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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Chicago, IL

594 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

    30 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

    15 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

    126 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

    66 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

    20 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

69 Photos of 56 Chicago Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Chicago, IL

594 Reviews of 56 Chicago Campgrounds

  • M
    Sep. 18, 2021

    Blackwell Family Campground

    Hidden gem

    Well thought out campground in the middle of the suburbs. You can actually forget that you are in the middle of a very urban area. 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.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2018

    Big Rock Campground

    No shade, no shower

    No Shade, and no showers. This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago. We looked at this place when we were looking for a spot to camp for a local wedding. But, no shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable. There were paved roads and the sites looked large and level. There was water and electric And a dump stations at the entrance/exit.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Channahon State Park Campground

    Perfect for cyclists along the canal trail

    This campground is right in town. It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town. 

    Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride.

    This campground is surrounded by trees. When we showed up, a classic car gathering was going on. They even set a campfire to use throughout the morning. There are vault toilets and a picnic area too. It should also be noted that you need to walk in to the campsites (parking is really close by).

    The maintenance buildings are right next to campsites. Today they were mowing so workers were moving in camp but also out along the trail and park.

    This is a nice, shady place to stop along the I & M Canal Trail.

  • A
    May. 29, 2019

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Fantastic car camping close to Chicago

    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.

    Beautiful forest surrounds the lake, lots of hiking in the surrounding enormous forest preserve. Lake has fishing and boats as well.

  • Randy S.
    Jul. 9, 2016

    Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Nice quick escape

    This park isn't too far away from Chicago, which makes it a great place for a quick get away! There are a variety of sites from electric to non-electric. A boat rental area for canoes and kayaks makes this great for getting on the water and there are some decent bike trails in the park as well.

  • Katie A.
    Nov. 29, 2023

    Camp Reinberg

    Great little camp ground!

    Loved everything about this place. The staff is so helpful, well maintained, nice trail system. We tent camped on site #1 and would definitely book that spot again. We also came back last weekend and stayed in one of the large cabins- game changer in the winter! It’s a perfect spot for a weekend away from Chicago, will definitely be back.

  • Dickie H.
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Easy camping

    You gotta love Indiana dunes national lakeshore! 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. The campsite has everything you need. Modern bathrooms and showers, running water. Good for tent camping. It’s clean and a quick drive to a quiet beach at Beverly Shores. I highly recommend!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2020

    Big Rock Campground

    Big sites!

    Nice campground with big, level sites. Even though they don’t take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability. Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails, but the lack of trees and privacy isn’t my preference. Still great option not far from Chicago.

  • Kelsey G.
    Aug. 23, 2019

    Camp Reinberg

    Clean & Safe Urban Campground On County Preserve

    This campground is very well maintained with all the amenities you could need: a small camping store, communal kitchen, firepits, and clean bathrooms. Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests. 

    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. From the campground you have access to the entire Deer Park preserve and it's paved cycling and walking trails.

    Cook County residents get a nice discount, as do veterans. Rates go up on the weekends. A one week limit for all stays unless you get approval from higher-ups. 

    RV spots are concrete, flat, and easy to get into. 

    Overall, a very clean and well-loved sem-urban camping experience.

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 30 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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