James M.
Legend
LegendHorseshoe 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.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Platteville, WI
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Rustic Barn Campground RV Park provides pet-friendly accommodations with full hookup sites and a large grassy area for dog walking. The campground features multiple stations with poop bags and garbage cans throughout the property, making it convenient for pet owners to clean up after their animals. Multiple reviews highlight the well-maintained grounds and peaceful setting ideal for camping with dogs. Grant River Recreation Area also welcomes pets at their sites along the Mississippi River, offering concrete pads and picnic tables where pets can remain with their owners. The bathrooms at Rustic Barn are immaculate, and the showers are clean and spacious, allowing pet owners comfort while their dogs enjoy the outdoors.
Several dog-friendly trails surround the Platteville area campgrounds, with options for both on-leash walking and exercise. Pets must be supervised at all times at both campgrounds, with leash requirements enforced in common areas. Lake Joy Campground offers additional pet-friendly options in the region with both tent and RV sites where dogs are permitted. Campers note that road noise can sometimes be an issue at Rustic Barn, while train noise occurs frequently at Grant River Recreation Area, which may affect pets sensitive to sound. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard pet policies requiring current vaccinations, proper waste disposal, and considerate noise management to ensure all guests have a pleasant stay.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Platteville (92)
1. Rustic Barn Campground RV Park
"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."
2. Grant River Recreation Area
"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 Availability3. Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
"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."
4. Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
"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."
5. Miller Riverview City Park
"All the sites had fire pits but one site, either 51 or 52 had that pit too close to the bushes so it wasn't really useable. We were right on the river bank with a good view of the bridge."
"But it was very quiet and our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge."
6. Lake Joy Campground
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Mud Lake County Park
"A little off the beaten path, but a nice place. Pulled in after a fiasco at another campground, was able to get 2 sites over the Fourth of July weekend. Very kid friendly."
"Mud Lake is a wonderful county park near Dubuque. Beautiful views of the Mississippi River. We stayed one night on our way to Minnesota. The sites are mostly sunny."
8. Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
"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."
"Great park in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin. Not far from the house on the rock and Taliesin. Great open hiking trail. Well laid out sites with lots of space."
9. Palace Campground
"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."
10. Mound View Park & Campground
from $15 - $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 25 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 4 min from Madison, WI
- 1 hr 31 min from Janesville, WI
- 1 hr 38 min from Rockford, IL
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Platteville, WI
89 Photos of 92 Platteville Campgrounds
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Rustic Barn Campground RV Park
Dj Y.
Grant River Recreation Area
Lindsey M.
Mud Lake County Park
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Whitetail Bluff Campground and Resort
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Swiss Valley County Park
Agapes D.
Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground
kassondra T.
Cox Hollow Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
Meg S.
Twin Valley Campground — Governor Dodge State Park
Jp M.
Nelson Dewey State Park Campground
Lesley R.
Hickory Ridge Group Camp — Governor Dodge State Park
Art S.
Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park
Jeri T.
Honey Bee & Bee Homestead
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Platteville, WI
584 Reviews of 92 Platteville Campgrounds
- James M.Legend
Horseshoe Pond
Small City CG in Maquoketa Iowa
CG lies within Maquoketa and is seasonal. Has pond for fishing, shelter, dog park, playset, disc golf course. Sites are pulling, have electric and fire pits. Camp supplies including wood in nearby stores. Prairie Creek runs along south of CG.
- Agapes D.
GuideYellowstone Lake State Park Campground
Wonderful hiking!-May 2018
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. 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.
Lee D.LegendRustic Barn Campground RV Park
Very clean and well-maintained
General: 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.
- Ted W.
TravelerYellowstone Lake State Park Campground
One of our favorites
We 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.
- Jamie M.
ScoutCanyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park
Big, clean sites, nice trails, water access
There 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.
Josh F.LegendNew Glarus State Park Campground
Small, close to 2 busy roads - there are nicer options in Southern Wis.
Throughout 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.
Brett F.GuideMaquoketa Caves State Park Campground
Camping & Caves
This 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.
Sarah B.GuideYellowstone Lake State Park Campground
Def do not recommend for summer 2024!
I 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.
Guide to Platteville
Camping near Platteville, Wisconsin places visitors within the Driftless Area, a unique geological region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. The resulting landscape features steep limestone bluffs, forested ridges, and river valleys that create distinctive camping environments. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day with overnight lows in the 50s, making weather considerations important when selecting camping gear.
What to do
Kayak the Mississippi River: Grant River Recreation Area offers excellent river access for paddlers looking to explore the Mississippi. "It's right on the Mississippi River. Concrete pads and beautiful views of the Mississippi," notes Keith M., though he mentions the only drawback is "a railroad runs next to the campground."
Explore hiking trails: Yellowstone Lake State Park Campground provides multiple trail options through diverse terrain. "We did about 10mi of hiking. Buggy, but it's June in WI," reports camper Doug. For more challenging hikes, try the "Lost Canyon Trail" at Governor Dodge State Park which one reviewer described as "BEAUTIFUL and had so many interesting geographical features."
View wildlife: The region's varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Wyalusing State Park Campground, campers can enjoy both river valleys while wildlife watching. "Fireflies emerged as we began to setup camp and we watched the sunset over the Mississippi before calling it a night," shares Mike H., highlighting the natural encounters possible in the area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Twin Valley Campground at Governor Dodge State Park maintains exceptional standards. "Shower house/restroom was warm & clean. Would stay here again," notes Fred S. Similarly, at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park, one camper highlighted that "Pride of ownership was evident throughout."
Privacy options: Many campers appreciate secluded sites available at Cox Hollow Campground. Kathy S. recommends the hike-in sites, saying they provide "excellent privacy" and "great hanging options for our hammocks." For more seclusion, Twin Valley's walk-in sites offer isolation while still being accessible: "While the walk-in site I stayed at with my son (263) really isn't all that far from where you park, it still leaves you surrounded by trees, and secluded from (seeing) other campers."
Water recreation: Miller Riverview City Park offers direct water access. "We paid $15 online to reserve a spot for the night... our spot (55) was right on the river and a bit tucked in the woods which was great and had an amazing view of the bridge," reports Courtney K., highlighting the value and riverside positioning.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near the Mississippi experience train disturbances. At Grant River, Leslie P. notes: "The trains going by during the night was a bit annoying. Though, would not stop me from camping here again." According to another camper, trains pass "about every 1/2 hour" until midnight, then "about every other hour."
Weather challenges: The region's topography creates unique weather conditions. At Palace Campground near Galena, sites vary in exposure to elements. For hillside camping at Wyalusing State Park, one camper reported winds strong enough that "their shelter took off and tumbled down the valley."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for nocturnal visitors, particularly at Governor Dodge State Park. One camper warns, "Beware of raccoons at this campground they are BOLD!" Another experienced camper advises: "Keep your food and garbage locked up and away from your site. The raccoons here are insanely bold."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming opportunities for children. At Yellowstone Lake State Park, Ryan K. observed: "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."
Playground amenities: Mud Lake County Park provides family-friendly facilities near Dubuque. "Very kid friendly. The camp host was a really nice guy and helped us find a great spot. Walking distance to fishing and a boat launch," says Jennifer D., highlighting its accessibility for family activities.
Educational opportunities: Governor Dodge State Park features educational trails with informational displays. One camper described exploring "the old spring house and read the informational signs about the family that used to farm there and other early settlers in the area," making it suitable for family learning experiences.
Tips from RVers
Levelness considerations: Many campsites in the region require careful positioning for RVs. At Yellowstone Lake State Park, Jeanne M. advises: "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."
Full hookup options: For complete amenities, Rustic Barn Campground RV Park provides comprehensive services. "All sites are full hookup!" notes one reviewer, while another mentions "gravel driveways and site are well maintained. Every site has a concrete patio on it."
Accessibility: For easier access with larger rigs, consider campground layout. At Twin Valley Campground, one reviewer recommends: "Lower being better for larger RVs while upper has more shaded, cozier sites better for smaller rigs and tents."
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