Camp Sullivan's tent and RV sites in Oak Forest welcome pets while providing electric hookups, water access, picnic tables and trash service. The campground maintains several miles of walking trails directly accessible from the camp that allow leashed dogs to explore the surrounding forest preserve. Camping rates for sites with pets remain reasonable with veteran discounts available. Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park also accommodate pets at their campgrounds, though the latter prohibits alcohol while the former allows it. Most campgrounds in the region enforce standard leash requirements and limit dogs to designated areas. ['The bathrooms are generally clean though occasionally supplies run out during busy weekends according to visitor experiences.'] Campfire rings are available at all pet-friendly sites, and firewood is provided or sold on-site at most locations.
Lakeshore Camp Resort provides pet-friendly accommodations including cabins, though sites are notably small and crowded according to multiple campers. The location offers convenient access to Indiana Dunes beaches approximately 20 minutes away, though some pet owners prefer to explore the forest preserve trails closer to Camp Sullivan. Summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels for dogs, particularly in the less-shaded RV areas at Camp Sullivan. Campers with pets should note that bathroom facilities at some locations may require a short walk or drive from camping sites. Wildlife encounters remain minimal in these developed camping areas, making them suitable for pets that might be startled by larger animals. Many campgrounds implement quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances, and most require owners to clean up after their pets to maintain cleanliness throughout the camping areas.
$25 / night
"There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots."
"give you a great view of Lake Michigan. Bathroom rooms and shower were super clean. Dog friendly campsite and right next to the lake!"
$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."
$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."
$43 / night
"We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."
"Was rainy, but still enjoyed walking the beach. Staff extremely pleasant & helpful. Pavilion services was closed for construction. There is an area on the Beach where you can walk your dogs."
$49 - $57 / night
"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
$30 - $90 / night
"We were disappointed the state park was full but found this campground close by. The tent sites were very private as we were the only ones there for the night. Plenty of space tucked among the trees."
"I tried an RV resort park first and my site was right next to train tracks and packed in next to the other sites. This spot was more spacious and fairly quiet with good showers."
"There was a nice big field for the dog to run. Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."
"You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."
"We stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger."
"Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook."
$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."
TravelerSmall 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
TravelerWe stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger. They do have nice premium sites in the front. Loved that it is gated and and key card access after hours. Has a dog park and a playground for the kids.
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.
TravelerMany 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.
GuidePros - playground, pool, well kept grounds, helpful staff, gated/swipe card access, ponds, close to area attractions, decent campground WiFi, small fire ring, small dog park
Cons - tight spaces, BYO grill, bad showers, dirty/tight bathroom area
The mens room is just gross. Water in the stalls because showers don’t drain. Water in the shower never gets hot. Missing shower heads with pressure that almost tears your skin. Can barely squeeze into the tiny stall. Toilets are gross.
GuideWe used it as an over night stop right off of 94. It was perfect for that. It would also be perfect spot to stay longer if wanted to be in the area. Grounds were nice. Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook.
ScoutGreat 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.
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!
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.
Pet-friendly camping sites near Burnham, Illinois operate primarily from April through October, with some locations offering year-round access. Summer temperatures in this region can reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping provides milder conditions between 50-70°F. The area's flat terrain situated near Lake Michigan results in frequent train noise at most campgrounds, a factor many first-time visitors don't anticipate.
Swimming at Indiana Dunes beaches: Access Lake Michigan's shoreline at Indiana Dunes National Park, located approximately 20 minutes from major camping areas. "Kimmel Beach is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," notes Katie O., highlighting beach conditions during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Cast your line at Lakeshore Camp Resort, which offers lake access for anglers. While the shoreline has some debris, fishing remains productive. "We did fish in it and caught a bunch!" reports Rino S., who visited with family.
Trail exploration: The region features extensive hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. "The best thing about this location is the access to miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," explains Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, making it suitable for campers seeking active pursuits.
Kayak rentals: Several campgrounds provide on-site watercraft options. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," mentions Layla P., describing the boating options at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Clean shower facilities: Dunewood Campground maintains modern restroom buildings. "Restrooms and showers are nice, but not as clean as state park and other camping restrooms in the area," remarks Katie O., providing perspective on amenity standards.
Spacious camping sites: Indiana Dunes State Park offers well-defined sites with room for larger setups. "The sites are decently spaced, with plenty of room in between sites. We stayed in site #69. There was plenty of space on all sides," explains Chris M., who visited with a 37' motorhome.
Security features: Michigan City Campground implements controlled access for visitor safety. "Love the secure entrance and key card access," notes Beth B., appreciating this feature during her stay in the group tent camping area.
Shade coverage: Most camping areas provide varying levels of tree cover. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. This is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day," cautions Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, an important consideration during hot summer months.
Railroad noise disturbances: Nearly all campgrounds in the region experience train-related sounds. "Could hear trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. Great shading from trees and very green!" explains Truly W. about Dunewood Campground, balancing the noise issue with positive features.
Varying site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly in how close neighbors are positioned. "The sites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," reports Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan, a consideration for those preferring more seclusion.
Shower water temperature inconsistencies: Bathroom facilities may have plumbing limitations. "The water pressure in the showers was so-so, but there was no hot water," notes one camper, a common issue reported across multiple locations.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate on restricted schedules. "This campground was very clean and newly renovated. The tent sites were nice and located around the perimeter," shares Jennifer Z. about Sand Creek Campground, which typically operates from April through mid-October.
Playground access: Blackwell Family Campground provides dedicated recreation areas. "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," explains Marisa A., recommending sites closest to Silver Lake along the South Loop road.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Select trails with appropriate difficulty levels for children. "We really like this place and was about a 30 minute ride from our place in the western burbs. Some of the areas best mountain bike single track is right here," shares Geoff about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Open spaces for games: Many campgrounds feature shared areas for recreation. "Additionally, there's an open space for sports/games and some great climbing trees within the group area," notes John R. about Blackwell's scout camping section.
Temperature planning: Summer heat can be challenging for younger campers. "We love this place with three kids under 7! Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)," shares Dane S. about Camp Sullivan, recommending spring or fall visits for cooler temperatures.
Hookup availability varies: Electric-only sites are common in state parks. "Only offered electric service. It is electric only but that didn't really bother us—we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," explains Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Site leveling considerations: Most established campgrounds maintain reasonably level surfaces. "Sites are crushed limestone and are level and wooded," notes Rich M. about camping at Blackwell Forest Preserve, though natural terrain may require adjustments.
Dump station access: Plan waste management accordingly. "We paid $122.00 for two nights," shares Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, noting that additional dump station fees may apply at some locations.
Gate closure timing: Be aware of campground access restrictions. "If you are staying here to see Chicago the gates close for the park an hour after sunset," warns Rich M., important information for RVers planning evening activities outside the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Burnham, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Burnham, IL is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 125 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Burnham, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 47 dog-friendly camping locations near Burnham, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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