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Oelwein City Park Campground accepts pets at its wooded sites along Lake Oelwein's shore. The park provides electric hookups (30 amp) with water connections at most sites, charging $17 per night with a $2 senior discount available. Sites feature spacious, graveled areas beneath mature trees, offering natural shade during summer months. Campers traveling with dogs can access the adjacent dog park within the city park complex. Backbone State Park, located about 25 miles east, also welcomes pets at its Six Pines Campground and offers cabin accommodations for pet owners. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash policies requiring dogs to be under control at all times. Recent visitors note the campgrounds remain quiet during weekdays with more activity on weekends.
Trails along the Wapsipinicon River at Siggelkov County Park offer dog-friendly hiking opportunities with river access points for pets who enjoy swimming. At Klocks Island Park, campers can enjoy riverside sites where dogs can cool off in the water during summer months. The campground rarely enforces limits on stay duration, allowing for extended visits with pets. Fontana County Park features animal displays and a nature center alongside its pet-friendly camping areas, though tent sites positioned under pine trees may not be ideal for some campers with dogs. Most campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities with varying shower options. Campers should be prepared for occasional nighttime wildlife encounters, as raccoons frequently visit campsites at dusk in several parks throughout the area.
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
"The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."
from $12 - $25 / night
Check Availability"It is small and has beautiful views and nice short hike trails on the other side , across the bridge, of the park. Old camping site is located among old trees."
"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."
"Sigglekow Campground in Black Hawk County Iowa is one of a kind! Quite and secluded, if that's what you're looking for. To get out and decompress it's a great spot."
"Would be nice if it had gravel parking but that's a small inconvience.. also good kyack location."
"Oelwein City Park campground on the shore of little Lake Oelwein is a great place to stay on ‘your way’ or for a week. $17 or $15 (senior)/night. 30/50 amp service with city water and dump station."
"Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park."
from $12 / night
"Went there last weekend had to do a walk up everything else was reserved. Clean park area, bathrooms were disgusting though. Talked to the DNR he was very friendly and knowledgeable."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"** Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.)"
"On Cedar Valley bike trail (100+miles of interconnecting bike trial. major Hwy on two sides of park, sleeping in a tenet it was very noisy at night. and a train track close by (again at night)"
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Very well maintained and a couple nice trails. Dog friendly."
RangerVery nice campground with a few FHU sites, most are electric only. Some sites are pretty sloped making it hard to level longer rigs. Check carefully when making your reservation. Nice close hike to see the overlooks to the river, and there’s a well maintained hike down to the Bridal Veil Falls. Minus 1 star for the horrible push-button operated showers that only stay on for 6 seconds at a time. Good phone service for both t-mobile and AT&T.
RangerGreat 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.
GuideI 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
LegendWe came here for a visit and we’re going to stay but the online reservation system was difficult for us with Canadian coverage in cell phones.
We carried on to black hawk instead as they had easier first come first serve but this place was much nicer.
The sites were large and mostly private. It did seem a bit “wet”
We even saw a deer
LegendI edit my review - the gun range next door is obnoxious. Why would they have that next to a park with walking trails ?
Big enough for big rvs, big sites Showers Water Hydro Quiet $18 for unserved $30 for serviced
ScoutBe advised site 14 is on such a steep hill it was honestly scary coming in an out of our camper! If an older couple were staying at this site in a camper I’m not sure if they would even be able to. Our second door entrance cannot be used due to how steep the hill is and we had to add wood to the bottom of our stairs because they didn’t touch the ground. Forgot to add you’re also under a very large black walnut tree that is currently dropping walnuts that are ripe.
LegendThough the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.
LegendWe got here on a Monday and got a great spot in the back. The sunrise was spectacular. Then the fog moved in off the river and it was pretty cool.
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
Camping options near Oelwein, Iowa center around the Wapsipinicon River watershed, which creates a network of small lakes and streams throughout Fayette County. The region sits at approximately 1,050 feet above sea level with gently rolling terrain. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, making most campgrounds seasonal with closures during winter months.
Hiking along the backbone trail: At Backbone State Park, trails offer unique limestone formations and river views. "I went with a group of entering sixth grade Girl Scouts on a weekend tent camping trip to this park. The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate. We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long," explains Rachel H.
Water recreation on multiple lakes: George Wyth State Park provides access to several water bodies for different activities. "There is a sand beach to swim, where they also rent kayaks & canoes. The campground is located along the Cedar river, for those who want to boat and fish on a river, as well as multiple lakes to fish and a lake to ski," shares Steve R.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local campgrounds feature natural habitats where wildlife is common after sunset. "You can take your canoe out on the lake or hit some of the hiking trails. There are cabins for rent if you don't want to sleep in a tent," notes Matt S. about Backbone State Park.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Lakeview Campground at Volga River Recreation Area receives praise for its upkeep. "Bathrooms are clean and well stocked. 4 private showers available...clean. Weekends are typically busier than weekdays," reports Dennis G.
Riverside camping spots: Many campers appreciate sites near water at North Woods Park. "We stayed in Spot #1, which is by the water. We were in a tent, so it was warm, but overall it was a great stay. Very well maintained and a couple nice trails. Dog friendly," shares Kim B.
Affordable camping rates: Local campgrounds offer budget-friendly options compared to other regions. "Large park, no designated sites, fire rings spread around. Elect posts spread around.water available a dump station on site $2.00 charge. Very green, a river all around the park. Our favorite place in the area. $12.00 a night," notes Bob S. about Klocks Island Park.
Weather and seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close for winter months. "This is a clean and well kept campground. There are great paved trails, and it is close to the free John Deere Museum, and the Cedar Valley Arboretum. I'm not giving it a 5 star rating for two reasons: one there are a lot of mosquitoes (I get that it is their home)," explains Heidi H. about George Wyth State Park.
Varying shower conditions: Shower facilities differ widely between campgrounds. "The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it," explains Ryan S. about Oelwein City Park Campground.
Weekend crowding: Weekday camping offers more solitude than weekends at most locations. "This is a special place, the facilities, the showers, the campsites, the trails, and the lake are top quality. This is a great place to stay but make sure you get your reservations in early if you plan on staying on the weekend. If you want it to be quiet and prefer less crowds but you still want to enjoy the park, I highly suggest taking some time off of work during the week," advises Matt S.
Look for dedicated play areas: Some campgrounds offer specific child-friendly zones. "If you're looking for a wooded campground that offers you both quiet sites to relax but also offers a variety of activities for all ages, this is the place for you to setup your tent, or RV. For little ones, there is a large sand playground area with slides and swings," notes Steve R. about George Wyth State Park.
Consider cabin options for mixed groups: Siggelkov County Park provides alternatives to tent camping. "Sigglekow Campground in Black Hawk County Iowa is one of a kind! Quite and secluded, if that's what you're looking for. To get out and decompress it's a great spot. Has electric sites and also places to tent camp (my favorite kind) right on the Wapsi River," mentions Chantal C.
Choose dog friendly campgrounds near Oelwein: Many parks accommodate pets with minimal restrictions. "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," shares Ryan S.
Electric hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric connections but amperage varies. "Iowa state parks are a bargain! This one is $11 for a non-electric site, $16 for an electric site. (Rates go down to $6 and $11 from 10/1-4/30.) There is no separate park entry fee (unlike some states)," explains Mary S. about George Wyth State Park.
Check dump station locations: Not all pet-friendly campgrounds near Oelwein have on-site dump stations. "Small Wooded Campground. Oelwein City Park campground on the shore of little Lake Oelwein is a great place to stay on 'your way' or for a week. $17 or $15 (senior)/night. 30/50 amp service with city water and dump station," notes Patricia about Fayette County Park.
Site sizing considerations: Big rig accessibility differs between locations. "Gravel parking spots, fairly level, most without shade unless you get on the 'back loop' where you can find 4 with good shade. All manner of amenities (electric only, water & electric, and a few with full hookups)," explains Dennis G. about Lakeview Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Oelwein, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Oelwein, IA is Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Oelwein, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 110 dog-friendly camping locations near Oelwein, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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