Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Spencer, IA

Looking for the best campgrounds near Spencer, IA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Spencer, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Spencer, Iowa (49)

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Spencer, IA

135 Reviews of 49 Spencer Campgrounds


  • Samantha B.
    May. 14, 2018

    Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground

    The best place in town

    This campground is right on the lake! The spots are spacious, the bathrooms are clean, and the price is right. There are a few docks available for boating, fishing or just lake gazing. This is a great location as a home base to everything in Okoboji. Start the morning with coffee at the beach, hop on the Great Lakes bike trail and everything is nearby.

    All the campsites are on crushed gravel so be prepared to sweep frequently or leave your shoes outside.

    Dog friendly, lots of places to walk the dogs. Can't leave the dogs unattended in the camper, so keep that in mind when planning trips. Boji Bark has doggie daycare.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2021

    Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    A Hidden Gem in Iowa

    A hidden gem in Northwest Iowa. It is Memerial Day Weekend and on Friday night we had one other tent camper on Friday. None on Saturday. 

    The bathrooms are the old hole going down into a pit. They are very rustic. 

    There are plenty of trails in the park. The big creek that runs through the kiddos can play in. It is not deep but it’s water. There are some other small little creeks too.

    Around the camping area, the kids rode their bikes. We did ride around the roads as a family. 

    The camp site are dirt. 

    There are permanent fire rings and grills at each site. Only place to get firewood was at Hy-Vee. Our site had electricity with 50, 30,& 20 amps. 

    There is only one water spot in the campground. We drank the water and didn’t die. 

    There is a golf course next to the park that is fun. 

    My only real complaint would be there is a lot of people just driving through.

  • Mick P.
    Jun. 4, 2018

    Marble Beach State Recreation Area Campground

    Great place to stay around the Okoboji area

    Campground Renovation: The campground will be closed from April 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019.

    Marble Beach`s campground is the largest in the Iowa Great Lakes Region. The campground is well shaded and features paved roads, boat ramps, modern restroom and shower facilities, as well as a sanitary dump station. The campground includes non-electric sites and sites with electrical hookups.

    Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa and provides some of the best fishing in the state. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish including walleye, northern pike, muskellunges, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads.

  • Joel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Smith Lake County Park

    Good value camping

    This is a pretty quiet campground in my experience. For $15 you get water/electric sites with access to bathrooms and showers. Dogs are allowed on leash. Pretty nice playground. The beach area has been taken over by geese though.

  • Adrian D.
    Apr. 5, 2020

    Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground

    Since I was a wee lad!

    Emmerson Bay is the Best for Tubing on tbe Iowa Great lakes so access for your boat here too is also amazing, However theres not a place here to park it. But this place is awesome for icefishing as well!

  • Adrian D.
    Apr. 5, 2020

    Cuttys Okoboji Resort Members Club

    Mini Golf with Uncle Lester.

    Ive been coming to Cutty’s since i was a child for family reunions. Uncle Lester had a membership and since we were related we could use his pass for mini golf, the pool, and the big shelter house near his favourite spot he always rented for his RV. Cutty’s is great for the family rain or shine!

    They also have close access to the bike trail that surrounds the Dickinson county lakes and nearby towns

  • Opus 15 !.
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground

    Nice State Park Campground

    Nice state park campground in West Okoboji Iowa. Close enough to the action of Lake Okoboji yet has a fairly remote feel. After doing some looking around the area, I believe that this is probably the nicest campground in the area. Sites are fairly close but not super tight. This is a good place to stay for a few days if you want to explore all that Okoboji has to offer. It was full the entire time that we were here and it does fill up quickly so book your trip well in advance.

  • B
    May. 30, 2022

    Iowa Lake Co Campground

    Grea for tents

    I found this to be a great little spot to stay bike touring through Iowa. It is right in a lake, has water, and a nice vault toilet. Unlike the other reviewer I was literally the only one there. That’s always a bit odd but in this case it didn’t bother me at all. I highly recommend for tents. RVs not so much.

  • Adrian D.
    Apr. 5, 2020

    Fort Defiance State Park Campground

    Great Hikes

    Fort Defiance is a forresty natural state park in Iowa. There is Electrical Hook ups a picnic Table and a charcoal Grill already at the camp site. The valley has a small river or a big creek, idk you tell me the difference, what you can cross over a few times on the trails. Depending on the time of day, generally in the morning you can cruise through at day break and find deer on the roads to watch out!


Guide to Spencer

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Spencer, Iowa, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry companions. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.

Tips for camping with dogs near Spencer

Pet owners like the amenities available

  • Campers at Gull Point State Park Campground appreciate the electric hookups and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both pets and their owners.
  • Buena Vista Co Park features spacious lots and well-maintained trails, perfect for taking your dog on long walks.
  • At Silver Lake City Park, the proximity to a lake and playgrounds provides a fun environment for pets and families alike.

Dog owners appreciate the recreational activities

  • Tjossem County Park offers fishing and open country, giving your dog plenty of space to explore while you enjoy the outdoors.
  • The biking and hiking trails near Emerson Bay State Recreation Area are ideal for active pet owners looking to stay fit while enjoying nature.
  • Campers at Fieldstone RV Park can take advantage of nearby water activities, ensuring a fun-filled day for both pets and their owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Spencer, IA is Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 49 dog-friendly camping locations near Spencer, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.