Nine Eagles State Park

Discover a beautiful lake nestled inside of an ancient forest in the southern part of Iowa. Here at Nine Eagles State Park, your four-legged pal and you can trek through acres of woods, encounter all kinds of wild creatures, or simply chill out beside the water!

If you're looking to camp at this park, you'll get to choose from 55 campsites, some of which have electric hookups. For those that like to bring their equine friends along, 7 other equestrian sites are also up for grabs. One cabin sits in the park, though canine guests are not permitted to enter the building. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, along with access to drinking water via faucets and an on-site dump station. Expect to dish out anywhere from $6 for a basic site during the winter to $16 a night for an electric lot during peak summer months.

The lake here is calm and quiet, and though it is manmade, it is clean enough to swim in (but no lifeguards are present to watch you while you're in there!). Boating is allowed as long as the only motors that are used are electric, which makes for better fishing, anyway. The muskie, catfish, pike, bass, and countless other types of fish here make the spot quite popular for anglers all over. Back on land, you and your pooch will have a totally pawesome time trekking the trail that winds all the way around the lake -- but beware! It does get buggy!

As with most Iowa state parks, doggos are allowed all through the grounds but must stay on their leash for their entire visit. Be sure to have them on their best behavior -- and be on yours, as well, by cleaning up whatever messes your furry friend leaves behind.

For a getaway to the great outdoors, add Nine Eagle State Park to your must-visit list!