Stone State Park

Run away to the Loess Hills of Iowa with your four-legged pal and explore a world full of picturesque forests, flowing rivers, and awesome lookout points. The area was first inhabited by Native Americans, though no major settlements were built here. For a time, the area was developed by a businessman in the early 1900s, even housing a zoo at one point, until finally it was purchased by the state of Iowa and designated as an urban wildlife sanctuary.

If you're wanting to set up camp here, be aware that the lands are the highlight of the park, as the facilities are definitely past their prime. That being said, you will find 30 campsites on the grounds, some of which offer electric hookups, but only 7 or so which can accommodate large motorhomes. Each lot contains a picnic table and a fire ring, and a dump station can be reached just outside the park. Three cabins are also available for rent, and one of them actually allows canine guests as well! Rates start at $6 a night for a walk-to campsite and go up to $16 a night for an electric site during summer months.

You and your canine companion will have tons of fun trekking through the woods at Stone State Park, like on the Carolyn Benne Nature Trail, where hikers get a little history lesson with their nature adventure via posted signs. Kids will love heading to the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, complete with an aquarium full of the park's native fish and a discovery center that lets mini campers get hands-on with all sorts of flora and fauna.

As with most Iowa state parks, you are asked to keep your pupper on-leash during your visit, and cleaning up after them is a must.

For an escape from city life, be sure to pop in to Stone State Park for your next outdoor adventure!