Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Harvard? Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in Illinois is easier than ever. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Harvard's most popular destinations.
Located 10 miles northeast of Rockford, Rock Cut State Park is a 3,100-acre recreation area that encompasses two natural grasslands, a natural creek area, a nature preserve and 162-acre Pierce Lake. The area was designated a state park in 1957 as a way of preserving a local polititian’s favorite fishing hole. Prior to this, the park and wider area has a long history of Native American residence, including the Mascouten, the Winnegabo, and the Chippewa. With abundant water and preserved natural areas, the park now supports a thriving habitat for local birds, fish and wildlife. And with year-round camping and outdoor activities, you can experience the many seasonal sides the park has to offer.
The campground at Rock Cut provides 270 sites that can accommodate tent campers, as well as RV and trailer campers up to 40 feet. Back-in sites are mostly grassy and equipped with picnic tables, cooking grills and electrical hookups. The campground provides water faucets, restrooms, showers, and a dump station; the water and dump station are not available November through April. One of the park’s multiuse trails runs right through the campground, and provides access to the larger trail network. Most of the campground’s facilities are ADA accessible. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed; alcohol is not permitted.
For recreating in temperate seasons, more than 40 miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails allow you to explore the park’s woodlands and prairies. These are ideal ways to observe some of the local birds, animals, and wildflowers. For fun on the water, paddle around in a canoe or kayak, take a dip at Olsen Beach, or go fishing for some of the lake’s largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, pike and walleye. Several picnic areas throughout the park are ideal for group or family gatherings. In the snowy season, many of the park’s trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with gear rentals available. For more family fun in the area, check out the nearby Volcano Falls Adventure Park.
For those who want to include an overnight stay in their visit to Rock Cut, the campgrounds provide electricity at the site, water hydrants at the beginning of each camping loop, sanitary dump stations, showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. There are 210 Class A Premium sites and 60 Class B/S Premium sites. There is also a primitive cabin (it has electricity, but does not have water or plumbing facilities).
From November - April, only electricity is available; there is no access to water or dump station.
Equestrian camping is restricted to a site on Hart Road, is only available on a first-come, first-served basis and the Ranger will collect the fee at your site in the evening.
Rock Cut is an alcohol-free park and campground, and this rule is strictly enforced.
$12 - $50 / night
Welcome to Big Foot Beach State Park Campground, nestled near the charming town of Lake Geneva, WI. This spot is a favorite for many, offering a mix of tent, RV, glamping, and even yurt accommodations. The campground operates from April to October, making it a perfect seasonal getaway.
One of the standout features here is the pet-friendly policy, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. The campground is also big rig friendly, and you'll find electric hookups available, though they can be in high demand. The sanitary dump and water hookups make it convenient for RV campers.
Visitors often rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. The bathrooms and showers are well-maintained, and the staff is diligent about keeping the sites tidy. If you’re into picnicking, you’ll appreciate the numerous picnic tables and grills scattered around.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the trails are a hit. They offer a great way to explore the park and get some exercise. If you’re camping with kids, the playground and volleyball nets provide plenty of entertainment.
The campground's proximity to Lake Geneva is a major plus. You can enjoy a stroll along the lake, check out the fishing lagoon, or even visit the nearby dog-friendly restaurant. The Boat House Bar & Grill is a local favorite, just a short walk from the campground, offering good food and a welcoming atmosphere.
While the campground can get crowded, especially on weekends, it tends to quiet down by Sunday. If you prefer a bit more privacy, consider booking a site further back in the loop. Sites like 50, 69, and 74 are often recommended for their balance of shade and sun.
Whether you're here for the trails, the lake, or just a relaxing weekend, Big Foot Beach State Park Campground has something to offer. Enjoy your stay!
Thomas Woods Campground is in the Marengo Ridge Conservation Area and part of the McHenry County Conservation District. Spend a night in nature! We offer camping opportunities for groups and individuals. The District has five group campgrounds located throughout the county, one over night cyclist camping location, and one campground for individuals and families which accommodates both tents and RVs.
$15 - $35 / night
The campground in the southern unit at Illinois Beach provides 241 Class A Premium sites with electricity and access to showers and sanitary facilities. You must obtain a camping permit from the park staff, and must have a camping unit upon arrival.
The campground is open from April 1 through December 30. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance at ExploreMoreIL™. Reservations are only accepted from May 1 - September 30. Due to the high use of this area on holiday weekends, reservations are recommended. Campsites also are available on a first-come first-serve basis, but understand that the campgrounds fill up early on Fridays during the summer season. Six handicap accessible campsites are present in the campground near the accessible restrooms and a dump station.
$25 / night
Enjoy a peaceful camping experience in a friendly and quiet country setting, with long, pull-through RV sites, shaded tent sites, rustic and deluxe camping cabins, and even fully equipped travel trailers for rent. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.
There is a lot to do for families! Check out the Gem Mining, Jump Pad, Gagaball, Minigolf, Frisbee Golf, Polipong and huge playground! Join us for hay-wagon rides, face painting, flashlight candy hunt and more on weekends.
Have fun at Onesti's Wild West Town next door, visit the Illinois Railway museum, Santa's Village Azoosment Park, Six Flags Great America and cool off at Magic Waters near Rockford or in our own crystal clear pool.
Take the "Metra" train from nearby Crystal Lake or Woodstock to visit Chicago for sightseeing, festivals, and tours. We are also a convenient distance to the Woodfield Mall, Prime Outlet Discount Mall, and the Grand Victoria Riverboat Casino. Various local restaurants are within minutes.
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2 Deluxe Studio Cabins with patios are set up next to each other in the RV park to facilitate families, that like to camp close to each other.
All of our rustic cabins are equipped with an A/C unit.
You will find us approximately 55 miles from downtown Chicago, 4.5 miles to I-90, in a rural setting of northwestern Illinois.
Open from mid-April through mid-October.
Gated campground 24hrs a day (after hour arrivals need a reservation)
Dogs are allowed, but breed restrictions apply.
Ottawa Lake’s campground is located in the southern unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, situated within half an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. Wisconsin campers of all ages love these grounds thanks to lakefront sites, modern facilities, and access to trails for hikers of every experience level. South Kettle Moraine is also home to over 160 miles of trails, including 87 miles open to horse use. Connect to the Ice Age Scenic Trail and various others within the John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems.
Don’t forget to bring your rods when camping at Ottawa Lake! You’ll want to take full advantage of the boat dock and fishing pier where you can catch panfish, walleye, muskie, trout, bass, and northern pike – then you can grill them up at your campsite. Keep in mind, motorboats are not permitted on this small lake, which allows for peaceful wading and quieter camping all around.
Though Ottawa Lake is open year-round, it is recommended to check the weather in Dousman and Whitewater before planning trips in the colder months, as freezing temperatures and snow are common. Cold-weather campers who are willing to brave the Wisconsin winter will enjoy snowmobile trails, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. No matter when you visit, Ottawa Lake will leave you satisfied.
There are two family (modern) campgrounds with a total of 217 campsites, 54 with electric hookups. Six group campsites can accommodate 225 campers. There is also a cabin designed specifically for people with disabilities.
The sunset campground offers electric and non-electric campsites as well as some sites accessible for people with disabilities. Campground amenities include a shower building, flush and vault toilets, dump station and a playground area.
Welcome to Honeysuckle Hollow at Chain O' Lakes State Park! This spot is a gem for families and anyone looking to escape into nature for a bit. The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and even glamping accommodations, so there's something for everyone.
One of the standout features here is the abundance of wildlife. Kids will love spotting birds and other critters around the large, spacious sites. The no-alcohol policy makes it a peaceful place for families to unwind. Plus, the sites are mostly flat, making it easy to set up camp without worrying about awkward slopes.
You'll find electric hookups at many sites, and there's a sanitary dump station near the entrance. The bathhouses are a short walk away, and while they might not be pristine, they get the job done. For emergencies, there are pit toilets scattered around.
If you're into kayaking or fishing, you're in luck. The campground is close to launch sites and a fishing dock. There's also a little store by the boat dock where you can grab snacks, ice cream, or even some live bait.
A heads-up: ticks and raccoons are part of the package here. Make sure to do regular tick checks, especially if you have little ones crawling around. And raccoons? They’ll be your uninvited dinner guests if you’re not careful. Pack up your food and clean up early to avoid any nighttime scavengers.
Overall, Honeysuckle Hollow is a solid choice for a laid-back camping experience near Spring Grove, IL. Whether you're here for a weekend or a week, you'll find plenty to keep you busy and relaxed.
There are two family (modern) campgrounds with a total of 217 campsites, 54 with electric hookups. Six group campsites can accommodate 225 campers. There is also a cabin designed specifically for people with disabilities.
The sunrise campground offers electric and non-electric campsites as well as some sites accessible for people with disabilities. Campground amenities include a shower building, flush and vault toilets, a dump station and a playground area.
Within Burnidge Forest Preserve is Paul Wolff Campground. Paul Wolff Campground contains 89 improved, vehicle camp sites with 50-amp electrical service, water access, parking pad and fire ring. Improved camp sites are available to vehicle campers or tent campers. Each improved site is capable of handling a 50-foot motorhome. There are also 5 equestrian camp sites, where you may camp with your horse(s); and 10 primitive, wooded sites for tent camping only, away from the main camping area. Primitive sites do not have electric service and are available, weather permitting. All camp sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not taken.
$12 - $35 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular pet-friendly campsite near Harvard, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular pet-friendly campground near Harvard, IL is Rock Cut State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 75 reviews.
What is the best site to find pet-friendly camping near Harvard, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 79 pet-friendly camping locations near Harvard, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
