Searching for a place to camp with your dog near Highland? Find the best information on pet-friendly campgrounds near Highland, including sites, reviews, and tips. These scenic and easy-to-reach Highland campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.
$15 - $30 / night
Coles Creek Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis and a few miles from the town of Carlyle, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.
Coles Creek Campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There are multiple playgrounds on-site, as well as a swimming beach and an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.
Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.
For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.
Camping No Show - Camping no-show customers who do not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit their reservation. If the no-show service fee is greater than the reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service fees. Cancellations - A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
$150 / night
Dam West Spillway is situated on the southern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest man-made lake.
Dam West Spillway provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are located nearby, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake and Kaskaskia River offer year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is plenty of open space for children to play and a multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short distance away at the dam.
Dam West Spillway has one reservable group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people, as well as an accessible fishing pier and several amenities. It is within walking distance of a marina and boat storage facility and connected to the Dam West Day Use Area and Recreation Area, which offers a campground. The Carlyle Municipal Pool is a short drive away.
Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.
For facility specific information, please call (618) 594-2484.
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available and nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.
$30 / night
$65 / night
Boulder Campground is situated on the eastern shore of Carlyle Lake, a prime getaway for city-dwellers and families. Located 50 miles east of St. Louis, the area offers the peaceful retreat of a small town combined with the grandeur of Illinois' largest manmade lake.
Boulder Campground provides fun both on the water and on shore. Boat ramps and courtesy docks are provided, and the vast lake allows for plenty of water sports. Fishing is a popular pastime, and the lake offers year-round varieties of fish such as bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, freshwater drum, carp and walleye. There is an on-site playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as an amphitheater for educational programs. A multi-use biking and walking trail is located a short drive away at the dam.
Created in 1967, the 26,000-acre lake is recognized as one of the nation's top ten inland sailing lakes and hosts several annual races and regattas. Carlyle Lake is home to an array of wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. Its waters and shores are a resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds. There are six established Watchable Wildlife Sites with viewing towers open to the public around the lake.
The Carlyle Lake Visitor Center, located in the Dam West Recreation Area, has information available as well as nature exhibits on display, including a 215-gallon aquarium with native fish.
Camping No Show - Camping no-show customers who do not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit their reservation. If the no-show service fee is greater than the reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service fees. Cancellations - A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
$20 / night
Horseshoe Lake State Park is located off Highway 111 in the southwestern part of Illinois in Madison County. With easy access from the Metro East for visitors from throughout the region, the park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities on 2,960 acres.
Horseshoe Lake State Park accommodates 26 tent or trailer campsites. A sanitary dump station, pit toilets, and hydrants are conveniently located. The campground is open from May 1 - Sept 30. Campers can stay a maximum of 7 days in a 30-day period. We do not take reservations for camping. Although, group camping reservations are accepted through the ExploreMoreIL™ website.
This is the KOA closest to St. Louis attractions! Set up camp on Old Route 66, just 12 miles from downtown. See the soaring Gateway Arch. Walk or bike across the Historic Route 66 Chain of Rocks Bridge. Whether you want to cheer on a pro team, shop until you drop or try your luck at casinos, St. Louis has it all! Visit Cahokia Mounds and Lewis & Clark state historical sites, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the unique City Museum. At the campground, you can swim, romp on the playground or play horseshoes. Kids love the free Jumping Pillow. Sorry, but NO CAMPFIRES are allowed due to county ordinances. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru 75 feet. Your hosts: the Cuvar family and friends.
At Rustic Acres Jellystone Park™, create memories that will be cherished forever! We have attractions and activities for the whole family, including our swimming pool, jumping pillow, laser tag, gaga ball pit, hey rides, two playgrounds, themed weekends, and more. Our large spacious sites will have you relaxing whether you stay in a one of our cabins or you bring your family RV. Your next family vacation will be one of memories that last a lifetime. Come relax and enjoy Rustic Acres Jellystone Park™ today!
Scout
$70 per night, plus $20 pet fee and $5 reservation fee. Stayed two nights passing through to visit Gateway Arch National Park. Casino is pretty old looking on the outside. Park is not staffed, you get a gate code in your email to access the park. Spots are concrete and gravel, very urban camping. There are trains every 15-30 minutes all day long. Casino has a metro stop that takes you into St Louis over the river. First time paying a pet fee for a overnight stay. Not very busy in November, maybe 25% of spots full in the half of the park that is open. Utilities are set up weird on all sites - Water and electric are at the very rear of the site by the sewer, so you will need a decent sized hose to reach if your water intake is in the front of your camper.
Scout
Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back
Guide
Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!
Legend
McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .
Legend
East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.
Traveler
The location is just 15 minutes from downtown St Louis. Service was great and site came w power and water and sewer hookup. Showers were ok and they were clean. Pull through site was a life saver.
Great BBQ place on site and camp guests get a discount!
Scout
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Traveler
Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll
LegendI’m just happy there are a lot of people here. Half the place is full but there’s just an underlying sketchy vibe. Gateway arch is a 20min walk and baseball stadium just 15min beyond that. Hard to beat that convenience. Just want to feel a tad safer.
Ranger
Easy to find. Affordable overnight stay with electric. Beautiful lake. Friendly campers and hosts. Pit toilets. Spotty Verizon.
Scout
Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.
GuideMy sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!
GuideNice spots and facility. Great place to just drop in for a short 1 night stay. Well maintained facility. No staff on site, book via camplife and they send you a gate code
Guide
Timber Trails Campground is a easy layover off of I-70, offering a family-friendly environment. The park provided us an easy in and out, pull-through site that was level and convenient. The campground had a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Our experience was hassle-free and enjoyable.
GuideFirst off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!
GuideEven though this RV park is in a city, we felt safe. And it's view of the Gateway Arch can't be beat. Easy check in, but the camp host said the shaded spots were too narrow, they were not. Stayed three nights and saw all the sites: The Gateway Arch, Union Station, aquarium, botanical gardens, Anheiser Busch brewery tour, Guido's restaurant. Asphalt level pads with FHU, both 30 & 50 amp service. We have had a fun time here even doing laundry.
GuideWe stayed for 1 night, had a spot in the back with a perfect view of the lake. Lots of room for dogs.
Scout
Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release) paddle boats and camp store. A nice pool with a big covered pavilion, clean restrooms and showers with hot water. We had a level pull thru gravel site with a picnic table and small fire ring and didn’t have to unhook for our overnight. Walking/hiking wooded trails 2 cabins available- several seasonal folks. We were there on a Sunday evening and didn’t really see anyone. Little bit of road noise but so convenient! Thanks Barb!
TravelerArrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….
Scout
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Traveler
We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.
There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.
ScoutThey are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.
Traveler
Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.
TravelerStayed here most of the several weeks we needed to be in St. Louis for family matters. Definitely our favorite place in the area. The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake. The staff are kind and helpful. Water and electric worked fine. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Trash and recycling receptacles are huge and convenient. My only complaint is the poorly thought out sink situation in the bathrooms which make it impossible to wash in a sanitary way as you must hold the tap to keep the water flowing and there are no paper towels to that with, only hand dryers. There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground.
ScoutChecking in was easy enough and we got a spot near the bathrooms. We came in late and the check in board was easy.
Lots of people who smoke. But the bathrooms are smoke free and we're clean.
Nights are noisy!!! About 3am sounded like a dump truck was driving through camp and lifting several dumpsters and backing up and doing it again. It wasn't really but it was that noisy.
Lots of longer term tenants. But everyone we bumped into were kind or just kept to themselves.
RangerThe park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores
TravelerNice and quiet, perfect place to crash for the night in our van.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Highland, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Highland, IL is Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Highland, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dog-friendly camping locations near Highland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
