Thomas Woods Campground offers secluded pet-friendly sites with established hiking trails ideal for dog walking. Most campsites provide sufficient privacy with dense woods blocking views of neighboring sites while maintaining pet-friendly policies. The campground features both RV sites with electric hookups and walk-in tent sites with raised tent platforms. Firewood delivery directly to campsites is available for purchase, particularly helpful for campers with dogs. Sites are well-spaced with adequate room for pets and camping gear, though some tent sites require a short walk from parking areas. Many campers appreciate the quiet environment and natural setting when camping with their dogs.
Chicago Northwest KOA in Union permits pets at their tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin accommodations. Campers can access pet exercise areas within the nearby trail systems, with the property providing dog waste stations. The campground enforces standard leash policies while allowing pets throughout most common areas. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground offers lakeside camping with pet restrictions in certain park sections, though dogs are welcome at designated campsites. Both locations maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance, making them suitable for longer stays with pets. Trails throughout these properties provide ample opportunity for dog walking, though mosquitoes can be problematic during certain seasons when hiking with pets in wooded areas.
$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."
$20 - $35 / night
"Our site had the usual picnic table and a short walk to the restrooms and water. What we enjoyed the most was the variety of hiking trails."
"While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."
"We 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."
"Nice large sites. gravel spot for arc/trailer. fire pit and picnic table. trails for hiking are nice, but the overall camping area isn’t very big. 100 sites only. 30 with electric. this was the first time"
"You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"
"Saw a few of their “puppy sites” that included a private gated area for dog owners. It poured all weekend but we still enjoyed the stay."
$49 - $99 / night
"Lots of people leaving bad reviews for silly little things. let me say first off this place is HUGE. plenty of room for the kids and the dogs and just a short walk from the kish. good fishing and friendly"
"After a long drive, the boys made a beeline for the playground and the pedal carts, and later that night we all sat under the string lights eating ice cream sandwiches from the camp store while fireflies"
"For families looking for a convenient home base near Rockford with lots of room to spread out, EZ access to town for supplies and a campground that really does feel safe and relaxed, Pine Country is an"
"It is close to home and we start and finish the camping season here."
"*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end"
"Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"
$65 - $85 / night
"Things started to slowly open up around the 4th of July. Now, it’s our favorite place to go! The most impressive aspect in our opinion are the people."
"In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."
"You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly. But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"
$45 - $70 / night
"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. "
"Propane, full hookups, fairly sized fenced in dog run area, a lake with a beach front. Play ground for the kids and a strict 5MPH speed limit. "
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!
GuideAbsolutely beautiful, reasonable prices, electric available. Tons of restrooms, showers, laundry, and wonderful camp hosts. Huge beach area, dog park, fishing as well. Shop to buy items you may need and absolutely wonderful place. Open all year round
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.
ScoutStaff was polite and helpful. They escort you to your spot. They hand out activity sheets for the weekend. Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly. They charge extra if you have visitors.
ScoutWe love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It’s always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay. They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly.
TravelerWe liked this site because it was on the "quiet loop." No radios or pets allowed. I'm not sure about children! :) The sites are fairly close together and the trees are sparse, but it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet for the long weekend over the 4th of July 2017.
You can walk over to an area that has hiking trails right out of the campsite. State park mountain biking trails are also close by, but you would need to drive to them. The showers were clean and when we used them, available. There is a playground right next to them as well.
The campsite itself had a good log-stopper so you wouldn't drive too far into the woods, great fire ring, and picnic table. We had nice flat areas for our tents.
I am not so sure I would have enjoyed myself if I'd been in another loop. The quiet was perfect!
Camping in McHenry County provides convenient access to wooded retreats within 70 miles of Chicago. Harvard, Illinois sits at the northern edge of this region, with campgrounds scattered across rolling terrain dotted with lakes and forest preserves. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping offers cooler conditions with seasonal color changes.
Fishing opportunities: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple access points for anglers across its connected waterways. "We can ride horses or rent a tiny boat... Decent sized park for the area," notes Erin O. at Turner Lake South Campground. The park features seven interconnected lakes ideal for both shoreline and boat fishing.
Kayaking routes: The Kishwaukee River provides paddling options for various skill levels. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," shares Cora M. about her experiences at Turner Lake South.
Hiking trail exploration: Northwoods RV Resort offers access to natural areas with diverse wildlife viewing. "The campground features both river access and trail systems suitable for morning walks," according to visitor reviews. Many trails throughout McHenry County connect to conservation areas with seasonal wildflower displays.
Spacious campsites: Thomas Woods Campground offers well-designed camping areas. "I biked to this campground from the Woodstock Metra station. While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here... Nobody else was camping within sight of me, which was nice," explains Emily H. who appreciated the privacy.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value at certain locations. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," reports Addison G. about Turner Lake South camping areas, making it accessible for weekend getaways.
Proximity to attractions: Big Foot Beach State Park Campground balances natural settings with nearby amenities. "This campsite is convenient if you're visiting Lake Geneva but not the most scenic of parks," notes Jason S. The location allows campers to enjoy both outdoor recreation and nearby towns with dining and shopping options.
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping often brings more precipitation while fall offers colorful foliage. "We stayed here in the fall. The leaves were changing and our site was near the lake. Awesome family friendly spot," shares Ken about Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area. Weather patterns can shift quickly during spring and fall, requiring proper preparation.
Wildlife encounters: Fox Den Campground provides opportunities to observe native species. "There is a boat launch with rentals and a bunch of hiking trails closer to the entrance. However, if you go just past the entrance- pass by the playground- you will come to a stop sign. Keep going straight even though it will look like you are just walking into trees. A trail is there that was a nice place to explore," advises Art S. who discovered secluded wildlife viewing areas.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We love BFB! Been coming here for years. Much improved with the new bathrooms (minus the terrible toilet paper... I mean really! I just want a square or two lol). Quiet and everyone is very friendly," mentions Rachel W. regarding the popularity of Big Foot Beach State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," shares Meg K. about Turner Lake South, highlighting activity options that keep children engaged.
Swimming options: Chicago Northwest KOA provides water recreation suitable for younger campers. "Did a quick stay with the kids for a Friday and Saturday night. A little bit smaller of a campground with regards to site space, but that's about the only thing 'bad' to say, and it's not really a bad thing at all. Staff was very friendly and the facilities were kept very clean. Plenty for the little kids to do," reports Dan B. about the family-friendly environment.
Pet-friendly activities: Several campgrounds accommodate four-legged family members with designated areas. "The campground is beautiful wish it was open more than the weekend's," notes Susan K. about Thomas Woods Campground, which offers pet-friendly camping near Harvard, Illinois with hiking trails suitable for dogs of all sizes.
Electrical hookups: Check amperage compatibility before booking. "This is our favorite place to camp. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. It has the electrical hookups that we need and has a bath house that is close to where you camp," explains Christopher R. about Fox Den Campground, highlighting the balance of amenities and natural setting.
Site selection: Choose based on specific needs rather than general availability. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," advises Ian C., noting the importance of selecting sites that match camping style.
Seasonal occupancy: Many campgrounds have limited year-round options. "Great for the times that we have to work weekends and still want to go camping. We can both drive to work and then come back to relax," shares Jeanne M. about the convenience of Fox Den for local weekend stays, though noting reservation challenges during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Harvard, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Harvard, IL is Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground with a 4-star rating from 79 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Harvard, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 81 dog-friendly camping locations near Harvard, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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