Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Iowa

Best known for its rich farming history, Iowa is also rich and diverse in nature, with a multitude of destinations to camp and hike. If you’re planning on camping in Iowa, you’re in luck.

Effigy Mounds National Monument is situated on the bank of the Mississippi River at the eastern border of Iowa. Part of the “driftless” region of Iowa that was left untouched by the passing glaciers thousands of years ago, the area’s bluffs, forests, and other habitats host diverse ecosystems to explore and admire.

More than that, Effigy Mounds is notable for its historic settlement by the Native American Effigy Moundbuilders, who build massive sets of mounds that, from a bird’s eye view, form the shape of animals such as bears, cats, and birds. These nature-inspired monuments blend well with the natural scenery, making it an ideal site for camping.

Another excellent site for camping in Iowa is Maquoketa Caves State Park. Located next to the eastern Iowa town of Maquoketa, the 370-acre park contains amazing caves weaving throughout the limestone bedrock of the bluffs. Spelunkers and nature-enthusiasts alike will enjoy exploring the caverns, such as the 800-foot long Dancehall Cave.

Even if you’re not up for venturing into the caverns, there are plenty of other things to do at Maquoketa Caves. Hikers can walk along six miles of trails throughout the park, passing by habitats ranging from bluffs to woodlands to prairies. Unfortunately, the campgrounds are closed until October 2018 for renovations to the camping facilities, but when it is open again you should definitely consider a visit.

Camping in Iowa is diverse and plentiful, there are countless campsites and trails that you may wish to consider. Once you start exploring Iowa’s natural ecosystems, you’ll begin to see the true beauty of the vibrant state.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Iowa (534)

    1. Ledges State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Boone, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 432-1852

    $17 - $35 / night

    "One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there."

    "One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites."

    2. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Baldwin, IA
    Website
    +1 (563) 652-5833

    $20 - $28 / 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."

    3. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."

    "if you want to get some hiking in that’s not just all flat walking this is a great place in this area. The views show you the vast farmland here and are great for sunrise and sunset!"

    4. Jester County Park

    30 Reviews
    Granger, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 323-5300

    $20 - $25 / night

    "There was four of us and a dog."

    "Iowa county parks are amazing. They pour money into them and it really shows. Clean, I mean immaculate. Nature/Conservancy center there is just next level."

    5. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    McGregor, IA
    Website
    +1 (563) 873-2341

    $20 - $35 / night

    "It is crowded with older people like us,in the electric sites, and their older dogs. Level sites. Showers. Concession stand at the picnic area."

    "Unlike Minnesota and Wisconsin, Iowa’s state parks do not require a permit-bonus for RVers. Many sites have full hook-up, most if not all have electric. I paid $25 a night. Full week is $150!!"

    6. Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    29 Reviews
    Dundee, IA
    Website
    +1 (563) 924-2527

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa.

    There are two campgrounds."

    "The lake was super gross, with excessive floating moss (probably a weather issue) and EXCESSIVE goose poop everywhere. The beach was basically unusable, with goose bombs everywhere."

    7. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "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."

    8. Des Moines West KOA Holiday

    23 Reviews
    Earlham, IA
    Website
    +1 (515) 834-2729

    "Decent playground, water pillow for bouncing, fishing pond, dog park, swimming pool. Well maintained, lots of planned activities. KOA, so not a lot of nature. But no traffic or train noise."

    "Roadside Oasis, a place to rest a weary head, food, showers, etc. Cabins always help get you in and get out early without setting up camp."

    9. Lake Anita State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Anita, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 762-3564

    $15 - $33 / night

    "This campground has both RV full hookup and electric sites very close to the lake. Campsites offer a great view of lake and close access to docks."

    "We had 5 dogs in our group and spent a lot of time on the walking trails with them!"

    10. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Onawa, IA
    Website
    +1 (712) 423-2829

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa!"

    "There’s a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too! Extremely nice amenities; flush toilet and showers."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Iowa

2137 Reviews of 534 Iowa Campgrounds


  • N K.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    Clean & kid friendly

    Well kept & family friendly camping in Iowa! We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water. Short walk to the very clean restrooms with flush toilets & showers. Will come back!

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Had the campground too ourselves!

    It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie. Lovely little state park, clean and the trail system was pretty neat. Wasn't perfectly flat and had some overlooks. Very much enjoyed!

  • Tom S.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Don't fall off the ledge!

    One of my favorite locations to camp in Iowa as a Boy Scout growing up was Ledges State Park. Since I hadn't been back in years, I decided to check it out and spend a night camping there. It's close to how I remember it.

    The campground has a good picnic area, restrooms, and an excellent trail. It's also inexpensive.

    What I enjoy most about this park compared to others in Iowa are the sandstone ledges and the slopes on the trail. There are some excellent views, so make sure your phone has enough battery to take photos (unlike me). I also spent a lot of time off the trail. It isn't too hard to get around. I'm not one who enjoys staying at a park that is mostly flat, so this is definitely a good place in Iowa for me to camp.

    If you are looking for a cool place to camp within an hour of Des Moines, you should seriously consider this park.

  • Wendy P.
    Jul. 19, 2018

    Ledges State Park Campground

    Beautiful hikes. Prepare for coons.

    One of the more beautiful places to camp in Iowa. Awesome hiking trails and really well-shaded campsites. The hike in spots are great if you like privacy and being in the middle of the woods - but you don’t want to be THAT far from your car.

    Beware of the raccoons. They’re plentiful and crazy smart here. We had one open our cooler, steal an egg from the cartoon - without disturbing anything else. Honestly, I was impressed! But some of our friends had them rip through their tents to get at food - not as impressive.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Winterset City Park

    Lovely Campground

    I just loved this campground. It has shade trees, grass, free showers and lots of room. It is part of a city park on the outskirts of Winterset. There is a dog park and one of the Bridges of Madison County is located within walking distance of the campground. This was well worth the 20 mile drive off I80. If I had known how m=nice this area was, I would have planned better and stayed here for more than one night.

  • Kerry M.
    Aug. 25, 2021

    Riverview Park Campground

    Urban campground is near a busy highway

    This campground has many sites to choose from - RV with hookups as well as some non-electric tent sites. There are quite a few activities in Marshalltown, and it is within the Marshalltown city limits.

    The downside is proximity. It is right next to the highway. When I was there in a tent, the hog trucks would drive by all night (loud and smelly). The RV sites are closest to the road, so maybe it is not so bad in an RV, but it is not particularly enjoyable in a tent.

    Pros:

    + Marshalltown has quite a few places to eat

    + Nice bike trails (and a great bicycle store downtown)

    + It is near the Iowa River

    + Nice park in general with activities like a dog park

    + Camp host on-site

    + Decent sized campsites

    + Playground for the kids

    Cons:

    + It can get busy on a summer weekend

    + Noisy - right by the highway

    + Mosquitos are really bad here

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Lakeside Campground Bliss

    While 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!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Horseshoe 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.


Guide to Iowa

Iowa offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic trails to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for every pet owner.

Tips for camping with dogs near Iowa

Dog owners appreciate the amenities at these campgrounds

  • Jester County Park offers electric hookups and clean shower facilities, making it easy to keep your pet comfortable during your stay.
  • At Lake Macbride State Park Campground, you’ll find picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for enjoying meals with your pet by your side.
  • Sugar Bottom Campground provides a variety of sites, including those with electric hookups, ensuring a comfortable experience for both you and your dog.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Iowa