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Loess Hills Hideaway accommodates pets at its cabin and RV campgrounds in Moorhead, with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Dogs are welcome at all tent and RV sites throughout the area, including Preparation Canyon State Park's walk-in backcountry campsites and Jones Pond's free camping area. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground also permits pets at its cabin, tent, and RV sites, providing full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. Bathrooms and showers at pet-friendly campgrounds are generally clean and well-maintained. The area campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements for dogs, typically six feet or less, with owners responsible for proper waste disposal. Many sites in the Loess Hills region remain reasonably secluded despite allowing pets.
Trail access varies significantly between dog-friendly campgrounds, with Preparation Canyon offering nearly 8 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails through the unique Loess Hills landscape. The terrain features distinctive rolling topography and prairie ecosystems that pets and owners can explore together. Most campgrounds in the area provide limited shade, so summer visits require extra water and cooling considerations for dogs. Jones Pond remains particularly quiet and peaceful for campers with pets, with visitors rarely encountering others during their stay. Nelson Park includes fishing access and walking trails suitable for leashed dogs. When camping with pets in the Moorhead region, prepare for limited amenities at more primitive sites like Jones Pond and Preparation Canyon, which lack drinking water and modern restrooms but offer excellent trail access and natural settings for dog-friendly camping.
"Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."
"Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."
from $9 / night
Check Availability"Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"
"There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door."
"It took a lot of driving to get back in here, but the payoff was a lovely little isolated, three or 4 acres of grass and hardwood trees by a sweet little cemetery of the hill."
"Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that."
"There is a small dog park for the pups. Bathrooms and showers are clean. One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom. Hosts are very friendly."
"Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees."
"I wouldn't plan on letting my kids or dogs get into the water, except to, maybe, wade at the boat ramp where it is protected from the current by small islands where the creek comes in."
"Located far enough from the interstate to avoid any traffic noise River barges were unloading next to the campground when we were here."
"The lake is small and meant for non. Motorized boats. There's a ton of trails around the outside of the park. If you follow the far outside one, it's almost three and a half miles."
"I wanted a weekend away from the craziness so chose to go "home" for my first solo trip in quite awhile."
"Has a descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing."
TravelerWell kept & family friendly camping in Iowa! We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water. Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers. Will come back!
LegendThis small campground is right off the interstate, easy to get to. It’s right by a small truck stop, but the noise was not bothersome at all. There is a small dog park for the pups. Bathrooms and showers are clean. One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom. Hosts are very friendly. Sites are close, but for a one night stay that was just fine.
GuideI didn’t stay here but did scout it out. Small park by the NishnaBotna river. I did see a camper there with his dog but website specifically says no pets.
GuideThis campground is not really designed as an actual campground. It is for fair workers to hook up to during the county fair but is available for use by the general public at all other times. It gets 4 stars not because of any amenities, but because it is a safe uncrowded overnight location that is perfect to stay at with fuel and food nearby and a large area to walk pets.
Pros: Easy to move rigs in and out of, 30&50amp hookups, perfect for an overnight stop right off the highway if you don't want to stay in a Walmart parking lot. Pretty flat spots
Cons: Not built for actual camping (no fire rings/picnic tables/paved sites/bathrooms), sewer dump on location but unavailable for general population use, if you plug into the 30 amp receptacle it is $20 a night, if you plug into the 50amp receptacle it is $25 a night, each pedestal has both plugs. Some may say that is steep for a place like this, but it helps keep it maintained.
ScoutWe showed up easter sunday when everyone in the loop left except one van, so it was pretty empty. But the wind was so intense an constant. Probably about 20 to 25mph wind all day and night. Temp was mid 70s to 80s. Well kept sites and the park ranger came through to check reservations were correct on the posts. Random people did come through the loop area to either hang out or go to the trail, which alerted our dogs everytime. We even thought some lady did a drug deal by grabbing an orange bag from one of the electric posts then left, pretty weird. We stayed on site 81 next to water which was essential. Big lake close by to fish which I'm guessing the only thing to do here other than walk the trail. I ran the trail for a workout, it's all grass around the lake. All the sites are pretty close together, about 20 to 30 apart so of you like that then there you go, but we wanted space for our dogs and privacy. Stayed 2 nights. All views of corn.
LegendThis is a state park in Iowa right off the Missouri river. And also directly next to or connected to the great nature preserve Desoto Bend. Unfortunately there were massive floods in 2019 in this area that effected the area near the missouri, Platte, and Elkhorn river. Due to these flood this great park is closed along with other parks that are still closed. If you look around and see a few parks that are closed and some that are open but have repairs needed. I hope this park will open in the future. And this and other parks get the repairs that they need. This park is one of Iowa best in my opinion.
GuideContinuing our tour of the best Backpacking parks in our great state of Iowa, my comrade and I spent 2 nights at Preparation Canyon State Park. Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America. If you have not visited this area, put it high on your to-do list. The weekend was blistering hot at 95° F and a 9/10 UV index, but we were conditioning for a larger trip this summer, so we welcomed the challenge.
The park boasts 10 backpacking, hike-in campsites. However, you will find maps and literature that reference only 8, for seemingly good reason. Sites 9 and 10 (apparently more recent additions) are the most remote in the park and might tempt those seeking that added level of solitude. We examined both of them and they were both found to be overgrown and the nearby creek tributary was mostly dry. Instead, we spent both of our nights at Site 3, which seems to be the crown jewel. It is a small trek up a hillside and looks out across the general area, with a phenomenal star gazing opportunity. The creek just to the North was still flowing and provided our water source. You will not regret staying here. The other sites are mostly in the woods and line said creek. I'm certain they would be great as well.
A quick drive from the park lands you at the State Forest Lookout, which is partnered with a short 0.91 mile loop trail that is picturesque. Around the "back," (Northwest side) of the park there are shelters, picnic areas, and overlooks. You cannot park at these locations while camping in the park.
The immediate surrounding towns provide very little in the way of amenities, so plan ahead. The cultural history of the park is intriguing, as it was the site of a 19th century Mormon town (from which the park gets its name). The town however is completely gone, there are no abandoned historical structures to explore.
You won't miss them. Hike through the hilled prairie trail which is the first right as you enter from the Eastside Boundary, and you'll know why you came.
In summary, this park is the quintessential example of the diversity that Iowa has to offer, and rivals Yellow River for it's backpacking. It's proximity to the larger State Forest means you could spend weeks exploring if so inclined.
LegendIt is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge.
It is right next to the Missouri River, and although the park and campground are in Iowa, the DeSoto National Wildlife Preserve is in both Iowa and Nebraska.
You have to pay separate fees to enter the Wildlife Preserve but it is worth it. The entire area is beautiful and has great views of the Missouri River. There is a visitor center and a few other attractions but the trails and the Missouri River are the best feature.
GuideThese Iowa state parks are extremely clean and well taken care of. The lake is huge with multiple trails that the kids loved. Playground was directly behind us which is a plus for us.
Camping options near Moorhead, Iowa center around the Loess Hills region, a unique landform of wind-deposited silt that reaches elevations up to 200 feet above the Missouri River floodplain. The area's distinctive terrain features steep, ridged hills with prairie ecosystems not found elsewhere in North America except for parts of China. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, creating challenging conditions for outdoor activities without proper preparation.
Hiking the unique landscape: At Preparation Canyon State Park, nearly 8 miles of trails showcase the distinctive Loess Hills topography. Christopher S. notes, "The flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America. If you have not visited this area, put it high on your to-do list." For a shorter excursion, the State Forest Lookout offers "a short 0.91 mile loop trail that is picturesque."
Fishing opportunities: Nelson Park provides accessible fishing with a "descent size lake good for kayaking and fishing," according to Edger G. The park maintains fishing access points suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
Water recreation: Lewis and Clark State Park offers boating and swimming options on Blue Lake. Sharon T. shares her experience: "Nearby boat ramp to load kayak onto Blue Lake. Many water lilies but sheltered at one end so good for kayak." The park includes a beach area for swimming during summer months.
Historical exploration: Learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition at the visitor center. Timothy S. mentions the park "has a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area."
Secluded sites: Preparation Canyon State Park offers walk-in backcountry sites with natural privacy. Tarrah C. describes the setup: "There are about 8 sites dispersed around the area so camping is always private. There is a parking lot where envelopes are so you can pay and hike in."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area typically maintain good standards for bathrooms and showers. Kyle L. notes that at Nelson Park, "The grounds and facilities at the park were in excellent shape even though many of the buildings were still the same ones that I had known from childhood."
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. Christopher S. recommends Site 3 at Preparation Canyon, which "looks out across the general area, with a phenomenal star gazing opportunity." Julia R. at Huff-Warner Access Area confirms "the stars were bright!"
Wildlife viewing: The unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. The prairie areas of Loess Hills State Forest offer opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation. VanCamp402 comments on the "incredible hiking just outside your door" at this location.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water taste. At Huff-Warner Access Area, Tammy F. warns that "the water, while potable (so we were told), has a very, very strong iron/metallic taste. To the point that, for us, it was undrinkable."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Jones Pond and several other locations offer free camping but lack basic services. Roberto G. advises, "There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that."
Bug preparation essential: River and lake proximity means insect activity. Tammy F. reminds campers, "You're camping by a river (i.e., water), so there are many, many flying insects. Be sure to have insect repellent, as they are merciless."
Campsite spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. Bob H. notes about Lewis and Clark State Park: "It's a bunch of campers all piled on top of each other with no real views," while Preparation Canyon offers more secluded options.
Playground access: Willow Lake Recreation Area and Lewis and Clark State Park have play areas for children. N K. shares, "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready."
Educational opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park offers historical exhibits for kids. Katie S. notes, "They have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will also occasionally take it out and give rides."
Dog friendly campsites: Most campgrounds near Moorhead welcome pets with standard restrictions. Tyler S. confirms Loess Hills Hideaway "has cabins and R.V. spots for sure" where pets are permitted, with "clean and well maintained" bathrooms if needed.
Safety considerations: Water access points require supervision. Tammy F. cautions about Huff-Warner: "The river current is quite fast here. I wouldn't plan on letting my kids or dogs get into the water, except to, maybe, wade at the boat ramp where it is protected from the current."
Seasonal availability: Most pet friendly campgrounds near Moorhead operate seasonally. Willow Lake Recreation Area offers electric and water hookups for $25 per night according to Teresa T., who adds "the spots are first come, first serve."
RV hookup options: Electric, water and sometimes sewer connections are available at several locations. Kathy F. shares about Lewis and Clark State Park: "The rate was 19.00 for full 50 amp hookup. Beautiful state park in the water nice level sites paved."
Dump station challenges: Limited facilities may create congestion. Pat V. warns about Lewis and Clark State Park: "The dump station is a tight squeeze for anything other than a small bumper pull camper."
Pull-through accessibility: On-Ur-Wa RV Park offers convenient sites for larger rigs. Andrew describes "a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees" and notes the park is "super clean and very well taken care of."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Moorhead, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Moorhead, IA is Preparation Canyon State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Moorhead, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 70 dog-friendly camping locations near Moorhead, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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