Sugar River Forest Preserve permits pets throughout its campsites with spacious, well-maintained grounds suitable for dogs. This Durand campground features both electric hookups and primitive riverside sites that accommodate tent and RV camping with pets. Hononegah Forest Preserve and Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve offer additional pet-friendly options nearby, both maintaining clean facilities with electric hookups. Sugar Shores RV Resort provides full hookup sites where pets are welcome, though campers note the sites are positioned quite close together. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to remain leashed at all times, with owners responsible for waste cleanup. The shower facilities at Sugar River remain open throughout the camping season, allowing pet owners to clean up after outdoor activities with their animals.
The natural surroundings provide excellent recreational opportunities for visitors with pets. The Sugar River offers seasonal kayaking and paddling options where dogs can join owners at water access points, with riverside primitive sites particularly popular among pet owners seeking direct water access. Trails throughout the forest preserves accommodate leashed dogs, with pine-filled areas creating pleasant walking experiences. Winnebago County maintains its forest preserves meticulously, making them reliable options for pet owners seeking clean, orderly camping environments. Nearby, Rock Cut State Park's Staghorn Campground provides an alternative with cabin accommodations that permit pets. Visitors should be aware that peacock calls from a neighboring farm near Sugar River can be loud during certain seasons, potentially disturbing sensitive pets during evening hours.
$12 - $50 / night
"It pays to drive through the camp ground and note a couple sites that you are interested in and then book your site at the entrance during walk in days. "
"For us it's close to home, shopping and an RV dealership so it's pefect to "shake out" the camper and we can easily get anything we forgot or get stuff to repair anything that's not working."
"There are very tall trees around the entire campground giving you some respite from the sun and the heat. The bath house is easily within walking distance from anywhere in the campground. "
"Last time we camped in site 65, next to the path to the playground & walk-in site parking which was busy."
"Has a pool, petting zoo, kayaks, rocky beach, dog park, and a land pillow!"
"Being right in front of the jumping pillow people didn’t walk around. They would cut thru our site."
$15 - $25 / night
"This is a nice campground that winds around through some light woods. Campsites have electric hookups. There are certainly lots of picnic tables. We saw more than one per site."
"Off the beaten path campground. Quiet. Nice place for solitude. Good hiking trails, pit toilets; no shower facilities."
$11 - $31 / night
"The bulk of the primitive campsites are located on the western side of the campground near the river’s edge, while those sites offering up electric and closer access to running water are located mostly"
"Hike trail (path rather) was a great little scenic walk. Was going to upload some photos but the app wouldn't allow me to."
$8 - $35 / night
"Such a lovely camp ...the sites are fairly close together but you can pick the site you want so you don’t have to be directly next to another tent ...on our visit we saw lots of wildlife from chickens"
"Easy access to on and off the river for tubing. Id say its more of an adult atmostphere."
"Although a 15 minute drive from the main highway, this campground makes it worth it. Beautiful green common areas and a creek with small Sandy area below."
"Active tent campers next to us and a lot (a lot) of seasonal permanent RV’s all very nicely appointed."
$10 - $20 / night
"I found spot 70 that was away from most of the others. We heard no main road noise but did hear people passing us by. Even though someone camped right across from me, we really didn't see each other."
"I reserved site B38 for me and my small dog, Bob. It’s a tent only site in the main camping area, only $16 per night after fees."
$15 - $25 / night
"New Glarus Woods is a small State Park tucked away in the Southern Wisconsin countryside. Drive-in sites come with nice amenities."
"The park itself isn't that interesting, but it is worth noting that it is located across the road from New Glarus Brewery. The brewery is an easy walk or bike ride from the walk-in campsites."
GuideFriendly staff and a nicely stocked store. Has a pool, petting zoo, kayaks, rocky beach, dog park, and a land pillow! The sites are spaced out well and there are more secluded sites so you have the feeling of privacy or big group sites for a big party.
GuideWe love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.
TravelerJust became KOA met local campers that love this park! Good sites, trash pickup at side! They even have a snack bar and deliver to your campsite! No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!
LegendWe enjoyed this park so much we have already been here twice and have a third trip planned for this coming September. There are very wide bike/hiking paths that are paved or stone.
The huge lake has boating opportunities and you can rent a boat in McFarland that is a short drive or bike ride. We rented a boat to fish and then drove across the lake to eat at a restaurant with boat parking.
The nature center is across the street from the campground and has a small snack bar/restaurant. There are cranes walking all around and the park is so big it has different types of plants to explore. There is an observation tower and in the picnic area a playground. The best part is the boardwalk that extents over the lake and you are walking/riding on water.
About a half a mile away is a very nice dog park that you receive admission to if you have a campsite.
Dane County has many parks in their system and we have stayed at several and all are great.
GuideWe stayed in our 42 ft motor home with jeep tow. We drove to the park in our jeep at nine am on a Sunday to check availability. If you haven’t reserved a site, there are several sites for walk-ins but you have to be present to sign/obtain them. Check out time is three pm but weekend people often leave earlier in the day and that is what occurred for us. Several sites have 50 amp plus there are thirty amp And non electric/tent sites available. The campground has showers and bathrooms but this is a county park so understand these are not hotel facilities. They are adequate for campIng. There are biking and hiking trails in and through the park and trail users also share the restrooms. The park is close to Madison. There is WiFi but the signal is variable. The ranger and campground hosts were friendly and helpful. Four legged campers on leash can walk with you on the trails and there is s nearby dog park.
LegendMy first impression when I first arrived here was the overwhelming scent of a newly minted campground, what with the freshly laid gravel, the mint condition security gates, finely manicured and recently raked greenery (as it was October when we visited, it might be better described as brownery) surrounded by a fairly decent gated enclosure lined with perfectly pruned tall towering oaks. Upon arrival, you’ll find what looks to be a brand-spanking new log cabin office on the right after passing a seemingly freshly-minted activities center / community lodge complete with in-ground heated swimming pool and jacuzzi on the left.
Amenities? As you could guess, this pet-friendly 60-acre RV resort has all the attractions in spades from pickleball, playgrounds, volleyball, log pergola patio, full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage), picnic tables, fire pits, BBQ grills, wagon rides, river access, picnic areas, bathhouses w/ showers & restrooms, cable TV WiFi (pretty poor connection though), gaga ball, game room, community room, billiards table, playground, wet bar, tabletop shuffleboard, community living room with large screen TV, DVD player w/ DVD library, clubhouse, dog park, horseshoes, hot tub, covered pavilions with picnic tables, catch & release ponds, inflatable water toys, jumping pillow, laundr-O-mat, propane refueling station and dump station.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) This place isn’t EZ to find – for some reason, if you plug the campground into your GPS, you’ll literally be on the wrong side of the tracks, where you will arrive at a dead end with a sign that says you are in the wrong place and that you’ll need to double-back, cross the train tracks heading north and turn right just before arriving to High Road School of Belvidere (so if you see a school, you’ve gone too far); (2) You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you’re sharp, you’re going to want to ensure you haven’t booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20; (3) If you’re a tent camper, you can certainly stay here, but you will want to note that this is very much an RV outpost; (4) The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River with sites #S9-#S20 being excellent, as well as #S25-#S81, which are equally amazing; (5) If you are planning on using that amazing pool that you saw as you came in, make sure you call management a good day or two before you come in to ensure that they turn on the heater – when we were there for 2 days, by the time we left, the pool was still too cold to go for a dip; and (6) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up a meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and want to venture out to try some local fare, just a short walk into the nearby town is Garden Prairie Café, which has a very simple menu offering no shortage of fried everything (fish, shrimp, chicken, etc.) and then there’s Pleasant Street Tavern, but that’s mostly cheap national beers and frozen pizza fare, so if you want something a bit more substantive, head west of here to Miles Bar N’ Grill that serves up typical Midwestern fare like cheese curds, pork tenderloin, Italian beef and a variety of fried fish like blue gill, cod and catfish.
Happy Camping!
RangerI was here for three months this time as i get to business completed. The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how. The grass is mowed every week. There is patroling at all hours for security. The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good. The dog park is clean and secure. The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage. The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year. The store has many items you may need. The showers are cleaned and work great. The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit.
GuideThis is a popular place in the area, the human beaches are full and the small pet beach area was well used by my husband, myself and our two dogs; Odinn & Frigga over Memorial Day. The hiking is amazing , particularly the Oakgrove trail, plenty to see with beautiful views. There is boating, canoeing, etc. Bring the strongest mosquito repellent you can get, Wisconsin in summer can be rough. We tried our Black Diamond poles and Thule day bags and we got to try cooling vests for the dogs from Ruffwear. It was so much fun. Note that there are sites to camp, cabins nearby and plenty of Hipcamp sites near. Strongly recommend Riverview Bottoms, which sits in a 500 acre property and is 10 min away.
ScoutThere aren't signs within the park directing you to the campsite. I found it eventually but I'm glad I wasn't towing a camper because there was a lot of turning around. Some of the sites are able to be reserved. We went Memorial Day weekend so there were quite a few people but it wasn't full so even without a reservation you'd likely find a space. The sites a nice and big. We chose 2 sites that were connected and even then they were a good distance from one another. The sites were also removed from the road so when people walk or drive by it doesnt feel like they're walking through your campsite. There is some nice water access to wade with shallows so kids or pets can play. Nice trails.
The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District maintains several pet-friendly campgrounds near Durand, Illinois, with many sites positioned along the Sugar River at elevations around 760-780 feet above sea level. Northern Illinois experiences four distinct seasons with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F, while fall camping offers cooler weather and colorful foliage. These campgrounds support both primitive camping and sites with amenities catering to various outdoor preferences.
Kayaking and river adventures: Access the Sugar River for paddling at Crazy Horse Campground, where "they provide at no charge kayaks and a shuttle to a drop-off point which you can kayak back down to the campground which takes about an hour and a half," according to David H. For longer adventures, "you can continue on down river another eight miles which is approximately six hours to the next point that you can get out at."
Hiking through diverse terrain: Explore the limestone formations at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve which features "lovely picnic areas, a picturesque creek and an outcropping of bluffs (about 3 stories tall)," as described by Brian O. The preserve offers "hiking trails and horse trails" that showcase the natural beauty of the area according to Jeff C.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line in the Rock River at Hononegah Forest Preserve where Stuart K. notes there's a "decent launch here, although it's a bit of a hike from the campground." J M. mentions "kayaking and fishing off the river" are popular activities among campers with pets.
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Campers appreciate the generous sites at Sugar River Forest Preserve, with Christopher R. noting, "We had a very nice camp site that allowed us to pull through with our pop up. There are very tall trees around the entire campground giving you some respite from the sun and the heat." Brian O. adds that "sites are open, but well spaced. Plenty of shade."
Clean shower facilities: Many pet owners value the ability to clean up after outdoor adventures. At Sugar River Forest Preserve, "the bath house is easily within walking distance from anywhere in the campground," according to Christopher R. Addie S. describes the shower facilities as "pretty basic but clean," which provides comfort after a day of outdoor activities with pets.
Natural surroundings: The diverse ecosystems attract nature enthusiasts with their dogs. At Blackhawk Valley Campground, Brian O. describes it as "beautifully groomed grounds under huge oak trees by the Kishwaukee river. It's across the river from a forest preserve so the overall feeling is natural getaway." Jennifer H. notes it's "a campground close into the city but in the middle of corn and soy bean fields right down in the river."
Seasonal considerations: The camping season for most pet-friendly campgrounds near Durand is limited. Brian O. mentions that at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve, "we went in November, so I can't say what it's like during peak season." Most preserves operate from mid-April through mid-November, with Sugar River Forest Preserve open April 16 to November 19.
Noise factors: Be aware of potential sound disturbances that might affect sensitive pets. Brian O. warns about Sugar River Forest Preserve: "there's a farm nearby that has Peacocks, and they screamed until well into the night. We thought it was bobcats attacking wild turkeys until the lady at the front gate set us straight."
Site selection strategy: For the best camping experience with pets, choose locations carefully. At Hononegah Forest Preserve, Stuart K. recommends "those primitive sites that follow the tree line before reaching the river, which are: #41– #45; #46 – 49; and #60 – 61." At Sugar River, Terran B. notes some areas can get noisy with "a large group was allowed to be noisy well past quiet hour."
Water activities for all ages: Rock Cut State Park offers diverse water recreation for families with pets. Kevin C. mentions "tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond," providing options for the whole family. Matt S. describes it as having "a large lake with almost 40 miles of hiking trails...There is boating and fishing as well as swimming in the lake."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds that allow families to entertain children while keeping pets nearby. Brian O. notes that at Blackhawk Valley Campground, "outdoor activities include a playground, Mini-golf, volleyball court, horse-shoe pits, basketball, shuffleboard and a soccer field."
Budget-friendly options: Family camping with pets doesn't have to be expensive. At Hononegah Forest Preserve, Stuart K. highlights that camping is "incredibly affordable at $13/night for residents and $23/night for visitors." However, Sebastian G. cautions that some preserves charge "an additional $10 for out of county campers."
Hookup availability: Pet-friendly RV camping options vary in amenities. At Sugar Shores RV Resort, jeremy S. notes "sites are little small, but I'm used to larger parks," though the campground offers full hookups. For more space with your pets, consider Rock Cut State Park, where sites in the White Oak area are described by Deb M. as "secluded and level."
Site spacing considerations: When camping with pets, adequate space between sites matters. At Sugar Shores RV Resort, Mike W. warns that "sites are very very close, better like your neighbors being in your business." For more privacy, consider Blackhawk Valley Campground where Jennifer H. found their "site was big, level and grassy."
Electrical reliability: For RVers with pets who need climate control, electrical service is crucial. Check ahead about amperage options, as Rebecca C. cautions about Rock Cut State Park: "The electricity wasn't working...we thought maybe it was our cord so we bought a new one and still nothing...ended up having to go back to camping world to get an adapter to use the 50 amp."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Durand, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Durand, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 79 reviews.
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