Dog-Friendly Camping near Colona, IL

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    Illiniwek Campground's pet-friendly sites offer camping directly on the Mississippi River banks, with full hookups for RVs and tent spaces featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Dogs are welcome throughout the grounds with standard leash requirements. The campground provides electric and water hookups, shower facilities, and sanitary dump stations for RV campers with pets. Fishermans Corner and Geneseo Campground also maintain pet-friendly policies with similar amenities. Campers report the grounds are clean, affordable, and reasonably priced for pet owners seeking riverside camping. Colona Scott Family Park extends the pet-friendly options with cabins alongside their RV and tent sites, creating flexibility for pet owners who prefer indoor accommodations.

    Trail access for dogs includes the Great River Bike Trail which runs alongside the Mississippi, offering miles of scenic paths for walks with leashed pets. River access points provide opportunities for dogs to swim, though owners should be aware of current conditions. Sites like Lundeens Landing feature direct river access that dogs particularly enjoy, with large open spaces for exercise between campsites. Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds including Fishermans Corner, creating occasional noise disturbances that sensitive pets might react to. Morning and evening hours offer the coolest temperatures for dog walking during summer months. Local campers note that weekday stays typically ensure quieter camping experiences with less campground traffic and more space for pets to enjoy.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Colona (98)

      1. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

      4.0(23)7mi from Colona56 sitesRVs, Tents

      "As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks."

      "Bugs were not too bad when we were there (October) which was surprising as it was so close to the river and still warm. The after-hours check-in procedure was a little confusing."

      from $14 - $26 / night

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      2. Geneseo Campground

      4.1(16)10mi from Colona6 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "They warned me ahead of time that GPS would navigate me under a 10 ft bridge and gave me directions around it!! They have a dog park, bathroom, propane, and trash. Very nice place"

      "will be surrounded by."

      from $40 - $95 / night

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      3. Illiniwek Campground

      4.3(12)7mi from ColonaRVs, Tents

      "The campground is also right next to a biking trail. There was public and private bathrooms. The private ones were only accessible to campers that received a key from the park office."

      "There is a section of the campground where you can camp right on the edge of the Mississippi River which is nice, but you must deal with people fishing the entire time."

      4. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

      4.5(18)13mi from ColonaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Very nice walk around the lake, dog park was not large, but clean with enough room to run. There were much nicer spots, but we had all we needed for one night."

      "Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."

      5. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

      4.5(19)19mi from ColonaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "One of the 6 campgrounds that you will have to choose from here at Scott County Park, Bald Eagle CG & Cabins is one that is more geared for the RV driving and trailer toting tribes as each site has"

      "Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."

      from $17 - $36 / night

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      6. Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

      4.4(14)18mi from ColonaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The host is on site plus a park ranger was frequently driving around to check on things. We were there on Labor Day weekend and everyone quieted down in the evening."

      "There are 13 non-electric tent sites that are in a grassy area towards the back of the campground with two pit toilets located nearby."

      from $27 / night

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      7. Lundeens Landing

      3.7(3)4mi from ColonaRVs, Tents

      "It goes without saying that the best sites are those located right in front of the Rock River."

      8. Sunset Lakes Resort

      3.4(5)10mi from ColonaRVs, Tents

      "It was on the pond, very quiet and away from a lot of the activities...which was fine for me. The regular sites look nice as well. Lots to do...pool, mini-gold, volleyball, etc."

      "Access to a lake with paddle boats and kayaks available. Swimming pool and a great camp store."

      9. Colona Scott Family Park

      3.5(2)2mi from ColonaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There’s something instantly comforting about Colona Scott Family Park, tucked right along the Hennepin Canal where the trees lean in close and the boys could finally stretch their legs without a single"

      10. Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

      4.4(26)26mi from ColonaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Set within the sweeping woodlands and restored prairie of Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, Chief Keokuk Campground offers a peaceful Midwestern getaway anchored by the calm waters of Johnson Lake."

      "Had the tent section nearest the to the lake to ourselves (site 100). This was great since we had a reactive dog, so it being not crowded was perfect!"

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Colona, IL

    534 Reviews of 98 Colona Campgrounds


    • D
      Oct. 25, 2022

      Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

      Great for an overnight

      Gravel pad for one night. Didn’t use facilities, pool was closed for the season. Very nice walk around the lake, dog park was not large, but clean with enough room to run. There were much nicer spots, but we had all we needed for one night.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 9, 2024

      Horseshoe Pond

      Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa

      CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 9, 2025

      Iowa 80 Truckstop

      Good overnight parking and I 80 access

      This overnight access is a small town in itself. This site offers not only the basic communities and needs of fuel, including EV, charging stations, but auto parts, showers, dentist, Chiropractic, care, gifts, dog park, and is right next to the I 80 trucking museum. Good lighting in the overnight spots which has room for long RVs.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 24, 2021

      Horseshoe Pond

      Small City CG in Maquoketa Iowa

      CG lies within Maquoketa and is seasonal. Has pond for fishing, shelter, dog park, playset, disc golf course. Sites are pulling, have electric and fire pits. Camp supplies including wood in nearby stores. Prairie Creek runs along south of CG.

    • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2021

      Lakeside RV Park and Campground

      Travelling overnight stay suggested

      I suggest this site only if you need to get off the road for an overnight stay. Very few amenities, all but a few spots appear to be full-time RV living onsite, has nice playground, gazebo, dog park (small), lake is small but appears well kept, electric/water/septic onsite.

    • Skylar M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 25, 2025

      Geneseo Campground

      Stayed for a night passing through

      Great campground. Has full hook ups, and pull through sites. Hosts are very responsive to texts if you need anything. They warned me ahead of time that GPS would navigate me under a 10 ft bridge and gave me directions around it!! They have a dog park, bathroom, propane, and trash. Very nice place

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 1, 2025

      Geneseo Campground

      Hidden Gem Along Slow-Moving Canal

      This is an incredibly quaint, somewhat out-of-the-way (in a very good way) location that will treat you to a heavy dose of isolation and privacy wherein you’ll feel completely blessed by the nature you will be surrounded by. This incredibly friendly (pet-friendly as well BTW) operation does an excellent job in how it is set up, offering up a few distinct loops that are ear-marked pretty much exclusively for the wheel-toting camping variety (think RVs, rigs, trailers and 5th wheels) providing 59 pull-thru and 12 back-in slots, while also offering up a discreet space flanked towards the front of the property that is simply perfect for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, which is surrounded by mature Oaks. And, just in case you either forgot your tent or RV, Geneseo Campground has 4 super comfy cabins (each sleeps 4 and come with A/C) or an amazing yurt that sleeps 8 that they’ll gladly rent you.

      From an amenities standpoint, there’s an amazing kid’s playground, well-stocked camp store, propane refueling station, kayak & canoe rental, gas grill rental, e-bike, pedal carts & fat tire bike rental, full and partial hook-ups offering 30 / 50 electric amp, water & sewage hook-ups. There’s also a meeting room, WiFi everywhere, enclosed dog park, firewood & ice for sale, arcade games, RV dump station, coin-operated washers & dryers / laundr-O-mat, excellent showers & bathrooms, direct access to the Hennepin Canal and don’t forget the 60 or so miles worth of hiking trails!

      This place is spacious, very well organized, incredibly clean all the while within a short 10 minute drive into nearby Geneseo, which quite frankly, is one of the most idyllic small towns you’ll come across anywhere in Illinois that is both convivial and provincial, but also quite emblematic of a typical Norman Rockwell painting. What I loved most about this place is that while it doesn’t offer up EVERYTHING that you might be looking for while camping, you only need to head due south to Izaak Walton Park (further south of this spot) or to Geneseo Prairie Park, both of which offer up amazing hiking trails as well as good launch spots to access the Hennepin Canal via kayak and canoe.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re reeling, you should expect to catch blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie, and while you can throw your line from the Geneseo Campground property, I would highly recommend you cross the canal to Izaak Walton Park on its east side where there’s a large open canal / lake to cast in; (2) While there’s tons of hiking trails, you don’t want to forget your bikes – there’s 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on; (3) Maybe you have a kayak or canoe, but in the case you don’t, do yourself a favor and rent one from the good people at Geneseo Campground in which to explore the Hennepin Canal - trust me, you won't be disappointed; and (4) Should you grow weary of eating franks & beans again from your campsite and want to try out some local cuisine, then get yourself over to nearby Geneseo where you can dine out at The Cellar, Sweet Peas Grill & Bar or Geneseo Brewing Company.

      Happy Camping!

    • M
      Sep. 9, 2020

      Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey

      Perfect location when traveling

      My Husband were traveling to Montana and this campground was right off the freeway. The grounds are well maintained and the hosts were amazing. They helped you get to your site and get lined up. All sites are pull thru with full hookups. The grounds have lots of mature trees so shade is plenty. There is a very large area to walk your dogs and they have centrally located pet disposal can. They have a pond which was nice to walk the dogs around. I liked that the campground was quiet as we went to bed early in order to get an early start the next day. Keep in mind there are no showers which for us wasn’t an issue but some people might not have that option. We will use them again for sure!!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 10, 2024

      Lundeens Landing

      Rock Riverside Oasis

      Hiding underneath of the I80 bridge carrying you over the Rock River, you’ll spot Lundeens Landing on the EAST side of this interstate (you’ll want to take note of this as The Dyrt has this campground in the wrong location on the WEST side of I80 in the small town of Barstow). Getting here to Lundeens is not the easiest journey, as you’ll need to head northwards on I80 crossing the bridge (if you are coming in by way of Colona), where you’ll want to get off on I88 heading west, where shortly after the exit, you’ll have to make a U turn and take the frontage road (193rd Street) that straddles I80 heading south until you can catch Route 4 / Barstow Road heading east, where you’ll pass underneath that bridge holding up I80 and continue east about 2 miles before spotting Lundeens on the left with a gorgeous view of the Rock River.

      Now that you’ve made your way here, let me tell you about this place. First, you’ll be greeted by the main office that sits up about a story on stilts, which BTW isn’t for bird watching, but rather to safeguard the building from any river flooding that may happen (and trust me, in this parts, it happens). After checking in with the owner, Joe, or one of his few employees, you’ll make your way down a single narrow loop that will take you to your designated plot of land. It goes without saying that the best sites are those located right in front of the Rock River. And if you’re a tent camper, you’ll find bliss at the far end of the loop as far away from the main office as possible, where you’ll find water & electric-equipped sites tucked into some really thick brush complete with your own mini-forest.

      Apart from the very warm Midwestern hospitality that you’ll receive here from Joe, his father and the rest of the Lundeens crew, this medium-sized camping outpost offers up a no-frills, basic level of camping comfort with direct access to one of the most exciting rivers I’ve had the great pleasure of kayaking and fishing on. Amenities include: pull-thru and back-in sites for RVs, general market, typical RV hook-ups (water, 15 / 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric), concrete patios, picnic tables, fire rings, honey wagon, dump station, pet-friendly, playground, nature trails, weekly events, boat ramp & 7 river docks, shuttle service, canoe & kayak rentals, pretty clean restroom & showers, innertubes, adventure island (located just across the river) and a small beachhead.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) While it’s likely the direct access to Rock River that attracted you to this location, if you have bikes, you should bring them as the frontage road that brought you here is one very EXCELLENT road to bike on to see and explore the gorgeous Midwestern country landscape that exists here; (2) In speaking with Joe’s father at length about the campground, there’s plans to put in another campground area just across the street and due northwest of this property, which will offer additional RV spots, a designated laundry facility with coin-operated washers & dryers as well as many more amenities; and (3) Depending upon your interest and a craving, if you want to gnosh on some local grub, the best nearby spots include: Choppers Bar & Grill, Tap 22 Bar & Grill and 11th Hour Bar & Grill (yes, everything's a Bar & Grill out in these parts).

      Happy Camping!


    Guide to Colona

    Fisherman's Corner and Illiniwek Campground offer pet-friendly camping near Colona, Illinois along the Mississippi River. These Rock River region campgrounds sit at approximately 580 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat terrain that's accessible for most campers. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with occasional humidity spikes affecting both humans and pets during July and August.

    What to do

    Explore the Hennepin Canal: 72 miles of biking trails at Geneseo Campground provide extensive recreation options. "This incredibly friendly (pet-friendly as well BTW) operation does an excellent job in how it is set up...there's 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on," notes Stuart K., who recommends bringing bikes to fully enjoy the area.

    Fish the Rock River: The waterway offers multiple species accessible from shore or boat. "From this campground you can go north, as far as Savanna. Going south will take you through Hampton, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and you can cross over to Davenport," explains Sebastian G. from Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River.

    Visit the Pioneer Village: Historical buildings and demonstrations make for an educational day trip. "We took a trail head on the west of the campsite that we would always take to hike to Walnut Grove Pioneer Village... I loved climbing around in the train cars, eating icecream/candy canes, and watching the blacksmith work," shares Seth N., who recommends this activity for younger children.

    What campers like

    Level sites with river views: Many campsites feature stable, well-maintained pads with water vistas. "The sites are well spaced and the campground itself feels more like a park that happens to have RV parking. There was a playground, showers, pit toilets, and even a small amphitheater next to the river. And the views are incredible!!!" reports Elisha L. from Lundeens Landing.

    Shade coverage during hot months: Tree canopy provides natural cooling for pets and people. "We LOVED the pencil tree forest. There are only a handful of campsites with electric in this circle of trees. Although these types of trees don't offer a lot of privacy I still enjoyed it," writes Crystal from Chief Keokuk Campground, noting the pine forest creates ideal hammock spots.

    Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms and shower houses impress visitors. "The shower house was decent (flush toilets, soap dispensers) and it was clean," states Lee D., adding that most Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the area maintain similar standards.

    What you should know

    Railway noise proximity: Train tracks run near several campgrounds causing occasional disruptions. "Railroad runs nearby can be loud," warns James M., while Sarah C. notes, "There's a train but it was infrequent so it did not disrupt our sleep, in fact, all four of us accidentally slept VERY late!"

    Limited privacy at some sites: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with minimal separation. "This campground is in a stand of tall lodgepole pines with no lower branches. This means there's little privacy, but lots of shade and trees everywhere," explains Brian O. about the typical forest structure at several area campgrounds.

    Bug activity varies seasonally: Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA visitors report varying conditions depending on water proximity. "Stayed one night at site #5 FHU. Easy and friendly check in. Nice lake in park," notes Rachel G., while other reviews mention mosquitoes can be problematic near water during summer months.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment within walking distance of campsites. "Greta staff. Great little campground with nice staff/owners. The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade," Jackie S. reports about the family-friendly setup at Geneseo Campground.

    Swimming options: Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park offers designated beach areas during summer months. "Park has many amenities: 4 recently retired fishing and paddling lakes with seasonal swimming beach and concessions, disc golf, new hiking trails, shelters, playgrounds," reports James M.

    Child-focused activities: Several campgrounds organize specific programming for younger campers. "Fantastic campground. Facilities were well maintained and the staff was great! Traveling with 3 younger kids and they enjoyed all the activities," Dan B. shares about the scheduled events that keep children engaged throughout their stay.

    Tips from RVers

    Extended stay options: RV sites with full hookups permit longer visits at reasonable rates. "The site was fairly level and had decent space between sites. The water at the sites tastes funky so we opted to buy jugs of water from the store. The sunsets on the Mississippi were beautiful each evening!" writes M E. after a two-week stay at Illiniwek Campground.

    Service placement considerations: Hookup locations sometimes require specific parking strategies. "Sewage located well to rear of most campsites, so back way in. Great staff, prices are wonderful. Water is clear and tasteless so good for filling my tank," advises Gena B., highlighting practical considerations for RV positioning.

    Weather preparedness: Storms can develop quickly in the area, requiring precautions. "While we were staying here a wind storm came through and knocked down a tree right behind our camper. Luckily it fell away from our camper and there was no damage. As soon as the storm was over they had a tractor come haul the tree away," recounts M E., demonstrating the responsive maintenance at local campgrounds.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Colona, IL is Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 98 dog-friendly camping locations near Colona, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.