Black Hawk State Park

At Black Hawk State Park in Iowa, you can bring your dog with you to join in on the fun! But keep in mind, you have to keep them on a leash at all times and you can only have two dogs for every yurt or cabin. They also ask that pooches are kept in a secure enclosure or on a leash that’s less than 6 feet long. The park gets its name from Chief Black Hawk, a native American chief who led his people in a resistance war when President John Quincy Adams allowed citizens to buy land in this region.

The campground is on the gorgeous shores of Black Hawk Lake, offering tons of water-based activities, including fishing, boating, swimming (in selected areas), picnicking, or lounging on the beach. Popular fish in the region include catfish, bluegills, crappies, sunfish, walleyes, and largemouth bass. You can also spot deer, waterfowl, and songbirds in the neighboring woods. There’s a playground for the kids, a nearby golf course, and a volleyball pitch, in case campers want non-water-related activities.

In February, campers can participate in the Arctic Open right on the lake, and in July, you can attend the Lake View Water Carnival and enjoy the Water Parade. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, so you can take a nature walk, go on a hike, ride a mountain bike, or ski along the trails when it snows. Be careful of the ice, though. 

Some campers like to sleep beneath the stars, but cabins are available if you’d rather have a roof over your head. There are 89 hook-up points (for power outlets, not campers), plus modern showers and toilets. This family-friendly site is open all year round and has facilities for campers with disabilities, so call them today to reserve your space.