Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hillsboro, IL

Sherwood Forest Campground in Hillsboro accommodates campers with pets across its tree-covered sites. The campground provides full hookups for RVs while maintaining quiet, secluded surroundings that create a resort-like atmosphere for dogs and their owners. Pets are allowed throughout the facility with standard leash requirements. The bathrooms remain clean and well-maintained, creating a comfortable environment for extended stays with animals. Camp hosts demonstrate exceptional friendliness toward visitors with pets, often going beyond expectations to ensure both humans and animals have a positive experience. Country Bend Campground and Kamper Kompanion RV Park also welcome pets, offering spacious sites with grassy areas ideal for dog walking. Most campgrounds in the region enforce standard leash policies and request that owners clean up after their pets.

Dog owners find multiple fishing opportunities at area campgrounds, with Rustic Acres Jellystone providing a large pond where pets can enjoy shoreline walks while their owners fish. The campground's grassy sites under mature shade trees create comfortable resting spots for dogs during summer months. Walking trails around Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area provide exercise opportunities for leashed dogs, with paths winding through wooded areas. Most Hillsboro area campgrounds require pets remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside the camping unit. During summer months, early morning or evening walks prove most comfortable for dogs due to hot daytime temperatures. The fenced dog area at Kamper Kompanion provides a dedicated space where pets can exercise off-leash, featuring benches for owners and adequate shade during summer months.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Hillsboro, Illinois (58)

    1. Country Bend Campground

    10 Reviews
    Litchfield, IL
    10 miles
    Website

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Pretty scenery to walk around.  Plenty of lakes/ponds to fish.  We couldn't boat while there due to COVID but look forward to going back and taking our kayaks.  Attentive and Friendly camp hosts."

    "This beautiful campground has many things to offer and is only a few minutes from the local drive in movie theater in Litchfield Illinois."

    2. Sherwood Forest

    6 Reviews
    Hillsboro, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (217) 532-5211

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We stayed here in our Motorhome but the sites are pretty small and you are right next to your neighbor."

    "After a massive disappointment at a nearby state park, we came to Sherwood Forest as a last resort. We were beyond pleasantly surprised!"

    3. Kamper Kompanion RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Litchfield, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 324-4747

    "Easy on off, right by highway, pulled in after dark and they met us to show us to the site and got us settled. Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad."

    "Quiet, family friendly, and great for our dogs. We love the dog yard!"

    4. Okaw Valley Kampground

    26 Reviews
    Vandalia, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 427-5140

    "There’s a very nice updated playground and a pond with a walking path around it. The place is very well taken care of. If we ever came back this way we would stay again."

    "Beautiful walking paths, convenient, great pricing. They filled us up on LP too. Thanks again, Barb and Gary!"

    5. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Ramsey, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 423-2215

    "The 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"

    "Shut down some karaoke party in a loop around 9pm. Will go back."

    6. Rustic Acres Jellystone

    4 Reviews
    Litchfield, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 456-1122

    "We chose this campground because it was near our route and we needed a place to stay for one night."

    7. Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Rochester, IL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 498-9208

    "These walk in sites check all the boxes.  At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from. "

    "Lots of trails, Lake Sangchris is very close by for fishing & kayaking. Quiet campground; great place to unwind."

    8. Beaver Dam State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Carlinville, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 854-8020

    "The trail map is very basic and not totally accurate. The trails are poorly marked but with basic knowledge of your compass points you can figure them out."

    "There is a nice walking trail path that goes around the exterior of the lake. The lake has boat access and some good fishing spots. There is also a restaurant and store on the lake."

    9. Timber Trails Campground

    2 Reviews
    Greenville, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 326-8264

    "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."

    10. The Double J Campground and RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Chatham, IL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 483-9998

    "We LOVED having a dog park to exercise our dogs daily!"

    "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"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 58 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hillsboro, IL

381 Reviews of 58 Hillsboro Campgrounds


  • Aaron B.
    Jun. 16, 2019

    Eagle Creek State Park Campground

    Wooded Solitude / Family Friendly

    Review of Drive In Tent Camping Site 2. Showed up on a Thursday night and had our pick of all the drive in and walk in sites. We decided on site 2 in the drive in area. Previous reviews and a book by John Schirle on Tent Camping in Illinois helped us with this decision as well. Decent maintained sites with some older picnic tables and fire rings, but let's be honest this stuff sits outside 24/7. Site 2 seemed to sit back the farthest with site 1 a close second. Both wooded sites that made for great shade and helped some when it was raining. Any two families looking for two sites could certainly set up and share the experience. Nice little cove behind them to try fishing. Just watch the hike down the path or ravine. Dog friendly, fresh water supply (hint put the handle all the way up and wait a few seconds), ability to store stuff in the car close by, outhouse toilets visible at the walk in parking lot, and helpful host for easy check in who even sells fire wood made for a great few days ($5 a bundle). Rated B/S site at a cost of $10 a night.

  • Kevin M.
    Aug. 20, 2018

    Lone Point

    A place of memories

    One of the first campgrounds I ever went to and when camping in Illinois, my go-to campground and lake. My wife and I love this lake and have a lot of memories here.

  • Whistle P.
    Nov. 6, 2022

    The Double J Campground and RV Park

    This place has a great location

    The 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!).

  • Sherry W.
    Jun. 11, 2020

    Country Bend Campground

    Great family friendly campground

    Great place to stay and feel part of the community.  Pretty scenery to walk around.  Plenty of lakes/ponds to fish.  We couldn't boat while there due to COVID but look forward to going back and taking our kayaks.  Attentive and Friendly camp hosts. Pet friendly. Close to town if you've forgotten anything or want to have a restaurant dinner. Close to the highway for easy access.  Full hookup available. Monthly or Season also available.

  • A
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Dam West Spillway

    Our go to camping spot for trips close to home

    Family and pet friendly, nice bath houses, most sites are spacious.

    Minutes away from beach access.

  • Tara L.
    Jul. 25, 2019

    Country Bend Campground

    Great experience!

    Big things happening at Country Bend Campgrounds in Montrgromy Co, IL. This beautiful campground has many things to offer and is only a few minutes from the local drive in movie theater in Litchfield Illinois. It has a pool, swing sets, playground, cabins, ponds with stocked fish, beautiful walking trails, camping, welcome center, baseball field, volleyball, games, horseshoes, paddle boats, miniature golf, and so much more. This family run business is under new management and is welcoming new seasonal campers and day campers with competitive pricing. This beautiful campground is nestled in a scenic area in the country and is pet friendly. It has clean shower houses with warm water. We just purchased our seasonal campsite earlier in the season. Come check out this amazing campground and all it has to offer! Our rough collies will be joining us at this dog friendly campground! There is always something to do here and the owners strive to make it a family place by providing many activities on the weekends. The owners have done an amazing job on this campground and have made it one of the best campgrounds around to create that lasting experience with our children before they grow up!!!

  • b K.
    Jun. 4, 2022

    Lithia Springs

    Great campground & marina!

    Lithia Springs is a great campground with a wonderful marina located on beautiful Lake Shelbyville! We stayed at Site #12 overlooking the lake. The site was large and level although it can be tricky to back into. Also, the site is adjacent to a water observation/access area which invites a lot of foot traffic. This can be frustrating especially if you have pets.

  • Patricia G.
    May. 3, 2019

    The Double J Campground and RV Park

    Well organized with campers in mind

    We 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


Guide to Hillsboro

Camping near Hillsboro, Illinois offers flat, wooded terrain with elevations averaging 600-650 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F in July and August, making early mornings ideal for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October due to cold winter conditions.

What to do

**Fishing opportunities: Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area provides multiple fishing spots along its shoreline with well-maintained docks. "Clean and very nice campsites. Several fishing docks in campground. All sites at Hickory Point very close to lake," notes Greg S. about Sangchris Lake State Park Campground.

**Walking trails: Several campgrounds feature walking paths suitable for all ability levels. At Country Bend Campground, visitors appreciate the natural surroundings. "We really loved the bridges with trails to ponds," mentions Kaitlin D., highlighting the water access points along the paths.

**Miniature golf: Family recreation options include on-site activities at several campgrounds. "This beautiful campground has many things to offer...miniature golf, camping, welcome center, baseball field, volleyball, games, horseshoes, paddle boats," explains Tara L., describing the extensive recreation options available at Rustic Acres Jellystone.

**Swimming: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities for cooling off during hot summer days. The Double J Campground features "a huge pool" according to Kaitlin D., while Country Bend Campground provides "a big inground pool" according to Kate T., giving visitors options to escape the summer heat.

What campers like

**Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention the generous spacing between sites as a major advantage. "The campsites are small and a bit pricey, but it is a great family friendly place," notes Amber H. about Rustic Acres Jellystone, which offers grassy sites despite some space limitations.

**Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and showers receive consistent praise. "Bathroom was the cleanest I have seen at a campsite," comments Shirley M. about Okaw Valley Kampground, highlighting the campground's commitment to cleanliness.

**Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites for those seeking more isolation. At Sherwood Forest, Jeff B. found "Our site is very large with an equally large grass lawn area. The site is totally private on one side because of a lake inlet and there's a large back area right on the lake."

**Friendly staff: Campground hosts receive frequent positive mentions. "Attentive and Friendly camp hosts. Pet friendly. Close to town if you've forgotten anything or want to have a restaurant dinner," shares Sherry W. about Country Bend Campground, emphasizing the helpfulness of staff.

What you should know

**Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly reach the high 80s and 90s with significant humidity. Jessica T. notes about Kamper Kompanion RV Park, "Cute little fenced in pet area with benches for the pups to stretch," providing a dedicated space for pet exercise during hot weather.

**Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Sherwood Forest operates from "April 1 to October 31," while Country Bend Campground runs from "April-November," limiting camping options during colder months.

**Site drainage: Heavy rains can affect site conditions at some campgrounds. Andrea S. cautions about Country Bend Campground: "The sites are sunk down, poorly rocked and extremely narrow...Be prepared for mud and standing water. 4wd a must," highlighting potential challenges during wet weather.

**Reservation needs: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. "We stayed here for two weeks. Nice walking trail, swimming pool, playground, outdoor checkers, basketball court," reports Kelsie L. about The Double J Campground, suggesting longer stays are possible with advance planning.

Tips for camping with families

**Activity planning: Campgrounds with scheduled events provide built-in entertainment. "Great place to stay and feel part of the community. Pretty scenery to walk around. Plenty of lakes/ponds to fish," explains Sherry W. about Country Bend Campground, highlighting community-oriented activities.

**Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Family friendly atmosphere, big inground pool, 18 hole putt putt, lots of outdoor games, planned activities on the weekends," shares Kate T. about Country Bend Campground, listing multiple child-friendly amenities.

**Pet-friendly considerations: For families traveling with pets, dedicated exercise spaces are important. "It's a very friendly campground with a fenced dog area that provides a dedicated space where pets can exercise," notes a visitor to Kamper Kompanion RV Park, highlighting facilities specifically for four-legged family members.

**Weather preparation: Summer heat requires additional planning for families with young children. "During summer months, early morning or evening walks prove most comfortable due to hot daytime temperatures," advises a regular visitor to pet friendly camping near Hillsboro, Illinois.

Tips from RVers

**Site selection: RVers should consider specific site features when booking. "We were in site 26 and you have to back between the two other sites into this one. Not difficult in my van but it could get interesting with a camper," warns Shelly S. about Beaver Dam State Park Campground, highlighting potential maneuvering challenges.

**Hookup availability: Various hookup options exist across campgrounds near Hillsboro. "Electric only but water available and nice dump station," notes Greg S. about Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, providing important information for planning RV stays.

**Pull-through access: Some campgrounds specialize in easy access sites. "Called last minute on a Saturday...and a lovely pull through site reserved for a one night stay. The sites are all pull through. Very clean and well-maintained," reports Diane about The Double J Campground, highlighting convenience for larger rigs.

**Seasonal site options: For longer-term stays, several campgrounds offer extended options. "This family run business is under new management and is welcoming new seasonal campers and day campers with competitive pricing," explains Tara L. about Rustic Acres Jellystone, noting opportunities for longer commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hillsboro, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hillsboro, IL is Country Bend Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hillsboro, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 58 dog-friendly camping locations near Hillsboro, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.