Several pet-friendly campgrounds surround Riverside, Iowa, all providing outdoor options for campers traveling with dogs. Sugar Bottom Campground, West Overlook Campground, and Hills Access Campground permit pets while offering electric hookups and fire pits. Most sites include picnic tables and allow alcohol consumption. Sites are clean and well maintained with mown grass at campgrounds like Marr Park, which features concrete walking trails making it accessible for people with mobility concerns and their service animals. The water at some campgrounds may have an unpleasant smell, particularly at Marr Park where campers should bring bottled water for consumption.
Dogs must remain on leash throughout these campgrounds, with no designated off-leash areas available. Nearby F.W. Kent Park provides additional pet-friendly hiking options with trails winding through natural areas. River Junction offers more primitive tent camping for those seeking a quieter experience with their pets, though signage can be confusing after dark when trying to locate designated camping areas. Temperature fluctuations in Iowa require planning for pet comfort, especially during summer months. Most campgrounds have basic amenities including toilets and trash disposal, but pet owners should pack waste bags as dedicated pet waste stations are limited. Wildlife encounters are possible, so keeping dogs secured is essential for both pet and wildlife safety.
$14 - $260 / night
"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."
$22 - $28 / night
"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."
$20 / night
"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."
"Awesome place by the Iowa river.. clean and quiet, no drinking water..."
"24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there."
$45 - $65 / night
"Given its proximity to a busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped the busy hustle and"
"Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped"
"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. "
"Close access to boating and town"
"Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two."
$20 / night
"Close to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment."
"There are trails and fishing ponds, play grounds and picnic shelters. It is nice for group camping, but you are so close to other campers."
$22 - $49 / night
"Little Bear Campground is located right off I-80 at the West Liberty exit. It is right next to a trailer park. There are a few tent sites ($22/ night)and Rv sites($33/night)."
"Very cute campground right off highway. I called while traveling and Mike was very accommodating. Full hookups and showers. Even got a pool. Gas station nearby full of character."
ScoutGravel pad for one night. Didn’t use facilities, pool was closed for the season. Very nice walk around the lake, dog park was not large, but clean with enough room to run. There were much nicer spots, but we had all we needed for one night.
LegendThis overnight access is a small town in itself. This site offers not only the basic communities and needs of fuel, including EV, charging stations, but auto parts, showers, dentist, Chiropractic, care, gifts, dog park, and is right next to the I 80 trucking museum. Good lighting in the overnight spots which has room for long RVs.
LegendI suggest this site only if you need to get off the road for an overnight stay. Very few amenities, all but a few spots appear to be full-time RV living onsite, has nice playground, gazebo, dog park (small), lake is small but appears well kept, electric/water/septic onsite.
ScoutWas looking forward to camping there until I found out they do not allow pets at tent sites. Apparently they don’t feel responsible pet owners use tents. Not happy will never stay there
LegendThis CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming.
LegendThis campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River. The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay. The recreation area also includes campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993.
This review is for the West Overlook campground located on the lakeside upstream of the dam. This is one of the larger campgrounds at Coralville Lake, and is popular due to the large sandy beach, the modern boatlaunch area, and options for a variety of kinds of campsites in separate loops. Some of the loops are close to the lake or in various heights overlooking the lake, some loops are tucked into beautiful shady woods further inland. As a tent camper I chose one of the loops in the woods as the sites are larger and quieter and more spacious. All of the loops seem family friendly and pretty quiet even though pretty full. There are new modern bath houses with showers, and hiking trails all around. There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating. This seems to be a camping destination for a lot of folks in the area, but is also an easy stopover right off Interstate 80 for folks on road trips. It is also a nice and inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City or the University of Iowa, only about a 15-20 minute drive away. My most recent time camping here was this month, May 2025, but I have camped here many times in the past as far back as 1964, and the campground improvements and recreation opportunities have just gotten better and better over the years. Its a popular location, so Spring camping is quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then.
ScoutClean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.
LegendNice location to spend time fishing, watching sunsets, and paddle. Near Wild Cat Den State Park.
LegendGreat fishing, near Fairport Fish Hatchery, and Wild Cat Den State Park.
Campgrounds around Riverside, Iowa range from small family parks to larger facilities near Coralville Lake. The area features a mix of wooded and open sites with most campgrounds located within 20 miles of Riverside. Temperatures fluctuate significantly between seasons, with summer highs reaching 90°F while spring and fall camping provides milder conditions.
Fishing access points: Sugar Bottom Campground offers shoreline fishing opportunities along Coralville Lake. "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," notes James M. in his review of Sugar Bottom Campground.
Fossil exploration: West Overlook Campground connects to the Devonian Fossil Gorge where visitors can see ancient marine fossils. According to Janet R., the recreation area includes "campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993" at West Overlook Campground.
Concrete walking trails: Multiple walking paths at F.W. Kent Park loop around a landscaped lake. Lisa S. mentions, "The large lake is beautifully landscaped with walking bridges made from recycled iron and memorial trees of many varieties. There is about a two mile trail circumventing the entire lake" at F.W. Kent Park.
Dish cleaning stations: Some campgrounds provide specialized cleaning facilities beyond standard amenities. Steve T. notes that Sugar Bottom has "fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at Lake Macbride State Park modern campground. Jacob B. explains, "This park has two campgrounds. The modern side on the north end of the park with full hookups, and the primitive side on the south side of the park with no electricity or water hookups."
Natural wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas offer chances to spot local animals. Terri R. shares that at Lake Macbride State Park, she "saw wild turkeys and dear almost ever day walking the camp grounds."
Water quality concerns: Water conditions can vary significantly between campgrounds. At Marr Park, Donna H. cautions, "Bring plenty of bottled water for consumption. The water has an awful smell."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, particularly during summer. Greg S. notes about West Overlook that "reservations are a must" especially for weekend camping.
Seasonal facility limitations: Some campgrounds have reduced services during shoulder seasons. Renee H. reports about Marr Park, "Water was off during our visit in March" though sites normally have both water and electric hookups.
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for children. Sugar Bottom Campground includes "a nice beach" according to Amber R., who adds there are "nice shower houses and nice playground and beach for the kids!"
Level site selection: For families with mobility needs, certain campgrounds offer better options. Leslie P. mentions about Marr Park, "trails are concrete so people with mobility concerns can easily get around."
Connectivity options: Some campgrounds provide internet access for families needing to stay connected. Leslie P. adds that at Marr Park, "there is WiFi available at the Conservation Center and if you grab at camping site at the end you can get the WiFi."
Leveling preparation: Several campgrounds require additional equipment for RVs. Warren W. cautions about Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow: "Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes."
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Riverside: Multiple options accommodate pets with varying amenities. Shannon G. notes that Little Bear Campground has "full hook ups with a fire ring and picnic table" with sites that are "good sized and clean," making it suitable for RVers with dogs.
Dump station access: Not all dog friendly campgrounds near Riverside include dump stations. Lauren M. notes that West Overlook provides "E/W with dump station in the campground" and features "spacious sites" that are "well maintained."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Riverside, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Riverside, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Riverside, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near Riverside, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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