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Dog-Friendly Camping near Moravia, IA

60 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Honey Creek State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its camping areas on Lake Rathbun, where families with dogs have ready access to hiking trails and water recreation. The campground offers electric hookups with both 50-amp and 30-amp service for RV campers, while also accommodating tent campers and providing cabin options for those seeking more shelter with their pets. Campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings, with most sites offering good spacing between neighbors. The park maintains clean shower facilities and modern restrooms, though some sites in the north loop's center section can feel crowded, with awnings potentially extending into neighboring spaces. The showers and bathrooms remain well-maintained but require a longer walk from the group camping area.

    Lake Wapello State Park Campground provides additional pet-friendly campgrounds about 20 miles east of Moravia, with campsites that maintain excellent spacing and clean, recently updated facilities. The park's extensive trail system includes the Lakeshore Trail circling the entire lake, requiring 2-3 hours to complete and offering numerous wildlife viewing opportunities for pets and owners. Campers regularly spot deer, bald eagles, turtles, and waterfowl while hiking or kayaking with their dogs. Island View Campground on Rathbun Lake delivers spacious sites with ample shade trees and spectacular sunset views across the water. The campground includes multiple boat ramps, making it convenient for pet owners who enjoy water activities with their dogs. Ticks can be problematic in warmer months, so visitors should apply bug spray and check pets regularly when hiking park trails.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Moravia (60)

      1. Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun

      4.6(7)7mi from Moravia188 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels"

      "Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."

      from $22 - $230 / night

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      2. Honey Creek State Park Campground

      4.3(4)6mi from Moravia116 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Honey Creek State Park is located on the north side of Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa. Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading."

      "Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop."

      from $14 - $50 / night

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      3. Lake Wapello State Park Campground

      5.0(6)13mi from Moravia86 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Some campsites are close to the lake.  Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery. "

      "I have camped at lake wapello for 32 years in a row over my birthday in September it is the cleanest friendliest best wildlife great fishing wonderful campsites a place that I will always return to."

      from $15 - $100 / night

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      4. COE Rathbun Lake Buck Creek

      3.0(1)3mi from Moravia42 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $22 - $25 / night

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      5. Prairie Ridge

      3.0(1)4mi from Moravia55 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $25 - $120 / night

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      6. Bridgeview Campground

      3.5(2)11mi from Moravia103 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $15 - $44 / night

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      7. Ottumwa City Park

      3.3(4)22mi from MoraviaRVs, Tents

      "Has a lake you can fish at right in campground. Although it is right next to a major road, but also extremely close to downtown and anything you might need."

      8. Doggs RV Park

      Be the first to review8mi from MoraviaRVs, Tents

      9. Indian Hills RV Park

      Be the first to review9mi from MoraviaRVs, Tents

      10. Rolling Cove

      Be the first to review9mi from MoraviaRVs, Tents

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Moravia, IA

    171 Reviews of 60 Moravia Campgrounds


    • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 12, 2021

      Grant Park (Warren County Consevation Board)

      Beautiful place!

      This place is great! There are 10 beautiful campsites, all with new picnic tables, fire ring and cement pad so you’re chairs are actually level! The fire ring even has a grill you and flip over the fire to cook. There is a vault toilet up on the hill where the campsites are. FYI - the women’s side did not have a lock. The sites were very spacious, some massive and very spread out. You could see neighbors but you aren’t on top on them. And it’s free! You can stay for up to 14 days. They do have registration cards up on the board to complete and post on your site. I had 2-3 bars of LTE via AT&T. The closest gas station is about 7 minutes away and a grocery store about 10 minutes away.

      Let’s talk ticks!! I travel with my dog and during the 3 nights I stayed, I was constantly removing them from him, myself and within the inside of my van. They always got on his feet every time he used the restroom and made their way inside. If you travel with a pet, check them constantly and make sure they are on a tick med!

    • D
      Aug. 10, 2020

      North Overlook Camp

      North Overlook

      Camping doesn't get much better than this in Iowa. The North Overlook site is part of a much larger group of COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock. It is heavily shaded and offers direct access to a large beach on the lake complete with shower houses and concessions. Red Rock is the largest lake in the state and can accomodate any size water craft. The campground is located directly on the Volksweg trail which offers excellent opportunities for any level of hiker or bicyclist. The town of Pella is close by and is a worthy destination in itself. Shower houses are clean as is the campground in general. Campsites are well distanced from each other and offer a good degree of privacy. The only drawback, for some, is the fact that sewer and water hookups are not available. All sites have electric. I would highly recommend this, and all the COE campgrounds on Lake Red Rock.

    • Meredith L.
      Jun. 5, 2023

      Elk Rock Campground And Boat Ramp — Lake Red Rock

      Perfect Weekend Getaway for EVERYONE!

      This park is beautiful with plenty to do and see. We camped out at site 82 which is a non-electric site and close to a Red Rock Lake shoreline. Spots are pretty close but they perfectly have grass tall enough to give you some privacy between spots. I was never bothered by either neighbors. The grass also gives you a path to the water spout. The staff member at the front was such a gentlemen and helped us with our firewood. There are some walking paths down to the lake which you can fish from. The views by the lake are beautiful too. The only thing to keep in mind with this spot is it is as far away from the bathrooms as possible. I, personally, didn't mind, but wanted to make note of it. We will be returning to this park. 

      Restrooms: Cleaner than I expected! And they are not port-a-potty type bathrooms, plumbing with nice stalls, toilets and sinks. 

      Dog-friendliness: My dog LOVED this campground. We kept her on a long-line stake(per parks' guidelines) and she had plenty of room to roam. 

      Picnic area: A picnic table is provided but they are older, so I recommend bringing your own table cloth and some towels or something for the seats.

    • M
      Jun. 27, 2019

      Honey Creek Resort

      Not your typical RV site

      Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot. There is a resort hotel with an indoor waterpark, cabins for rent, and an RV Park. The hotel and the RV park are right on the lake. Rathbun is maybe the nicest lake in Iowa (I would say Okoboji, however that has become an overcrowded mess). 

      The RV sites: There are not many of them, 20 I think. But they are all paved, level, full hook ups, spacious, with a view of the lake. I don't even think we exchanged harsh words setting up it was so easy. ;)  There are even a couple sites on the side that have equipment for fall hunters. Trees around the RV area, but not in. Fire ring and picnic table. The boat ramp is at one end of the RV area, so people may drive through with boats. Playground a short walk away on a path, but not right in the RV area. 

      Indoor waterpark: Probably geared to the 4-10 crowd. Only one bigger slide, lazy river, hot tub, pool with some balance platforms and a rope and a basketball hoop. Then a small kiddie pool with a pirate ship structure with some small slides and some fountains. Not a ton to do, however when we were there it rained for an entire day so that was very handy. Snackbar that serves booze. 

      Lake: one of the biggest in the state, not too busy as it is 2 hours from Des Moines so not a lot of day traffic (unlike Saylorville and Red Rock). Boat rentals available. 

      Resort hotel: I haven't been in the guest rooms. There is a lobby, restaurant/bar. I have not eaten at the restaurant. There is a little shop with necessities and firewood. There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature. Grounds are nice and lush, paths for walking and biking. There's a golf course.

    • Matt S.
      Sep. 24, 2016

      Prairie Ridge

      Prairie Ridge has some nice wild flowers and a good view of Lake Rathbun

      Lake Rathbun is a destination for boaters and campers in the State of Iowa. The Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains several facilities around the lake. Prairie Ridge campground is one of those facilities.

      The campsites are good. They have a fire pit, a place to hang food to keep away from raccoons, electricity, and a nice gravel pad for your vehicle or camper. It has modern toilets and some of the campsites have a nice overlook of the lake.

      What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers. It is a nice weekend getaway.

    • j
      Jun. 8, 2017

      Rebel's Cove Conservation Area

      Rebel's Cove Conservation Area

      Conservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities. Rebel's Cove is no exception: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/rebels-cove-ca. It is located in Putnam/Schuyler Counties in northeast Missouri along the Chariton River and borders southern Iowa. Camping is allowed in the parking area and the grassy areas next to the parking areas. A map of the 4,225 acre conservation area showing the parking/camping sites is found here: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/7944map.pdf The only amenity, is a unisex toilet at site E. The best camping, in my opinion is at one of 5 sites: At site A, where there is a wonderful overlook for handicap access overlooking the Chariton River swampland, at site E where there is the bathroom, but also quite a bit of mowed grass areas, at site G, where there is an old iron bridge over the Chariton that has a wooden walkway over the river, at site B where there is a neat shelter where the superstructure is constructed out of old barn timbers and where there is a lovely view of the hillside, and at site I, which is right up next to the River. Quite a few people use kayaks on the river. The river is 20 miles or so downriver from Rathbun dam in Iowa, and outflows from the dam vary the amount of water in the Chariton. The Chariton is largely channelized, but not here, so you get a good idea of what the River used to look like.

    • Matt S.
      Aug. 13, 2016

      Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground

      Lacey-Keosauqua State Park - My 2 cents

      Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks. The Park and campground are well maintained and clean. We visited over Labor Day weekend and the park was only two-thirds full. It was a variety of Tent campers and RV's. The camp sites are spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another. They have electric and non-electric sites and the shower is very clean. There are almost 80 sites in the campground.

      Don't miss the hiking trails and the Beach House and swimming lake. Don't miss lake Sugema, the Indian Mounds or the Ely Ford Mormon Trail crossing.

    • J
      May. 22, 2018

      Howell Station

      Great site with Bike trail and fishing

      We will be staying here every year, this is the best site we've stayed at in central Iowa. Great fishing, bike trail right next to the campsite. Great views too. Dam is right there and you can fish.

    • j
      Jun. 9, 2017

      Indian Hills Conservation Area

      Indian Hills Conservation Area

      Conservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities. Unless you're a hunter, I'd avoid camping there during the November deer season or spring or fall turkey seasons. Otherwise summer camping is fine. Indian Hills Conservation Area is no exception: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/indian-hills-ca It is located in Scotland County in northeast Missouri and consists of rolling hills along the two branches of the Fabius River. Camping is allowed in the parking areas and the grassy areas next to the parking areas. A map of the 3,974 acre conservation area showing the parking/camping sites is found here (If you can't access this link, there is also a link to the map on the main page above): https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/8622map.pdf

      The only amenities, are two unisex toilets. The CA is on the west side of Missouri State Highway 15. This highway starts in Mexico, MO and runs northbound through the county seats of Paris, Shelbyville, Edina and lastly Memphis, MO, in Scotland County. As you leave Edina, in Knox County, northbound, you'll pass through Baring and then Greensburg. About a half mile north of Greensburg you'll enter into Scotland County and the CA will be on your left (west). Missouri blacktop T, an east/west highway, is on the north side of the CA. There is a gravel road that runs west on the county line that is just south of the CA. Missouri blacktop C is an east/west highway about a half mile south of the CA area (which ends in Greensburg). There are 4 north/south roads that access the CA. The east border is Missouri Highway 15. The next road to the west is Seven Oaks. It connects on the north to Highway T and on the south end it turns to the east at the county line and connects to Highway 15. The next road is Indian Creek Road and connects on the north to Highway T. It goes through the northwest part of the CA and loops back to Highway T. There is a Tee intersection with Otter Creek Road that runs to the east and then turn back south to end just short of the Fabius River. The westernmost road is Old Trail Road which runs along part of the west side of the CA. The map shows that the road turns east and becomes Ivy Road. Actually it is a Tee intersection and is easy to miss. Old Trail Road continues to the south. At this intersection there is a farmstead and at first glance one would think that Ivy Road is a drive. It is not. Ivy Road continues to the south leaving the CA. At the county line there is a Tee intersection. You can turn left or right. If you turn left, the road will shortly turn to the right (south) and the road becomes Knox County Autumn Rd. If you turn right you'll shortly come to another Tee intersection. Turn left and the road becomes Ash Rd. Both Autumn and Ash will connect to Blacktop C at the south end. Turn Left on C and you'll find yourself back in Greensburg. Turn right and C will intersect with Missouri Highway 11. In Scotland County, the gravel roads that intersect with Highway T don't have the names as shown in the map, but have street numbers. Seven Oaks is easy to miss, but it's almost exactly 1 mile west of the intersection of Highway T and Missouri 15. Indian Creek Road is well marked as an entrance to the CA. Old Trail Road is in the community of Bible Grove. I've included a picture of the old school in Bible Grove located a couple hundred yards to the south of Highway T. I've also included pictures of all the gravel road intersections on Highway T.

      My favorite camping spot is the one at the far west edge of the CA. It has a well maintained unisex bathroom and a lovely view. Next there is a parking area on Otter Creek Road where it turns from east/west to north/south. There is a walking trail that connects this road to Seven Oaks at this location. Next there is a parking area at the midpoint on Seven Oaks I like, and finally there is the parking area on Highway 15. The good thing about this area is that it is easy to get to, being right on 15, and has a bathroom. The other parking areas are fine, but there are no bathrooms and the views are not that great. I've included pictures of 4 of my favorite parking areas, as well as the turnoffs from Highway T.


    Guide to Moravia

    Pet friendly camping near Moravia, Iowa centers on Rathbun Lake, a 11,000-acre reservoir with multiple campgrounds along its 155 miles of shoreline. The region experiences warm summers with highs averaging 85°F from June through August and cold winters with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Camping season typically runs May through September, with limited facilities available during shoulder seasons.

    What to do

    Hiking trails: Lake Wapello State Park offers extensive hiking opportunities with wildlife viewing along the Lakeshore Trail. "Spacious campground with clean facilities. Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery," notes Molly L.

    Fishing: Buck Creek Campground provides access to Rathbun Lake's abundant fish population. The campground sits on the west side of the lake and features multiple sites with water views. According to Matt S., "Buck Creek is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and is one of several campgrounds on Lake Rathbun. There are a lot of campsites with plenty of views of the lake."

    Boating: Bridgeview Campground offers boating access to Rathbun Lake. "Rathbun Lake has a lot of camping options. What I like about Bridgeview is the number of campsites with lake views," shares Matt S. The campground features clean facilities and modern amenities for both tent and RV campers.

    What campers like

    Spacious sites: Island View Campground receives high praise for its site spacing. "Very nice corp park. Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels," reports Steve W.

    Clean facilities: Lake Wapello State Park Campground maintains high standards for cleanliness and recently updated facilities. "New facilities are great!" notes Dorothy H. Another camper, Tim M., shares: "I have camped at lake wapello for 32 years in a row over my birthday in September it is the cleanest friendliest best wildlife great fishing wonderful campsites a place that I will always return to."

    Wildlife viewing: Prairie Ridge Campground offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities with its prairie grasses and wildflowers. Matt S. points out, "What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers. It is a nice weekend getaway." The campground features sites with lake overlooks and modern toilet facilities.

    What you should know

    Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds around Moravia operate from May through September, with limited off-season availability. Prairie Ridge operates from May 15 to September 15, while Buck Creek runs May 8 to September 30.

    Ticks and insects: Bug protection is essential when camping near Moravia, particularly during summer months. Bring repellent and check for ticks regularly after hiking.

    Boat ramp access: Honey Creek State Park Campground offers convenient boat launching. "Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading. Location is about 10 minute drive from Honey Creek Resort which provides a nice 18 hole golf course, water park, and restaurant," reports Mitch C.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beach access: Ottumwa City Park provides pet-friendly camping with fishing opportunities right in the campground. Stephanie S. notes, "Campground has nice mature trees and lots of spots available. $18 for full hook up. What a deal. Has a lake you can fish at right in campground."

    Wildlife watching with kids: Set aside ample time for wildlife observation around Rathbun Lake. "Quite a bit of wildlife seen during kayaking and hiking-muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water. Also seen: deer, bald eagles, frogs, toads, turtles," shares Molly L. about her Lake Wapello experience.

    Avoid crowded sites: Some campgrounds have sections with limited spacing between sites. "We camped in spot #20 of the north loop. I would not recommend any spot in the center second of the loop. It was more like parking than camping," warns Sarah K. about Honey Creek State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Utility hookup placement: Consider site orientation when selecting spots at Honey Creek State Park. "If we parked in the direction to utilize the full hookups we would have had our awning out over our neighbors campsite," notes Sarah K.

    Cell service quality: Island View Campground provides reliable connectivity for those needing to stay connected. Steve W. reports, "Cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels" at Island View, making it suitable for remote workers or those needing to check in while camping.

    Dump station availability: Several campgrounds including Island View, Buck Creek, and Prairie Ridge offer sanitary dump stations, though availability varies by campground. Most dump stations close during winter months, so plan accordingly for early or late season camping trips.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Moravia, IA is Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 60 dog-friendly camping locations near Moravia, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.