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F.W. Kent Park campground provides pet-friendly sites with electric hookups for both tent and RV camping near Tiffin, Iowa. Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet throughout the park's spacious camping area. Sugar Bottom Campground and Linder Point also welcome pets with similar leash requirements while offering water access for dogs. Most campgrounds in the area feature pet waste stations near bathroom facilities and designated pet walking areas. West Overlook Campground and Lake Macbride State Park maintain quiet camping environments ideal for pets who are sensitive to noise. The campsites are grassy and open but provide privacy with tall prairie grasses and trees lining each site.
Kent Park offers excellent hiking trails around the lake that connect directly to the campground, perfect for morning walks with dogs. The trails feature bridges made from recycled iron and memorial trees of many varieties, providing approximately two miles of scenic paths around the entire lake. During summer months, most campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 10 PM, which helps reduce barking disturbances. Campers should note that park gates lock at 10:30 PM, preventing entry or exit after hours. Most area campgrounds provide basic pet amenities but campers should bring their own waste bags, portable water bowls, and tie-outs. The nearest emergency veterinary services are located in Iowa City, approximately 15 minutes from most Tiffin-area campgrounds.
"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."
from $14 - $260 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $28 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $26 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."
"This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful."
from $14 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Relatively wide open, sites adjacent to one another. Utilities all worked fine, decently maintained."
"Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp"
from $25 - $42 / night
Check Availability"This is one of around 4 campgrounds near/around Lake Coralville."
"Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites."
from $26 - $30 / night
Check Availability"The couple downfalls is the shower and bath house is outdated and there's no swimming area on this side of the lake. Other than that I had a blast."
"Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar."
"Iowa River runs alongside offering fishing. Trails, play area and Visitor Center just a 2 minute drive or hike away. Firewood available at check station."
"Very short walk to the overflow of the dam. People are friendly facilities are clean."
from $14 - $30 / night
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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.
LegendWhile it was our first time camping in Iowa, we were extremely lucky to land upon this slightly hidden fresh water centered campground just a 20 minute drive south of Route 80 near Montezuma, wherein one needs only follow Road#63, before coming across Diamond Lake County Park. With the fall colors being in full bloom when we visited, the entire campground was awash in bright yellows, reds and oranges from the changing colors of the leaves. Also, as we were visiting in mid-October, versus some of the other reviews here, we found that we had the place mostly to ourselves, which made for a rather peaceful sublime respite we were searching for.
As for the campground itself, what we enjoyed most was how this location is, for the most part, very well organized in keeping the RV'ers and 5th Wheeler crowds together, while preserving a nice slice of verdant lakeside pasture for us primitive camper types. Each of the sites for camping come equipped with (in most cases) fairly new aluminum picnic tables, fire ring with folding BBQ grill. While we didn’t stay in the RV areas, given our tent-pitching persuasion, what we did see was fairly impressive and looked altogether rather brand new with freshly poured concrete slots and fairly mint-looking RV hook-ups (50 amp electric and water) and this same area also boasted a brand new restroom facilities.
Obviously, the main attraction here is Diamond Lake itself, with its more than 90 acres of fresh water, albeit murky fresh water, was certainly a hit with this camping family. We enjoyed being able to get out on the lake with our kayaks and canoes as well as go for very long walks around the circumference of the lake itself, with which you will find simply splendid trails. And if that’s not enough exploration for you, then head further inland and away from the lake to explore this parks other 660 acres of grassy prairieland.
From an amenities standpoint, there’s a decent amount, including: three shower houses, four shelters, 2 dump stations, three his / her latrines (some much more dated than others), boat ramp and fishing dock, a dedicated fish cleaning station and what looked to be a fairly new kids playground. In all there’s a total of 120 sites to choose from, with 80 designated for RVs / 5th Wheelers and 40 earmarked for primitive camping, which do not come with any electric, which was on one hand the biggest bummer, but on the other hand, offered up front-row access to lakeside camping bliss as many of these primitive campsites are located right on the water’s edge.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Check-in is self-registration and is done onsite, so net-net, this place is first-come, first served as no online or advanced registration is taken. While we didn’t mind this, and given that we arrived right around noon as folks were actually checking out, we got the ‘pick of the litter’ of campsites. Electric sites are $20 / night and non-electric are $10, so this place is incredibly affordable; (2) If you are looking for some grub nearby after growing weary of another meal of franks & beans, then there’s really just a few nearby options: Subway, Sauced Pizza & Pub, Casey’s and Yolanda’s Tacos over in the little town of Montezuma; (3) While there are actually few different campgrounds here at Diamond Lake, for primitive campers, the best sites IMHO are located as far southwest as you can possible go around the lake, where there’s more than a dozen or so sites that sit right in front of the water and present a completely isolated surrounding.
Happy Camping!
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.
LegendShould you be traveling east-west on one of the country’s busiest thoroughfares – Route 80 – and find yourself in central Iowa and looking either for a place to pull over for a day or for much longer than that, then you may very well want to consider Beyonder Getaway at Sleep Hollow. 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 drive-by buzz of non-stop traffic.
This campground oasis planted square in the middle of the 'prairieland' of the Hawkeye State, you’ll appreciate that there is a decent-sized lake here that is perfect for a quick dip should you want to get some swimming in and cool down from the blistering Midwestern summer heat or perhaps you’d like to put a kayak or canoe in to get some decent oar exercising in or cast a line to try your luck and some mild ‘catch& release’ fun – whatever the reason … up to and including no reason at all … the mini lake that is front and center here at Beyonder is both a good distraction as well as makes for a great landscape.
As for the campground itself, there’s RV sites offering up pull-thru and back-in sites complete with full hook-up water, 30+ 50 amp electric and sewage lines. If you’re a primitive camper like me, there’s a handful of sites (7 by my count) that include picnic tables, fire pits and scattered stand-up BBQ grills. And if you don’t have either a tent or an RV, no worries, Sleepy Hollow will easily rent you one of their 3 cozy cabins which are located up front and close to the fishing pond, where these structures come with running hot and cold water along with electricity.
With amenities in mind, Beyonder packs a punch with offering the following: horseshoes, kid’s playground, dog run/ puppy park, designated dumpsters, fairly decent WiFi, community firepits, general market store, laundr-O-mat, shower facility, pavilion, game room, ball pit, volleyball and basketball courts, man-made beachhead with swim area and windmills. Oh, and there’s a lagoon with hundreds of ducks, but depending upon how you look at this, it may or many not be considered an amenity. My kids loved it and we had a lot of fun feeding our feathered friends.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you get tired of digging through your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge, then head on over to nearby Renee’s Roadhouse where this roadside stand serves up standard-fare Americana fare like burgers, sandwiches and wraps; (2) For anything more substantial, you’ll have to take a longer drive east to Iowa City of which I recommend Foundry Food+ Tap, Back Berner Bar& Grill or Casa Tequila Tiffin; (3) Should you be looking to explore a nice slice of nature while here at Beyonder’s then head due northeast to Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area where there’s plenty of trails, shooting ranges and some fairly decent bird watching; (4) If you’d like to embrace the Amish vibe that exists here in rural Iowa, then head due north to Amana Colonies where you’ll come across what looks like German colonies that have been expelled from the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) where this displaced utopian outcrop will sell you anything from blankets and cabinetry all while offering you some nice wienerschnitzel and apfelpflanzen. Auf wiedersehen!
Happy Camping!
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.
Camping sites near Tiffin, Iowa sit within the eastern Iowa region featuring rolling hills, oak-hickory woodlands, and the Iowa River watershed. The terrain around Tiffin ranges from 700-850 feet in elevation with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-90°F during camping season. Fall camping offers colorful foliage displays while spring campers should prepare for potential rainfall and muddy conditions at most area campgrounds.
Fossil hunting: 15-minute drive from Tiffin campsites to the Devonian Fossil Gorge, exposed during the 1993 flood. "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," notes a camper at West Overlook Campground.
Watercraft rentals: Available at Lake Macbride with seasonal availability from May-September. "Paddling rentals on other side of the lake. Cheap camping in nature including good fishing access," explains a visitor to Primitive South Campground.
Beach swimming: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming access, typically without lifeguards. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area. Fun for all," shares a camper at Sugar Bottom Campground.
Spacious pet-friendly sites: Most campgrounds provide ample room between sites for dogs to enjoy without disturbing neighbors. "Very nice campground located right on the lake. Most sites are shady and fairly good sized. This is a COE Park so you also can get a discount with your Senior Pass," notes a visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground.
Lake views from campsites: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access sites. "We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors," reports a camper at West Overlook Campground. Sites nearest water fill quickest, especially on holiday weekends.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide best animal sightings. "Beautiful place... saw wild turkeys and dear almost ever day walking the camp grounds," explains a visitor at Modern North Campground at Lake Macbride State Park.
Gate closing times: Several campgrounds lock entrance gates overnight. "Only downfall is the gates are locked at 10pm so if you needed to come or go, you're stuck," shares a camper at F.W. Kent Park. Plan evening activities accordingly.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring blocks or levelers. "Make sure you bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes," warns a visitor at Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow.
Seasonal water levels: Lake Macbride and Coralville Reservoir water levels fluctuate significantly. "They currently have their lake drained. Estimated to be filled some time summer 2019, unknown If they will stock fish," explains a Kent Park visitor from past seasons. Check current conditions before planning water activities.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "There were also a few playgrounds that my grandkids loved. We were there on a lovely night and had a great campfire," shares a visitor at Kent Park.
Beach safety: Beaches lack lifeguards but often feature designated swimming areas with depth markers. "The campground has a water spigot to fill containers and dumpsters (no trash at site). There are no amenities at the campsites in this campground," notes a visitor at Linder Point Campground, indicating families should bring their own beach supplies.
Pet-friendly swimming areas: Dogs can access water at specific locations but must remain leashed. "This campground has become our go to on travels west. Beautiful view of the water. Very clean and well run COE," reports a camper at Linder Point Campground.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds offer dump stations at entrance areas rather than at individual sites. "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions," notes a Sugar Bottom camper.
Off-season camping benefits: Reduced rates and greater site availability occur from September-April. "It's a pretty area with all the trees and the lake," shares a visitor about West Overlook, noting fall is an ideal time with fewer campers.
Water hookups: Not all electric sites include water connections. "We loved the views from spot 193 but they were lacking in water hook-ups and the staff wasn't super friendly," reports a Sugar Bottom visitor, suggesting RVers fill fresh water tanks before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Tiffin, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tiffin, 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 Tiffin, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 dog-friendly camping locations near Tiffin, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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