Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ava, IL

Searching for a campsite that allows pets near Ava? Find the best information on pet-friendly camping near Ava, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. You're sure to find the perfect pet-friendly campsite for your Illinois camping excursion.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ava, IL (75)

    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground

    1. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    165 Photos
    139 Saves
    Makanda, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground

    2. Turkey Bayou Campground

    12 Reviews
    19 Photos
    168 Saves
    Gorham, Illinois

    Turkey Bayou Campground​

    Located in Oakwood Bottoms, Turkey Bayou Campground is a great location outdoor activities including waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, trapping, fishing, nature watching and bird watching. The campground is next to a 20-acre lake on the Big Muddy River with close proximity to the Big Muddy boat launch and the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. There is no charge for camping at Turkey Bayou, but there is a 14-day maximum stay. The campground does not have water or toilets. The site frequently floods during heavy rain periods.

    Our partner, Friends of Turkey Bayou helps maintain Turkey Bayou Campground.

    A favorite with waterfowl hunters, Oakwood Bottoms offers so much more from excellent bird watching to fishing opportunities and primitive camping at Turkey Bayou Campground. Picnic with your family or youth group at Oakwood Bottoms picnic site and take a short walk into the bottoms on the wooden boardwalk trail that loops back to the picnic area. The site also has a large picnic shelter next to a large pond, where you can enjoy watching ducks and other birds visit the pond in search of food.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground

    3. South Sandusky Campground

    18 Reviews
    52 Photos
    101 Saves
    Sesser, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Nearby Attractions

    South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground

    4. Hawn State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    129 Photos
    167 Saves
    Farmington, Missouri
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    5. Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    45 Photos
    61 Saves
    Bargerville, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

    7. Gun Creek

    20 Reviews
    66 Photos
    91 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney

    8. Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney

    11 Reviews
    9 Photos
    54 Saves
    Perryville, Missouri

    Who says you can’t have fun in a small midwestern town? In Perryville, MO, there’s plenty of history to experience and fun to be had. You can expect no less at Perryville RV Resort by R Journey. Located off Lake Drive on KOA Lane, our resort park is accessible via Interstate 55 to the south and Highway T to the north. Get ready to make memories and reconnect with family and friends with our selection of family-friendly activities and events. If you’ve been pining for a midwestern getaway, look no further than Perryville RV Resort.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington County State Recreation Area
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Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Ava

446 Reviews of 75 Ava Campgrounds


  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Nov. 30, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Built on an Old Golf Course

    We’d seen signs for Shawnee Forest Campground (CG) many times as we headed out and back from our St. Louis home base and wanted to check this CG out. We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go. We checked in at the little office and were given the choice of pull through sites with FHUs 12 or 21. We chose site 21. The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice. The water pressure was good around 50 psi. Their WiFi was very good. There are mature trees here and there in the CG, so satellite should not be an issue. We got two bars on Verizon. Each of the bath houses have a washer and dryer. Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps. There are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones even though there were plenty of sites open in the upper 26- 50 site area. If we come back, we’ll know where to ask for a site. They have a small lake and two ponds for fishing. There's no formal dog area, but there are paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Nov. 8, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Beautiful Sunsets over the Lake

    What a beautiful campground, it’s our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them

  • GB N.
    Camper-submitted photo from DD Hwy Campground
    Oct. 22, 2024

    DD Hwy Campground

    October tent camping

    Tent camping back away from the RVs & we were the only people. Gorgeous river to view just a few steps away & the night sky view was fantastic. LOVED the bathroom & shower facilities!

  • Tabitha R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Johnson Creek

    Nice!

    This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Hilltop Campground

    Decent overnight stop

    Hosts were friendly, but didn’t brief us on information such as where is the trash bin, what is the WiFi password. Restroom was old but relatively clean. There’s only one valve in the showers so all you get is lukewarm water. Not good on a cool or cold day. Some of the long term people have too many dogs, one had 6 little yippers, kind of annoying. And I’m not against dogs

  • Cecilia
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Pine Hills

    Very nice

    Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Hilltop Campground

    Nice stop

    Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bean Ridge Pond Campground
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Bean Ridge Pond Campground

    Nice private locationl

    There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow. We camped in the lower site and had a difficult time getting everything out of the road.

    On the positive side, the site was clean, there was nobody there over the weekend and there was a humming bird. The pond had lots of frogs and and a few fish.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great place to camp!

    We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

  • Wil V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    May. 30, 2024

    Benton KOA

    Loud

    1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    May. 13, 2024

    South Marcum Campground

    Great Campground

    Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

  • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    May. 9, 2024

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Probably nice in a big rig, sucks otherwise

    This campground was essentially an RV park. Only big rigs, some sites well spaced physically but no privacy in between so feels like everyone staring at each other. Some of the waterfront sites okay privacy-wise, but not most. Hookups work well, but bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers.

    The whole place also smells like dead fish. We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite so be careful what you leave out, also tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads.

    The lake is at least really pretty and there’s a small beach area.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    May. 8, 2024

    Archway RV Park

    Great campground

    Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

  • Barb N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

  • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind

    Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale 

    Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems. 

    Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers. 

    Site: A-35. In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can’t be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Forest
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Trail of Tears State Forest

    Not free but worth the $8/night

    Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others. Potable water and camper registration (but had a boil water warning but that was not normal). 30 min into Cape Girardeau and 15 min to Anna. Nice picnic table and raised fire ring/ grill.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Saline Creek RV Park and Campground
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Saline Creek RV Park and Campground

    Sweet RV campground! Very clean, quiet, and beautiful.

    We found this Rv campground while cruising through MO on to FL. We enjoyed this place! Beautiful, and quiet. New sites, tables, and a beautiful creek. A couple of pony’s too. We will definitely be stopping in again!

  • Katrin M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Hawn State Park Campground

    Nice campground in the woods.

    We camped at site 39 over the weekend. The park was very clean and family friendly. There are several hiking trails and an overlook. The restrooms and showers are still closed for the season, but there are primitive vault toilets. The sites are very close together, so there is not much privacy. Also, some have electricity and some not. The firewood was wet und would not burn. The landscape around the park was very nice. We camped here to visit the Gateway National Park and Mastodon Natural Site.



Guide to Ava

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Ava, Illinois, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Johnson Creek Campground

  • At Johnson Creek Campground, you’ll find spacious sites nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, perfect for a relaxing getaway with your pet.
  • This campground offers a peaceful atmosphere with basic amenities, allowing you to focus on enjoying nature with your four-legged companion.
  • With access to Kincaid Lake, your dog can enjoy the water while you fish or hike the nearby trails.

Dog owners appreciate Randolph County State Recreation Area

  • Randolph County State Recreation Area features well-maintained sites and plenty of shade, making it a comfortable spot for you and your pet to camp.
  • The area offers various outdoor activities, including fishing and hiking, ensuring your dog has plenty of opportunities to explore.
  • With a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, you can easily find a spot that suits your needs.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Ava

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ava, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ava, IL is Giant City State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ava, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 75 dog-friendly camping locations near Ava, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.