Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Prairie du Chien, WI

Wyalusing State Park Campground welcomes pets on its wooded campsites overlooking the Mississippi River. Located near Prairie du Chien, this year-round facility features electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations for RV campers traveling with dogs. Campers report the bathroom facilities are clean and well-maintained. Both tent and RV campers can bring their pets to the park, with designated pet-friendly areas throughout the grounds. Pikes Peak State Park Campground across the river in McGregor, Iowa similarly allows pets at its sites, offering electric hookups and showers in a heavily wooded setting. Boulder Creek Campground provides additional pet-friendly options with 180 sites including cabin accommodations where dogs are permitted.

Multiple hiking trails throughout the region accommodate leashed dogs, with Yellow River State Forest offering several pet-friendly primitive backcountry camping options. The campgrounds maintain standard pet policies requiring dogs to be leashed at all times and properly supervised. Hikers with dogs particularly enjoy the boardwalk trails at Pikes Peak, which provide easier navigation for pets of all sizes. The hiking trails feature significant elevation changes with ravines and valleys, so visitors should be prepared for more challenging terrain when bringing pets. Campground hosts are generally helpful with pet-related questions, and nearby towns like McGregor offer limited pet supplies. Many campsites feature level gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables where pets can relax with their owners, though mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (109)

    1. Wyalusing State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    McGregor, WI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 996-2261

    $15 - $35 / night

    "Short nice ride to prairie du chien."

    "This park also has nice hiking trails, good birding, clean bathrooms, recycling drop off, great cell and tv signals and is close to Prairie du Chien. Our site on the ridge was nice."

    2. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $35 / night

    "This campground is a short hike away from beautiful trails that overlook the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The boardwalk trails also lead to a small falls and more."

    "It is within walking distance of the overlook of the magnificent Upper Mississippi River at the confluence of the Wisconsin River. There are other walking/hiking opportunities."

    3. Camp Glen Wendel Primitive Backcountry — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $12 / night

    "The 2nd site in has a small pond at Camp side. Potable water is at HQ near registration kiosk."

    "Park near ranger station and hike in or grab a map and find a smaller parking location near the trail you want to explore. Great scenery."

    4. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $15 / night

    "The location is very nice, right next to the river. I wouldn't exactly call it a river though. It's nice and quiet, and very nice trail runs through it as well."

    "This site is like being in a garden with trees and flowers surrounding the site. It had rained and more rain was coming, so the gravel parking pad on #35 was appealing."

    5. Bloody Run County Park

    7 Reviews
    Marquette, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 245-1516

    "It was a beautiful area with the creek running right next to it only problem was there was some trash in the firing which we had to take care of. People are so lazy."

    "Came to this spot with plans to drive up to yellow river for fishing but ended up with the sweetest spot along bloody run creak."

    6. Little Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $15 - $20 / night

    "All of them, including the equestrian, have easy access to trout fishing. All are primitive - non-electric.

    Little Paint Creek:

    This is the larger of the two non-equestrian campgrounds."

    "The campground runs next to a trout stream and can be busy on weekends but with fishing, hiking, horse trails, the only setback is its primitive but being in the valley and near effigy mounds it's a winner"

    7. Nelson Dewey State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Cassville, WI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 725-5374

    $33 / night

    "The site itself was sloped away from the road making it feel tucked into the trees. The downside was that the only flat space for the tent was very close to the fire pit."

    "Friendly Crowds and secluded spot despite us staying next to the main road for the camping area. Sunsets were beautiful looking west over the Mississippi River."

    8. Camp John Schultz — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    "Sounded by nature atop of hill hike near Fire tower ( only fire tower in Iowa), cell reception is found up here."

    9. Boulder Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bagley, WI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 996-2201

    $32 - $260 / night

    10. Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $75 / night

    "Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable"

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Prairie du Chien, WI

451 Reviews of 109 Prairie du Chien Campgrounds


  • Dawn S.
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    Clifftop camping available. Well kept. Staff is helpful. Lots to do. Short nice ride to prairie du chien.

  • Mallory S.
    May. 24, 2022

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Great view

    We stayed on the ridge and enjoyed the tremendous views. This park also has nice hiking trails, good birding, clean bathrooms, recycling drop off, great cell and tv signals and is close to Prairie du Chien. Our site on the ridge was nice. Many of the sites have something that makes set up interesting-slope, angle, tree, retaining was for example, take time to find one that’s good for you.

  • Josh F.
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Wyalusing State Park Campground

    Two great rivers, two great campgrounds

    I camped and hiked at Wyalusing State Park as a kid (like 35 years ago) and returned just this summer. It was a last-minute trip and literally got to pick from three remaining sites so wasn't sure what the experience would be like. Four days/three nights later and I can easily say this park is a good as my childhood memories.

    Hiking - there are miles of great hiking trails and two trails for mountain biking. While the trails to Big and Little Sand caves are lovely, they are also heavily trafficked. We found that the Mississippi Ridge Trail to be a lovely walk in the woods - without any people (and that was on Labor Day weekend!)

    Campsites

    I am a car camper with no interest in (E) electric sites, so I did not pay attention nor note good ones. I prefer the silence and relative darkness that non-E sites provide.

    We stayed at the Homestead Campground, which consists of four loops named after cardinal directions. Three of the loops are really just a long road with a cul-de-sac at the end, while the fourth is just a big loop with a large green space inside the circle and the loop's water source. This campground's sites are *mostly* among trees, and have a fair amount of privacy (forest understory growth) between sites. Some are further from the road, and very few are right on the road with no screening.

    Not surprisingly, the campsites on the three cul-de-sacs seemed the most private and experience the lowest drive-by traffic, but no sites looked awful. In fact, our last minute pick of the remaining three sites was just fine. The entire campground is protected from wind and is very wooded.

    If I were to return to this campground, I'd pick 235 and 236 on the west loop, 223, 224 and 225 on the north loop, 209, 210 and 211 on the east loop and 248, 239 and 250 on the south loop. However, you really can't go wrong in this campground.

    BATHROOMS: let me wax poetic about the new bathroom/shower block. While I didn't take photos (should have) this is one of the nicest public bathrooms I've ever been in. Not just in a state park, ever. It was built in 2019 and has been treated well by visitors and well maintained by the park and campground hosts. Each gendered bathroom has ample stalls and sinks. There are four single-person showers. All were clean, large and well-lit.

    Wisconsin Ridge is the second campground in this state park. This is the quintessential Wyalusing experience with sites overlooking both the Wisconsin and Mississippi River valleys. In my opinion, there is a price to pay for the views. Sites are very close to one another, and most are very close to the road. In some cases, the best (read dry and level)  the best spot to pitch a tent are also close close to the road. Just one side of one road in the loop has the great views, the rest see the view across the road, or in the case of the "inside loop" road, sites are just in the woods. This campground is also noted for its rip-roaring winds, one camper told us that during the rainy and wind night before, their shelter took off and tumbled down the valley - and when they say down, they're talking down, down, down.

    That said, if you're looking for a majestic view of both rivers and the quaint river town of Prairie du Chien, the sites you'll want to check out are 119, 127, 129, 122, 144, 146, 148 and 152.

  • 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.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 16, 2023

    Rustic 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.

  • 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.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Echo Valley State Park Campground

    Awesome Iowa

    Came in late but found a spot, only 6 first come fist serve camping sites. I was a quarter mile from the next nearest site. Certainly a tent oriented campground, RV’s would have a difficult time. Will certainly stay here again. The hiking trail was perfect for a morning stroll with my dog and coffee and there certainly is a petting zoo (my German Shepard was a little uncertain about the goats)

  • 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.

  • 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 Prairie du Chien

Camping in the Upper Mississippi Valley near Prairie du Chien offers access to unique driftless area topography with steep bluffs rising 500 feet above the river. The region features trout streams at around 600-700 feet elevation with significant temperature variations between ridge tops and valley floors. Campgrounds in this area range from primitive backpacking sites to family-friendly facilities with modern amenities.

What to do

Trout fishing at stocked streams: Yellow River State Forest maintains multiple stocked trout streams that attract anglers of all skill levels. "Stocked trout streams are an attraction for fishermen," notes Mary S. from Big Paint Campground. The forest provides a stocking calendar for serious anglers planning their visits.

Hike to ancient burial mounds: The region contains numerous prehistoric Native American sites. "There are 63 mounds in the park, most of them conical or linear in shape," explains Tori K. about Pikes Peak State Park Campground. Many trails lead to these cultural landmarks, offering historical context alongside natural beauty.

Visit Iowa's only fire tower: Located in Yellow River State Forest, this observation point provides panoramic views. "Historical Fire Tower hike/visit is a must," recommends James M. about the area's unique landmarks. The tower stands as one of the few remaining fire lookouts in the region and offers excellent photography opportunities.

Explore wooden boardwalks: The trails include accessible boardwalk sections suitable for all mobility levels. "There is a very nice smooth wood walk way for one of the trails making it easy for all ages," Hannah N. mentions about trail accessibility at Pikes Peak State Park.

What campers like

Riverside campsites with Mississippi views: Sites positioned along the river bluffs offer scenic vistas. "We watched the sunset over the Mississippi before calling it a night," says Mike H. about his experience at Wyalusing State Park Campground. These premium sites often require booking several months in advance.

Seasonal color changes: Fall foliage transforms the landscape dramatically. "Amazing views of the trees changing colors in the fall," reports Angie S. about Wyalusing State Park. The most vibrant colors typically occur between early and mid-October when campgrounds experience peak demand.

Multiple campground options for privacy preferences: The region offers both open and secluded camping areas. "Homestead provides secluded, wooded sites with a good distance between them. Ridge sites have the view from high over the Wisconsin River," explains Jim J. about the distinct camping areas at Wyalusing.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Birdwatching is particularly rewarding at riverside campgrounds. "There was a pair of bald eagles in a nest down by the river - bring binoculars!" suggests Steph P. from Nelson Dewey State Park Campground. Early morning hours provide the best wildlife viewing conditions.

What you should know

Train noise affects multiple campgrounds: Railroad tracks run near several camping areas. "There is a train track very close. The train runs very regularly and can be loud," warns Rene about Nelson Dewey State Park Campground. Trains typically pass during nighttime hours, so light sleepers should bring earplugs or choose sites farther from tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Prairie du Chien, WI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Prairie du Chien, WI is Wyalusing State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 59 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Prairie du Chien, WI?

TheDyrt.com has all 109 dog-friendly camping locations near Prairie du Chien, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.