Blackwell Family Campground welcomes pets throughout its 60-acre forest preserve setting near Addison, offering electric hookup sites with wood-chip tent pads and crushed limestone RV spaces. Dogs must remain leashed at all times while exploring the campground's hiking paths and open recreation areas. The preserve features multiple dog-friendly trails that connect to the main campground, providing ample opportunity for pet exercise. Camp Reinberg and Camp Bullfrog Lake also accommodate pets at their tent, RV, and cabin sites, though specific pet policies vary by location. Many campsites throughout the area maintain a good amount of spacing and privacy, which creates more comfortable environments for camping with dogs compared to tightly packed campgrounds.
Dog-friendly hiking options extend throughout the DuPage County forest preserves, with connecting multi-use trails allowing access to Silver Lake for pets that enjoy swimming. Most nearby campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements, typically six feet or less, and campers report rangers regularly patrolling the grounds ensuring compliance with pet policies. Several forest preserve campgrounds feature specifically designated dog walking areas along their perimeters. Forest preserve trails offer excellent opportunities for dogs to explore wooded environments while remaining close to camping facilities. The gates at most forest preserve campgrounds close one hour after sunset, so evening dog walks must be planned within the preserve boundaries. While road noise filters in from nearby highways at some campgrounds, the wooded settings still provide pleasant environments for pet-friendly camping weekends close to urban amenities.
$20 - $30 / night
"Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."
"I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."
$20 - $138 / night
"Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life. Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."
"What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."
$45 - $60 / night
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
$12 - $35 / night
"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
$25 / night
"They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly."
"Driving into rural northern IL felt like leaving the craziness behind. I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded."
$35 - $250 / night
"Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
$18 - $35 / night
"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."
$43 - $73 / night
"Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."
"We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."
"You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"
"Saw a few of their “puppy sites” that included a private gated area for dog owners. It poured all weekend but we still enjoyed the stay."
$25 / night
"If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"
"All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."
GuideWe love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.
ScoutWe’ve been staying at this resort for several months now, and wanted to share some feedback based on our experience.
The pool only opened mid-summer.
Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we’ve had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable.
We’ve also noticed that rules aren’t enforced consistently, and it sometimes feels like certain guests are treated unfairly. For example, while we were told that personal kiddie pools aren’t allowed, we’ve counted at least six others set up around the park.
Package delivery is only permitted under special circumstances, and only if pre-approved by staff.
Had an incident where a staff member criticized my swimsuit at the pool, despite it being modest and similar to what others were wearing. I wore this swimsuit to many pools for many years. Additionally, the beach area is often closed even during posted open hours, and pool hours or updates aren’t clearly communicated—you have to inquire to get any information.
The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern.
We’ve also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it’s been broken for a while. Many of the park’s facilities and amenities are showing their age and could benefit from updates and maintenance.
That said, there are aspects we’ve truly enjoyed, and they’re the main reasons we’ve continued our stay: the spacious layout of the RV park, a nice lake, beach, pool, gym, and a dog park.
LegendAs we were driving eastbound on I80 that day, we spotted the Love’s RV Hookup, which is a new concept that this oversized fueling depot / travel store has been working on for the past year or so. Having checked out one of their other locations in Bloomington earlier in the year, which I have to admit, I was fairly impressed by, we decided to stop in here to have a look. Located just due east on the outskirts of little known Morris, Illinois just off I80, this little roadside stand isn’t the largest Love’s I’ve ever seen, but it sure does pack a punch.
If you do find yourself hustling and bustling east or west along the I80 corridor and are in need of a pit stop or an overnight stay, then the good folks at the Love’s RV Hookup have you covered. While the other Love’s I have stopped by seem enormous by comparison, this spot felt more like a corner convenience store that also had a fairly large fueling bay (4 double-sided pumps) in the front, primarily for cars and SUVs.
As you pull in, there’s 4 spots earmarked to the right of the entrance for RV’s. As you pull further along in front of the Love’s fueling bay, on the other side, an additional 6 or so slots exist for other RVs to park. In all, there’s 10 back-in RV slots available and inside you’ll find that there’s 7 individual shower stalls (all of which were in pristine, brand-new shape when we stopped by) along with a laundry facility, which we were happily surprised by, as well as a designated RV dump service, propane refill station and all of the typical hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage) along with WiFi. Inside, there’s of course the Love’s retail market, which was just decent, an ATM, Hardee’s and Naf-Naf (think Subway, but instead, Middle Eastern food). There’s even a small dog park here. As I hinted at, quite a lot here for such a small location.
If you would like something more substantial to eat, just head back west on I80 to the next exit, where if you head north there’s an IHOP, Chili’s, Bellacino’s Pizza or you can head on back to the TA Travel Center where they actually have a proper sit-down 24 hour restaurant called R-Place. If instead of heading north, you drive south on the main drag (Road 47), there’s a Buffalo Wild Wings, Pizza Hut, Starbuck’s, Wendy’s, Culver’s, Dunkin' and Burger King. But if you want something a bit more memorable, I would recommend either Morris Diner & Pancake House or La Casa Michoacana. And if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive back towards Ottawa, there’s 2 amazing places I would recommend that you won’t soon forget: Hank’s and Lone Buffalo.
Should you want to actually enjoy a bit of the nature around these parts, you can continue to head south on N. Division Street / Road 47 where you’ll come to 2 parks: Goold and Chapin, where either would make for a great place to stretch your legs, walk the dog or grab a picnic. If you’d like something a bit more splendid, then head on over to William G. Stratton SP or Gebhard Woods SP where you will be able to hike the I&M Canal State Trail.
While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot:
Convenience: 5
Safety & Security: 4
Quality: 5
Peace & Quiet: 4
Amenities: 3
Overall, I scored this location a 4.
Happy Overnighting!
LegendMy first impression when I first arrived here was the overwhelming scent of a newly minted campground, what with the freshly laid gravel, the mint condition security gates, finely manicured and recently raked greenery (as it was October when we visited, it might be better described as brownery) surrounded by a fairly decent gated enclosure lined with perfectly pruned tall towering oaks. Upon arrival, you’ll find what looks to be a brand-spanking new log cabin office on the right after passing a seemingly freshly-minted activities center / community lodge complete with in-ground heated swimming pool and jacuzzi on the left.
Amenities? As you could guess, this pet-friendly 60-acre RV resort has all the attractions in spades from pickleball, playgrounds, volleyball, log pergola patio, full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage), picnic tables, fire pits, BBQ grills, wagon rides, river access, picnic areas, bathhouses w/ showers & restrooms, cable TV WiFi (pretty poor connection though), gaga ball, game room, community room, billiards table, playground, wet bar, tabletop shuffleboard, community living room with large screen TV, DVD player w/ DVD library, clubhouse, dog park, horseshoes, hot tub, covered pavilions with picnic tables, catch & release ponds, inflatable water toys, jumping pillow, laundr-O-mat, propane refueling station and dump station.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) This place isn’t EZ to find – for some reason, if you plug the campground into your GPS, you’ll literally be on the wrong side of the tracks, where you will arrive at a dead end with a sign that says you are in the wrong place and that you’ll need to double-back, cross the train tracks heading north and turn right just before arriving to High Road School of Belvidere (so if you see a school, you’ve gone too far); (2) You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you’re sharp, you’re going to want to ensure you haven’t booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20; (3) If you’re a tent camper, you can certainly stay here, but you will want to note that this is very much an RV outpost; (4) The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River with sites #S9-#S20 being excellent, as well as #S25-#S81, which are equally amazing; (5) If you are planning on using that amazing pool that you saw as you came in, make sure you call management a good day or two before you come in to ensure that they turn on the heater – when we were there for 2 days, by the time we left, the pool was still too cold to go for a dip; and (6) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up a meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and want to venture out to try some local fare, just a short walk into the nearby town is Garden Prairie Café, which has a very simple menu offering no shortage of fried everything (fish, shrimp, chicken, etc.) and then there’s Pleasant Street Tavern, but that’s mostly cheap national beers and frozen pizza fare, so if you want something a bit more substantive, head west of here to Miles Bar N’ Grill that serves up typical Midwestern fare like cheese curds, pork tenderloin, Italian beef and a variety of fried fish like blue gill, cod and catfish.
Happy Camping!
RangerI was here for three months this time as i get to business completed. The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how. The grass is mowed every week. There is patroling at all hours for security. The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good. The dog park is clean and secure. The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage. The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year. The store has many items you may need. The showers are cleaned and work great. The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit.
TravelerFriendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant. No wi-fi found except at hotel. Good phone connection. Garbage cans throughout park. Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80.
ScoutStaff was polite and helpful. They escort you to your spot. They hand out activity sheets for the weekend. Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly. They charge extra if you have visitors.
ScoutWe love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It’s always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay. They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly.
RangerFor years, this was our go-to campground for weekend nearby adventures. Over the years, the price has increased and at $30 per site for non-residents, it's a bit steep for tent camping for me (so I left off a star rating). All sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs. It's located in a beautiful wooded Dupage County Forest preserve. While the sites are pretty close together, there are a few good ones that feel more secluded. Designated chip bark tent sites are level. The grounds are very well maintained. While I didn't camp here this year, I took these photos the last weekend in October to give everyone a sense of how nice this campground could be for them. My favorite sites over the years were the ones closest to Silver Lake along the South Loop road because those sites have the best views. For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods. Other than plenty of hiking options including a big hill, the fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release. There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families. I've brought cub scouts here and my kids' friends. Heads-up that sites 21 & 22 may not be able to see traffic on the busy Winfield Rd in the summer, but you will still hear it at those sites.
Camping opportunities near Addison, Illinois typically feature flat to gently rolling terrain with an elevation of approximately 700 feet above sea level. The region's four distinct seasons mean summer camping often includes humidity with temperatures averaging 75-85°F, while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions. Most forest preserve campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October with a few offering year-round access.
Hiking trails with elevation changes: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers surprising topography despite the generally flat Chicago region. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here... There are miles and miles of trails. We saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day," notes Tim K., who enjoyed the varied terrain.
Fishing in clear waters: Blackwell Family Campground provides excellent angling opportunities. "The water is crystal clear. Nice place for a winter hike. Canoe rentals and free archery range," mentions Christian V. The lake supports various fish species and offers both shoreline and boat fishing options.
Geocaching and seasonal activities: Camp Reinberg features organized outdoor activities beyond standard camping. "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests," recommends Kelsey G. The preserve maintains several marked geocache locations suitable for beginners and experienced seekers alike.
Water recreation options: Paddle sports are available at multiple locations near Addison. "We kayaked around the lake and enjoyed the natural setting. The store is very nice and well stocked," shares Joel K. about Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area. Most lakes open for paddling at sunrise and close one hour before sunset.
Tent camping pads: Campers appreciate the prepared tent sites at many locations. "Designated chip bark tent sites are level. The grounds are very well maintained," notes Marisa A. about Blackwell Family Campground, highlighting the thoughtful site preparation that keeps tents dry during rain.
Proximity to Chicago: Camp Sullivan offers a quick escape from urban life. "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled," states Shane S. Most campgrounds near Addison are within 30-45 minutes of downtown, making them suitable for weekend trips.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The preserves protect natural habitats supporting diverse wildlife. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," reports Hatie P. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing times.
Free firewood policies: Several campgrounds include firewood with your stay. "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5," mentions Leo V. about Camp Reinberg. This policy helps prevent invasive species by discouraging outside wood while ensuring campers have materials for evening fires.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Addison require advance bookings, especially for weekends. "We paid $122.00 for two nights," notes Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, indicating the relatively high weekend rates common to the area.
Gate closure timing: Paul Wolff Campground maintains strict entrance policies. "The gates close for the park an hour after sunset," reports Rich M. Plan evening activities accordingly, as late returns may not be possible at some preserves.
Varying shade conditions: Newer campgrounds often lack mature trees. "This is a relatively new campground... But, no shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable," cautions Joel R. about Big Rock Campground. Some established campgrounds offer better tree coverage, so check site descriptions carefully.
Water hookup distances: RV campers should prepare for water access limitations. "The water hookups are kind of far from the individual sites (make sure you have extra hose)," advises Rodney D. Bringing 100+ feet of drinking-water-safe hose is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Shorter trails with interesting features keep children engaged. "We like to hike and this site had great (kid and beginner adult level) trails," says Nicole R. about Blackwell Family Campground. Most preserves offer loop trails under 1 mile suitable for younger hikers.
Fishing opportunities for children: Several lakes offer easy fishing access. "The fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release," reports Marisa A., making these locations ideal for teaching fishing basics.
Multiple bathroom facilities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides convenient facilities. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," notes Layla P., an important consideration for families with younger children who may need frequent bathroom access.
Activity planning: Programs vary by location and season. "Plenty of families. I've brought cub scouts here and my kids' friends," shares one camper. Check campground websites for scheduled activities before arrival as many require pre-registration and have participant limits.
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend choosing sites carefully. "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," notes Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Most campgrounds publish site dimensions online, allowing advance planning for larger rigs.
Electric options: Big Rock Campground offers reliable power hookups. "All sites have electric and the fees are kinda steep, 20 res/30 non-res," mentions John W. Most campgrounds provide 30-amp service, with select locations offering 50-amp for larger RVs.
Dump station accessibility: Several campgrounds maintain well-organized waste disposal. "The dump station has two spaces and the lines move right along," advises Jeff G., noting the efficient design at Shabbona Lake. Weekday departures typically encounter shorter wait times than Sunday checkouts.
Level site availability: Paved pads create stable parking at many locations. "All of the sites have paved pads," reports Art S., important for larger motorhomes and travel trailers requiring level surfaces for proper functioning of appliances and slide-outs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Addison, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Addison, IL is Blackwell Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Addison, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Addison, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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