Dog-Friendly Camping near Mount Vernon, IA

120 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground maintains pet-friendly accommodations with designated sites for campers traveling with dogs. The park accepts pets in tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options, all requiring leashes throughout the grounds. Wanatee Park, formerly Squaw Creek, offers spacious pet-friendly campsites with picnic tables and fire rings where dogs can join their owners. Very clean and well-kept grounds make this destination particularly suitable for pet owners concerned about sanitation. The sites are well-maintained with a mixture of mature and young trees providing shade during summer months, important for keeping pets comfortable during warmer weather.

    Hiking trails throughout Lake Macbride State Park's primitive south campground welcome leashed dogs on miles of beautiful, well-maintained walking paths along the waterfront. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet when outside vehicles, and owners must clean up waste immediately. Most campgrounds in the Mount Vernon area provide designated pet waste stations and require proof of current vaccinations upon check-in. Wildlife encounters are common in these parks, with raccoons and coyotes frequently seen near campsites, requiring pet owners to monitor their animals carefully after dark. The Cedar River and Wapsipinicon River access points offer dogs swimming opportunities during summer months, though pet owners should check water conditions and blue-green algae alerts before allowing dogs in the water.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Mount Vernon (120)

      1. Sugar Bottom Campground

      4.6(25)14mi from Mount Vernon244 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."

      "Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."

      from $14 - $260 / night

      Check Availability

      2. West Overlook Campground

      4.6(22)15mi from Mount Vernon89 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."

      "LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."

      from $22 - $28 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

      4.2(10)5mi from Mount Vernon44 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."

      "Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."

      from $12 - $80 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

      4.1(16)12mi from Mount Vernon43 sitesRVs, Tents

      "My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "

      "We really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

      4.2(11)11mi from Mount Vernon53 sitesRVs, Tents

      "You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."

      "This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful."

      from $10 - $25 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      4.7(9)10mi from Mount VernonRVs, Tents

      "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance.  Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "

      "There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."

      from $23 - $33 / night

      Check Availability

      7. F. W. Kent Park

      4.7(20)21mi from Mount VernonRVs, Tents

      "We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."

      "It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Wapsipinicon State Park Campground

      3.7(9)14mi from Mount Vernon25 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Close to bathroom and showers. Hiking trails. Nice place to fish and explore."

      "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."

      from $10 - $36 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Linder Point Campground

      4.6(7)15mi from Mount Vernon18 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This is one of around 4 campgrounds near/around Lake Coralville."

      "Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites."

      from $26 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

      4.5(4)12mi from Mount VernonRVs, Tents

      "The couple downfalls is the shower and bath house is outdated and there's no swimming area on this side of the lake. Other than that I had a blast."

      "Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar."

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time



    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Mount Vernon, IA

    658 Reviews of 120 Mount Vernon Campgrounds

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

      Quad Cities Sweet Camping Retreat

      Just minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.

      The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.

      A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.

      Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.

      Happy Camping!

    • Brenda Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Morgan Creek County Park

      Great little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.

    • mThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      I arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky

    • Benjamin S.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Louisa County Fairgrounds

      $25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 12, 2026

      Lake Iowa County Park

      Nice campground

      Nice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 10, 2026

      Wildcat Den State Park Campground

      Great State Park with Great trails and mature forests.

      This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 9, 2026

      Buffalo Shores County Park

      Nice county campground on the Mississippi River

      This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.

    • Mary H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 1, 2026

      West Overlook Campground

      Sweet campground

      We had a delightful afternoon and overnight stay here. We were warmly welcomed by the volunteer at the registration booth, who filled us in on the area and what we might see during our short visit. Our site was lovely, tucked at the end of a loop overlooking the woods, where we spotted several deer. We explored a bit while we were there, including the dam and the nearby fossil site—both very cool. Bathrooms were clean, and the showers had plenty of hot water and good pressure. We only wish we could have stayed longer at this lovely park. It was a wonderful final stop on our trip.

    Guide to Mount Vernon

    Mount Vernon, Iowa camping options span across a diverse range of state and county parks within a 30-minute drive radius. The area sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level near the Cedar River watershed, with primarily hardwood forest ecosystems. Seasonal camping runs primarily April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months.

    What to do

    Water recreation access: Sugar Bottom Campground offers direct lake access for fishing and paddling. "Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well," notes James M.

    Hiking trail systems: Wapsipinicon State Park Campground features multiple trail difficulty levels. "Great hike trails, beautiful scenery, nice town short bike ride away. I had a great trip even though it was cool and rainy," says Sara S. The park sits atop bluffs with trails leading down to the river.

    Fossil exploration: West Overlook Campground provides access to the Devonian Fossil Gorge, a unique geological formation. "This campground is one of many around Coralville Lake. This campground is close to the dam and the Devonian Fossil Gorge," explains Carolyn M. The gorge contains exposed 375-million-year-old marine fossils.

    What campers like

    Affordable electric hookups: Sugar Bottom Campground offers budget-friendly sites with utilities. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes," shares Steve T.

    Spacious site layout: F.W. Kent Park provides well-separated camping areas. "Nice park, spacious campsite, $20 for electric hookups. Love this park!!" writes Amritasri F. The park features a 2-mile trail around the central lake.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Sandy Beach Camp offers quiet surroundings for animal watching. "Quiet with smaller camp ground size. It was close to a boat ramp for easy access to the lake," notes Tiffany K. Deer are commonly spotted at dawn and dusk near the water.

    What you should know

    Campground terrain varies: Many sites require leveling equipment. At Wapsipinicon State Park Campground, "No such thing as a level camping spot at this campground. Bathrooms have three toilets and one shower stall," reports Andrea H.

    Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. "This campground is one of many around Coralville Lake. Reservations are a must," explains Carolyn M. at West Overlook Campground.

    Insect preparation needed: Depending on season, biting insects can be prevalent. "During our stay (Labor Day) there were tons of flies and gnats, like annoyingly so. At one point there were a dozen flying around," notes Tiffany K. at Sandy Beach Camp.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park offers recreational facilities for children. "This is our favorite place to be in the summer. Great trails for hiking and walking and my kids love swimming here as well. The beach area is usually well maintained. Great place to take the family for summer fun," shares Jessica P.

    Beach swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds feature designated swimming spots. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Great beach swimming area. Fun for all," notes Steve T. about Sugar Bottom Campground.

    Educational opportunities: F.W. Kent Park includes nature learning centers. "Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered. Forest, prairie, wetland habitats," explains James M., making it ideal for educational family camping.

    Tips from RVers

    Dump station locations: Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek) provides full services. "We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers," shares Clint G.

    Site leveling requirements: West Overlook Campground needs preparation for larger rigs. "The RV sites vary in length from about 25' up to 60'. Unfortunately, none of them are more than mostly level and several are on about a 20 degree slope," explains Sherry N.

    Seasonal accessibility: Some campgrounds restrict larger vehicle access during certain months. "Park offers lots of amenities and recreation opportunities. CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations," notes James M. about Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mount Vernon, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 120 dog-friendly camping locations near Mount Vernon, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.