Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Washington, IA

Are you planning a camping trip to Washington with your dog? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp with your dog in Iowa has never been easier. Search nearby campgrounds that allow pets or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Washington, IA (83)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bottom Campground

    1. Sugar Bottom Campground

    23 Reviews
    64 Photos
    85 Saves
    North Liberty, Iowa

    Overview

    The Sugar Bottom Campground is located on the shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multipule use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water activities, picnicking, and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in Sugar Bottom. Several trails are within Sugar Bottom, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, and a barrier-free asphalt trail.The Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers 18 partially wooded and open holes. The Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers beginner to expert trails.

    Natural Features

    Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Sugar Bottom Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the east side of the lake. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Devonian Fossil Gorge is 10 miles away, just below the Coralville Dam. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty Discovery Points can be found throughout the site. Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the ?????Quilt Capital of Iowa__????? and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Darling State Park Campground

    2. Lake Darling State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    15 Photos
    35 Saves
    Brighton, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    3. Lake Macbride State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    86 Photos
    83 Saves
    Coralville Lake, Iowa

    Named after Thomas Macbride, the “father” of Iowa conservation, Lake Macbride State Park is a popular lakeside destination with family friendly outdoor activities. Several multi-use trails wind around the lake, featuring the sights and sounds of Iowa’s native birds. In the summer, soak up the sun by kayaking, paddling or swimming in the lake. Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, Lake Macbride features numerous amenities to enjoy year round.

    Camp in one of the two campgrounds at Lake Macbride. A modern campground is located in the northern unit of the park with full and electric hookups, a shower and restroom, and a trailer dump station. One non modern campground can be found in the southern unit of the park with a beautiful shaded setting near the lake. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Macbride State Park.

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

    $9 - $19 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park

    4. F. W. Kent Park

    16 Reviews
    57 Photos
    102 Saves
    Oxford, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from West Overlook Campground

    5. West Overlook Campground

    15 Reviews
    56 Photos
    45 Saves
    Coralville, Iowa

    Overview

    The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicking and hunting.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail.The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.

    Natural Features

    Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The West Overlook Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Marr Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Marr Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Marr Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Marr Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Marr Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Marr Park

    6. Marr Park

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    4 Saves
    Washington, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    7. BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    8 Reviews
    22 Photos
    26 Saves
    Oxford, Iowa

    Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground will offer you a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. Fishing in the pond, swimming in the in-ground pool, making sand castles on the beach or exploring local festivals --these are just a few of the things that make camping at Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground such a fun experience. Join us for kid-focused themed activities most Saturday's during the peak season. With our nearby shopping malls, fun cities, lakes, and attractions like the Kalona Amish Community, Amana Colonies, Coralville Reservoir, Iowa City and the University of Iowa, you're going to love your stay in Eastern Iowa!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $25 - $48 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crossroads RV Park - Iowa
    Camper-submitted photo from Crossroads RV Park - Iowa
    Camper-submitted photo from Crossroads RV Park - Iowa
    Camper-submitted photo from Crossroads RV Park - Iowa
    Camper-submitted photo from Crossroads RV Park - Iowa
    Camper-submitted photo from Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

    8. Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

    6 Reviews
    7 Photos
    6 Saves
    Mount Pleasant, Iowa

    Our park is great for an overnight stay because we are at the crossroads of HWY 218/27 & 34 in the SE corner of Iowa. Also, we are open year round with full hookups. Lastly, we have a 9.5* rating with Good Sam!!!

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

    $38 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping

    9. Updog RV & Camping

    5 Reviews
    5 Photos
    3 Saves
    Mount Pleasant, Iowa

    Small family campground with lots of shade, a small pond and full service hookups! Located on the western edge of Mt Pleasant, IA. Restroom on site. 5 minutes from everything! Perfect place to get away and enjoy the quiet of the midwest!

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

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hills Access Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hills Access Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hills Access Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hills Access Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hills Access Campground

    10. Hills Access Campground

    3 Reviews
    5 Photos
    14 Saves
    Riverside, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
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Showing results 1-10 of 83 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Washington

351 Reviews of 83 Washington Campgrounds


  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson Lake Park
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Wilson Lake Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here as it was winter. The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lee County Pollmiller Park
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Lee County Pollmiller Park

    Nice campground

    I didn't stay here, just visited. Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Louisa County Fairgrounds
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Louisa County Fairgrounds

    Typical Fairground Camping

    A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Grove Rec Area
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Virginia Grove Rec Area

    Small and quaint

    This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Full Featured Camping

    This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Big Hollow Recreation Area

    Really excellent campground

    Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Welter Recreation Area
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Welter Recreation Area

    Primitive Campsite

    This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared. However, it has a wonderful view of the river and is directly on the banks. Because there are fallen trees, firewood is plentiful :).

  • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Augusta Skunk River Access
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

    Great campsite

    Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket.

  • Misty B.
    Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
    Nov. 12, 2024

    BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues

    Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out or the mains keep breaking. Pressure horrible, pump issues. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks because they charged me for the whole month even though i wasnt there until last 2 weeks of the month. They are not maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. Trash is always overflowing all over. The swimming water is right next to the leach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy) They don't salt their roads, causing me to slip and fall. Got fractured skull and stitches. Tree fell on car due to weather but I fell due to their negligence. Salting roads would have prevented my injury. 10am the next day and nobody out cleaning up debris.

  • Coty G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Keithsburg Riverside Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Keithsburg Riverside Campground

    Great river view

    Nice campground, we have camped there on several occasions. Tent, pop up, and travel trailer. Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend.

  • Coty G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground

    We Camp here almost every weekend

    Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern. City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well.

  • Rebecca W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eldon Wildlife Management Area
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Eldon Wildlife Management Area

    Quiet and Secluded

    We drive to the end of Umber Ave and found two spots perfect for camping. We chose the one nestled next to the corn field. Perfect dispersed camp site with no road noise or visitors.

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    very nice and clean. Lots of sites but well spaced

    Not too far off the highway.  Very clean and quiet.  The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake.  Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite.  Nice little visitor area.  Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.

    Great place to spend one night.  If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Updog RV & Camping
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Updog RV & Camping

    TERRIBLE

    Worst place I have stayed in my 6 years of traveling as an RN. Yes, they had shade.  Made cell service very hard to receive. ONLY other thing they has was geese and fishing.  No picnic table, no firepits. I had a 30amp space. 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. No zero space behind camper as it went to a steep slope from my spare wheel. If I walked behind camper, I had to hang on to spare wheel or fall down the slope. Barely enough room in from of camper to park pickup at an angle.  I have never seen anything like this place before.  And hope I never do.  Pictures you see of campground are SO VERY MUCH deceiving !!!!!. I rate it a one star only because it will not allow me to go any lower.

  • Fred S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Langwood Education Center

    Great place!

    Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?

  • Evan G.
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Aug. 22, 2024

    F. W. Kent Park

    The perfect weekend get away

    My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

  • Jim C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Little Bear Campground

    Great week of camping

    This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

  • Evan G.
    Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
    Aug. 12, 2024

    F. W. Kent Park

    The perfect Amana colonies campsite

    Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

    Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Iowa County Park
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Great spot for a great price

    Very well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?

    Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.

    The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.

    But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.

    I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.

    Other than that it was a great spot.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

    Great location and amenities

    I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Wildcat Den State Park Campground

    Lovely hidden space

    Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)


Drive Time


Guide to Washington

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Washington, Iowa, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry companions. With various campgrounds offering amenities and activities tailored for pets, you can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Lake Darling State Park Campground

  • At Lake Darling State Park Campground, pets are welcome, making it a great spot for families looking to include their dogs in outdoor activities.
  • This campground features electric hookups and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • With opportunities for fishing and kayaking, your pet can enjoy the water alongside you.

Pet owners like Updog RV & Camping

  • Updog RV & Camping is a small, family-friendly park that allows pets, providing a cozy atmosphere for your camping experience.
  • The park offers shaded areas and a pond for fishing, perfect for leisurely afternoons with your pet.
  • Clean restrooms and showers ensure that you and your furry friend can freshen up after a day of exploring.

Tips for camping with dogs near Washington

  • When visiting Marr Park, make sure to bring plenty of water for your dog, as the water supply may not always be reliable.
  • At Virginia Grove Rec Area, enjoy the walking trails that lead to a lake, providing a great space for your dog to stretch their legs.
  • Always keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty of the campgrounds and ensure a pleasant experience for all campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Washington, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Washington, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.