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Don Williams Park accepts pets at both tent and cabin sites, with most campers reporting quiet surroundings ideal for dogs sensitive to noise. Electric hookups and water access points throughout the campground accommodate RVers traveling with pets, while the lakeside location provides water play opportunities for dogs that enjoy swimming. Hiking paths around the recreation area remain accessible to leashed pets year-round, with many campers mentioning the well-maintained trails as perfect for morning dog walks. The park's campsites feature ample space between units, giving pets room to relax without feeling crowded by neighboring campers. Bathroom and shower facilities remain clean and accessible, important for pet owners needing to refresh after outdoor activities with their animals. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.
Ledges State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites include both drive-in and hike-in options for dog owners seeking either convenience or privacy. The park's extensive trail network proves popular with hikers and their four-legged companions, with several paths winding through sandstone formations and alongside the river. Raccoons frequent the area after dark, requiring pet owners to secure all food items to prevent wildlife encounters that could stress dogs. The campground operates seasonally from April through December, giving pet owners nearly nine months to enjoy the natural surroundings with their animals. Several reviewers noted the excellent shade coverage throughout the campground, beneficial for keeping pets cool during summer camping trips. The shallow creek running through the park's lower section provides a natural water feature where many dogs enjoy wading during hot weather.
"One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."
"One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."
from $18 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Went kayaking on lake and then on Des Moines River (close by). Nice wildlife areas, hiking, fishing, etc. Pleasant staff."
"Very quite and nice campground, we camped on top of the hill in tents it was awesome view and potable drinking water next to camp, bathrooms and shower facilities was clean and nice"
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability"There was four of us and a dog."
"Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"There are campsites along the lake with easy access to shoreline. There are approximately 100 sites. There is a playground and disc golf. There is a roller rink and a concession stand."
"Plenty of camping spaces, some right next to the lake. Swimming area, concession stand, boat rentals, and even a skating rink on the weekends. My favorite childhood camping spot."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Set off the road a bit in a tiny little town in Iowa, it's along a river and very close to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89 mile loop trail (paved) that goes through several towns and counties."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"The Prarie Flower campground at Saylorville Lake is an open, flat grassy campground near wooded trails around the US Army Corps of Engineers land."
"The only down side of this was the grass was really long so it was bad when taking the dog out in the evenings or mornings. You would come back in with a soaked dog and wet feet."
from $20 - $336 / night
Check Availability"Nice clean park, if passing through Iowa it's a nice overnight. A little loud if tent camping. Area not large enough to separate hard shell campers and tent campers."
"The park's beauty and tranquility did get disturbed a couple times when our dogs got loose (newbs!). The park staff were friendly and very helpful as were our fellow campers."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Clean bathrooms, close to the lake, playground, and a lot of sites. It does get busy. As you would expect there are a lot of bugs on a hot day in Iowa. Tent sites have good shade from trees."
"Took the PUP, two kids, dog and grandma (first time in 20+ years) this past weekend. Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees (and some pretty bold raccoons around bonfire time ;) )."
from $14 - $84 / night
Check Availability"Camped here in order to be close to Fort Dodge first thing in the morning. I stayed in the Beach Campground. It's not on the beach, but close to it. There are 3 total campgrounds in the park. "
"Hitching posts behind each site which we enjoyed seeing. The roads inside the campground were all asphalt so lots of bikers enjoying rides around the grounds."
from $19 - $37 / night
Check Availability
GuideI just loved this campground. It has shade trees, grass, free showers and lots of room. It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance of the campground. This was well worth the 20 mile drive off I80. If I had known how m=nice this area was, I would have planned better and stayed here for more than one night.
GuideOne of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.
The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.
What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp.
If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.
ScoutOne of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.
Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.
TravelerIn a grove of trees in a slightly hilly area. Easy access, but sites are gravel. Nice bit of grass with each site, most are at least partially shaded. Small dog park which is pea gravel, not grass.
GuideSpots kind of level, lots of choices of pull thru or buddy sites. Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities. KOA, so not a lot of nature. But no traffic or train noise. Full hook ups, including TV.
GuideSome full hook ups, sites not very level, playground ok. Can hear shots from gun range next door. Dog park, pool, arcade. We have camped here a couple times, and stored our rig here for a while. Didn't find there was that much going on here to keep us busy. Not a lot of nature, no trails or biking accessible from campground.
TravelerThe campground was nice, but it seems more for RVs. Sometimes you have to share a fire pit with other tents if it's busy. They have a small petting zoo and a small beach. This place feels more like a neighborhood verses camping in nature. Most people use this as a "summer home".
LegendThis County Park is located right on the edge of Lake Panorama, a great town North West of Des Moines, Iowa. It is surrounded by amenities, so if you forget something you can drive five minutes into town to replace anything you forgot at home.
This is not a place to rough it, but if you have a family and want an outdoors experience close to amenities, this is the place for you. The campground is very clean and it is right next to a river.
GuideWonderful trails, lots of space. Access to DM River, has nice pond, playgrounds, just a beautiful area. Fishing not the greatest, Pond is silted to about 9ft deep, have caught few small bass, bluegill. Never tried the river here, but is known for big cats. Camp sites are best around, large flat white rock cinder size area with picnic table, fire ring. Sites are well spaced. Shaded. Double lane dump station. Close to home, can usually get site without reservation, IF you roll in on Wed. By Thurs night, it's full. Few reservables, 90% i'd say are first come. The way it should be in my opinion.
Pet friendly camping near Ogden, Iowa provides access to several county parks and state recreation areas within a 25-mile radius. The region features rolling terrain with elevations around 1,100 feet and warm summers with occasional thunderstorms from June through August. Campgrounds in the area typically open from April through October, with some offering year-round availability.
Hiking trails: Ledges State Park offers challenging terrain with steep stone steps and sandstone formations. According to Camden O., "I nearly went to the university just because I wanted to be here at this park every weekend." The park's elevation changes provide more workout than typical Iowa parks.
Water activities: Don Williams Park features lakeside access for fishing and swimming. James M. notes that nearby Squirrel Hollow has "a kayak launch point off Lower Ledges Road. The water was calm."
Roller skating: Spring Lake County Park maintains a historic open-air roller rink operating weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "Roller skating on the weekends," mentions Chris L., making this a unique activity option not common at other campgrounds.
Lake views: Sites with water views remain popular across multiple parks. At Prairie Flower Recreation Area, campers appreciate the scenery. Heather S. confirms, "once settled we had a gorgeous view of the lake and sunsets."
Clean facilities: Multiple parks maintain modern bathroom facilities even during off-season periods. At Acorn Valley, John F. reports, "Bathrooms are immaculate and cleaned every day."
Privacy options: Campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. Jessica notes about Acorn Valley, "Booked an outer ring site surrounded by trees," while sites at Spring Lake provide separation between units.
Limited connections: Cell service varies significantly between parks. Jeannie D. says about Dolliver Memorial State Park, "cell service cuts out as you drive down into the park, and does not resume until you come back up and out."
Wildlife considerations: Raccoons frequent many area campgrounds after dark. At Acorn Valley, John F. warns, "Biggest downside is the resident raccoons. Come out every night to rummage through possible food options."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds restrict operations between April and October. Prairie Flower remains open "May 1 to October 20" according to their season information, while Don Williams Park operates from April through October.
Playground access: Locate sites near play areas for convenience. Jessica from Acorn Valley reports, "playground and pond were awesome for keeping kids entertained."
Educational opportunities: Jester County Park offers wildlife viewing and learning experiences. One camper notes, "Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."
Beach options: Spring Lake includes a swimming beach with amenities. Kimberly M. describes the park as having a "swimming beach, historic roller skating rink, playgrounds and more—something for everyone to enjoy!"
Water access points: Many parks lack full hookup sites. Ron M. notes about Prairie Flower, "Spacious campsites with cement pads... The only thing holding it back from 5 stars is no water or sewer onsite."
Dump station timing: Plan departure times to avoid congestion. Elizabeth A. warns, "There's one dump station for a campground that is large is size and popularity. Trying to leave on a Sunday is a good 1 hour wait."
Leveling requirements: Some sites require minimal setup. At Prairie Flower, Mia L. mentions, "The site was pretty level, wasn't too much trouble to get our trailer backed in and leveled."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ogden, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ogden, IA is Ledges State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ogden, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 69 dog-friendly camping locations near Ogden, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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