Dog-Friendly Camping near Genoa, WI

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    Blackhawk Park welcomes dogs at all campsites with well-maintained, spacious areas for pet exercise. The campground provides multiple access points to the Mississippi River where pets can splash along shorelines. Electric and non-electric sites accommodate both tent and RV campers with pets, with the non-electric sites offering better water proximity. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings with ample space for pets to relax alongside their owners. The grounds remain clean and quiet even during busy holiday weekends, perfect for campers seeking peaceful outings with their four-legged companions. Restrooms, showers, and drinking water facilities remain accessible throughout the pet-friendly camping area.

    Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit offers free dispersed camping where pets can roam more freely than at developed campgrounds. Hiking trails throughout the forest provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, including paths leading to sandstone bluffs with panoramic views of the Mississippi River and surrounding driftless area. The quarry area contains multiple established campsites with handmade rock fire pits suitable for overnight stays with pets. Trail systems connect to horse camping areas and feature varying difficulty levels, some with steep sections and drop-offs requiring careful navigation with dogs. The forest remains relatively bug-free compared to other camping areas, with few ticks reported even during peak season. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though pets should be monitored as the quiet, peaceful setting attracts various forest animals.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Genoa (113)

      1. Goose Island

      3.9(14)11mi from GenoaRVs, Tents

      "This camp South of Lacrosse Wisconsin is a great family or road tripping camp."

      "The sites are close together near the entrance. The spread out as you get deeper into the park. Beautiful grounds. Good communication from the camp rangers when we had to switch sites."

      from $22 - $34 / night

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      2. Blackhawk Park

      4.6(9)8mi from Genoa148 sitesRVs, Tents

      "From our site (30) we had a nice view of the water which was about a 3min walk. Site was mostly level with gravel, picnic table and fire pit/grate."

      "We had site 40west and it was larger, but too close to the smelly pit toilets. Showers nice, hot and clean. The tent sites looked spacious, but not very private."

      from $18 - $40 / night

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      3. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

      4.4(21)18mi from Genoa52 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "It was also VERY close to several other sites. If you are looking for more privacy, I would suggest a site like 34. Absolutely no cell service, which can be nice as long as you’re expecting it."

      "The park has a lot of very well maintained trails. The only thing to know is there is no cell reception because of the valley."

      from $20 - $80 / night

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      4. Pettibone Resort

      3.9(12)17mi from GenoaRVs, Tents

      "About a 10 minute walk over the Cass St. bridge and you are in the heart of downtown La Crosse. This campground offers everything."

      "Utilities were located in the rear. 20A/30A electric and water. Site was a little unlevel. Neighbors are close.  AT&T had 2-3 bars of LTE and Verizon 1 bars of LTE service."

      from $28 - $30 / night

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      5. Reno Horse Campground — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest

      5.0(1)3mi from GenoaTents

      "There are many hiking trails, including a trail that goes on top of the bluff with views of the forest and of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River."

      6. Richard J Dorer Memorial State Forest Reno Unit Dispersed Camping

      5.0(1)4mi from Genoa

      7. Great River Bluffs State Park Campground

      4.1(28)27mi from Genoa35 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Had a site right next to the bathroom big enough for 2 tents and 2 vehicles. Hikes here offer great views of the river and bluffs and the fall colors are gorgeous!!!"

      "I enjoy camping away from the hub bub of the family campground and opting for the backpack or cart in sites. Luckily, Great River Bluffs has some of the nicest cart ins I have encountered."

      from $24 / night

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      8. Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park

      4.7(3)13mi from GenoaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Esofea campground has a shelter, several ponds and streams, and some nice hiking trails. The camping options range from full hookups to tent camping."

      from $20 - $40 / night

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      9. Sidie Hollow County Ridge Campground

      3.3(4)13mi from GenoaRVs, Tents

      "It was also pet friendly. I do wish that they hadn't cleared away so many trees. A little more shade would have been nice since we were in a tent. But other than that was was perfect."

      "No swimming or store, but good hiking / biking trails in the driftless area of SW Wisconsin. Water / electric sites have gravel drives. Not all level."

      10. Wildcat Park and Landing

      4.0(1)8mi from GenoaRVs, Tents

      "Wildcat is near decent fishing in Brownsville and Reno. Didn't really like many of the campsites here (too many rvs/trailers/genarators and too cramped)."

      from $20 - $50 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Genoa, WI

    557 Reviews of 113 Genoa Campgrounds


    • R
      Aug. 30, 2019

      Prairie Island City Campground

      Nice for RV Camping

      If you are a tent camper, I would suggest going to local nearby state parks vs. this campground. Nice for a quick weekend away in an RV. On the Mississippi River and close to town. Across the street from a dog park so if you bring your fur-friend with, there is a nice enclosed area for them to run while being supervised.

    • Jarrett G.
      Aug. 7, 2024

      Veterans Memorial Park & Campground

      Very nice campground

      Large campground with many amenities. Playground for kids and a very nice dog park. Right off the river. Will definitely be back!

    • David G.
      May. 8, 2022

      Prairie Island City Campground

      River view

      It is a nice clean quiet campground. Trails and dog park close were nice. It could have been not as nice if it was full. Sites are good and a little ways apart.

    • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 27, 2019

      Shady Rest Acres

      Bliss in the middle of the country

      In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.

      Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners.  They are happy to let you meet them with their presence. 

      There are 2 campsites, if you wish.  One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing!  The other is nestled in the woods.  Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet.  But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house.  The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days.  The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night. 

      At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours.  It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food.  So they know where it comes from and how it was treated.  I love it. 

      This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic.  Just what the soul ordered.

    • Kayla S.
      May. 27, 2018

      Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

      Perfect set-up

      This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.

      This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.

      This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.

    • Kari S.
      Aug. 5, 2018

      Pulpit Rock Campground

      Beautiful!

      My boyfriend and I stayed right on the river with our pups (pet friendly) and it was BEAUTIFUL. Easy access to restrooms but secluded and quiet too.

    • D
      Jun. 26, 2020

      Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

      River Camping

      Overall great experience! Located on the Root River. Cliff View has very clean bath houses. Lots of sites to choose from. 50 amp service, sewer hook up and of course water. If your close enough to the office wifi available. Some sites are tight for large motor homes, 5th wheelers and tavel trailer. If your a bicyclist, campgrounds on great paved trail. They like their grass, no rugs or carpet on the grass. I take this as a positive. Dogs n cats are welcome. Lots of seasonal sites. Camping during the week is quite!

    • Mike G.
      Apr. 11, 2021

      Pulpit Rock Campground

      Nicely Kept Campground

      Really nicely kept camp ground. A bit too close to traffic for a completely quiet night. Bathrooms were warm and really clean, staff was really great and if youre bringing a pet, there were plenty of areas to walk. Fishing was really great catching several fish for dinner including some really nice size rainbow trout.


    Guide to Genoa

    Pet-friendly camping options near Genoa, Wisconsin are found primarily along the Mississippi River floodplain with elevations ranging from 620-1300 feet above sea level. The area features limestone bluffs characteristic of the Driftless Region, an unglaciated landscape known for its unique topography. Most campgrounds maintain operating seasons from mid-April through October due to seasonal flooding patterns.

    What to Do

    River recreation access: Pettibone Resort offers direct Mississippi River access for fishing and boating. "Being from Louisiana it was cool to camp right beside the Mississippi River since we have levees between us and the river," notes David B., who adds the park streets are "asphalt with two concrete strips for your tires in the sites."

    Trout fishing opportunities: The cold-water streams in the region provide excellent trout fishing conditions, particularly at Esofea/Rentz Memorial Park. "Nice campground, beautiful stream runs through it. Mountains, valleys, just gorgeous," writes J D., who recommends the five ponds or Bad Axe River for fishing spots.

    Hiking to scenic overlooks: Multiple hiking options lead to panoramic views throughout the region. At Great River Bluffs State Park, trails vary in difficulty but are generally accessible. "The trail system is very well labeled with maps along each trail. The trail system is mostly level and I would label as easy hiking with rolling hills," notes one camper, who suggests bringing binoculars for "waterfowl, eagles, and hawks" viewing.

    What Campers Like

    Quiet wooded sites: Beaver Creek Valley State Park offers peaceful camping with the sound of running water nearby. "Fall asleep to the creek," says Dillan K., who appreciates that the "camp ground was clean and has great showers!" Another camper noted, "The sites were spread out enough that it really felt like I was at a dispersed spot at times."

    Riverfront access: Many campers enjoy Goose Island for its prime water access. "I loved the space of my rv sites, the sounds of frogs and owls at night, the frequent wildlife sightings, and the crazy amount of turtles," writes Frank G., who adds there's "plenty of flat hiking, much access to the water, open spaces to play and kite fly, woods to hike in, roads to bike or scooter on."

    Wildlife viewing: The Driftless Region's unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. At Pettibone Resort, campers report seeing "a muskrat family playing in the stream" by their site. Great River Bluffs campers frequently spot birds, with one visitor sharing, "We saw a cardinal and 3 hummingbirds because they came to hang out right in our campsite! The fireflies at night were an added bonus!"

    What You Should Know

    Seasonal flooding: Many Mississippi River campgrounds experience flooding, particularly in spring and during heavy rain events. "We got flooded out the only day we stayed. Got our money back for second night," notes a Pettibone Resort camper who still described the area as "beautiful" despite the flooding.

    Noise considerations: Some riverside locations experience unexpected noise. At Great River Bluffs State Park, one camper warns about "Highway noise from the highway running along the river and from I-90" that was "ridiculously loud at night," plus "half dozen trains that ran through the night" and "light aircraft flying into Lacrosse airport."

    Site variations: At Goose Island, one camper notes, "Sites are right on top of each other and often people are very noisy here. There's a big weekender/party crowd." However, others report positive experiences at the same location depending on site selection and timing.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Beach and playground access: Several parks offer combined beach and play areas ideal for families with children. "One of the things I like best is the playground is on the beach. My kid really loves that!" shares a visitor to Goose Island.

    Off-peak timing: For quieter family camping at Goose Island, mid-week visits are recommended. "During the week the grounds are super quiet. Weekend partying happens, but quiet time quickly puts an end to the noise," notes Frank G., who spent three trips totaling two months at the campground.

    Amenity accessibility: Blackhawk Park offers family-friendly amenities with good layout. "From our site (30) we had a nice view of the water which was about a 3min walk," writes Mark G., adding, "The trees on this loop are amazingly tall and provide great shade. Park was clean and maintained."

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection strategy: At Pettibone Resort, site selection matters significantly. One camper mentions, "Site #308 which was shady. It was a grass site with two concrete strips for my TT tires. There was more than enough parking for my TT and truck." The site included "picnic table on a concrete pad. Utilities were located in the rear."

    Connectivity options: RVers concerned about connectivity should note varying service levels. At Pettibone, "AT&T had 2-3 bars of LTE and Verizon 1 bar of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 146 Mbps down, 4.8 Mbps up. Verizon Speedtest: 016 Mbps down, 0.14 Mbps up. Free WiFi."

    Electric site considerations: When staying with electric hookups at Blackhawk Park, campers recommend selecting sites strategically. "Book the non-electric site to have a better opportunity of being right on the water," suggests Max T., highlighting how site selection can impact camping experience even within the same campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Genoa, WI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Genoa, WI is Goose Island with a 3.9-star rating from 14 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Genoa, WI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 113 dog-friendly camping locations near Genoa, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.