Top Dog Friendly Camping near Stuart, IA

Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Stuart? Find the best information on pet-friendly campsites and dispersed camping near Stuart, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Stuart's most popular destinations.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Stuart, IA (73)

    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Des Moines West KOA

    1. Des Moines West KOA

    22 Reviews
    33 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park

    2. Lake Anita State Park

    24 Reviews
    84 Photos
    103 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park

    3. Winterset City Park

    12 Reviews
    28 Photos
    46 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pammel County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pammel County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pammel County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pammel County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pammel County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pammel County Park

    4. Pammel County Park

    12 Reviews
    52 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $15 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park

    5. Jester County Park

    27 Reviews
    45 Photos
    100 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ledges State Park

    6. Ledges State Park

    39 Reviews
    57 Photos
    207 Saves

    Millions of years before the plains of Iowa were inhabited by the Sauk, Fox and Sioux peoples, much of the American Midwest was covered by a shallow inland sea. It was at this time that the area’s sandstone deposits began forming. Fast-forward to just 13,000 years ago, with the inland sea now long gone, Ice Age glacial meltwater raced across the dry plains, carving and scouring channels and canyons into the sandstone terrain. One of these canyons can be found in Iowa’s Ledges State Park. This 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area is located on a wide bend on the Des Moines River, and is just 40 miles north of the city of Des Moines. The park is subject to frequent flooding when the river breaches its banks, but is otherwise a popular year-round outdoor recreation destination. Visitors to Ledges can enjoy a variety of hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities, as well as explore a prehistoric river canyon that showcases nature’s ability to sculpt the landscape. The campground at Ledges State Park features 94 tent and RV sites situated among deciduous woods not far from the Des Moines River. Campers can choose from full-hookup, partial-hookup, or primitive tent sites. Most sites are back-in; only a few are pull-through for larger vehicles. Tent sites are located in both in the main camp area, and in a secluded walk-in area. There is also a youth group site. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water faucets, flush restrooms, showers, and trash receptacles; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The campground also features a kids’ playground, outdoor amphitheater, and is within walking distance of trails and picnic areas. Some roads and/or facilities may not be open or available in the winter. Reservations are accepted, however the park saves about half of the sites for first-come, first-served campers; sites are $11–$19/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Timberline Campground

    7. Timberline Campground

    12 Reviews
    6 Photos
    43 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park

    8. Adair City Park

    9 Reviews
    37 Photos
    20 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Springbrook State Park

    9. Springbrook State Park

    9 Reviews
    42 Photos
    33 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park

    10. Walnut Woods State Park

    14 Reviews
    63 Photos
    94 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews In Stuart

393 Reviews of 73 Stuart Campgrounds


  • Gudrun C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Convenient Spot

    No frills spot for an easy stop off I-80. Only 2 other campers the night we stayed. Great Mexican restaurant 2 blocks away.

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Don Williams Park
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Don Williams Park

    Quite and nice

    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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lenon Mill Park
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Lenon Mill Park

    Pretty basic, great for an overnight

    I stayed here one night while I was traveling. It was a Saturday so the campground was kind of busy. People shouting and loud music. Lots of trucks with noisy exhausts coming and going all day. I'm sure it's more quiet during the week.

    Some of the sites are well shaded, and you can access the water. It looked like people had been finding clams (they left the shells all over the picnic table). People were fishing here.

    The power pedestals are far back from the parking pad for some reason. If you back all the way into your spot or if you have a long cord you should be fine. There was only a 50A outlet so I needed to use an adapter for my 30A camper.

    There is one water spigot, and no dump station.

    There are bathrooms, but no showers.

    I had great T-mobile signal here (5G, 160 down and 20 up). And a somewhat decent 4G Verizon signal (70 down, 12 up).

    The Guthrie County Historical Village& Museum is a 5 minute walk away. It's not open evenings or weekends but there is interesting stuff to walk around and see even when closed. The railroad cars are very cool.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Sportsman Park

    JJSploit

    This piece of writing is certain to attract the interest of readers from a wide variety of backgrounds due to the abundance of insightful content and topics that are pertinent to the topic at hand. JJSploit Official

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Anita State Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Lake Anita State Park

    Nice

    We only stayed here for the night but everything was perfectly fine. A little off I80 but not too far. Nice lake and incredible harvest moon the night we were there

  • BENdejo ~.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Flower Recreation Area
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Prairie Flower Recreation Area

    Large, level, clean, quiet, cheap

    Large level gravel pad driveways surrounded by beautiful prairie grass. Fantastically clean & well maintained facilities. Nice beach down the road and some Greenway trails. One of the NICEST public campgrounds I've stayed at. Reserve online at rec.gov. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass pays your day use fees at the beach.

  • Deb M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winterset City Park
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Winterset City Park

    Great city park on a cute town

    Nice city park campground close to lots of covered bridges and other things to see. The sites are pretty well spaced with lots of grass and some trees in between. It was a good value for full hookup sites. The bathroom was decent, and phone service was adequate. We just spent one night here on our way home from Colorado, but will be returning in the fall to explore more and see some colors.

  • Laura W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Valley State Park
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Green Valley State Park

    Timing is everything!

    Pretty grounds with woodland coverage on all sides in addition to the lake. We visited in August and realized it was prime family vacation time before school starts up again, so a little crowded and noisy. Spots are pretty close together too. But the grounds are quite lovely and the facilities were super clean. We plan to go back when Autumn arrives, mid week. Bonus easy shore fishing access.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Valley
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Acorn Valley

    Nice playground , well maintained

    Nice and well maintained ! We parked at a site by the playground and bathhouse , and could sit at our camper and watch our son play at a safe distance

  • Alika T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Adair City Park
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Adair City Park

    Awesome little campsites!

    $15 full power / $6 tents / $5 dump only. They have 110 power as well as regular hookups. Playground, tennis / pickleball courts, little zip line, and covered picnic area.

  • Nancy C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn Valley
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Acorn Valley

    Amazingly Quiet

    We lived our time there. It was quiet and we loved listening to the wildlife at night. My only complaint is that they left people in to camp after 10. Which kept me awake for a bit.

  • Thomas P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Lake Campground
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Beaver Lake Campground

    Simple for overnight

    This campground is on the side of a lake. You hear beavers at night, see rabbits are on the sides of the lot. We came late around 8pm and the owner helped us fill the form and pick our spot. The only drawback are the restrooms which were ok but smelly.

  • Matt M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

    Nice campground!

    We've stayed here a number of times now in the past 2 years (not during fair weeks.) Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here. Some are flat, some are no where near flat, but there are so many, you can find one that will work for you! Almost all of the sites are full grass sites. The main shower house is the only one we've ever used and have no complaints. They are clean and bright and well kept.

    The sites are $32/night.

  • Brian M.
    Camper-submitted photo from CAB Campground
    May. 21, 2024

    CAB Campground

    I gave 5 stars. There are no frills here!

    There are no frills here just quiet and the essentials, elec, water and sewer for $25/night. Great communication. If you're traveling near it's an inexpensive place to get some rest.

  • Amanda W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jester County Park
    Apr. 13, 2024

    Jester County Park

    camping

    we love it here people are great price is Right Showers are hot every time it a WOnderfull place •to be .

  • Danni A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Icaria Co Park
    Apr. 9, 2024

    Lake Icaria Co Park

    Beautiful Views

    This campground has beautiful views of the lake. The sites are very close together. Everything was very clean when we were there.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenhouse Camping
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Greenhouse Camping

    Nice laid back overnight stay.

    This turned out to be a very easy overnight stopover on our way north to Minnesota. My niece lives in Desert Moines and it was a short drive for her to come for a visit and bring some local, delicious tacos for dinner. We will definitely consider this spot next time through!

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenhouse Camping
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Greenhouse Camping

    New to the Dyrt!

    Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

  • RN P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Swan Lake State Park
    Oct. 21, 2023

    Swan Lake State Park

    Perfect

    Tented camped in late October, the weekend before closing.  I was only tent camper in the electric only sites.  If there was a tent only location, I didn't see it.  Those in campers that need water and electricity are regulated to gravel 'parking lot' sites.

    Beautiful park with playgrounds, swim beach, fisbee golf, paved trail, many fishing bars, and more.  

    Electric only sites are small and spaced out well.  Most have level drive perfect for sm camper or suv camping. Grass has slope, but I think you can find a good enough place for tent, I did.  Bathroom clean enough, I didn't use showers. I enjoyed the privacy of lake-front site J.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Oct. 14, 2023

    Thomas Mitchell County Park

    Nice campground although not too many spaces.

    Came in late, even though there were several empty spaces turns out they were reserved. Very nice camp host told us we could have a non-electric site, none of them were reserved. Bathroom/showers were clean.

  • Benjamin L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Woods State Park
    Sep. 16, 2023

    Walnut Woods State Park

    Nice park, convenient to Des Moines

    We stayed 2 nights, the park was nice and well maintained with walking trails. It is wooded so there is a lot of shade. The pad was a little small but fit our camper fine.

  • Ben K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Mitchell County Park
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Thomas Mitchell County Park

    Clean and quiet in tent

    Spent 2 nights tent camping here. We stayed at site 4, glad I read reviews on here. I personally would not want to be in a site beyond number 7 as it gets too close to the dump station and subsequent “sewage lagoon”

    Shower house was clean, pretty quiet, and only 5 miles off the highway

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from East Lake Co Park
    Aug. 26, 2023

    East Lake Co Park

    Newer so campground still being established

    The campground was clean and quiet with water and electricity at each site. The dump station was set aside from the camp sites. The trees at the campground were recently planted so no shade. The best part is that there is plenty of room between camp sites so your not camping on top of your neighbors. Playground and bathrooms on site.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Aug. 20, 2023

    Yellow Banks County Park

    Great camp close to town

    Very clean campground with friendly host. Showers were warm and sites were either paved or good gravel. Road in could easily allow motorcycle access

  • Jen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Banks County Park
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Yellow Banks County Park

    Huge sites!

    Large spacious sites with a fire ring and picnic table. Cost per night is low. Firewood available and camp host was a wonderful older gentleman. Close proximity to the state fair without being to close. Great stay! Our site had an open field behind it definitely recommend.



Guide to Stuart

Camping near Stuart, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Scenic Views: Explore the trails at Ledges State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Anita State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "Great location, good facilities... Plenty of space in tent area - shade and soft grass."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Jester County Park has playgrounds and trails for kids. One family said, "We love it here; people are great, and the price is right!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms and showers were nice and clean."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer large sites. A visitor at Prairie Flower Recreation Area remarked, "The sites are very large, all with concrete pads, with a decent amount of spacing between them."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Des Moines West KOA Holiday, one guest said, "Staff is one of the nicest and most helpful we've ever encountered."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty coverage. A camper at Ledges State Park Campground mentioned, "Cell coverage is terrible out here, and there is no WIFI to help keep people connected."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Many campgrounds can get crowded in the summer. One reviewer at Jester County Park noted, "The campground was large but busy."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Prairie Rose State Park Campground advised, "You must reserve these sites in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for places like Jester County Park that have playgrounds. A visitor said, "Kids playground, hiking trails, Equestrian Center, golf course, and nature center."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes it easier for families. One camper at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, "A bit noisy when I stayed (people playing loud music into the evening)."
  • Plan for Activities: Check out local attractions. A reviewer at Bob Shelter Recreation Area said, "Clean, level sites, close to fishing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A visitor at Des Moines West KOA Holiday noted, "Large modern KOA with sites to accommodate all sizes of rigs."
  • Check for Full Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Walnut Woods State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites feature 20/30/50 electric, a fire ring, and a picnic table."
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. A reviewer at Walnut Woods State Park Campground shared, "The road around the campground is paved, but very narrow."

Camping near Stuart, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Stuart, IA is Des Moines West KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Stuart, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.