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Camp Sullivan and Camp Bullfrog Lake welcome pets at their designated campsites near Glenwood, Illinois, approximately 30-45 minutes from downtown Chicago. These Cook County Forest Preserve campgrounds offer tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and cabin accommodations where pets can join their owners. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with modern bathhouses, though Camp Sullivan users note occasional maintenance issues during weekdays. Leashed pets must be supervised at all times on the grounds. Camp Bullfrog Lake provides lakeside sites with greater privacy between spots, while Camp Sullivan offers more wooded surroundings with less separation between neighboring campers. Each reservation includes a complimentary bundle of firewood, and sites feature fire rings and picnic tables suitable for family camping with pets.
The extensive trail systems surrounding both campgrounds provide excellent pet exercise options directly accessible from campsites. Camp Bullfrog Lake connects to miles of hiking and mountain biking paths winding through the surrounding forest preserve, allowing dogs to explore natural habitats while remaining on leash. Wildlife sightings are common along the trails, with visitors reporting encounters with deer, herons, and various songbirds. The bathhouse facilities remain clean but campers should pack extra supplies as toilet paper occasionally runs out during busy periods. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, located about 40 minutes south, offers another dog-friendly campground option with full hookup sites, access to a private beach on the lake, and canoes/kayaks available for use. Neighborhood wildlife sounds, including coyote howls at night, add to the camping experience despite the proximity to urban areas.
"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."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $49 - $57 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"The park is dog friendly. The campground is clean and quiet. There is no bath house, only port-a-potty's throughout the campground."
"Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
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.
Pet friendly camping options near Glenwood, Illinois provide easy access to Chicago while offering natural surroundings and outdoor recreation. Located in the southern suburbs approximately 30 minutes from downtown, this area sits at an elevation of 620-680 feet with terrain characterized by forest preserves, prairie remnants and small lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions with occasional rainfall.
Kayaking on Bullfrog Lake: Rent kayaks for $15/hour at Camp Bullfrog Lake, which includes life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes camper Layla P.
Hiking and mountain biking trails: Access miles of trails directly from campgrounds. "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," shares Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Climbing the Three Dune Challenge: Visit Indiana Dunes State Park for this popular hiking trail. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," explains Greg S.
Wildlife watching: Look for deer, herons and other birds along trails. At Dunewood Campground, campers report seeing various wildlife. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," shares Hatie P.
Clean, modern bathrooms: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. "The bathhouse facilities were clean but campers should pack extra supplies as toilet paper occasionally runs out during busy periods," according to Katherine T. at Dunewood Campground.
Lake Michigan beach access: Campers appreciate the proximity to Lake Michigan beaches. "The best thing about Indiana Dunes is the beach and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype," notes Greg S. at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Free firewood included: Some campgrounds provide complimentary firewood. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," reports Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Affordable access to Chicago: Camping provides a budget-friendly alternative to city hotels. "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails," says Bill M. about Camp Sullivan.
Train noise can be disruptive: Many campgrounds are located near train tracks. "You can hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. Great shading from trees and very green!" explains Truly W. about Dunewood Campground.
Site sizes vary significantly: Research specific site dimensions before booking. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," reports Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan.
Limited privacy at some locations: Many campgrounds have minimal separation between sites. "Camp Sullivan has twice as many sites and more availability. Sites are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors)," notes Kathryn at Camp Sullivan.
Weather can affect comfort: Summer camping can be challenging with heat and insects. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," reports Katrin M. about Dunewood Campground.
Choose sites near playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private," shares Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Book mid-week for quieter experience: Weekends are typically busier with more noise. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," explains Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Pack extra supplies: Bathrooms may run out of essentials during busy periods. "The ladies stalls were out of toilet paper our second morning," notes Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan facilities.
Consider cabin options for comfort: Many pet-friendly campgrounds offer cabin accommodations. "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold," mentions Hatie P. about Potowatomi Campground.
Electric-only hookups at state parks: Plan water usage accordingly. "Only offered electric service. Beach access is close by. Lots of geocaching and challenging hikes, including the three dune challenge," shares Jon S. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Access to dump stations: Most campgrounds provide sanitation facilities. "Two dump stations made wait minimal," reports Jeffrey S. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Full hookups available at private parks: Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park offers complete connections. "Sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. You have access to the perks of the conference grounds including access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks," shares holly S.
Leveling may be needed: Many sites require some adjustment. "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service," notes Jon S. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Glenwood, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Glenwood, IL is Camp Sullivan with a 3.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Glenwood, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dog-friendly camping locations near Glenwood, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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