Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan both welcome pets at their campgrounds near Dolton, Illinois. These established campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and fire pits for campers traveling with dogs. Leashed pets are permitted throughout the grounds, with designated areas for exercise. Both locations offer multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities that accept pets. Michigan City Campground, located within driving distance, features a dedicated dog park where pets can exercise off-leash. Campground amenities include clean restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and trash disposal. Most sites require reservations and charge standard camping fees with no additional pet deposits. The grounds are well-maintained with level pads suitable for both tent and RV camping. The fenced dog area provides a secure space for pets to run freely after being leashed at individual campsites.
Indiana Dunes National Park's Dunewood Campground offers pet-friendly camping with access to beach areas where dogs can enjoy Lake Michigan. Trails throughout the park system accommodate leashed pets, with the 3 Dune Challenge providing excellent exercise opportunities for both campers and their dogs. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville features wooded sites with chip bark tent pads that are level and well-maintained. Weather considerations include summer heat, requiring adequate shade and water for pets. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances. Emerald Trails Campground operates seasonally from April to October, making it ideal for spring and fall camping with pets when temperatures are more moderate. Campground stores typically stock basic pet supplies, though bringing your own food, waste bags, and portable water bowls is recommended. Sand Creek Campground provides full hookups with both water and electric, creating comfortable accommodations for RV campers traveling with dogs.
$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."
$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!"
$50 / 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."
$45 - $55 / night
"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."
$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."
"If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."
$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."
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.
Camping areas near Dolton, Illinois offer a mix of suburban forest preserves and access to Lake Michigan's southern shoreline. Most sites in this region sit at elevations between 580-650 feet above sea level with predominantly clay soil that can become muddy after rain. Late summer temperatures often reach 85°F with high humidity while spring camping brings frequent thunderstorms and temperatures ranging from 45-70°F.
Hiking the 3 Dune Challenge: Take on the signature trail at Indiana Dunes State Park where you'll climb the three tallest dunes. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," notes Jackie H. The cool, soft sand feels fantastic underfoot, with many hikers going barefoot on the trails.
Kayaking on small lakes: Rent watercraft at Camp Bullfrog Lake for affordable paddling. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," says Layla P. The small size makes it perfect for beginners or families with younger children.
Fishing at multiple locations: Access fishing spots throughout the region with varying catch rates. "We did fish in it and caught a bunch!" reports Rino S. from Lakeshore Camp Resort, which offers shoreline fishing on their small lake. Bring your own gear and check license requirements before fishing.
Clean, modern bathrooms: Multiple campgrounds maintain high-quality facilities. "The bathhouse is newer and kept fairly clean. I would rate them at a 4/5... not the best we've seen, but by far not the worst," explains Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. One reviewer noted the bathroom key-code system at Sand Creek made them feel safer while showering.
Proximity to Chicago: Many campers appreciate the short travel time from the city. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," writes Autumn D. about Blackwell Family Campground. This accessibility makes these sites ideal for quick weekend trips without long drives.
Mountain biking trails: Access extensive trail systems directly from some campgrounds. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience... What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," shares Josh M. The trails vary in difficulty, accommodating both beginners and experienced cyclists.
Train noise affects sleep: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds. "You can hear Trains throughout the night," reports Truly W. from Dunewood Campground. The noise is particularly noticeable at Sand Creek Campground and Indiana Dunes locations, with freight trains running throughout the night.
Varying levels of site privacy: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites while others place campers close together. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," reports Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan. Look for wooded sites when possible, as they typically offer more seclusion than open field sites.
Variable shade coverage: Tree cover differs significantly between campgrounds and individual sites. "We stayed here for two nights recently... There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," warns Tim K. During summer months, temperatures frequently reach the mid-80s with high humidity.
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer designated children's areas. "We love this place with three kids under 7! We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites," shares Dane S. about Camp Sullivan.
Beach access timing: Plan beach visits strategically to avoid crowds. "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake," notes Kaley A. Weekday mornings typically have fewer visitors than weekend afternoons.
Cabin options for new campers: For families new to outdoor experiences, cabins provide comfort with nature access. "There are smaller and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold," explains Hatie P. Most cabin rentals require advance reservations, especially during summer months.
Electric hookup details: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs. "No water hookup. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet," reports Kaitlin M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Several campgrounds offer electric-only hookups, requiring RVers to arrive with full water tanks.
Campsite dimensions: Size constraints affect larger rigs at some locations. "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," advises Tim K. For big rigs, call ahead to confirm site dimensions as many older campgrounds weren't designed for today's larger RVs.
Dump station availability: Check for sanitary facilities before arrival. At Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, "sites are full hookup," according to holly S., but most other campgrounds in the area only offer dump stations rather than sewer connections at individual sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dolton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dolton, 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 Dolton, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 dog-friendly camping locations near Dolton, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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