Best Dog-Friendly Camping near West Des Moines, IA
Walnut Woods State Park Campground provides designated pet-friendly sites with concrete pads near walking trails along the Raccoon River. Pets must be leashed at all times while enjoying the shaded camping areas under mature walnut trees. The campground features 25 reservable sites with electrical hookups and some full-hookup options for RVs, though tent campers should note they pay the same rate regardless of hookup usage. [The sites are relatively close together with minimal privacy between neighbors, so dogs should be comfortable around other campers and their pets.] Timberline Campground offers 168 pet-friendly sites with full hookups for RVs, plus pet-friendly cabin and glamping options. The campground enforces quiet hours which helps prevent excessive barking issues, and the large property is divided into different sections allowing for varied camping experiences from open grassy areas to more forested sites.
Hiking trails along the Raccoon River provide excellent exercise opportunities for leashed dogs, though sections can become muddy after rain and occasionally flood. Campers staying at Walnut Woods note the mosquitoes can be intense during summer months, which affects both humans and pets during evening walks. The nearby Yellow Banks County Park also welcomes pets and provides showers, which Walnut Woods lacks. Jester County Park offers pet-friendly cabins along with traditional campsites for those wanting more comfort while traveling with animals. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, though Walnut Woods and several others offer year-round access for winter camping with pets. Nearby veterinary services are available in West Des Moines and Waukee, with the closest emergency animal hospital located approximately 15 minutes from most campgrounds.
