Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bonnie, IL

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate both tent and RV campers seeking lakeside recreation. Pets are allowed throughout the campground's numerous spacious sites, many of which offer electrical hookups and convenient access to Rend Lake. The campground features well-maintained grounds with sites adequately spaced apart, providing room for pets to relax with their owners. South Sandusky and North Sandusky campgrounds at Rend Lake also welcome pets, offering similar amenities with waterfront camping options. Bathhouses and toilet facilities are available, though cleanliness varies according to visitor experiences. Campsites include the standard picnic tables and fire rings, making them suitable for overnight stays with pets.

Rend Lake recreational areas provide excellent opportunities for dogs to enjoy waterfront activities. The numerous hiking and biking trails throughout Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park allow for pet exercise, though some trails may be in poor condition. Wildlife is abundant throughout the camping areas, with deer frequently visible from campsites. Pet owners should maintain awareness of wildlife when walking dogs, especially during early morning and evening hours. The campgrounds' proximity to Interstate 57 makes them convenient stopping points for travelers with pets, though some areas may experience highway noise. Archway RV Park in Mount Vernon offers an alternative with a small pond perfect for walking dogs and the chance to spot cardinal birds. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times when outside vehicles or camping units.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Bonnie, Illinois (72)

    1. Gun Creek

    21 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $30 / night

    "Pet friendly and beautiful lake views from many of the camp sites. I recommend checking the grade of the camp site because some of the ones next to the lake were at a pretty big angle."

    "One of the first campgrounds that you come to at Rend Lake when you get off the highway, this campground has lots of positives and few negatives."

    2. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 629-2320

    "Wayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes."

    "Many of the sites are walk up only.  The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games.  Rend lake is a good size lake with numerous areas to explore the water."

    3. Archway RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 244-0399

    $60 / night

    "There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend."

    "Long first day drive, but so handy and staff couldn’t be more accommodating to our late arrivals. Just far enough from Interstate so noise isn’t an issue. Lots of services at the same exit."

    4. South Sandusky Campground

    19 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $26 / night

    "North and South Sandusky campground is located in southern Illinois on Rend Lake. It is a large state park with tons to do. From boating and swimming to hiking and relaxing."

    "Well maintained on beautiful Rend Lake in southern Illinois. Reservations accepted on reservation.gov. Walk ins also welcome."

    5. South Marcum Campground

    16 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $16 - $44 / night

    "This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake."

    "They're very close to the Illinois state fair grounds. There are tent sites as well as RV sites that are very close to the lake."

    6. Whittington Woods Campground

    12 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 435-3401

    "This campground is beautiful with lots of gardens and potted plants at a lot of the campsites The host is very friendly, the pool is well maintained, they have a dog park The Host even led us to our"

    "Short drive to Rend Lake, bike trails, kayaks, fishing. Also, a fun winery about 1 mile north! I do recommend this campground!"

    7. Benton KOA

    13 Reviews
    Benton, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 439-4860

    "Not a bad place for a stop between destinations or a couple days at the lake would be fine. Roads and sites were well maintained. The dog park gets muddy quick, it’s mostly moss and dirt."

    "Yes, there is highway noise. It's a KOA. Convenience of being easy off an interstate has its tradeoffs. That said, excellent staff, clean, professional KOA"

    8. Rend Lake

    5 Reviews
    Whittington, IL
    7 miles
    Website

    "Hundreds of campsites, marinas with boat rentals, beaches and stores nearby in case you need something. This area is truly a southern Illinois gem!"

    "Large spacious sites, close to swimming beaches, although not walking distance. Tree covered and offer some privacy. Great place to meet with family and friends."

    9. North Sandusky Campground

    5 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $18 - $26 / night

    "North Sandusky Campground is a gem in Southern Illinois. Many of the sites are backed up to Rend lake and the others back up to the woods.

    The sites all seem to be fairly well maintained and roomy."

    "has a great view of the lake from almost every camp site. close to southern IL. great leasure campsite to take the kids"

    10. COE Rend Lake North Sandusky Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Sesser, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 724-2493

    $30 / night

    "We have had deer playing on an adjacent site to us. Fun place to camp with family and friends. Never want to leave."

    "This campground has a great view of the lake. It’s well-kept and the site has nice spacing in between. The shower house and rest rooms were clean and well-kept."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bonnie, IL

502 Reviews of 72 Bonnie Campgrounds


  • Chelsea D.
    Apr. 24, 2020

    Marion Campground & RV Park

    Would come back as a last resort...

    This is a stop-over type of campground. The sites are very close together with no privacy. There are some pull-thru sites, which is convenient. It is right next to interstate 57, so unless you're inside your camper, you'll definitely be listening to the highway. This is a pet-friendly campground, and they have a little dog park. They have a shower/laundry facility which is also convenient, especially if you're out on a big trip. Overall, it's certainly not a bad campground, but the highway noise really bothered us.

  • John H.
    Aug. 2, 2020

    Benton KOA

    Good place for a quick stop

    Not a bad place for a stop between destinations or a couple days at the lake would be fine. Roads and sites were well maintained. The dog park gets muddy quick, it’s mostly moss and dirt. It’s close to the Interstate; we’d stay there again.

  • L
    Jun. 14, 2019

    Whittington Woods Campground

    Well maintained

    This campground is beautiful with lots of gardens and potted plants at a lot of the campsites The host is very friendly, the pool is well maintained, they have a dog park The Host even led us to our spot..

  • J
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Archway RV Park

    Great service

    I called a day in advance and was able to schedule a reservation, the lady on the phone was very nice. Upon arrival I was greeted nicely and checked in quickly. While beginning setup, I noticed an issue with the power at my particular spot and decided to let the staff know of the issue. They offered to move us to another spot and were very nice. The WiFi works great as I was able to stream anything I wanted on Hulu. There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend.

  • Greg M.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Excellent lakeside sites

    Wthat a nice find in southern Illinois just outside of Marion. Very big roomy and grassy sites. Some right on the lake shore. This is a national conservation area so our national park passes are accepted meaning only $10 a night for electric and water. Full hookups $12.50. (Double the fee if you do not have a pass.) Boat ramps available. Very friendly and accomodating management. You will like it. Pets allowed. Internet accessible with my smartphone.

  • A
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Dam West Spillway

    Our go to camping spot for trips close to home

    Family and pet friendly, nice bath houses, most sites are spacious.

    Minutes away from beach access.

  • s
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Charley Brown City Park

    My favorite kind of campsites

    Campground is off the beaten path, lots of space to spread out, and the top 4 amenities (electricity, water, flush toilets and showers). It’s not the cleanest bathrooms but certainly not the worst. Close to a Walmart for all your need and great sunsets too. Plus pets are allowed

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2022

    Gun Creek

    Lake Views

    We loved staying here. Pet friendly and beautiful lake views from many of the camp sites. I recommend checking the grade of the camp site because some of the ones next to the lake were at a pretty big angle. Our site was nice and flat so no issues there. We loved it and would definitely stay again.

  • J K.
    Aug. 6, 2019

    South Marcum Campground

    Best campground on Rend Lake!

    This is hands-down the nicest campground on Rend Lake. With hundreds of sites to choose from with some being tucked into the woods and others sitting right on the lake including some walking intense fights this campground is one of the nicest that you’ll find in Illinois. Plenty of bathrooms and bath houses as well as playgrounds and spacious campsites for larger RVs and plenty of access to the lake.


Guide to Bonnie

Rend Lake, a 19,000-acre reservoir in southern Illinois, serves as the centerpiece for camping near Bonnie, Illinois. Located at approximately 405 feet above sea level, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently reaching 90°F and mild winters. Most campgrounds in the region operate from March through November, with a few sites offering year-round access for pet owners seeking camping opportunities during off-peak seasons.

What to do

**Fishing access: The numerous campgrounds surrounding Rend Lake provide direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. At Gun Creek Campground, sites are positioned for easy lake entry. "Great rates and even better campsites. We got there late and had no problems finding a great campsite right next to the lake," notes Jonathan W.

**Biking trails: Several paved trails connect the campgrounds around Rend Lake. "South Marcum Campground is a Corp of Engineers campground just of I-57 in southern Illinois... close to a nice bike trail," reports b K. The trails run throughout the recreation areas, allowing pets to accompany their owners on exercise outings.

**Swimming beaches: Dedicated swimming areas are available near most campgrounds, though not all are within walking distance. Debra G. explains about Rend Lake: "Large spacious sites, close to swimming beaches, although not walking distance. Tree covered and offer some privacy."

What campers like

**Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities from campsites. "Never been to a CG with such abundant wildlife! Can sit at your spot and watch deer throughout the day," writes Lucas T. about Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park. This makes for enjoyable viewing for both campers and their leashed pets.

**Spacious sites: Unlike many crowded campgrounds, most Rend Lake camping areas offer room to spread out. At North Sandusky Campground, "The sites all seem to be fairly well maintained and roomy. Site 42 is very spacious," according to Jason A. This extra space proves valuable for campers with pets.

**Lake views: Many campsites provide direct sightlines to Rend Lake. "What a beautiful campground, it's our second time here. Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them," reports Jeff F. about Gun Creek Campground. Sites with lake views tend to fill quickly, especially during summer weekends.

What you should know

**Reservation systems: The booking processes vary between campgrounds. At Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground, "The stay was pleasant and the lake was very nice but the reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer," explains Blake M. "Basically people show up and throw a cooler or tent onto a site to claim it and then leave."

**Site leveling: Many sites throughout the region require leveling equipment. "Overall a great stay, very busy as it was full the entire time we were there... Absolutely must check how level the spots are before you book, as lots of sites are over 4 inch incline," advises Never Sitting S. about Gun Creek.

**Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness and maintenance of restrooms varies widely. Phil W. notes about North Sandusky: "The shower house and rest rooms were clean and well-kept." However, at Wayne Fitzgerrell, Matthew B. reports: "Bathrooms are pretty disgusting buggy and dirty."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bonnie, IL is Gun Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 72 dog-friendly camping locations near Bonnie, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.