Lake Macbride State Park

Come and get lost with your fur-buddy at Iowa's largest state park -- Lake McBride! Named after a professor at the University of Iowa, this lake and recreation area makes for the perfect place to experience nature no matter the season.

The park offers camping both in the north and the south of the grounds. In the northern area, you'll have access to flushing toilets, showers, hookup options, and a dump station. The southern portion is a little more bare-bones as it has no hookups available and only vault toilets for use. What it lacks in fancy amenities it makes up for in beautiful lake views, so it might be worth sacrificing some comforts to stay closer to the water. 

Site prices to stay here start at $6 a night for a basic lot during the months of November and December and climb all the way up to $19 for a full hookup site during the peak season from May until September. There are also shelters at the park available for rent, along with a day-use lodge.

When it comes to fun things to do, this place is not lacking! Having access to so much outdoor space means that you and your woofer will have the chance to hit up some pawesome trails -- including a 5-mile path that will take you right beside the lake. If you'd rather be in the water than on the shore, there are boat rentals provided inside the park where you can access kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and pontoon boats. Remember to bring your fishing pole with you, as the lake is stocked full of muskies, catfish, and a snazzy spotted bass found nowhere else in the state!

Your pupper is welcome to stay with you, but they must be on a 6-foot leash at all times while inside the park. If you head off your site for any reason, be sure to take your four-legged friend with you -- and always clean up after them during your stay so that this park remains canine-friendly.

For a chance to enjoy Iowa in its natural state, be sure to check out Lake McBride State Park!