly. Every Friday they do a themed dinner and play a movie," says Laura B.

    Access to hiking networks: Wapsipinicon State Park Campground features extensive trail systems. "Park has primitive and electric sites atop the bluffs of the river. There is a cg host during camp season. There is a Scout Lodge, restrooms/showers, play ground, shelters, and a golf course in the park. It is a short drive to the river to hike, picnic, paddle, fish," explains James M.

    What you should know

    Seasonal bug issues: Be prepared for insects, particularly in late spring and early summer. "Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this 'best kept secret' for primitive and inexpensive camping sites," advises Carol M. about Matsell Bridge Natural Area.

    Cave access restrictions: Check bat hibernation schedules before visiting cave systems. "I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins – for what it's worth, my brother and I drove all the way here only to find out that hibernation began the day of our arrival. That said, we could still hike all of the amazing trails, but couldn't access the bat caves," cautions Stuart K.

    Varying site levelness: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for setting up. "No such thing as a level camping spot at this campground. Bathrooms have three toilets and one shower stall. Bathroom is outdated," notes Andrea H. about Wapsipinicon State Park Campground.

    Tips for camping with families

    Schedule around themed activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Monticello offers organized family events. "This was our first Jellystone experience and will not be our last!! Great campground and an amazing staff!! Our kids had so much fun!!" shares Dustin B. The park operates from April 15 to October 15 with daily activity schedules.

    Consider campgrounds with safety features: Look for playgrounds with appropriate safety measures. "The rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured" at Pinicon Ridge Park shows thoughtful design for families with children of different ages.

    Select sites near amenities: Position your campsite strategically. "If you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites," recommends Stuart K. about Maquoketa Caves State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection considerations: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Monticello offer RV-specific advice on picking the right spot. "You probably don't want sites 1 or 2, they are directly across from the dump site. The plus is they are directly across from the playground, picnic area and trail access," advises Shelly S. regarding Maquoketa Caves State Park.

    Check hookup specifications: Confirm electrical capacity meets your needs. "The sites were extremely level and clean, electric and water hookups. The camp host was very friendly and had plenty of firewood and ice in stock," explains Chelsea D. about Pinicon Ridge Park, which offers water and electric but requires using the dump station upon exit.

    Be aware of seasonal closures: Many pet-accommodating campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. "The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year," notes Stuart K. about Maquoketa Caves State Park, which is typical for the region's pet-friendly camping options.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Monticello, IA is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 123 dog-friendly camping locations near Monticello, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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