Dog-Friendly Camping near Bradley, IL

51 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Kankakee South KOA features a dedicated dog park that receives positive mentions from campers with pets. The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping options with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park permits pets throughout its grounds with tent sites, RV spots, and cabin accommodations. Camp Bullfrog Lake extends pet-friendly policies across its tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements and request campers clean up after their pets. Enchanted Shores RV Park, Lake Alexander RV Park, and Chippewa Campground maintain pet-friendly environments with varying amenities. Small campgrounds with friendly management create comfortable environments for dogs, with many campers noting the relaxed atmosphere makes weekend trips with pets enjoyable.

    Hiking trails at Kankakee River State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with multiple access points from the campgrounds. The Fox River and Illinois River offer water access for dogs that enjoy swimming, though owners should check for specific pet swimming areas. Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area permits pets in its camping areas with access to boat launches and fishing spots. Weather considerations include hot summer temperatures requiring shade and water access for pets. Springbrook Prairie Dog Park near Naperville offers miles of manicured paths for exercising dogs when staying at nearby campgrounds. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours that apply to barking dogs, with enforcement varying by location. The storm shelter access at some facilities may be limited, requiring pet owners to have alternative emergency plans during severe weather.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Bradley (51)

      1. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

      4.5(17)6mi from BradleyRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."

      "There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."

      2. Kankakee South KOA

      3.7(10)8mi from BradleyRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Dog friendly lots of dogs this weekend nice size dog park! You overall great weekend"

      "We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year. Check out their information on their website."

      3. Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

      4.8(4)9mi from BradleyRVs, Tents

      "shade canopy and an open feel Well maintained open-grass layout

       - Spacious campsites, similar to other IL State Parks we've stayed at

       - Quiet (when we visited)

       - Boat ramp is accessible via trail"

      "No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper."

      from $8 - $20 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

      3.6(5)12mi from BradleyRVs, Tents

      "The park is dog friendly. The campground is clean and quiet. There is no bath house, only port-a-potty's throughout the campground."

      "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

      from $20 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Lake Alexander RV Park

      3.8(4)12mi from BradleyRVs, Tents

      "Lake Alexander RV Park is a quiet, spacious, family owned and operated campground located near Momence, Illinois, within a 1-hour drive of Chicago."

      "She even put me next to a fellow biker. Nice quiet place and you can walk down to the Kankakee river."

      from $33 - $43 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Route 66 Joliet

      5.0(2)14mi from BradleyRVs

      from $100 - $1000 / night

      7. Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area

      3.8(5)22mi from BradleyRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "No real trails but if you don't mind roughing it plenty to explore, hunting, fishing, mushrooms, electric motor only boats on the lake. We bring our kayaks."

      "There’s a local bar that was still hopping nearby. Generators are allowed, so there was a hum of one running all night but it was no bother at all. Otherwise, entirely peaceful and quiet."

      8. Camp Bullfrog Lake

      4.2(30)37mi from BradleyRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 - $138 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground — Kankakee River State Park

      Be the first to review8mi from Bradley

      10. Tameling Campground and RV Park

      4.0(1)20mi from BradleyRVs, Tents

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bradley, IL

    289 Reviews of 51 Bradley Campgrounds


    • A
      Jul. 4, 2023

      Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

      Closed Off Tent Camping

      Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view.

    • H
      Jun. 3, 2019

      Kankakee South KOA

      Just another weekend :)

      Small campground but very friendly. A plus was the full hookups. The sights are very close together. Management is not over bearing and very friendly. Dog friendly lots of dogs this weekend nice size dog park! You overall great weekend

    • Debbie B.
      Jun. 24, 2019

      Kankakee South KOA

      Nice enough for local camping

      Many very nice permanent sites. We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year. Check out their information on their website.

      If you want a quick local get away this is the place.

    • Iryna R.
      Oct. 6, 2024

      Leisure Lake Resort

      Ugh..

      We’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.

    • p
      Jul. 31, 2018

      Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park

      the map that shows the Peoria area is wrong this campground is near Bradley-Bourbonnais Illinois.

      the map that shows the Peoria area is wrong. this campground is near Bradley-Bourbonnais Illinois.

    • Steven C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 13, 2023

      Love's RV Stop-Demotte IN 394

      Clean and convienent

      Great stop for the night, It's new, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court and tennis ball court for some activities if you have kids. Plenty of space and Convenient. We reserved and checked in online. The only complaint I had is the site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit but it's Nov so no need to run dual ACs minor issue but still make sure your using your EPM devices.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 1, 2024

      Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859

      Easy & Convenient Roadside Pit Stop

      As 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!

    • T
      Oct. 4, 2020

      Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

      Great First Experience

      Friendly 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.

    • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 31, 2020

      Blackwell Family Campground

      Weekend Camping with lots of activities

      For 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.


    Guide to Bradley

    Camping facilities near Bradley, Illinois sit within the Kankakee River watershed, with most sites positioned at elevations between 600-700 feet above sea level. The terrain features a mix of river valleys, wooded areas, and small lakes with sandy soil that drains quickly after rainfall. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through February, requiring campers to prepare for seasonal closures at some locations.

    What to do

    River exploration: Water activities on the Kankakee River are accessible from multiple campgrounds. At Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park, "There are rock cliffs that are suspended over the Kankakee river and also over a creek that feeds it. These are great for climbing and scaling. Additionally, there are Indian caves through the creek where you can still find arrowheads," according to Andrea F.

    Mountain biking: Miles of dedicated trails connect to Camp Bullfrog Lake, making it ideal for cycling enthusiasts. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails," notes Tim K.

    Wildlife watching: Multiple habitats support diverse animal populations. The Palos trails system near Camp Bullfrog Lake offers exceptional wildlife viewing. One camper reported, "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."

    What campers like

    Spacious sites with natural separation: Many campers appreciate the layout at Potowatomi Campground. "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite," shares Phillip L. He also notes the historical interest: "This site is near a small cemetery that has tombstones that are hundreds of years old."

    Dog-friendly amenities: Kankakee South KOA receives high marks for pet accommodations. Debbie B. mentions, "We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year." Harrison Z. confirms this pet-friendly atmosphere: "Dog friendly lots of dogs this weekend nice size dog park!"

    Natural swimming areas: Water access points provide cooling options during summer. At Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area, the lake offers fishing and swimming opportunities. Adam M. notes, "Electric motor only boats on the lake. We bring our kayaks."

    What you should know

    Shower and restroom quality varies significantly: Facilities range from well-maintained to basic. At Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground, "There is no bath house, only port-a-potty's throughout the campground. But sites are full hookup so this isn't an issue if you are traveling in a TT," explains Brandy C.

    Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water issues. At Willow Slough, Xiaojian J. warns, "Do remember to bring power source for your phone such as a power bank and water to drink, the water there taste funny."

    Seasonal flooding affects access: The Kankakee River basin experiences regular high water periods. Marc W. at Kankakee South KOA noted, "I would definitely come again to kayak on the Kankakee river. Unfortunately the water levels where too high for this trip as warnings had been issued."

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for nature programs: Educational opportunities enhance family trips. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" reports Linda N. about Kankakee River State Park.

    Consider seasonal heat exposure: Many sites lack adequate shade for summer camping. A Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor observed, "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."

    Choose sites for play space: Some areas provide better setup for children. Linda N. recommends at Potowatomi Campground: "Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around."

    Tips from RVers

    Noise levels vary by location: Traffic and event-related noise affects some campgrounds. At Lake Alexander RV Park, the environment is notably quiet. Rick W. shares, "Nice quiet place and you can walk down to the Kankakee river."

    Site sizing differs dramatically: Confirm length and width requirements before booking. At Kankakee River State Park's Osage loop, a camper advises, "Two were very small (14&15), and little grass for tent setup, fine for RV or trailer campers... 16&17 were amazing for tents!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade."

    Off-season availability benefits late planners: Some campgrounds offer easier access during shoulder seasons. Maya L. at Potowatomi Campground reports, "Came in without a reservation and got a nice spot for a camper, showers were decent and hosts were nice!!"

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bradley, IL is Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 51 dog-friendly camping locations near Bradley, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.