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Southwood Conservation Area, located 3402 330th St. south of Smithland, features five pet-friendly campgrounds with accommodations for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Pets are permitted throughout the conservation area and nearby Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area. Both locations provide clean bathroom facilities and shower access for campers. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground near Onawa allows pets with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins, though the park enforces standard leash policies for visitor safety. Peters Park in Hornick provides pet-friendly camping with tent and RV sites, featuring clean facilities and a small lake for swimming. The sites at Peters Park are somewhat close together with limited shade.
Dogs can access the trails at Southwood Conservation Area, though pets must remain leashed in most public areas. The Little Sioux Park Campground, approximately 25 miles from Smithland, offers pet-friendly camping with multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities. Crawford Creek Recreation Area accepts pets and provides various accommodation types including cabins. On-Ur-Wa RV Park in Onawa features a small dog park for pets to exercise off-leash and has received positive reviews for its pet-friendly amenities and clean facilities. Campground hosts at most locations sell firewood on-site, and most facilities maintain clean shower facilities. The bathrooms and showers at Little Sioux Park occasionally lack attention according to visitor reports.
"Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"
"There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Nice, clean, quiet, lake for swimming and fishing, playground, store, movie nights for kids on Fri and Sat."
"Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful"
"There is a small dog park for the pups. Bathrooms and showers are clean. One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom. Hosts are very friendly."
"Pulled in, John came into the office, asked if I was a Good Sam member and charged me $43.34 for a full hook-up, extra long pull thru on the outside of the trees."
"Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet."
"Lake facing spaces available if not already taken. Nice walking trail lakeside. Yes. There are mosquitoes at dusk."
"Next to a county park. Decent bath house with showers. Fire pits, water and electric hook ups at each site. $25 a night"
from $17 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America."
"Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded."
from $9 / night
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TravelerWell kept & family friendly camping in Iowa! We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water. Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers. Will come back!
ScoutThis KOA is well-maintained, a little older but the grounds are nice and it is well organized and maintained. The dog park is not so well-maintained but was adequate and the pool was clean, and there is easy access to the freeway Both north and south
ScoutCute and historical city park that offers multiple 30 Amp hook up sites for $15. Water is available. Lots of play grounds, dog park, disc golf, and historic Lewis and Clark campsite.
LegendThis small campground is right off the interstate, easy to get to. It’s right by a small truck stop, but the noise was not bothersome at all. There is a small dog park for the pups. Bathrooms and showers are clean. One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom. Hosts are very friendly. Sites are close, but for a one night stay that was just fine.
GuideThis KOA just north of the Iowa border is first class. ! Friendly staff and perfect for kiddos. The pool and adventure area are right up your alley if traveling with kids.
LegendThis is a large state park in the northwest corner of Iowa, surprisingly wooded considering how close to Sioux City it is located. Touted as a year-round park, there is a large network of trails, some of which can be used as equestrian. HOWEVER, the trails are not labeled and there is no (or very fleeting) cell service so that even after looking at the map (located on a board in the park, not a paper one), I wandered aimlessly around the park getting lost. One of the trailheads requires that you tramp directly through Site 12 to access! I explored this trail for approximately a quarter of a mile, but it became very overgrown and because I was not sure where I was going, I ended up turning around.
The campground is divided into three sections
• Sites 1-11 are located on either side of the access road are a bit too close together for our preference and despite the park being so wooded, have no foliage or other visible separation between the sites. These sites all have electric hookups
• Sites 12-14 are at the top of the hill and have the easiest access to the restrooms; they also have electric hookups. In my opinion, Site 14 would be the most desirable. Given that there are only three sites here, there was a surprising number of cars driving past these sites.
• Sites 15-30 are primitive tent sites and located near Cabin#3 (a CCC cabin).
The bathrooms were clean and (don’t laugh at me), the toilets had lids! Given the current virus situation, this was a nice and welcome surprise!
There was no camp host and we only saw one ranger during our stay. There is a nice playground, but it is not located anywhere near the campground (it is located closer to two of the cabins). If you are camping with children, please note this. There are three cabins, one that was built by the CCC and a lodge which also looked to be a CCC product, although it did not appear to be open when we were there.
GuideContinuing our tour of the best Backpacking parks in our great state of Iowa, my comrade and I spent 2 nights at Preparation Canyon State Park. Located directly adjacent to the Preparation Canyon Unit of Loess Hills State Forest; the flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America. If you have not visited this area, put it high on your to-do list. The weekend was blistering hot at 95° F and a 9/10 UV index, but we were conditioning for a larger trip this summer, so we welcomed the challenge.
The park boasts 10 backpacking, hike-in campsites. However, you will find maps and literature that reference only 8, for seemingly good reason. Sites 9 and 10 (apparently more recent additions) are the most remote in the park and might tempt those seeking that added level of solitude. We examined both of them and they were both found to be overgrown and the nearby creek tributary was mostly dry. Instead, we spent both of our nights at Site 3, which seems to be the crown jewel. It is a small trek up a hillside and looks out across the general area, with a phenomenal star gazing opportunity. The creek just to the North was still flowing and provided our water source. You will not regret staying here. The other sites are mostly in the woods and line said creek. I'm certain they would be great as well.
A quick drive from the park lands you at the State Forest Lookout, which is partnered with a short 0.91 mile loop trail that is picturesque. Around the "back," (Northwest side) of the park there are shelters, picnic areas, and overlooks. You cannot park at these locations while camping in the park.
The immediate surrounding towns provide very little in the way of amenities, so plan ahead. The cultural history of the park is intriguing, as it was the site of a 19th century Mormon town (from which the park gets its name). The town however is completely gone, there are no abandoned historical structures to explore.
You won't miss them. Hike through the hilled prairie trail which is the first right as you enter from the Eastside Boundary, and you'll know why you came.
In summary, this park is the quintessential example of the diversity that Iowa has to offer, and rivals Yellow River for it's backpacking. It's proximity to the larger State Forest means you could spend weeks exploring if so inclined.
TravelerScenic park is across the Missouri river from Sioux City, Iowa. It is easy to get to. Very friendly staff. Restrooms are kept clean. It is a large campground with several different restrooms with showers. There is a number of permanent campsites, there is also some that can be reserved. Some are also pull thru's. Ice and firewood are available on site. There is a separate area available for tents. With it being on the edge of South Sioux City, Ne and across the river from Sioux City, Ia. there is lots of shopping options close by. It can also be reserved for groups, with a shelter available for use. There are some sunny spots and also spots with lots of shade. I really like this campground!
LegendNeligh Park campground features level concrete pads with gravel in front of each site. Every site includes a picnic table along with electric and water hookups. There is an on-site dump station that costs$2.00 if you are not staying at the park. Camping is $15 per night. Some sites are reservable online, while others can be paid for when you arrive. The sites do not offer much shade as the trees planted around them are still small. The campground is in a quiet part of town.
The city park is adjacent to the campground. The city park has a newer, large playground, sand volleyball courts, and a walking trail that loops around the lake. There is also a community Aquatic Center on the premises that features a pool and a large water slide.
There appears to be a modern restroom building near the newer part of the park. There are a few fast food restaurants located a short drive away from the campground.
The area surrounding Smithland, Iowa sits in the Loess Hills region with elevations ranging from 1,000-1,400 feet. This unique landform of wind-deposited silt creates distinctive hiking terrain across multiple conservation areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels near water features.
Fishing opportunities: Crawford Creek Recreation Area offers good fishing in their lake. "Multiple play areas for kids. Water good for fishing, kayaking and swimming. Nice cabins for rent," notes Megan H.
Historical exploration: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground features educational exhibits about the famous expedition. "They have a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area," reports Timothy S. The park also maintains "a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will also occasionally take it out and give rides," adds Katie S.
Lake activities: Browns Lake at Bigelow Park offers swimming, boating and shore fishing. "CG has horse shoe pits, Basketball, volleyball courts, playground for the kids and a swimming beach. Newly constructed Handicapped ramp to fishing jetty and nice big fishing/boat dock," explains Jay M.
Clean facilities: Snyder Bend County Park maintains well-kept bathhouses. "Decent bath house with showers. Fire pits, water and electric hook ups at each site. $25 a night," states Hailey W.
Spacious sites: Peters Park offers adequate room between campsites. "Clean nice campground sites are kinda close not much shade has a little store and nice pond," says Josh G. The campground also features a small lake suitable for swimming.
Hiking trails: Southwood Conservation Area offers well-maintained walking paths. "The trails are really good quiet and peaceful," notes Josh G. Trails follow through wooded areas and are pet-friendly for leashed dogs.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October. Snyder Bend County Park closes October 31st, while Peters Park remains open year-round but with limited services in winter months.
Mosquito awareness: Insect activity increases near water features, particularly at dusk. "Nice, quiet local campground... $25 a night mosquitoes were bad," mentions Jennifer about Snyder Bend Park.
Water quality issues: Little Sioux Park Campground occasionally has maintenance challenges. "The shower house was less than than stellar. IMO it's cleanliness kept this review from being considered near 4 stars. Usable bathrooms and shower stalls…yes, but definitely lacked attention," reports Tim K.
Playground access: Lewis and Clark State Park offers child-friendly facilities. "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready," explains N K.
Special events: Lewis and Clark State Park hosts seasonal activities. "When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers," notes Morgan K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Smithland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Smithland, IA is Lewis and Clark State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Smithland, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 65 dog-friendly camping locations near Smithland, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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