51 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Pine Campground at Sand Ridge State Forest allows pets throughout its serene wooded campsites nestled among tall pines with thick beds of pine needles. Evening Star Camping Resort also welcomes dogs, offering 300 sites across tent camping, RV spots with full hookups, and pet-friendly cabins. Both locations maintain clean facilities with accessible toilets, though Pine Campground features vault toilets while Evening Star provides shower facilities. Leashed pets can accompany owners on the extensive trail systems, with Sand Ridge offering unique hiking experiences through sandy terrain where prickly pear cacti grow unexpectedly in this Midwest setting. Riverfront Park Campground in Havana provides another pet-friendly option with water and electric hookups for $30 per night, located directly on the Illinois River.
Trails throughout Sand Ridge State Forest present sandy walking conditions that vary in difficulty, with some steep hills that can be challenging for both humans and dogs. The green trail touches on various ecosystems found in this unique natural area and serves as a good starting point for hikers with pets. Water access for dogs is available at several locations, including Riverfront Park Campground where fishing opportunities exist off the dock. Campers should be aware of abundant mosquitoes, especially during summer months, and watch for prickly pear cacti throughout the area to protect pets' paws. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area offers additional pet-friendly options with primitive campsites where drinking water is available and fires are permitted, making it suitable for overnight trips with pets.
"The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It’s quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there. "
"It’s a nice get away from the city. I haven’t stayed at any of the backpacking sites, but the main campground. It is located under a bunch of tall pines, and feels fairly open."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"Havana has a few good bars to check out all walking distance from the campground. $30 a night and it does book up so be sure book in advance. Also there is a short trail to hike close by as well."
from $25 - $500 / night
Check Availability"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
from $6 / night
Check Availability"A set of vault toilets is commonly located. Along with garbage cans there are multiple spots to pile manure. There were a couple sites occupied the first night but it emptied out on Saturday. "
"Lots of trails nearby, and plenty of beautiful green trees. Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn’t get a lot of action."
from $8 / night
"This time no water due to water break.issue. just a nice place on a beautiful lake. Nice for bird watching."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"Good Price, nice location for fishing and kayaking. also."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Trails are long and well maintained. All sand! this is my go to state forest since it’s so close to my home. campgrounds are clean and it’s never super busy!"
GuideThe bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean. Our Starlink had zero obstructions worked lightening fast. We LOVED having a dog park to exercise our dogs daily!
Great location, close to all the Springfield attractions and Slauterhaus Brewing in Auburn, IL (this is the best brewery nearby, better than Buzz Bomb or Obed & Issacs in town!).
GuideWe stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage. We haven’t been there when they have shows, so I can’t speak to what that is like. When we were there it was lovely. There is plenty of shade, sites are large enough for our Class A and they are pet friendly.
ScoutMy 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!!
GuideWe loved this campground. Was all paved sites and roads. Pretty level sites. Utilities harder to get to but all in all a great family campground. Pet friendly. Not 5 stars since we had to leave a day early due to weather. Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn’t even step outside. Barely any AT&T service. Couldn’t use phone as hotspot at all.
GuideCamped here for the first time, and we will be back. Deb the campground host is super nice and will help you out with whatever you need. The campground is on the IL river and has water and electric hookups. No sewer, but there is a dump station on site. Caught a couple freshwater drum off the dock. Havana has a few good bars to check out all walking distance from the campground. $30 a night and it does book up so be sure book in advance. Also there is a short trail to hike close by as well.
ScoutWe only stayed for one night in our way north but we will return. Nice level site, pull.through for overnighters (thank you) lots of grass and walking areas for pets, pool, playground etc. friendly service and a welcoming place
LegendPerched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.
From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night. In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don’t attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it’s fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you; (3) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.
Happy Camping!
TravelerThis is our favorite campground in central Illinios. It is family and pet friendly. The owners are fantastic, friendly and caring. They keep the grounds in great shape and always have fun activities to participate in.
LegendThis waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality.
This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.
While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, you’ll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I’ve never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).
Happy Camping!
Camping near Havana, Illinois offers diverse terrain with sandy patches interspersed with wooded areas at elevations between 400-600 feet. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and mild winters, making April-June and September-October ideal camping seasons. Havana's location along the Illinois River creates unique camping conditions with both riverfront and forested options.
Fishing access: Riverfront Park Campground provides direct Illinois River access with a convenient dock. "Caught a couple freshwater drum off the dock," notes Adam F., who adds that "Havana has a few good bars to check out all walking distance from the campground."
Trail exploration: Jim Edgar Panther Creek's primitive sites offer varied hiking options nearby. "Hiking trails, kayaking and fishing are available," mentions Amanda C., who enjoyed the "walk in sites ranging from 0.10 miles to 0.50 miles from the parking lot."
Paddling: Anderson Lake SFWA provides excellent water access for kayaking enthusiasts. "Just a nice place on a beautiful lake. Nice for bird watching," shares Donna G., who found the lakeside location peaceful despite minimal amenities.
Wildlife viewing: Fulton County Recreation Area delivers excellent bird watching opportunities. "My wife loves birds, and if it weren't for all of the geese on the lake we wouldn't have enjoyed our stay here," explains James D., adding "Being around all the water was this places only saving grace."
Unique terrain: Sand Ridge State Forest offers unusual landscapes unlike typical Midwest camping. "It is located under a bunch of tall pines, and feels fairly open," notes Silas H., who appreciates that "It's about 3 hours from Chicago, so I like to hit it up for a quick get-away to avoid paying Wisconsin prices."
Affordable pricing: Primitive camping at Jim Edgar Panther Creek provides excellent value. "Just $6 a night. These are walk in sites ranging from 0.10 miles to 0.50 miles from the parking lot," shares Amanda C., who appreciated the "very friendly and helpful campground host."
Water features: Anderson Lake State Conservation Area receives praise for its water access. "Good campsites for tent camping... Wooded and shady, clean facilities, electric and water for tent camping. Good Price, nice location for fishing and kayaking also," notes Barry G.
Pet-friendly policies: For dog friendly campgrounds near Havana, Evening Star Camping Resort welcomes pets with designated pet areas. "Lots of planned activity and music entertainment," mentions Angela H., making it a good choice for families with pets seeking structured activities.
Seasonal crowds: Prairie Lake Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek can fill unexpectedly. "We certainly didn't expect the Prairie Lake Campground to be full in late October! Both loops were full, but there was just enough space for us to squeeze in for 2 nights," reports Jennifer K.
Mosquito preparation: Most campgrounds report heavy mosquitoes, particularly near water. "Typical midwest tent camping on dirt, lots of mosquitoes, pit toilets," notes B.S. about Pine Campground at Sand Ridge State Forest.
Sandy terrain challenges: Trails throughout Sand Ridge present unique walking conditions. "The terrain is an interesting change from most IL hiking since the trails are incredibly sandy while the forest itself is mostly pine. Watch out for cacti along the trail!" warns Joy H.
Water availability: Verify water sources before arrival as some locations have intermittent service. "This time no water due to water break issue," reports Donna G. at Anderson Lake SFWA, indicating maintenance issues can affect water access.
Activity planning: Evening Star Camping Resort offers structured entertainment options. "Love to swim in the pool, play in the bags tournaments, enjoy the fundraiser in July for St. Jude Children's Hospital, mini golf, basketball and theme weekends," shares Jennifer H., highlighting the diverse recreation options.
Shade considerations: Seek wooded sites during summer months for heat relief. "Each spot had a picnic table and fire ring. Our spot, #78 sat under a tree with great shade," notes Jennifer K. about Prairie Lake Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Research shower availability if staying multiple days. "Nice warm bath house had push button showers with locks on the stalls with a dry space to dress inside the stall," reports Jennifer K., a critical feature for families with children.
Wildlife education: Prepare children to spot unique flora like cacti. "You can even spot some cacti out there, which is a site when you're in the Midwest," mentions Silas H. about Sand Ridge, offering an educational opportunity for children.
Hookup limitations: Riverfront Park Campground offers partial connections only. "Sites have electric and water. No sewer, but there is a dump station on site," explains Adam F., who paid "$30 a night and it does book up so be sure book in advance."
Leveling requirements: Check site grading before selecting a spot. "Most sites are level some have a mild incline in the drive but would still be able to level out a camper with some blocks," advises Adam F. about Pine Campground.
Water connection challenges: Bring appropriate adapters for water hookups. "There are water pumps to fill up your water tanks, but you will need a funnel to get the water in your hose since there is no threaded tip on the pump," suggests Adam F., providing practical advice for Pine Campground visitors.
Winter camping potential: Some sites remain open year-round with limited services. "We spent Christmas 2020 here! We camped in spot B4. One of the park staff stopped by. He was super nice, and offered some great info for future visits. Toilets were open, and he did mention we could still use the water spigot!" reports Austin and Natasha S., showing Pine Campground's four-season usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Havana, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Havana, IL is Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Havana, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 51 dog-friendly camping locations near Havana, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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