Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Iowa

Discover the best dog-friendly campgrounds across Iowa. Verified pet policies with trails, swimming, and welcoming sites.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Year-round (weather dependent)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.6

(310)

Tailwater West Campground

Iowa City
Coralville Lake

Dogs thrive here with direct access to the Veterans Trail and Tailwater Riverwalk, where leashed pups can explore riverside paths and observe wildlife along the Iowa River.

Your pup can explore miles of paved trails through shaded hardwood forests, where bald eagles soar overhead during migration season and riverside paths lead to prime fishing spots.

Muscatine
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Dogs roam along 22 acres of Mississippi riverfront trails, where towering trees and riverside paths provide endless sniffing adventures through natural terrain. Spacious electric sites give four-legged campers plenty of room to stretch out after exploring the water's edge and wooded grounds.

Tents

RVs

About Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Iowa

Pet-friendly camping Iowa offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the Hawkeye State's diverse landscapes with your four-legged companions, from Mississippi River bluffs to prairie grasslands and scenic lake shores. Iowa's welcoming campgrounds provide spacious sites, extensive trail networks, and amenities designed specifically for travelers with pets, making it easy to create memorable outdoor adventures together.

Best Time

Late April through early October provides the most comfortable weather for pet-friendly camping in Iowa, with May and September offering ideal conditions—mild temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds. Summer months from June through August bring warm weather perfect for water activities, though afternoon temperatures can reach the upper 80s and require careful attention to pet hydration and shade.

What to Expect

Verified pet-friendly policies
Hiking trails for dogs
Spacious campsites
Swimming access at many locations

More Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Iowa

Discover 17 additional top-rated pet-friendly campgrounds in Iowa

4.6

(500)

West Overlook Campground

Iowa City
Coralville Lake

Your dog can explore miles of wooded hiking and biking trails that wind through the Dam Complex recreation area, with easy beach access along Coralville Lake's shoreline.

Your dog can explore nearly four miles of wooded trails winding through dense forest and along dramatic Mississippi River bluffs, with stops at the colorful Butterfly Garden where native species flutter among wildflowers.

Yellow River State Forest

Harpers Ferry

Your dog can explore miles of wooded trails winding through driftless terrain and alongside trout streams, with plenty of secluded paths for unleashed adventure in this vast forest.

Linder Point Campground

Iowa City
Coralville Lake

Dogs thrive here with direct access to the Woodpecker Nature Trail winding through woodlands, plus spacious campsites that give four-legged friends room to roam.

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Keosauqua

Your dog can explore miles of historic woodland trails winding through oak and hickory forests, with plenty of riverside paths along the Des Moines River for sniffing adventures.

Knoxville
Lake Red Rock

Pups can explore the adjacent Volksweg Trail on-leash, winding through mature hardwood forests where deer and songbirds create natural entertainment. The spacious, shaded sites along the Des Moines River provide plenty of room for dogs to stretch out after trail adventures, while the...

Four miles of maintained trails wind through a dramatic sandstone canyon where 100-foot walls tower above Pea's Creek, creating shaded paths your dog will love exploring.

Montpelier
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Your pup can explore miles of wooded trails winding through mature trees and along the Mississippi River's edge, with plenty of open grassy areas between spacious sites for morning walks and play.

Lake Darling State Park

Brighton

Your dog can explore miles of winding trails through restored prairie and woodland, then cool off with a swim in the 300-acre lake's designated access areas.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Iowa

Map of campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Iowa

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Map Key

Tailwater West Campground

Howell Station

Shady Creek

West Overlook Campground

Bellevue State Park

Yellow River State Forest

Linder Point Campground

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Ivans

Ledges State Park

Clarks Ferry

Lake Darling State Park

Lake Anita State Park

Roberts Creek East Campground

Backbone State Park

Lake Manawa State Park

Pikes Peak State Park

Green Valley State Park

Prairie Rose State Park

Springbrook State Park

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Walking and hiking with leashed dogs on designated trailsFishing from shores and piers with canine companionsWildlife viewing and bird watching with well-behaved petsKayaking and canoeing (many dogs enjoy riding along)Swimming and water play at designated pet-friendly beachesPhotography of landscapes and nature with your pet

Tips & Recommendations

1Always verify specific pet policies before arriving, as individual campgrounds may have breed restrictions, leash length requirements, or limits on the number of pets per site.
2Bring documentation of current vaccinations, particularly rabies certificates, as some campgrounds require proof upon check-in.
3Pack a pet first-aid kit including tick removal tools, as Iowa's wooded areas harbor ticks from April through October—check your pet thoroughly after hikes and trail walks.
4Bring extra water and portable bowls, especially during summer months when natural water sources may be limited or unsafe for pets.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Iowa

Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Iowa FAQ

We've curated 20+ pet-friendly campgrounds in Iowa based on verified pet policies, user reviews, and trail access. Each campground welcomes dogs and many offer hiking trails, swimming areas, and spacious sites.

Not all campgrounds allow pets. Our Iowa pet-friendly list only includes campgrounds with verified dog-friendly policies. Always check specific leash requirements and pet fees before booking.

Essential items include: leash and harness, food and water bowls, dog bed or blanket, waste bags, current vaccination records, flea/tick prevention, and a first aid kit. Also bring familiar toys to keep your pup comfortable.