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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Chicago, IL

576 Reviews

The Windy City isn’t exactly synonymous with camping and the outdoors. However, if you know where to look, you’ll be surprised at just what you can find. With a handful of lakes, parks, and conservation areas, you may just find a hidden gem in Illinois.

The best camping near Chicago is found south of the city in the Des Plaines State Conservation area, near Joliet, IL. If that doesn’t suit you, head to the campgrounds at Camp Bullfrog Lake in the Palos Preserves area. This is actually recognized as an International Dark Sky place, so you’ll be able to enjoy unbridled night skies while still remaining close to the city. Best of all, they offer tent and RV accessible campsites.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Chicago, Illinois (56)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    28 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $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."

    "One of the few places close to Chicago on a lake. It was quiet and expensive. The staff was very friendly. The showers were hot."

    2. Camp Sullivan

    14 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "Our purpose for camping was visiting our adult children who live in Chicago but both have roommates."

    "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."

    3. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "If your looking to camp near Chicago, this is the spot! Only complaint is you get locked in an hour after sunset, but still worth coming here."

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    4. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    124 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "A quick drive from chicago this campsite is a real good place to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors. It’s one of my favorite places to go within an hour’s drive."

    "I walked up the path and found that the neighboring campsite winds back there. We could sort of see them, and definitely hear them, but we still felt separate."

    5. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $30 / night

    "Well kept grounds, clean bathrooms and showers, open year round, SUPER close to the National park."

    "This is a state park which has an entrance fee and camping you can reserve. The area is beautiful. Big dunes, lovely water. On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake."

    6. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

    65 Reviews
    Zion, IL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 662-4811

    $25 / night

    "Came for a 1-night camping trip from Chicago. The drive was about an hour. Very beautiful and diverse trails: beach, dunes, forest, prairie and wetlands."

    "Came for a 1-night camping trip from Chicago. The drive was about an hour. Very beautiful and diverse trails: beach, dunes, forest, prairie and wetlands."

    7. Camp Reinberg

    12 Reviews
    Palatine, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9750

    $45 - $60 / night

    "The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again."

    "Located in the Norwest suburb of Palatine, this campground is super accessible from Chicago and a fun getaway for suburban camping. Grocery stores and modern conveniences are minutes **away. **"

    8. The Fawn Flats

    Be the first to review!
    Oak Park, IL
    5 miles
    +1 (618) 946-7614

    $35 - $75 / night

    9. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $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."

    10. Paul Wolff Campground

    18 Reviews
    Elgin, IL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 444-1200

    $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."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Chicago, IL

68 Photos of 56 Chicago Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Chicago, IL

576 Reviews of 56 Chicago Campgrounds

Guide to Chicago

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Chicago opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry friends. With various campgrounds offering amenities and activities tailored for pets, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.

Tips for camping with dogs near Chicago

  • Ensure your pet is comfortable in new environments by bringing familiar items like their bed or favorite toys when you visit Camp Bullfrog Lake.
  • Keep your dog leashed and under control, especially in crowded areas like Blackwell Family Campground.
  • Pack plenty of water and snacks for your pet, as some sites, like Camp Sullivan, may have limited access to water sources.

Pet owners appreciate the amenities

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great features

  • Martin's Camping Ground allows pets and provides a welcoming atmosphere for families looking to enjoy nature together.
  • At Paul Wolff Campground, you can find spacious sites that accommodate both pets and their owners comfortably.
  • Dragonfly Dune offers a serene environment where pets can roam and explore, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chicago, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 56 dog-friendly camping locations near Chicago, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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