Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground welcomes campers with pets across 80 well-spaced sites that prevent crowding between neighbors. This southeast Iowa destination provides campers with pets access to multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups with 30/50 amp service, and pet-friendly cabins. The campground maintains clean facilities including modern bathhouses and showers that remain open during the camping season from April through December. Indian Lake Park offers similar pet accommodation with full hookup RV sites, cabins, and tent camping areas where dogs can stay with their owners. Both locations enforce standard leash policies to ensure pet and wildlife safety. Campground hosts at Indian Lake sell firewood and maintain clean facilities for all guests.
Hiking trails throughout Lacey Keosauqua provide excellent pet exercise opportunities with the 2.1-mile lake loop trail particularly popular for daily dog walks. The natural setting attracts deer in the evenings, requiring pet owners to maintain control of their animals. Both Indian Lake and Lacey Keosauqua feature lakes where pets can access water, though swimming regulations for dogs vary seasonally. Bentonsport Riverside Park provides another pet-friendly alternative with river access and electric hookups, though the campground lacks water hookups at individual sites. The Des Moines River views enhance the camping experience for pets and owners. Weather considerations include summer heat requiring extra water for pets, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 70s depending on season. Nearby Mount Pleasant offers additional pet-friendly options including Updog RV & Camping and Crossroads RV Park, both allowing pets with full hookups.
$12 - $20 / night
"Lacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks."
"Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice."
"close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."
"Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."
$8 - $50 / night
"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
$30 / night
"Showed me around n where I could pitch for the night. Right by the pond. Very clean, very quiet n would go all over again!"
$38 / night
"We’ll controlled dogs here! That’s Nice. Parking is drive thru, but sites are pretty close. We"
"The sites were close together and very close to a train track."
$12 - $110 / night
"We stayed on the primative group side of the lake. There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake. "
"Sites were fairly level and all pretty close to the showers/restrooms, and well spaced out between sites. "
"Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."
"We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup. Outhouse type toilets are available there."
$14 / night
"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
"Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming."
$10 / night
"Nice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away."
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.
TravelerWe stayed on the primative group side of the lake. There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake. Great fishing and walking paths. Iowa has done a great job fixing up this area. The cabins are small but clean.
TravelerNice little campground in Iowa. We stayed for three nights, there's vault toilets, and the fire rings are tiered and really nice. It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back.
LegendLacey-Keosaqua State Park is a gem located in Southeast Iowa in Van Buren County. It is off the beaten path but it is one of oldest Iowa State Parks. The Park and campground are well maintained and clean. We visited over Labor Day weekend and the park was only two-thirds full. It was a variety of Tent campers and RV's. The camp sites are spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another. They have electric and non-electric sites and the shower is very clean. There are almost 80 sites in the campground.
Don't miss the hiking trails and the Beach House and swimming lake. Don't miss lake Sugema, the Indian Mounds or the Ely Ford Mormon Trail crossing.
GuideConservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities. Unless you're a hunter, I'd avoid camping there during the November deer season or spring or fall turkey seasons. Otherwise summer camping is fine. Indian Hills Conservation Area is no exception: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/indian-hills-ca It is located in Scotland County in northeast Missouri and consists of rolling hills along the two branches of the Fabius River. Camping is allowed in the parking areas and the grassy areas next to the parking areas. A map of the 3,974 acre conservation area showing the parking/camping sites is found here (If you can't access this link, there is also a link to the map on the main page above): https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/conservation-areas/8622map.pdf
The only amenities, are two unisex toilets. The CA is on the west side of Missouri State Highway 15. This highway starts in Mexico, MO and runs northbound through the county seats of Paris, Shelbyville, Edina and lastly Memphis, MO, in Scotland County. As you leave Edina, in Knox County, northbound, you'll pass through Baring and then Greensburg. About a half mile north of Greensburg you'll enter into Scotland County and the CA will be on your left (west). Missouri blacktop T, an east/west highway, is on the north side of the CA. There is a gravel road that runs west on the county line that is just south of the CA. Missouri blacktop C is an east/west highway about a half mile south of the CA area (which ends in Greensburg). There are 4 north/south roads that access the CA. The east border is Missouri Highway 15. The next road to the west is Seven Oaks. It connects on the north to Highway T and on the south end it turns to the east at the county line and connects to Highway 15. The next road is Indian Creek Road and connects on the north to Highway T. It goes through the northwest part of the CA and loops back to Highway T. There is a Tee intersection with Otter Creek Road that runs to the east and then turn back south to end just short of the Fabius River. The westernmost road is Old Trail Road which runs along part of the west side of the CA. The map shows that the road turns east and becomes Ivy Road. Actually it is a Tee intersection and is easy to miss. Old Trail Road continues to the south. At this intersection there is a farmstead and at first glance one would think that Ivy Road is a drive. It is not. Ivy Road continues to the south leaving the CA. At the county line there is a Tee intersection. You can turn left or right. If you turn left, the road will shortly turn to the right (south) and the road becomes Knox County Autumn Rd. If you turn right you'll shortly come to another Tee intersection. Turn left and the road becomes Ash Rd. Both Autumn and Ash will connect to Blacktop C at the south end. Turn Left on C and you'll find yourself back in Greensburg. Turn right and C will intersect with Missouri Highway 11. In Scotland County, the gravel roads that intersect with Highway T don't have the names as shown in the map, but have street numbers. Seven Oaks is easy to miss, but it's almost exactly 1 mile west of the intersection of Highway T and Missouri 15. Indian Creek Road is well marked as an entrance to the CA. Old Trail Road is in the community of Bible Grove. I've included a picture of the old school in Bible Grove located a couple hundred yards to the south of Highway T. I've also included pictures of all the gravel road intersections on Highway T.
My favorite camping spot is the one at the far west edge of the CA. It has a well maintained unisex bathroom and a lovely view. Next there is a parking area on Otter Creek Road where it turns from east/west to north/south. There is a walking trail that connects this road to Seven Oaks at this location. Next there is a parking area at the midpoint on Seven Oaks I like, and finally there is the parking area on Highway 15. The good thing about this area is that it is easy to get to, being right on 15, and has a bathroom. The other parking areas are fine, but there are no bathrooms and the views are not that great. I've included pictures of 4 of my favorite parking areas, as well as the turnoffs from Highway T.
LegendGreat isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects. Pack in/out, gather drift wood for fire, watch barges pass by. Paddle upstream to Port Louisa NWR or Lake Odessa.
RangerClose 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. Bathrooms with flush toilets nearby. Dump station for a fee. All sites had water and electric. Water was off during our visit in March. Park connected to nearby town by paved trail, approx 1 mile away. Gas and convenience store nearby. Camphost on site. Park is in a quiet rural location. Payment is made at dropbox when entering the park. Cell signal was 2 bars with Verizon.
GuideI don't think this camp site exists anymore. There is a roadside stop next to it with a Pavillion but no campground
RangerCampground Review:
Surrounded by hardwood forests and native prairie, Langwood Education Center, located in rural Wapello, Iowa is the perfect spot for nature retreats, family gatherings, outdoor education classes, and more.
With rates starting as low as $99 per day/$194 per overnight for up to 100 people, Langwood provides a quiet and serene setting for camping, hiking, canoeing, and reconnecting with nature.
There is plenty of space for individual tents, as well as 5 electrical hookups for RVs for $10 per night per RV. An A-frame bunkhouse is also available. The bunkhouse is a split level with a total of 21 single beds on the first and second level. Campers will need to bring their own bedding. While Langwood is open through the winter months, water is shut off, so campers will need to bring their own water supply. Check in time is after 1:00pm and check out time is 11:00am.
Campfire rings and outdoor picnic tables are available. Langwood’s 92 acres houses a lodge with a full kitchen, and ample seating including tables and chairs. There is a separate, modern restroom within short walking distance of the bunkhouse and lodge.
For an additional fee, campers can use the ropes course located by a large pond on the property. Six canoes are also on site for use. There is no additional fee for the canoes, but a waiver must be signed in order to use them.
For the women's outdoor retreat weekend I attended, I chose to bring my tent and camp out rather than utilize the bunk house. The area for tent camping is quite large with a variety of shade trees, and offers a fair amount of privacy.
With hiking trails throughout the property, the woods offer prime area to see migratory birds such as kingfishers, herons, and a multitude of warblers. At night, great horned and barred owls can be heard calling back and forth.
Langwood provides quiet walks through Iowa prairies and clear, star-gazing nights. This spot is perfect for larger gatherings, offering privacy and a quiet space away from the busyness of everyday life.
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This time around I had the opportunity to test out the three-in-one RōM Pack from RōM Outdoors. https://romoutdoors.com/product/rom-pack/
I’m always up for giving a new backpack a try. I was really interested to see how the RoM Pack compared to my other daypacks and backpack. The RoM Pack is unique as it offers a twist on the traditional pack; a three-in-one pack, blanket, rain poncho combo.
I took the RoM pack with me on the recent women’s outdoor retreat at Langwood Education Center. It seemed like the perfect weekend to test out the versatility of this pack. From prairie seed collection, to orienteering, to night hikes, the pack offered something useful throughout the retreat. The pack includes two detachable, smaller saddlebags; great for throwing a water bottle and snacks in for the prairie seed collection hike.
Between sessions, we had the opportunity to wander the grounds and take time to relax. This presented the perfect opportunity to break the pack down and try out the blanket. It was a cool autumn day, and lounging in the sun was a nice reprieve from the busy morning activities.
While it didn’t rain during my stay, I did decide to try on the poncho to see how it fit. It was a little bulky, but would definitely help repel rain. It was easy enough to take off and flip back over to blanket mode.The outer material is meant to resist water, so whether you’re wearing it at as a poncho or using it as a blanket, you’ll stay dry. Another plus is the removable stuff sack located inside the pack. I used it specifically to store my dirty clothes from the first day of the retreat.
The pack itself is made of a durable, water resistant material, and includes two mesh side pockets good for stowing water bottles, and bug spray. While the pack is slightly heavier than my other daypacks, 4.6 lbs, I would consider using it for shorter day hikes, but will get the most use out of it to store and carry clothes and gear on camping and fishing trips. I’m also a shorter individual, so the pack was a little big on me. I was able to adjust the straps enough to get a fairly secure fit.
The RoM Pack also comes with a small booklet with step by step directions on how to put the pack back together after breaking it down. The booklet also includes information on identifying poison ivy, oak, and sumac as well as different ways to build a campfire; a nice addition to the pack itself.
Stockport, Iowa sits in a rural region where the Des Moines River winds through a landscape of rolling hills and forests. Summer temperatures can reach the high 80s, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with temperatures between 50-70°F. The area's state parks and campgrounds offer a mix of wooded sites and riverfront locations with varying levels of amenities for pet owners traveling with their animals.
Hiking trails: Lake Darling State Park features multiple well-maintained hiking paths where pets are welcome. One camper noted, "There were several hiking trails—maps seemed to not quite fit the trails and lake to some degree. Several ponds have been added to the lake and along the hiking trails that aren't on the map that could assist in knowing where you're at along the trails."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Darling State Park Campground offers excellent fishing options for pet owners who bring their animals along. A reviewer mentioned, "We very much like the campground and the lake area... The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available. Paddle boats, canoes, and other options."
Visit historic sites: Bring your pet to explore the historic sites near Bentonsport for a break from camping. "Beautiful river views... Mid 1800's town right there and businesses open. There is a blacksmith, a Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing," writes one camper.
Seasonal swimming: During warmer months, some campgrounds allow supervised pets near water areas. "We stayed on the primitive group side of the lake. There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake," reports one visitor to Lake Darling State Park.
Clean facilities: Indian Lake Park receives consistent praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Very modern facilities that were clean," writes one camper, while another mentioned, "They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced. Most of the sites are nice and shady and level. A bathhouse with showers."
Quiet atmosphere: Pet friendly camping spots near Stockport often provide peaceful settings away from urban noise. A visitor to Waubonsie Trail Park stated, "I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup... I love the quiet. Picnic tables and fire rings are at each campsite."
Wildlife viewing: Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground provides opportunities to view local wildlife with your pet. "Stayed for a week in mid November... My pups and I loved walking the lake loop (2.1miles) every day. Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage," notes one reviewer.
Affordable options: Many pet friendly campgrounds in the region offer reasonable rates. "Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups," reports a Lacey Keosauqua camper, while another notes Bentonsport charges "$17 Bentonsport campground... power water on sites to share water and dump on property."
Seasonal variations: Weather can affect pet camping experiences significantly. "Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night. There were only 4 other sites occupied with a few ins and outs during the week. I could see the spring and summer months getting busy with lake use," notes a November visitor to Lacey Keosauqua.
Booking requirements: Pet friendly cabins fill quickly at popular locations. A camper at Lake Darling State Park Campground mentioned, "The cabins seem nice, though we have never been in them or stayed in them. Book early they are usually booked up I am told."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise that might affect pets. At Crossroads RV Park, a camper warned, "The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too!"
Limited services: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A visitor to Bentonsport noted, "As far as restrooms go, there appeared to be only a small outhouse. I did not check it out since it looked like I would have had to walk through someone's site to access it."
Playground access: Waubonsie Trail Park offers family-friendly amenities for those camping with pets and children. "Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean. Horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area were nice surprises. All for under $20 for electric RV site!"
Beach activities: When bringing pets to family beach outings, check specific rules at each location. At Indian Lake Park, "There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
Educational opportunities: Historic sites near camping areas provide learning experiences for families with pets. "Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road," writes a Waubonsie Trail Park visitor.
Camp hosts: Family campers with pets benefit from helpful staff. At Indian Lake Park, one camper noted, "Tony and his wife are the camp hosts. Tony was so helpful and nice. The camp sites are spacious and clean."
Site spacing: For RVers with pets, campsite spacing matters. At Updog RV & Camping, one camper warns, "With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me."
Hookup availability: Check specific hookup configurations when bringing pets. "Our family has been camping at Lake Darling for the past couple of years... Opportunities for improvement would be that the full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table."
Cell service considerations: Pet owners needing reliable connectivity should note coverage limitations. Lake Darling campers report, "And generally limited cell signal might be better that way eh?"
Shade options: RVers with pets appreciate shade during hot weather. Updog RV & Camping provides "Lots of trees for great shade in these hot days. Nice pond for some fun fishing."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Stockport, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Stockport, IA is Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Stockport, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 54 dog-friendly camping locations near Stockport, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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