Dog-friendly camping in Iowa
Explore lakes, rivers, wide-open expanses, and hilly countryside in the heart of the American Midwest.
- Iowa
98% (2071 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Iowa
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Star Hosts in Iowa
12 top dog-friendly campgrounds in Iowa
99%
(385)
Windy Goat Acres
6 sites · Lodging15 acres · Chelsea, Tama
We love animals, plants, art, and outdoor recreation and love sharing these things with people! We found the perfect little plot for all of these things we love. Nature, art, animals, and lots of space! The hilly, lush land is also known as the Bohemie Alps and it's quite a beautiful area tucked away in Iowa.Visit with the llamas, goats, peacocks, potbelly pigs and the horses and hike around the property or stay in for a quiet stay with a good book and enjoy all the sights and sounds. Lots of extra 'add ons' to enhance the experience!Semi wooded property with hiking trails, hammocks, aerial silks, campfire pit. 5 mi away is Otter Creek Lake, a recreational park for fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. We have 2 kayaks available. So much to do! Also perfect to just relax, meditate, yoga, sleep...
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$65
/ night
99%
(664)
Horse Creek Adventures
26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Sidney, Fremont
Horse Creek Adventures is a 170 acre ranch that provides an opportunity for visitors to stay one night or several days to enjoy the land and area sights. You have your choice as to how you want to stay. Our "off the grid" cabins offer a special opportunity to camp with a roof.
The cabins are extremely popular! Check out the information about them and then check the photos posted by quests and read their reviews to give you lots of ideas of how you could enjoy these one of a kind sites.
Tenting is available all over the 170 acres. You can tent by the pond;
on top of the hill, or in a valley. These sites allow you to "get away from it all" and let the stress melt away. We have tenting sites close to
a road to give you flexibility to see local attractions while enjoying the whole 170 acres. Lastly, we have RV hook-ups with 119, 30 amps and
50 amps
The land is part of the famous Loess Hills. There are hilltops to take in the breath taking views and valleys surrounded by trees.
A pond full of trophy sized bass , catch and release, no license required. Wildlife abounds including a wide variety of birds. We have been described by avid birders as a rich place for birding.
The area is rich with history-Lewis and Clark;
French Canadian trappers and their Lakota wives
established French Villages;
Mormons came through here on the way to Utah; Jesse James played cards.
Waubonsie State Park is close with hiking trails and seven miles of Horse trails. At night you can use a portable corral to have your horse close.
End the day around a campfire, look at the stars and the lightening bugs and be serenaded to sleep by the coyotes and whip-poor-wills
Enjoy !!
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$30
/ night
97%
(36)
Arrowhead Lodge of SW. Iowa.
1 site · LodgingCouncil Bluffs, Pottawattamie
This custom designed glamping lodge was a dream of mine for a long time. I wanted a place to go to unwind and be with one with nature. But! wanted it close to town so I do not have to travel far and still be close to the city attractions.
The lodge backs up to a large hill--called the Loess Hills. Many deer, raccoon, possum and turkey call it home and so does a few pets of mine to include a mini horse and goat. They just love being adorned by new people. I think you will find this a perfect place for a good nights sleep.
Learn more about this land:
--Enjoy the deer setting amongst the tree's and nature. Hiking trails close by. Come enjoy a relaxing experience close to the city, the zoo and other attractions.
MOST dogs are welcomed -- BUT need to be approved first! before booking. ADDITIONAL FEE REQUIRED> Walking trails close by! and restaurants. Verify with host before booking please. The bathroom/shower is located across the yard in the lower level of the main house.
Thank you!
from
$85
/ night
97%
(198)
Lake Red Rock Oasis
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Knoxville, Marion
This seclude, beautiful 40 acres of fenced camping site is on a hilly land with 3.5 private ponds for fishing by the Red Rock Lake in Iowa. The camping sites are perfect for tent camping and RVs. We recently built a 20ft diameter geodesic dome tent for those who want more climate controlled stay while still enjoying the magnificent nature's gift. We have 3 tent/RV sites on top of the hill, and one in the woods, plus a geodesic dome tent glamping site. Each site has a firepit, picnic table and a solar light . The drinking water is at the entrance. RVs need to be self contained. There are tons of nature features, you may see deer, rabbits and other game birds by your campsite. White breast beach is very close to the campground, a lot of water activities in the lake red rock are year round. For our campers safety, hunting activities are not allowed within our camping ground. However, in case you come for hunting with a Iowa deer hunting license, a couple of public deer hunting grounds are near our camping ground.
The recently built glamping geodesic Dome tent is located on a top of hill. Our campers will have a fantastic water pond and lake view while enjoy the
great nature, and have a comfortable stay .
Yes! You may even bring your chicken to camp here.^_*.
And cell phone signals are good to use your hotspot remote working at this astonishing Lake Red Rock Oasis ^_^.
Hope you will find joy, peace and happiness in this wonderful piece of natural land and surrounding the Red Rock lake areas.
A little history of this land:
This 40 acres of land was a surface mining site. The reclamation works done
during the 1970s. But over the years, the soil was seriously eroded. Anna and Peilin, who have Masters and PhD in soil and environment health background, bought this land several years ago and started to restore the vegetation. Now the site looks beautiful and ready for nature lovers and campers to enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, ponds and tall grass... The site is totally different from what the Google map shows now.
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$25
/ night
99%
(50)
Bend River Farms
5 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Runnells, Polk
Bend River Farms is nestled in the gently rolling hills of central Iowa. Camp Creek flows through the property and continues on towards the mighty Des Moines river. Native prairie restoration, regenerative agriculture and ranching are the focus of owners, Amy Buckendahl and Dave Breese.
Bend River Farms was a former junk yard that has now been transformed into a cottage core dream. Cool woodland meadows provide a comforting back drop to your tent site or your dome tent glamping experience. Private showers, complimentary firewood, waste disposal and a saltwater hot tub await!
The farm is located just 13 miles off Interstate 80 and travel to the farm is all paved roads, with no confusing dirt roads to navigate. The property is located near the small community of Runnells, Iowa in Camp Township. Enjoy a cold beer and food at one of the two local taverns, check out the local ice cream shop or Tuesday farmer's market during the summer. The farm has nearby gas stations and a general store.
A stay on the farm will provide you with an opportunity to learn about Land Management in an agricultural setting. Learn about carpentry and welding from a master fabricator.
Fancy a fireside meal or homestead dinner? Dave is a trained chef and loves to cook for our guests.
Amy, our own resident biologist, will give you an opportunity to learn about livestock and local wildlife. The front orchard boasts several wild bird feeding stations, with edible landscaping! Come learn about gardening, poultry care, horsemanship, beekeeping and even falconry!
Off-site, but nearby opportunities: miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, kayaking and fishing.
Adventureland amusement and water park and the Iowa State Fair Grounds is only 20 minutes away, along with big city fine dining, music and art museums are all less than thirty miles drive when you need a break from nature.
Fee based Transportation is available for guests flying in or needing a break from travel. Or whenever you need a quick trip into town.
Our philosophy:
"Here at Bend River Farms we are passionate about regenerative agriculture. We strive to push ourselves and our partners to think of the future and the longevity of our agricultural practices. "
Regenerative Agriculture is an agricultural philosophy that both acknowledges the degenerative impact of poor land stewardship, and the use of agricultural practices that foster restoration and productivity."
Local conditions determine which practices are most appropriate, a regeneratively managed food system should improve the long-term health and function of agricultural ecosystems and the communities that depend upon them, physically, culturally, spiritually, and economically.
Regeneratively managed businesses protect and improve the natural function of water, nutrient, and carbon cycles by taking steps to increase biodiversity in the agricultural ecosystem, minimize reliance on external inputs, and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals whenever possible.”
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$10
/ night
100%
(33)
Sleep in an Iowa Barn @ TLC
2 sites · Lodging, Tents28 acres · Zearing, Story
Threshold Learning Center is 28 acres of prairie, creek, woods, and our barn dormitory. Threshold is first, an outdoor learning center for schools during the school year, and a summer camp offering several day camps, family camps, and trips. As a non-profit, however, we are constantly trying to find a way to offer our programs to everyone regardless of whether they are able to pay our fees while still making enough money to stay open. We started renting TLC to the public 5 years ago for weddings, reunions, or just families who are looking to connect to the world around them. Our motto is "No Child Left Inside" and we want every inner child to enjoy what we have at TLC. We have 7 bedrooms in our dormitory, 5 camp sites, a large camp fire ring, a mini-golf course, and we are always willing to lead your group in an educational experience or take you on a hayrack ride.
from
$15
/ night
97%
(87)
1860's Botanical Paradise
2 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Bellevue, Jackson
Happy to announce we’ve won 2nd best property to visit in Iowa! We hope to keep striving and adding more amenities as we go! Thank you to our wonderful guests and hello to future guests! 👋🏽
Built in 1860 by its first caretaker botanist, this homestead was propagated over its many years of life and is busting at the seams with medicinal and edible herbs. We now run a flower farm and vegetable gardens on our homestead. If you’d like to learn about herbs or gardening/ homesteading, we love sharing our knowledge.
If you’d just like some farm fresh eggs for breakfast and enjoy your time alone amongst the songbirds, that's just fine too :)
The property is built into the stone hillside allowing for breathtaking views but also stairs to get to the campsites. Please wear comfortable shoes (not flip flops 😉). If you have mobility issues property access will be difficult.
!CLASSES!
We run our small school/business: HOMESTEAD and HAMMER from the property and are bringing classes to YOU in the 2022 Season! Look in the "EXTRAS" for classes you can partake in on your visit OR for more information on what's included on class weekends check out our website below! Classes include, forAging wild edibles, mushroom identification, homesteading skills, soap making, forging metals and many more!
Website: www.homesteadandhammer.com
*For guest and host safety property managed 24-7 by video and security services*
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$30
/ night
99%
(146)
Rock N Ranch Events & Campground
13 sites · Lodging40 acres · Menlo, Guthrie
Our retirement dream is to share our beautiful property with people who love the outdoors. We started with our rustic tent sites and slowly added cabins. We go from primitive to sites with heat and air conditioning. We are not far from the Interstate but sure seems like we are as you travel the 4.6 miles of gravel road to step back in time.
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$15
/ night
100%
(131)
n*Everland Barnyard Camping
12 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Anamosa, Jones
Learn more about this land:
n*Everland Barnyard is an eccentric art installation space created from found, recycled, and repurposed building materials in the heart of Grant Wood Country in Jones County, Iowa. We are not a commercial campground. Firmly in the realm of Outsider Art, Gothic and rustic, Bob Kellogg has created a place unlike anywhere else in the world that represents freedom and inspires endless creativity. The land provides multiple camp sites for easy access to bike and walking trails taking visitors into town or through the Wapsipinicon State Park across the river from the property. Anamosa offers several restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses all within walking distance and less than a mile from our land.
Kayak the Wapsi (we recommend a Matsell Bridge put in with a stop at the historic General Store Eatery in Stone City) and end only a mile away from your campsite at the Barnyard in Anamosa at the dam takeout. Visit the State Penitentiary Museum, hang out with the Barnyard chickens, hike our wooded trails, or simply unwind. This place is a magical retreat unlike anywhere else in the world. If you are seeking to disconnect from the world, find presence and live in the Now, this is the place for you.
There is a beautiful spring-fed water hole ideal for swimming in the state park, as well as access to the river from our property (although we do not recommend swimming in the river due to pollutants.) Watching the sunset at the river is one of our absolutely favorite ways to end the day.
As of 2021, we have a newly constructed wood-fired pizza oven. Inquire upon booking about availability and pricing. You will not be disappointed, roasting any food and baking pizza in the outdoor oven is absolutely amazing!
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$55
/ night
99%
(217)
Folk School Farm Stay
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Oxford, Johnson
Come enjoy the natural beauty of a working farm! In our transition to agroforestry, wetland restoration and perennial ag, you'll find some great spaces to walk your dog, let your children run and learn about ecological conservation. The farm is also home to a flower cutting garden, a food forest garden, and a folk school. Guests are welcome to cut flowers for a donation, and enjoy the sheep, chickens and resident cat. The setting is also great for taking in sunrises, sunsets and star gazing.
Come explore the landscape, book a farm tour or enjoy some studio space at Land Alliance Folk School.
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$35
/ night
97%
(431)
Come Enjoy the Beauty
61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Earlham, Dallas
This property has a year round running creek called Bear Creek. They also mined the stone off the property for the State Capital in Des Moines, Iowa. Abundant wildlife and mature beautiful trees.
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$28
/ night
95%
(19)
The Fence-Post
21 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Little Sioux, Harrison
I am located to the West of Interstate 29 off exit 95 halfway between Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa. It is near where the Little Sioux River meets the Missouri River. There is river access with bank fishing and a boat ramp. The Loess Hills are nearby and the state forest. There are small lakes in the surrounding areas and Lewis and Clark parks with beautiful views.
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$20
/ night
Under $50
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Dog-friendly camping in Iowa guide
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States. If you're looking to bring your furry friends along and explore the beautiful terrain of Iowa, we've got you covered. With over 590 options specifically catered to pet-friendly camping in Iowa, you'll have plenty of choices. Whether you're on a tight budget or looking for a more luxurious experience, our campgrounds range from as low as $5 to an average price of $45 per night. Looking for recommendations? Check out Horse Creek Adventures with 255 reviews, Windy Goat Acres with 208 reviews, and Draco Hill Farm with 192 reviews. They offer popular amenities such as pets, campfires, and showers, and you can enjoy activities like hiking, off-roading, and biking. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Iowa!
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