Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Waterloo, IA

If you're searching for a place to camp with pets near Waterloo, look no further. Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a happening campground near the attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to go camping with your dog.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Waterloo, IA (84)

    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park

    1. George Wyth State Park

    13 Reviews
    22 Photos
    33 Saves
    Cedar Falls, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $11 - $16 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    2. Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

    10 Reviews
    18 Photos
    38 Saves
    Evansdale, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park

    3. Six Pine - Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    114 Photos
    107 Saves
    Dundee, Iowa

    Located about an hour’s drive north of Cedar Rapids, Backbone State Park is Iowa’s oldest state park. Established in 1920, it was named for a narrow limestone ridge—the Devil’s Backbone—along the Maquoketa River. At its founding, it was one of the largest state parks in the U.S. to offer camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities. Since that time, the park has expanded to 2,100 acres—almost double its original size—and offers even more opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy some time in nature. Whether it’s wandering the woods, fishing on a quiet creek, lounging by the lake, or just napping in shade under a swinging hammock, there’s something for everyone here. The two campgrounds at Backbone State Park offers 125 campsites for tent and RV campers. The large South Lake Campground has nearly 100 sites, about half with electrical hookups, with flush toilets and showers. The smaller Six Pines Campground has 27 primitive tent sites with vault toilets. Most sites are open and grassy, but there are plenty of shade trees around. Both locations have drinking water faucets and trash receptacles; a dump station is located at the South Lake Campground. The park also offers a few 1- and 2-bedroom cabins for those visiting sans tent or RV; bedding not provided. Many sites and facilities are ADA accessible. A small store in the park sells bait, firewood and some concessions. Reservations are accepted, but some sites are held open for first-come, first-served campers. Seasonal campsite rates range from $6–$16/night; cabins range from $50–$100/night. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at Backbone State Park. The park features several playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor auditorium, and a museum. More than 21 miles of multiuse trails explore the woods and waterways within the park. Taking a hike or ride is the best way to see some of the park’s natural rock features, including the Stone Arch, Balance Rock, and the Devil’s Backbone. In winter, many of these trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Swimming, paddling and boating can be enjoyed on Backbone Lake, with kayak and canoe rentals available from the park, and angers can fish for trout on the creek out of Richmond Springs. And rock climbers will find several challenging routes on the park’s many limestone cliffs.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Siggelkov County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Siggelkov County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Siggelkov County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Siggelkov County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Siggelkov County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Siggelkov County Park

    4. Siggelkov County Park

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    58 Saves
    Oelwein, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • No image available

      5. Big Woods Lake

      2 Reviews
      11 Saves
      Cedar Falls, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • No image available

        6. Hickory Hills Park

        3 Reviews
        8 Saves
        Evansdale, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        • No image available

          7. Black Hawk County Park

          2 Reviews
          13 Saves
          Cedar Falls, Iowa
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • Reservable
          • ADA Access
          Camper-submitted photo from Deerwood Park

          8. Deerwood Park

          2 Reviews
          1 Photo
          14 Saves
          Evansdale, Iowa
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • Reservable
          • ADA Access
          Camper-submitted photo from Grundy County Lake and Campground
          Camper-submitted photo from Grundy County Lake and Campground
          Camper-submitted photo from Grundy County Lake and Campground

          9. Grundy County Lake and Campground

          2 Reviews
          3 Photos
          7 Saves
          Cedar Falls, Iowa
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • ADA Access
          • RVs

          $15 / night

          Camper-submitted photo from McFarlane Park
          Camper-submitted photo from McFarlane Park
          Camper-submitted photo from McFarlane Park
          Camper-submitted photo from McFarlane Park
          Camper-submitted photo from McFarlane Park

          10. McFarlane Park

          2 Reviews
          5 Photos
          14 Saves
          Vinton, Iowa
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Reservable
          • RVs
          • Tents
        Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

        Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Waterloo

        208 Reviews of 84 Waterloo Campgrounds


        • Leslie K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Outback Campground & Resort
          Oct. 7, 2024

          Outback Campground & Resort

          Wallaby Cabin Review

          This review is for the Wallaby cabin. This cabin supposedly has a bathroom with a shower, 3 beds and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a shower so small it is difficult not to rinse one's hair while applying shampoo. There is no sink in this room for brushing teeth, washing hands or face, etc. There is no mirror either, or hooks for towels or washcloths or clothes. There is also no heater. The cabin has no closet or any place to hang any clothes. There were several bugs crawling on the ceiling. The wall A/C could not help but spew dust, as it was coated with that on the filter and cover. The trash can had a clean bag, which occupants are required to leave in dumpster at checkout. When removing the bag, the stuck-on mess under it was appalling. The bed in each loft area had obviously been used and not changed, as the covers were in disarray and the bottom sheets not clean. The main bed has a zipped on plastic cover which the loose fitting fitted sheet will not stay on, causing occupants to end up sleeping on plastic. We purchased a blanket to go over it for the next night. We would not have stayed more than one night but, as we had reserved 3, it is not refundable. The tv is to the side of the immovable chairs, so that one must have head turned completely to one side to watch. The cabin has such a slant that a ball will roll by itself to the entrance side. All this for more than$350 for 3 night stay.

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Cedar View Park
          Sep. 28, 2024

          Cedar View Park

          Beautiful park, gross bath house

          This is a lovely park. It is fairly quiet, you can hear some highway noise in the distance. The lake is lovely and clean. The spots are gravel, most sites will require some leveling but are not too bad. 

          Each site has a newer electric pedestal with 30 and 50 amp service, and each site has a water spigot, as well as a picnic table and fire ring.

          There are a few sites that back up directly to the lake. There is a swimming beach and a dock. There is a city park adjacent to the campground with a playground and picnic shelter.

          I had 3 bars on on T-mobile which got me 64 down and 18 up. On Verizon I had 3 bars which got me 65 down and 12 up.

          The shower house was pretty bad though. It was older, which doesn't bother me, but it was dirty. There are camp hosts on site but I guess their duties do not include ever cleaning the restroom. There was food trash in there all week, and if you look around you'll find feces, blood, and personal hygiene trash including used condoms.

          I would stay in this campground again because I have a self contained unit and do not need to use the on-site shower house.

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Oelwein City Park
          Sep. 22, 2024

          Oelwein City Park

          This is a beautiful city park campground

          I enjoyed my 5 night stay at Oelwein City Park Campground. It's located on the south end of town, there is only one business within walking distance. It's a great restaurant (Oelwein Family Restaurant) and it's about a 15 minute walk.

          There is one shower house, and several vault toilets throughout the park. The shower house is old and a little run down but was very clean. I had no problems using it.

          The city park is adjacent to the campground and has picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.

          There are electric and water hookups at most sites, and there is a dump station. The park was pretty full on the weekend as you would expect, but very quiet during the week.

          I had great Verizon and T-mobile service here.

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fontana County Park
          Sep. 15, 2024

          Fontana County Park

          New, clean, no trees

          There is a brand new campground here with full hookups. There are no trees so I decided to pass and not camp here. Evidently there is an "old" campground somewhere in this park also that I did not find. The signs will direct you to the new campground.

          I had good T-mobile and Verizon service here.

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Klocks Island Park
          Sep. 15, 2024

          Klocks Island Park

          Crowded and quiet

          This seems like a quiet campground. It's just off the highway but there was almost zero traffic on this small highway. I drove through here on a Saturday in mid September. All spots were taken. I had barely usable Verizon service here and no T-mobile service. I was not able to camp here. The restroom building looked fairly new.

        • Jason K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
          Aug. 26, 2024

          Eagle City County Park

          Good for an overnight stop

          First, there is no pit toilet. Second, you need to pay ($10) via a website. Scan the QR code by the entrance. I couldn't get it to work.

          Sites are fine. A couple of options for hammock camping. Nothing special.

          We stopped driving cross country.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park
          Aug. 12, 2024

          Union Grove State Park

          Loved it!

          Loved this campground! We just stayed for one night, but wish it had been two. Small and quiet. A few trails to hike and a horse camp that I didn’t have time to explore. Nice lending library as well. Bathroom/shower combos are nice (1 is ADA). Not far off the interstate. Some sites are off with level & weird (ie stairs/door open on an incline and away from the table), and our picnic table was sloped. So pick your site carefully. 19E was ok - table not level and high stairs required from TT but good for Starlink connection and close water spigot (elec only at these sites)

        • BThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Eagle City County Park
          Aug. 7, 2024

          Eagle City County Park

          Fee required now

          Note that they do now require a permit to stay here. Sites are first come first served with no reservations. Cost is $10 and you can pay up to 30 min after claiming your site. Great camping area, pit toilet, regularly mowed, great riverside view, level spots for tent and vehicle camping with fire rings.

        • Anna R.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground
          Jul. 23, 2024

          Lakeshore RV Resort and Campground

          Rude Host

           Please do not ignore the negative reviews written by people on other sites regarding the owners. My husband and I drove almost 2 hours to check out the campground. We are looking for a permanent site for our RV next year. When we arrived we called the phone number listed on the closed gate. The owner, Joyce came out and said we would need an appointment to drive thru and she did not have time to show us around. The owner was very rude. We had been on their website and it did not state appointments were needed. Yes, I guess we could have called ahead, but as seasoned campers its never been a problem to check out a campground ahead of time.. Just beware owner unfriendly:( NO WE WONT BE RETURNING, WE WOULD NEVER STAY HERE

        • Niki S.
          Camper-submitted photo from R Campground, Inc
          Jul. 15, 2024

          R Campground, Inc

          Very clean, friendly owners, great co-campers

          Randy was amazing and very attentive to my questions. Check in was super easy and the directions for check in were clearly spelled out. Everything was mapped out and the website was easy to use as well. The pond itself was pretty to look at and made for great photos, however it was loaded with geese which made it not user friendly. I would recommend this campground, and I will definitely go back to camp again!

        • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Baileys Ford
          Jun. 12, 2024

          Baileys Ford

          Excellent campground

          What more can I say than this place was stellar. We were tent camping the site we picked was big (there were smaller sites if that’s what you need). Access to the trout stream directly from our site! The facilities were clean even for a vault toilet (regular toilets and showers available at the main building which were extremely clean) the showers had hot water and real on and off handles NOT the push to start ones. Access to the river was available and there was a boat launch site. Staff we encountered were all friendly. Firewood available to purchase on site (only available Friday and Saturday night it was $10 a bundle during our stay). Plenty of things for kids to do volleyball ball court, softball field, and several playgrounds! Many shelters available for larger gatherings. This place even had an outdoor chapel. Baileys Ford exceeded my expectations for a county campground and I will be returning 100% my only complaint was spotty service (Verizon) but then again the point of camping is to disconnect so this was not a big deal. Minimal bugs considering how close we were to the water as well!

        • Nick B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Bluff County Park
          Jun. 6, 2024

          Wildcat Bluff County Park

          Quiet with good trails

          Very nice little park if you like hiking or Frisbee golf. There is not much to the park besides campsites and the Frisbee golf course. It has a small playground with just a few swings and a slide. Bathrooms were horrible. I would not suggest staying unless you have your own restroom. Also there is no dump station so be prepared to take your shit home with you.

        • I
          Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Acres RV Park
          May. 25, 2024

          Lazy Acres RV Park

          Don’t recommend

          We stayed here towards the end of May. They hadn’t cut the grass but was in the process of cutting it. This caused swarms of bugs. We are from Ky backwoods and are use to bugs but this was awful. The bathhouse was clean. The campground is right off the main highway so easy getting off and right back on.

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground
          Apr. 12, 2024

          Linn County Park Morgan Creek Campground

          Hidden hideaway

          Stopped here for the night as a layover and had a great site. Everything you need in a campground. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Water and electricity at site, along with picnic table and fire ring. Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway.

        • Lisa T.
          Camper-submitted photo from George Wyth State Park
          Nov. 10, 2023

          George Wyth State Park

          Good local camping

          Easy in and out late fall camping.  I got a great tent spot next to the river.  This is a fine campground that I much prefer during the off season (it gets too busy during the warm season for my liking).  The connection to hiking trails throughout the park is fantastic.

        • Terry F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Gilbertson Conservation Education Area
          Nov. 1, 2023

          Gilbertson Conservation Education Area

          Great place!

        • AThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bend Park
          Sep. 7, 2023

          Cedar Bend Park

          Peaceful place

          It was so clean and peaceful. Not overly crowded. The camp host was so friendly and helpful.

        • v
          Camper-submitted photo from Cedar View Park
          Sep. 3, 2023

          Cedar View Park

          Wonderful Find!

          Great find! We thought we would be dry camping because it was Labor Day weekend. We found this Park on the app and thought we would check it out. It’s first come first serve. I really never thought there would be any hookups because of what I had read, but they had electric and water! We found a spot right on the Lake! Very busy but wonderful view, location and was only $20.00!

        • Matthew S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
          Aug. 17, 2023

          Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

          Nice Park/Clean Bathrooms

          This is a quiet and nice park. Lots of pull through lots. I am missing a swimming pool but they do have a beach by a pond if that interests you. Bathrooms are cleaned daily but at times are quite nasty. Not their fault people are just nasty.

        • H
          Camper-submitted photo from Turtle Creek County Park
          Aug. 14, 2023

          Turtle Creek County Park

          Quaint Little Campground

          Really nice campground! It was small with about 30 first come, first serve spots, all having the ability to be group spots. Plenty of room at each site and spaced out fairly well. Located right on Lake Delhi and had a boat ramp within walking distance too.

          We were site 28A and had so much room! Could’ve put another camper on our site easily. Had a nice fire pit and 2 picnic tables which was great too.

          No shower house or flushable toilets but they had electric/water sites so we made it work. There is a nice pavilion and playground on-site as well.

        • P
          Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Park Campground
          Jul. 18, 2023

          Riverview Park Campground

          Clean open Campground

          There’s a bit of road noise, but there’s lot of room here on a Tuesday. The grounds are well kept. Was able to get a clear view to the north for excellent Starlink reception.

        • Elizabeth K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Delaware County Coffins Grove Park
          Jul. 5, 2023

          Delaware County Coffins Grove Park

          Quiet, peaceful family campground

          Nice, smaller campground! No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together (we camp here every year for our family reunion). Newer playground that my kids love, sand so that’s an extra play optional. Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in.

        • R
          Camper-submitted photo from Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA
          Jun. 22, 2023

          Waterloo - Lost Island Waterpark KOA

          Great place to stay

          We stayed at started at the Lost Island water park KOA for just one night while passing through the area. We were in our class C while slowly making our way across the country. We had no problems getting a spot here. Sites are gravel for the RV, reasonably level, and very well maintained. Most sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition. Each site had a grassy area with a picnic table. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a playground, beach and fenced dog area. Cost was very good for the amenities provided.

          The campground had a store, gas station and propane available.

          We had 4 bar LTE with Verizon. Our hotspot was usable and performed very well. We enjoyed our brief stay at this campground. We will stay again when traveling this way.

        • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Six Pine - Backbone State Park
          Jun. 21, 2023

          Six Pine - Backbone State Park

          Hidden treasure

          Stayed in march it was cold but very nice park , restrooms were nice shower house was closed and locked but the scenery on the hiking trail was amazing

        • Nicolas N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lime Creek Park
          Jun. 14, 2023

          Lime Creek Park

          Can’t go wrong for $15

          Electric, pit toilets, fire ring, picnic table, fishing stream, playground and NOBODY AROUND. This is a gem no more than 5 min off the highway. It might not have the views and whatnot but can’t beat that for convenience!



        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Waterloo, IA is George Wyth State Park with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 84 dog-friendly camping locations near Waterloo, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.