Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Illinois

Discover the best dog-friendly campgrounds across Illinois. Verified pet policies with trails, swimming, and welcoming sites.

12+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Year-round (weather dependent)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.6

(1168)

Forrest W. Bo Wood

Shelbyville
Lake Shelbyville

Your four-legged companions can explore miles of wooded trails winding through oak and hickory forests, plus splash in shallow lake coves along Lake Shelbyville's northern shore.

Bulger'S Hollow Recreation Area

Clinton, IA
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Your dog can explore the pristine riverside landscape and wildlife-rich Mississippi River shoreline, where primitive camping sites offer plenty of room to roam.

Tower Rock Campground

Fairmount
Shawnee National Forest

Your four-legged companion can explore rugged riverside trails and splash in Ohio River shallows while you hike to dramatic overlooks towering above the water.

Tents

About Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Illinois

Pet-friendly camping in Illinois offers dog owners and their furry companions access to diverse landscapes ranging from tranquil lakeshores to scenic river corridors and forested wilderness areas. The Prairie State welcomes pets at campgrounds throughout its three distinct regions, with particularly outstanding options along Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois, the Mississippi River corridor in the north, and within the rugged Shawnee National Forest in the south.

Best Time

Spring and fall provide the most comfortable conditions for pet-friendly camping in Illinois, with April through May and September through October offering mild temperatures ideal for hiking and outdoor activities with dogs. Summer months from June through August bring warm weather perfect for water-based activities at lakeside campgrounds, though midday heat requires extra attention to pet hydration and shade—early morning and evening hours become prime adventure times.

What to Expect

Verified pet-friendly policies
Hiking trails for dogs
Spacious campsites
Swimming access at many locations

More Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Illinois

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4.4

(70)

Pine Hills Campground

Wolf Lake
Shawnee National Forest

Your dog can explore miles of Shawnee National Forest trails that wind through ancient pine groves and along babbling streams, with generous space between campsites for off-leash romping.

Whittington
Rend Lake

Your pup can explore miles of scenic lakeside trails winding through wooded terrain, with plenty of natural swimming spots along Rend Lake's shoreline for cooling off after adventures.

Shelbyville
Lake Shelbyville

Dogs can roam freely through miles of wooded trails beneath towering oaks and hickories, then cool off with their humans at the designated pet-friendly sections of the sandy swimming beach.

South Sandusky Campground

Sesser
Rend Lake

Your dog can explore miles of paved biking trails winding through Rend Lake Recreation Area, where wildlife sightings—from soaring herons to grazing deer—transform every walk into an adventure.

Hampton
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Your pup can explore miles of riverside trails along the Mississippi River Trail system, where morning walks reveal misty water views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Shelbyville
Lake Shelbyville

Dogs can splash in Lake Shelbyville's shallow coves and explore the winding 0.7-mile nature trail that meanders through shaded woodlands along the western shore.

Your pup can explore the wooded trails winding through Rend Lake's southeastern shores, then cool off with supervised swims at the private beach. The expansive grounds give dogs plenty of space to roam alongside their families during outdoor games on the baseball field and basketball court.

South Marcum Campground

Benton
Rend Lake

Dogs roam miles of lakeside trails and wooded paths that wind through this sprawling campground, with plenty of space between sites for morning walks and evening adventures.

Dam East - Mcnair Campground

Carlyle
Carlyle Lake

Your pup can splash in Carlyle Lake's swimming beach and explore winding nature trails and biking paths that loop through sun-dappled campsites. The sprawling grounds across three distinct loops give dogs plenty of room to stretch their legs while you enjoy lakeside access with boat ramps...

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 12 campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Illinois

Map of campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Illinois

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Map Key

Forrest W. Bo Wood

Bulger'S Hollow Recreation Area

Tower Rock Campground

Pine Hills Campground

Gun Creek

Lithia Springs

South Sandusky Campground

Fishermans Corner

Coon Creek (Il)

Dale Miller Youth

South Marcum Campground

Dam East - Mcnair Campground

View all 12 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Dog hiking on lakeside and forest trailsSwimming and water play at designated pet-friendly beachesKayaking and canoeing with dogs in calm watersWildlife watching and bird photographyFishing from shore or boat with canine companionsMountain biking on multi-use trails

Tips & Recommendations

1Always verify specific pet policies before arrival, as most Illinois campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times with maximum leash lengths typically set at six feet, and some areas may restrict pets from swimming beaches or designated wildlife zones.
2Bring documentation of current rabies vaccinations, as rangers may request proof, and pack a pet first-aid kit including tick removal tools since wooded areas harbor these parasites, particularly from April through October.
3Consider bringing a portable water bowl, extra towels for muddy paws, and waste bags—while many campgrounds provide disposal stations, bringing your own supplies ensures you're always prepared.
4Research nearby veterinary clinics before your trip, particularly when camping in remote areas of Shawnee National Forest where the nearest emergency services may be 30-45 minutes away.

12 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Illinois

Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Illinois FAQ

We've curated 12+ pet-friendly campgrounds in Illinois based on verified pet policies, user reviews, and trail access. Each campground welcomes dogs and many offer hiking trails, swimming areas, and spacious sites.

Not all campgrounds allow pets. Our Illinois pet-friendly list only includes campgrounds with verified dog-friendly policies. Always check specific leash requirements and pet fees before booking.

Essential items include: leash and harness, food and water bowls, dog bed or blanket, waste bags, current vaccination records, flea/tick prevention, and a first aid kit. Also bring familiar toys to keep your pup comfortable.