Kickapoo State Recreation Area offers pet-friendly camping with electric hookups in wooded sites that provide spacious, level ground for tents and RVs. Campground fees are approximately $20 per night with access to clean shower facilities, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations. Sites vary in size and privacy, with perimeter spots offering more seclusion than interior locations. The campground maintains both standard electric sites and primitive walk-in areas for those seeking a more secluded experience with their pets. Leashed pets are welcome throughout the campground, though owners should be prepared for varying levels of site maintenance as some reviewers note tall weeds between campsites during peak growing season.
Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds surround Homer, including D & W Lake RV Park in Champaign, Prairie Pines Campground in Rantoul, and Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area in Oakwood. These areas feature numerous hiking trails where dogs can explore on-leash, with Kickapoo offering approximately 12 miles of mountain bike trails that dogs may accompany owners on. Fishing areas throughout these parks provide additional recreation opportunities when camping with pets. Campers should note that alcohol is prohibited at some locations like Vermilion County Park Forest Glen Preserve, though most parks permit it. Wildlife sightings including deer and turkey are common in the quieter camping areas, particularly during morning hours, making secure leashing essential for pet safety. The park's proximity to I-74 provides convenient access for travelers with pets needing an overnight stop.
$10 - $20 / night
"Stayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of"
"Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water."
"The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass. There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park."
"Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad. Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available."
"It's on the outskirts of town on the old Chanute AFB. They have lovely tree coverage, it's close to lots of amenities like grocery shopping, sports complex, urgent care, quick interstate access."
"Close to Champaign, IL off I 57 is this charming, open and clean grass covered park. Large sites with full hook ups, picnic table and scattered large trees near an Air Force base."
$20 - $45 / night
"It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas."
"If that’s what you’re looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods. The majority of those have a decent number of trees separating you from the site next to you."
"This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax."
"A great lake for fishing and kayaking. A hidden gem in central Illinois with a great little family owned restaurant. The staff and camp host are super friendly and helpful!"
"Walking trails all around the campground, all sites close to or on the lake. Little restaurant, ice cream, and kayak rental place on site through October 17. Good fishing spot. Several playgrouds."
"The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host."
"Arrived on Sunday and nearly had the place to ourselves. Campgrounds are far removed from town and very quiet, large enough to feel isolated. Host sells ice and firewood for a reasonable price."
"We did forest glen river ridge trail; started from the staff parking lot and walked about 8 miles to the east camp. We had a big group and took sites 3 and 5 because they were on a flatter ground."
$17 - $27 / night
"There is a nearby water source but it will need to be filtered. Other things to do...walk in the prairie, hike, climb a tower, play at the playground, picnic, etc... it’s a very nice place to visit."
"Had AC going but could hear road noise from interstate/ nearby roads."
LegendThis campground has a dog park and beautiful views, but the sites are very crowded. There are full hook up sites and electric only. If you like the party atmosphere, this place is for you. If you like a more spread out and quiet park, look at Lithia Springs or Opossum. Your park pass from any COE campground will get you in.
Photos view from dog park.
GuidePulled in about 7pm and immediately was greeted by the manager who showed us to our site, helped us pull in get settled and brought us firewood. The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass. There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park. Wonderful campground and only about 10 min from downtown.
ScoutGiving this 4 stars for the awesomeness of the sites themselves. We were in 121. All of the sites we saw in our “loop” were super wide, all gravel and quite level. So well kept.....fire pit with grate, large picnic table....really, the site couldn’t have been better. Beautiful views of the lake! Just all-in-all a well maintained park. So, why not 5 stars? I really wanted good shore fishing and not only was it a long walk, but really not very good/easy to get to, or comfortable standing once you get there. Beautiful dog parks....one for large dogs and one for small, but again, a long walk from the campground. Not feasible for our older dog. One other thing, absolutely no lighting at night along the campground roadways. After dark, we watched a truck go into the ditch looking for the turn out (granted, the occupants sounded like they were well into partying), but the pitch darkness at night made it feel a little unsafe, especially walking the dog after dark. Still, the sites themselves are awesome.
GuideWe stayed at Boo Wood Campground for about five days and enjoyed much of their amenities.
The campground featured a dog park which provided room for our dogs to run around. There was also multiple playgrounds and even a small amphitheater. There was a large boat ramp with ample parking. We put in our kayaks on the boat ramp and enjoyed a nice paddle on a portion of the Shelbyville Lake.
We paid less than$25 a night for full hooks up and we had an almost lake view.
Our biggest issue with this campsite was the extensive bugs, once the sun goes down the bugs get horribly bad. We let our dogs out past 8 p.m. and our camper was covered with swarms of psychodidae(sewer) flies. Once we quickly got in our camper, we spent the next hour killing the swarms of sewer flies that entered our camper. We learned our lesson and once the sun went down, we did not leave our camper.
ScoutWhen asked why I couldn't put up a small fence for my dogs he went to great details to tell me why dogs had a bad rep in his park. When I said it wasn't on the website he got extremely angry, came close to attacking me and thru me out of his park and called the police. Don't stay there if you have pets.
GuideFor my Tent only camp site. I loved it. It’s spacious it’s for the most part shaded. It is right next to the lake. I get some views. In the pictures I posted you’ll see what I’m talking about. As far as the campground I did take a drive around it’s pretty big n has a lot of shaded sites. I think it’s over 140 sites. There is a boat ramp on the grounds also the playground there’s a dog park there is also a little amphitheater. I believe I was told the Rangers do events for the kids.  I do like the fact that you can go into a bathroom and it also has the shower so you have that privacy. I also noticed and was told that there are volunteers that are in the campground I guess all season. It seems like they’re spread out like there’s someone in every section. Which made me feel good.  Having someone with the inside access to get help or to have a problem solved sooner than later. Here are just a couple reasons why I did not give a five star. To you out there it may not be a negative for you so you could see this as a five star. For a beautiful campsite to be surrounded by a lake. You can’t really see or Have access to swim in. There is a beach for the lake but it’s outside the campground and down the road. It’s a negative for me. I mean keep the trees maybe get rid of any low hanging branches and the bushes that block most of the view. I really wish they had some air in the bathrooms. Half of my trip was in the high 90s and the sun was just beaming on the building. So it was not pleasurable to use the bathroom or take a shower then. The tent only site that I was at. You had to park your car in a parking lot across the street but from my site it was down a little further.. I like having my car close by so I can access anything that is left in my car throughout my stay.  wi-Fi would’ve been a plus. So I got good phone service. Att
GuideSuper easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad.
Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available. Playground and dogrun for the pets.
The pond is 1/2 mile walk around. Bathrooms we clean.
If you need to get off the road and get some rest give them a try. Just north of town and you will be back on the road in no time.
LegendIn mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty. It would feel more crowded when full due to a lack of vegetation between sites. We grabbed a non-electric site but most have electric. The showers/restrooms are centrally located and could be crowded if the camp was full.
We set up and walked some in the trails. The conservation area extends across the road and that’s where most of the trails are. Start at the one room schoolhouse and make your way down wide trails. They aren’t that long but take a few and they add up. Stay on the camp side of the road and you can find large grassy areas with playgrounds and picnic shelters. A few trails are on this side too.
Clinton Lake Recreation area is just down the road if you want to fish or bring some watercraft.
One note: if you reserve a camping spot it’s just to have a site. Specific campsites aren’t reserved. Get here early and you have your choice.
This is a nice mid-Illinois campground!
GuideThis hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek, gentle rolling hills, trees, birds & wildlife and a small bridge. Best place to stop in central Illinois - 13 miles from Decatur
Camping options near Homer, Illinois range from state recreation areas to county preserves. The region sits within the Vermilion River watershed with elevations averaging 650-700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with occasional precipitation that can impact trail conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access, with Harry L Swartz Campground providing several stocked ponds. "Three lakes to fish for the small and big kids alike," notes Tim F. The campground is part of a dark sky park, making it ideal for stargazing.
Backpacking trails: Forest Glen County Preserve features an 11-mile backpacking loop requiring advance registration. "If you want to backpack the 11 mile loop you will need to get a permit from the Ranger in advance. The backcountry sites have trash cans and pit toilets for convenience," explains Sally R.
Canoeing and kayaking: Turkey Run State Park Campground offers water recreation on Sugar Creek. "You can choose 2 different canoe trips," mentions Barry B. The park features a suspension bridge across Sugar Creek that provides access to hiking trails.
Level, spacious sites: Walnut Point State Park Campground receives praise for its site layout. "Grey Squirrel and Fox Squirrel are the RV sites and Grey and Fox Tent are the tent areas. Tents are allowed in the RV area as well. Each site has a gravel pad, grill/fire pit and picnic table, as well as electric hook up," explains Rachel H.
Wildlife viewing: Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area provides natural habitat for various species. "This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax," says Todd T.
Reasonable pricing: Campsites in the region remain affordable, with most electrical sites under $25 per night. "We paid only $20 for our one night stay. Big, beautiful and well maintained. We had electricity, free showers, topped off our water tank. It's a great deal," reports Rob G. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
No alcohol policies: Some preserves strictly enforce no-alcohol rules. "No booze signs posted, take it serious! Watched a ranger evict and entire group late in the evening for drinking. They weren't being rowdy but we're breaking the rules," cautions Lucas T. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Limited water access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or easily accessible water. "There is one dump station near the campground entrance, and water fill there or in a few locations in the campground. There is not water and sewer hookup at each pad," notes Rachel H.
Reservation requirements: Harry L Swartz Campground requires advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations were limited in 2020 due to the plandemic (cough cough) so getting a site was a bit of a task but not in previous years," mentions Tim F.
Beach access: Several areas feature swimming beaches for family enjoyment. "There are several fishing ponds around the campground and a small swimming area with a beach, playground, mini library, and shower house," describes Rachel about Harry L Swartz Campground.
Nature programs: Seasonal interpretive programs sometimes occur at the larger state parks. "Our second visit was in August for the Perseid meteor shower and a local expert came to give a talk and there was a meteor viewing party of sorts," notes Rachel.
Pet-friendly trails: For those seeking pet-friendly camping near Homer, Illinois, several parks offer trails suitable for leashed dogs. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders," shares Samantha S. about Turkey Run State Park.
RV site selection: Prairie Pines Campground offers full hookup sites with good spacing. "Large sites with full hook ups, picnic table and scattered large trees near an Air Force base. Large very clean bathhouse," reports Jennifer B.
Highway proximity: For RVers passing through, several campgrounds provide easy highway access. "Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad. Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites," notes Charles M. about D & W Lake RV Park.
Big rig considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. "This campground was clean and very well taken care of. It's small and some of the sites are small so big campers on some sites could be an issue," advises Eric B. about Harry L Swartz Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Homer, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Homer, IL is Kickapoo State Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 43 dog-friendly camping locations near Homer, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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