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Kankakee River State Park accommodates pets at multiple campground areas including Potawatomi and Chippewa. These established camping locations feature spacious sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water access where dogs can remain with their owners during overnight stays. Tent campers, RV travelers with electric hookups, and guests staying in pet-friendly cabins must keep dogs leashed throughout the park. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort provides another option for travelers with pets, offering full hookup RV sites in a secure environment with clean shower facilities and bathrooms. The RV park charges standard pet fees while maintaining policies requiring owners to clean up after their animals and prevent excessive barking. Campers note the sites at Kankakee River State Park provide substantial privacy with brush between sites creating natural separation for dogs that may be reactive to other animals. Campground data and reviews near Coal City, Illinois is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove permits pets at primitive tent sites accessible via boat, hiking trail, or short walk-ins. The park connects to the I&M Canal Trail system, providing extensive options for dog walking along maintained paths. Leisure Lake Resort allows pets at their membership campground with cabin, RV, and tent camping options available seasonally from March through November. When camping with dogs during summer months, many locations experience limited shade on certain sites, making morning exercise preferable before temperatures rise. Tameling Campground and RV Park maintains a quiet, wooded lakefront setting where pets can accompany campers exploring the secluded area. The Channahon State Park Campground's shaded walk-in sites along the I&M Canal Trail make it particularly convenient for cyclists traveling with dogs. Vault toilets remain accessible throughout the year, though some locations like Love's RV Hookup provide full bathroom facilities with individual shower stalls for campers with pets.
"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."
"Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."
"Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."
from $12 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
"Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
"The soft hush of Nettle Creek and the canopy of old hardwoods set the tone the moment we rolled into the tiny family campground at Gebhard Woods, which I would describe as a simple and wooded pocket tucked"
"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."
"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. "
from $37 / night
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TravelerVery friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!
ScoutAlthough we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view.
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
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.
GuideBeautiful spot for our single overnight. Staff were great; friendly and helpful. Park was well kept, with lots of green around RV and tent sites. Nice pool, dog park, store, and even a stream system that wanders through the park (no swimming in the stream). Also close to Starved Rock State Park for some neat scenery and hiking. The only downside side is that some of the RV sites are a little close together - didn’t impact our stay though. Two thumbs up! :)
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.
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!
TravelerStayed here in early June during a trip to Starved Rock, which is a quick 10-15 minute drive. Camp hosts are very nice and the the grounds well maintained. I stayed on site 5 which is a full hookup but best for a small camper. I have a 14 foot travel trailer and it just fit with my SUV in front. The spots are very tight and you have very little room between you and your neighbor. With all the rain this year, many sites flooded during a storm while we camped and they had to be moved to other areas that were not actual sites so it was a bit crazy...hosts did a great job taking care of everyone effected. Campground has a cute dog park and a beautiful stream that runs through it. I would stay here again!!
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.
Coal City sits within Will County, Illinois, where summer temperatures average between 75-85°F from June through August. The area's camping season typically extends from March through November, with spring campers encountering moderate rainfall averaging 4 inches per month. Campgrounds near Coal City offer options ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups within 30 minutes of town.
Hiking along the I&M Canal Trail: Channahon State Park Campground provides ideal access for hikers and cyclists. "This campground is surrounded by trees... This is a nice, shady place to stop along the I & M Canal Trail," notes Art S. The trail system features crushed gravel surfaces suitable for multiple skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: Tameling Campground and RV Park offers secluded fishing spots on their wooded lake. "I enjoy the secluded area and found the people to be friendly and helpful," reports Thomas C. The lake accommodates shore fishing without requiring additional permits.
Wildlife viewing: Starved Rock State Park Campground provides access to canyons and wildlife habitats. "If you want all of your typical creature comforts but still want to be within arms reach of natures beauty, this is the place for you," says Carrie J. The park maintains several observation points for spotting local birds and mammals.
Spacious sites: At Kankakee River State Park, campers appreciate the room to spread out. "Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around," shares Linda N. The Hickory Loop features larger sites particularly suitable for families with active children.
Privacy between campsites: The natural vegetation creates separation between sites. "The sites are straightforward and vary quite a bit: some are huge with open green space and others I feel like just for a car and a tent," explains Linda N. This layout helps create a more secluded camping experience despite the park's popularity.
Clean facilities: Illini State Park maintains well-kept amenities. "We stayed here while visiting relatives in Marseilles, and this park was the closest. Things here were fine for our purposes," notes Karla J.B. The park provides regular maintenance throughout the camping season.
Water access varies: At McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, water comes from an old-fashioned pump. "Water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy," reports Brian O. Many campgrounds shut off water access during colder months.
Reservation requirements: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Coal City require advance bookings during peak season. "Book early- reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full," advises Kim L. about Starved Rock State Park.
Site-specific features: Campsite amenities differ significantly between and within campgrounds. "For $25-35 per night, you can get a site with electrical hookup. The east loop has better tree coverage and more privacy. The west loop has more site in a large open space, maybe better for groups," explains Kim L.
Reptile encounters: Kankakee River State Park offers educational wildlife programs. "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!" says Linda N. These activities typically operate Wednesday through Sunday during summer months.
Playground availability: When camping with children, note that playground facilities vary. "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had," reports Linda N. about Kankakee River State Park. Consider bringing portable shade options during summer visits.
Water play options: The Kankakee River provides wading opportunities under supervision. "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)," explains Linda N. Always check current water conditions before planning water activities.
Hookup specifications: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort provides modern connections for RVs. "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly," notes TK n E. The pet-friendly campground maintains standard fees for animals.
Facility considerations: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Coal City offer varying amenity levels. "Clean campsite, clean showers & bathrooms!" reports Jeana K. about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort. The campground also offers free ice, coffee, and breakfast items included with the site fee.
Leveling requirements: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. "For a 30 ft travel trailer, our campsite has just enough room for our slide out and awning... Easy to back in to, mostly level site for quick set up," explains Kim L. about Starved Rock, which features both pull-through and back-in sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Coal City, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Coal City, 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 Coal City, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Coal City, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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