85 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Joy Campground provides several pet-friendly sites with picnic tables and fire rings for tent and RV campers near Belmont, Wisconsin. Dogs are welcome throughout the campground's established sites, with access to a beautiful lake and stocked fishing pond. The campground maintains dedicated walking areas for pets, with waste disposal stations located at convenient intervals. Visitors note the large grassy area is excellent for dog-walking, particularly beneficial for older dogs that need frequent breaks. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park also welcomes pets, offering full hookup sites with concrete patios and picnic tables. The park maintains a pet-friendly atmosphere with several stations set up with poop bags and garbage receptacles throughout the grounds.
Governor Dodge State Park's two campgrounds—Cox Hollow and Twin Valley—allow pets on all sites and most hiking trails. The park's extensive trail network provides multiple options for dog walking with varied terrain and difficulty levels. Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground features an off-leash dog beach area where pets can swim, in addition to standard pet-friendly campsites. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard leash requirements (typically 6-foot maximum) when pets are outside campers or tents. Campground hosts regularly patrol sites to ensure pet policies are followed, particularly during busy summer weekends. Wildlife sightings are common in the area, requiring pet owners to maintain control of their animals at all times to prevent negative interactions with local fauna.
"This is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day."
"Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range."
from $18 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles"
"There’s a cute store and a cute little area with outside games like corn hole and yard checkers. There’s a huge grassy area for walking the dog and several stations set up with poop bags/garbage."
"The sites on the "inside" of the loop are rather close to one another. 21 has a nice view of the lake, and you can walk back to the fence to look over the bluff 24 is quite private and very large 26,"
"I randomly picked this campground, after trying to book Devil's Lake with no luck. WE LOVED IT! Sites are very private, some in the woods, and some have sun/shade."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Lakes, trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing. Hidden gem of Wisconsin. The campsites are pretty private, nestled in trees. Some shaded, some have sun and shade."
"Site 271 was just enough of a walk to feel remote but not so far that I couldn't carry all my stuff."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The tent site that we were at was very specious for my dog to run freely with his long leash. A lot of shade and space for everyone. We stayed right by the bathrooms."
"Train tracks border the campground and train horns are loud. Has sites with views of the Mississippi."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"This campground is tucked into a little area next to a Walmart, Culvers, and Mini golf course. It sits between east Dubuque and Galena. When we stayed they had a dirt bike rally."
"Campground was right next to Walmart, which was convenient, and a short walk down to the high school to get the shuttle into Galena itself."
"Dog friendly too, at no extra charge. Very affordable camping!"
"There is a trail that works it’s way through the back of the sites. The sites are a bit close together and separation is sometimes sparse. Restrooms are pits and well maintained stocked with TP."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"Overall, the park has well-maintained hiking and MTB biking trails, extraordinarily clean and well-kept vault toilets, and ample access to drinking water."
"This is another Wisconsin gym sitting in Southern West Wisconsin."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The campground was higher up on the hill, it took a 5 minutes to hike down to the lake with lots of steep steps. Nice beach area. I spent two nights here with an RV. I had electric hookup."
GuideFriendly staff and a nicely stocked store. Has a pool, petting zoo, kayaks, rocky beach, dog park, and a land pillow! The sites are spaced out well and there are more secluded sites so you have the feeling of privacy or big group sites for a big party.
GuideThis is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day. The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc. Bring the strongest mosquito repellent you can get, Wisconsin in summer can be rough. We tried our Black Diamond poles and Thule day bags and we got to try cooling vests for the dogs from Ruffwear. It was so much fun. Note that there are sites to camp, cabins nearby and plenty of Hipcamp sites near. Strongly recommend Riverview Bottoms, which sits in a 500 acre property and is 10 min away.
LegendGeneral: 58 sites with various amenities. Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio. Tents are NOT allowed. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and asked to sign a waiver and given a welcome packet. The rules are extensive, but most are common sense/courtesy and not at all unreasonable.
Site Quality: All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park. Our site had a patio and decent-sized picnic table but it was chilly when we were there so we ate inside.
Bathhouse: Very clean as were the showers.
Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table. Coffee is available after 9 am. There is also a small chapel available 24/7 and a laundry room. WiFi is also available. There is a camp store with ice, ice cream, some camping supplies, clothing, crafts, and more. We were told several restaurants will deliver to the campground.
We don’t typically prefer to stay in RV-style campgrounds, but it was conveniently located with easy access off Route 151 just over the Wisconsin border from Iowa, we were warmly welcomed, and enjoyed our short stay passing through. Pride of ownership was evident throughout.
TravelerWe spend quite a bit of time here. We hunt here and camp here year round. Tons of forest with cross country, equestrian, and hiking trails. One of the best lakes in Wisconsin for fishing along with a nice beach, and pet area. There is a free gun range. Hunt anything from pheasent to deer. There is also a nice bar and grill just down the street. Along with dairy bar as part of the park. Showers and bathrooms are always clean.
ScoutThere aren't signs within the park directing you to the campsite. I found it eventually but I'm glad I wasn't towing a camper because there was a lot of turning around. Some of the sites are able to be reserved. We went Memorial Day weekend so there were quite a few people but it wasn't full so even without a reservation you'd likely find a space. The sites a nice and big. We chose 2 sites that were connected and even then they were a good distance from one another. The sites were also removed from the road so when people walk or drive by it doesnt feel like they're walking through your campsite. There is some nice water access to wade with shallows so kids or pets can play. Nice trails.
LegendThroughout the summer of 2020, I camped at a number of Wisconsin state parks in the southern part of the state but hadn't gotten to camp at this one yet. While driving through the area I visited the park in December- photos won't show its summertime beauty but my walk through the park identified some ideal spots for camping.
The state park is open year-round, camping open May - October. The first thing I visited were the walk-in campsites. There is a loading zone parking lot with limited time parking. Access to the 14 walk-in sites is via a single trail with campsites on either side of the trail. There is a decrepit but functional pit toilet. All the walk-in sites have a picnic table and each is tucked off the trail into the woods.
The downside to the walk-in sites is their proximity to a major highway. While walking through the campground I could easily hear the road noise. If I were looking to get away from civilization, or at least pretend to be far away from it all, that road noise would be a constant reminder that I wasn't. The further down the walk-in site trail I got, the closer I got to the highway and in fact, car headlights showed right up the trail as I was approaching the last set of campsites.
When looking at a map and choosing a site, the walk-in campsites on the same side of the trail as the toilet are a little more private and secluded, and back up to expansive woods. The sites on the other side of the trail are nice but they are a little closer to the freeway and don't have as much forest coverage behind the campsites. The furthest walk-in site is at least a 4-minute (slightly downhill) walk from the parking lot. The centrally-located restroom is no more than 2 minutes from any of the walk-in campsites. Sites are between 40 and 1,000 feet from the walk-in loading zone.
If walking to your campsite isn't your thing there is also a family campground with 17 drive-in (not drive through) sites located along a typical one-way paved road system. Unfortunately, this side of the state park is bordered by a different and only slightly less traveled road than the walk-in sites. Some campsites are sandwiched between the loop road and the main road, are lit by nighttime traffic headlights lights. As the campground road continues toward the group campground it veers away from the main road and offers a bit more privacy. These are the sites I'd select if I were to camp here.
Of the group campsites, 55 and 56 are in a nicely wooded area with shade. 52 53 and 54 are in an open area with no shade. The family campground is serviced by two pit toilets centrally located to the campsites.
Due to the very small size of this state park, lack of much to do except one hiking trail through it, and proximity to two main roads, I would not recommend the state park. There are many others in southern Wisconsin that have far more to offer.
Seriously, if you're looking for a Wisconsin state park in this neck of the woods, check out Yellowstone Lake or Blue Mound State Park instead. See my review of the latter for specific spots that would be awesome for tent camping.
GuideThis 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.
GuideI wanted so badly to love this campground experience, but just didn't. Site 19 was an easy walk-in that theoretically had nearby vault toilets, parking, and water.
Each site only had space for one car to park before walking in. Not a huge deal, but annoying as there were 2 of us who drove separate and we had to problem solve. When we got to the site I was shocked to see that what was labeled as a tent site had literally NO flat space to actually set up a tent. Spacious site, but fully sloped.
Also, what I would have loved to know, is that the vault toilets are closed because they are doing construction to build something new in that space. Construction that starts loudly each day at 7am. Honestly every site from about #35 down was affected by the noise because the construction is happening in the middle of the loop (and actually blocking some of the one-way road as well).
The park in general was okay. Per the usual, the pet areas were lacking. No beach at all, just grass covered in goose poop and one cut out on the raised shore between tall grasses and foliage where a dog could potentially jump in. Certainly nowhere for a human to enjoy the water with their pups unfortunately.
GuideLocated on the far western edge of Wisconsin this state park offers a little of everything - hiking trails connected to the camp grounds, boat access to the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, overlook of where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi River, showers and flush toilets, playground/basketball/tennis courts, etc. Depending on what part of the park you are in (and the season) you can be away from it all or have almost all the comforts of home. There are 2 campgrounds within the park - Homestead (back in the woods and a little more rustic with vault toilets and no showers) and Ridge (on the bluff). Also both an indoor group site and outdoor group site. Campsites are mix of RV (+/- electric) and tent. Ridge Campground sites- located on the bluff they stay dry even when the rivers are at flood level. Some sites have views of the river right from the tent/RV. During peak season you will definitely need a reservation (likely months in advance), but there are a few same day spots held in reserve. Also during peak season there is a concession stand near the campground and boat rental (canoe/kayak) near the boat launch (neither were open when I camped there but were on a separate day trip)
A short drive from the state park is Effigy Mounds National Monument with additional trails and a reverse of the scenic view (looking south and east instead of west/northwest). Definitely worth a look since its FREE and so close by. Also in the area is Villa Louis (historical homestead) which can be toured for a modest fee (good rainy day activity). If coming from Madison area be sure to check out some of the small wineries along the drive either to or from the park.
Campgrounds near Belmont, Wisconsin offer diverse terrain and camping experiences at elevations between 800-1200 feet above sea level. The region features rolling hills with limestone bluffs, prairie remnants, and hardwood forests typical of the unglaciated Driftless Area. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with seasonal closures during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Kayaking and swimming at Yellowstone Lake: The 455-acre lake provides multiple water recreation options with kayak rentals available from May through September. "What really makes this campground is the lake. There's a nice beach for kids and adults to relax at and lots of kayaks on the water," notes Ryan K. from Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking at Blue Mound: The highest point in southern Wisconsin offers unique trails with observation towers. "Gorgeous hiking with really unique trails. Awesome mountain hiking options," shares Kristina K. about Blue Mound State Park Campground. The park includes several observation areas with views extending nearly 15 miles to the Wisconsin River Valley.
Cave exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to nearby cave systems. "Near by is Blue Mounds Caves. We did not go, but there is much on the internet about the caves and they are recommended for even young children," writes Debra M. The caves maintain constant cool temperatures year-round, making them a refreshing option during hot summer days.
Secluded walk-in sites: Many campgrounds offer walk-in sites for campers seeking more privacy. At Twin Valley Campground, Mary M. found that "Site 271 was just enough of a walk to feel remote but not so far that I couldn't carry all my stuff." These sites typically require a 5-15 minute walk from parking areas.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathhouse was immaculate with large hard stalled showers/changing room," reports Chris S. about Rustic Barn Campground RV Park. Many campgrounds maintain heated shower facilities even during cooler spring and fall months.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers good night sky visibility. "This site is a dark skies site, so if it's not overcast or full moon there is some good stargazing," notes John W. Several campgrounds minimize light pollution, making astronomical observation possible during clear nights throughout summer and fall.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disturbances. "A railroad mainline ran along the campground. Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour," warns Lyle B. from Grant River Recreation Area.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are particularly active in many campgrounds. "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" cautions Jen L. Several campers report that raccoons may attempt to access food containers even while campers are present at their sites.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Peak season reservations are a definite (weeks to months in advance for weekends)," advises Jen L. about Governor Dodge State Park. Most campgrounds open their reservation systems 3-6 months in advance.
Water recreation options: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Belmont feature swimming areas for families. "There is a pool section and a splash section. There are chairs and lounges around both and shade awnings. The cost is $3 for an adult and $2 for child," details Debra M. about the facilities at Blue Mound State Park Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites carefully for family camping. "We had a mixture of electric and non electric sites and all were very nice. The first weekend in October can sometimes be a little iffy weather wise, but we lucked out with pretty warm temperatures," shares Siobhan R. Most campgrounds display site photos on their reservation systems.
Accessible activities: Many trails accommodate various age groups and ability levels. "Some paths are paved for those who struggle with uneven terrain," mentions Mallory M. about Governor Dodge State Park. Several parks maintain accessibility-focused facilities and trails.
Level site considerations: RVers should research site terrain before booking. "If camping with a trailer or RV check to make sure you will get a campsite that is level enough for your vehicle. Lots of the campsites are uneven and larger vehicles may have issues getting level," advises Jeanne M. about Yellowstone Lake State Park.
Hookup availability: Services vary widely between campgrounds. "All sites are full hookup!" notes Stephanie S. about Rustic Barn Campground. Smaller state park campgrounds typically offer only electric hookups, while private campgrounds more commonly provide full service connections.
Size limitations: Larger RVs face constraints at some locations. "Great campground for everything but big 5th wheelers and motorhomes," warns Paul C. about Governor Dodge State Park. Many roads within the state parks have tight turns and limited clearance for larger units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Belmont, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Belmont, WI is Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Belmont, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Belmont, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
