James M.
Legend
LegendHorseshoe Pond
Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa
CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Wheatland, IA
Walnut Grove County Park maintains pet-friendly sites at $17 for electric and $12 for primitive options along the Wapsipinicon River. Leashed pets are welcome throughout the campground areas, which feature picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and seasonal shower facilities. The campground has that kicked back river atmosphere while still providing essential amenities for campers with dogs. Sherman County Park offers both RV and primitive camping sections where pets are allowed, with the primitive sites providing more spacious areas for dogs to enjoy. The shower house is exceptionally clean according to visitor reports. Camp Liberty and Bald Eagle Campground both offer pet-friendly cabin options for those seeking more comfort while traveling with animals.
Bennett Park's pet-friendly campground includes gravel pads, electric hookups with 50-amp service, and shaded sites perfect for summer camping with dogs. The park features two playground areas where families can spend time while pets rest at the campsite. A small pond provides fishing opportunities and kayaking access where well-behaved dogs can join their owners. During warm months, early morning walks along the trails winding through prairie areas allow pets to exercise before temperatures rise. The primitive sites at Massillon Park along the Wapsipinicon River offer quiet camping opportunities with fire rings, picnic tables and river access for dogs who enjoy swimming. Most campgrounds in the area have no breed restrictions but maintain standard leash requirements to ensure wildlife and other campers remain undisturbed.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Wheatland, Iowa (122)
1. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
34 ReviewsBaldwin, IA20 milesWebsite+1 (563) 652-5833$15 - $25 / night
"You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit."
"Caves were closed but we had a great time hiking the trails. Very clean campground. Plenty of wood for campfires, just had a donation box. Electric campsites have plenty of shade."
2. Sherman Co Park
7 ReviewsWheatland, IA5 milesWebsite+1 (563) 847-7202"There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling."
"Primitive sites include gravel entrance, picnic tables, fire rings only. There is a boat ramp for the Wapsipinicon river with access for fishing, paddling, etc."
3. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
6 ReviewsWheatland, IA5 milesWebsite+1 (563) 328-3286$70 - $80 / night
"Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife."
"AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."
4. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
19 ReviewsLong Grove, IA18 milesWebsite+1 (563) 328-3282$17 - $36 / night
"One of the 6 campgrounds that you will have to choose from here at Scott County Park, Bald Eagle CG & Cabins is one that is more geared for the RV driving and trailer toting tribes as each site has"
"Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."
5. Bennett Park
6 ReviewsWheatland, IA7 milesWebsite+1 (563) 886-6930$10 - $15 / night
"CG has open sites with fire pits, tables, dump station, firewood, restrooms. 2 shelters to rent, playground, trails, lake for fishing."
"Park has small lake for paddling and fishing."
6. Porth RV Park
4 ReviewsWheatland, IA4 miles+1 (563) 246-26657. Walnut Grove Co Park
4 ReviewsWheatland, IA6 milesWebsite+1 (563) 847-72028. Eden Valley Refuge
7 ReviewsBaldwin, IA15 milesWebsite+1 (563) 847-7202"Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."
"Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"
9. Camp Liberty
1 ReviewWheatland, IA7 milesWebsite+1 (563) 843-2955"Surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake.Trails, and even guided activities."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Wheatland, IA
78 Photos of 122 Wheatland Campgrounds
James M.
Porth RV Park
James M.
Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
Stuart K.
6B's Campground
Shelly S.
Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Suzan E.
Draco Hill Farm and Prairie
Art S.
Riverview Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
James M.
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
James M.
Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping
James M.
Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground
Jamee N.
Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
Sara S.
Wapsipinicon State Park Campground
Elizabeth G.
Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Wheatland, IA
694 Reviews of 122 Wheatland Campgrounds
- DDick M.
ScoutCamelot Campground Quad Cities USA
Great for an overnight
Gravel pad for one night. Didn’t use facilities, pool was closed for the season. Very nice walk around the lake, dog park was not large, but clean with enough room to run. There were much nicer spots, but we had all we needed for one night.
- James M.Legend
Iowa 80 Truckstop
Good overnight parking and I 80 access
This 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.
- James M.Legend
Horseshoe Pond
Small City CG in Maquoketa Iowa
CG lies within Maquoketa and is seasonal. Has pond for fishing, shelter, dog park, playset, disc golf course. Sites are pulling, have electric and fire pits. Camp supplies including wood in nearby stores. Prairie Creek runs along south of CG.
- James M.Legend
Lakeside RV Park and Campground
Travelling overnight stay suggested
I suggest this site only if you need to get off the road for an overnight stay. Very few amenities, all but a few spots appear to be full-time RV living onsite, has nice playground, gazebo, dog park (small), lake is small but appears well kept, electric/water/septic onsite.
Skylar M.ScoutGeneseo Campground
Stayed for a night passing through
Great campground. Has full hook ups, and pull through sites. Hosts are very responsive to texts if you need anything. They warned me ahead of time that GPS would navigate me under a 10 ft bridge and gave me directions around it!! They have a dog park, bathroom, propane, and trash. Very nice place
Stuart K.LegendGeneseo Campground
Hidden Gem Along Slow-Moving Canal
This is an incredibly quaint, somewhat out-of-the-way (in a very good way) location that will treat you to a heavy dose of isolation and privacy wherein you’ll feel completely blessed by the nature you will be surrounded by. This incredibly friendly (pet-friendly as well BTW) operation does an excellent job in how it is set up, offering up a few distinct loops that are ear-marked pretty much exclusively for the wheel-toting camping variety (think RVs, rigs, trailers and 5th wheels) providing 59 pull-thru and 12 back-in slots, while also offering up a discreet space flanked towards the front of the property that is simply perfect for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, which is surrounded by mature Oaks. And, just in case you either forgot your tent or RV, Geneseo Campground has 4 super comfy cabins (each sleeps 4 and come with A/C) or an amazing yurt that sleeps 8 that they’ll gladly rent you.
From an amenities standpoint, there’s an amazing kid’s playground, well-stocked camp store, propane refueling station, kayak & canoe rental, gas grill rental, e-bike, pedal carts & fat tire bike rental, full and partial hook-ups offering 30 / 50 electric amp, water & sewage hook-ups. There’s also a meeting room, WiFi everywhere, enclosed dog park, firewood & ice for sale, arcade games, RV dump station, coin-operated washers & dryers / laundr-O-mat, excellent showers & bathrooms, direct access to the Hennepin Canal and don’t forget the 60 or so miles worth of hiking trails!
This place is spacious, very well organized, incredibly clean all the while within a short 10 minute drive into nearby Geneseo, which quite frankly, is one of the most idyllic small towns you’ll come across anywhere in Illinois that is both convivial and provincial, but also quite emblematic of a typical Norman Rockwell painting. What I loved most about this place is that while it doesn’t offer up EVERYTHING that you might be looking for while camping, you only need to head due south to Izaak Walton Park (further south of this spot) or to Geneseo Prairie Park, both of which offer up amazing hiking trails as well as good launch spots to access the Hennepin Canal via kayak and canoe.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re reeling, you should expect to catch blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie, and while you can throw your line from the Geneseo Campground property, I would highly recommend you cross the canal to Izaak Walton Park on its east side where there’s a large open canal / lake to cast in; (2) While there’s tons of hiking trails, you don’t want to forget your bikes – there’s 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on; (3) Maybe you have a kayak or canoe, but in the case you don’t, do yourself a favor and rent one from the good people at Geneseo Campground in which to explore the Hennepin Canal - trust me, you won't be disappointed; and (4) Should you grow weary of eating franks & beans again from your campsite and want to try out some local cuisine, then get yourself over to nearby Geneseo where you can dine out at The Cellar, Sweet Peas Grill & Bar or Geneseo Brewing Company.
Happy Camping!
- James M.Legend
Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
Private CG with lake
This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming.
Brett F.
GuideMaquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Camping & Caves
This is one of our favorite parks in the Midwest. We usually make a day trip from Chicagoland, but this time we camped at the park. We are glad we did!
You really can't go wrong with any trail or cave. The kids enjoyed hiking between Lower- and Upper-Dancehall Caves. The trail goes underground and through some water. Window Cave was also a hit. You can climb up about 5-7 feet and out the "window". The kids felt like real spelunkers!
While the park is usually crowded during the day, we find it nearly empty beginning in the late afternoons on the weekdays we visited. It felt like we had the place to ourselves.
The campground is about a five minute walk to the park's main entrances. The campground was very quiet... just the way we like it. There is a family of cats that hang around: they visit from a nearby dairy farm. The kids loved this added attraction. The dog did not.
The bathroom and shower house is clean. There is only one. So it gets pretty busy during "flush hour". Our campsite was right next to the bathroom/ shower and dumpster. We noticed flies and the occasional whiff of trash.
We'll continue visiting this park. And we look forward to camping on site.
Guide to Wheatland
Camping options around Wheatland, Iowa include primitive sites scattered along the Wapsipinicon River, offering direct water access for fishing and paddling enthusiasts. The area features multiple county parks with varying amenities from basic tent sites to full-service RV accommodations. Winter camping is available at select locations, though most parks operate seasonally from April through October with reduced services during colder months.
What to do
Cave exploration: 6 miles of trails at Maquoketa Caves State Park lead to 13 distinct bat caves for exploration. "This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place," writes Stuart K. Remember to check seasonal cave closures: "Due to concerns for wildlife (primarily bats) the caves close frequently, check the park website for details about when they will be open."
Paddling: River access points throughout the region provide entry to the Wapsipinicon River. "The boat ramp offers access to the Wapsipinicon River for fishing and paddling," notes James M. about Massillon Park. Most boat ramps are simple gravel entries suitable for kayaks and canoes, with limited parking available during peak summer weekends.
Fishing: Multiple access points along waterways support bank and boat fishing. The small pond at Bennett Park "provides fishing opportunities and kayaking access" while Pride Lake near Bald Eagle Campground offers a larger fishing area. According to Seth N., "We played a lot on the playground there and rode our bikes wherever."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sherman Co Park receives consistently positive reviews for maintenance. "The bathroom/shower house is the nicest & cleanest I've seen. The camp host's are very friendly," writes Chris D. The shower facilities remain open seasonally from May through September, with winter closures at most campgrounds.
Quiet riverside camping: The primitive sites offer more seclusion with natural surroundings. "CG has primitive sites with fire pits, tables, restrooms nearby, shelters, boat ramp/Wapsipinicon River access," notes James M. about Massillon Park. These sites typically cost $12-17 per night, with some locations operating on a first-come basis.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wooded areas provide habitat for numerous species. At Bald Eagle Campground, one camper shares, "Expect to see whitetail deer as they love to make the park home." Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect services: Most campgrounds have limited availability during winter. "The campground itself is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year," notes one Maquoketa Caves visitor. Eden Valley Refuge remains open year-round but with reduced amenities: "There are no additional amenities, however there are more than 6 miles of hiking trails."
Flooding concerns: Low-lying sites near rivers can experience seasonal flooding. "The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river," warns James M. about Sherman Park. Spring months typically present higher flood risks after snow melt and heavy rains.
Limited cellular service: Many campgrounds have spotty coverage. At rural locations like Walnut Grove Park, signal strength varies by carrier. "The cellphone signal was good; at least it passed the test of FaceTiming my wife to check for lag," reports Tom K.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Multiple options at various parks keep children entertained. Bennett Park "features two playground areas where families can spend time" and Bald Eagle Campground has "a very good children's playground near the only other campground here." According to one visitor, "There's a nice playground for the kids and a horse shoe pit. The camp host was very friendly and helpful."
Educational opportunities: Camp Liberty offers structured activities beyond typical camping. "Camp offers site for all tastes: primitive and modern cabins and lodges, tents for small or large groups and couples. Surrounded by nature with forest, prairie, and lake. Trails, and even guided activities," explains James M.
Cabin alternatives: For families seeking more comfort, cabin rentals provide amenities beyond tent camping. "Kestrel Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven, micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower," notes a reviewer about Wapsi River Environmental Ed Center. Most cabins require advance reservations, with peak summer weekends booking 3-6 months ahead.
Tips from RVers
Dog friendly campgrounds near Wheatland typically maintain standard leash requirements. Walnut Grove Co Park provides pet-friendly sites with space for animals to exercise. "The campground that resides here, is less than a quarter mile away from the access point to the bat caves, creating huge upside for selecting this campground in the first place," notes Stuart K. about another pet-welcoming location.
Site selection considerations: Choose based on privacy needs and campground layout. "You probably don't want sites 1 or 2, they are directly across from the dump site. The plus is they are directly across from the playground, picnic area and trail access," advises Shelly S. about Maquoketa Caves. Most RV sites around Wheatland feature back-in configurations with limited pull-through options.
Winter camping options: For year-round RV camping, Porth RV Park offers basic services in Calamus. "Sites are close together: gravel pads, onsite: water, firewood, fire pit, tables, food nearby, playground adjacent, near Highway 30," notes James M. The location provides convenient access for travelers along Highway 30 with pet-friendly policies and nearby commercial services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Wheatland, IA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wheatland, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wheatland, IA is Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Wheatland, IA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wheatland, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 122 dog-friendly camping locations near Wheatland, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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