60 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area permits pets at all 35 camping sites surrounding the scenic lake. The campground maintains well-trimmed foliage and clean grounds according to recent visitors, with electric hookups available at each site. Gun Creek Campground at Rend Lake also welcomes pets, featuring lakeside sites with extra-long concrete pads for boats and RVs. Both campgrounds maintain a quiet atmosphere even during busy holiday weekends. Water hookups are limited at Sam Dale Lake, with a central water station available for filling tanks before setting up camp. Pet owners should note that neither location offers fenced dog areas, so pets must remain leashed at all times.
Hiking trails connect many of the campgrounds to nearby water access points, making morning walks with dogs convenient. Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area offers additional pet-friendly options with a trail system that connects the campsite to the marina, though some paths could be better marked. Campers report good cell service (1-2 bars LTE with AT&T) at most locations, sufficient for emergency veterinary contact if needed. The campgrounds near Johnsonville maintain pit toilets rather than flush facilities, with shower access varying by location. Wildlife in the area requires keeping dogs properly secured, especially during evening hours. During summer months, the lakeside locations provide ample swimming opportunities, though dogs must remain out of designated human swimming areas.
"You also have easy access to stores in the surrounding towns."
"Rend Lake is a large COE recreation area with 4 campgrounds, some with full hook ups for $28 a night, two dams, 2 beaches, several boat launches, a marina, golf course and a restaurant. "
from $9 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Dump station right outside the campground. Site 35 was perfectly level for the Class C (cruise America rental with no levelers. Great Campground host. We didn’t have a reservation."
"Clean campground right on the lake."
"Most of the sites are large and a good distance from the next one. Shower house is alright. The store/restaurant has been closed for a year or two now because of the Illinois budget."
"Lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground. Hosts told us they were making more space for specific species of trees so “take all you want” from the area."
"Campground is off the beaten path, lots of space to spread out, and the top 4 amenities (electricity, water, flush toilets and showers). It’s not the cleanest bathrooms but certainly not the worst."
"There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend."
"Long first day drive, but so handy and staff couldn’t be more accommodating to our late arrivals. Just far enough from Interstate so noise isn’t an issue. Lots of services at the same exit."
from $60 / night
Check Availability"Pet friendly and beautiful lake views from many of the camp sites. I recommend checking the grade of the camp site because some of the ones next to the lake were at a pretty big angle."
"One of the first campgrounds that you come to at Rend Lake when you get off the highway, this campground has lots of positives and few negatives."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"Multiple walking trails and bike trails. Nice shelter houses and picnic areas. Multiple playgrounds. Nature center in the campground. Many events scheduled for summer."
"It was at the back of the campground, but close to the bathrooms/showers and just across from the playground. It was close enough to walk to the Nature Center and grab ice cream."
from $20 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Wayne Fitzgerald State Park is on Rend Lake, just off I-57 in Southern Illinois. It’s a great place for camping, fishing and bikes."
"Many of the sites are walk up only. The sites have a lot of room to enjoy a relaxing weekend or set up yard games. Rend lake is a good size lake with numerous areas to explore the water."
"Water and dump at the entrance. Shower houses. Very nice pool and camp store. Hosts scattered and occasionally hard to find to pay for your spot. Wildlife galore. Next to largest lake in Illinois."
"This State Park is located outside Carlyle,Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability
ScoutNot a bad place for a stop between destinations or a couple days at the lake would be fine. Roads and sites were well maintained. The dog park gets muddy quick, it’s mostly moss and dirt. It’s close to the Interstate; we’d stay there again.
RangerThis campground is beautiful with lots of gardens and potted plants at a lot of the campsites The host is very friendly, the pool is well maintained, they have a dog park The Host even led us to our spot..
TravelerI called a day in advance and was able to schedule a reservation, the lady on the phone was very nice. Upon arrival I was greeted nicely and checked in quickly. While beginning setup, I noticed an issue with the power at my particular spot and decided to let the staff know of the issue. They offered to move us to another spot and were very nice. The WiFi works great as I was able to stream anything I wanted on Hulu. There is a nice playground and dog park as well as a pond at the location. Great place to stop traveling through or for a weekend.
TravelerWonderful private campground surround by woods, an open field and a small pond. There is a small playground, covered patio, bathrooms with showers and plenty of lawn space! Pet friendly and looks very ADA accessible, I had a great time spending one night here with my dog. $15 for tent/primitive camping, $25 for electric!
ScoutFamily and pet friendly, nice bath houses, most sites are spacious.
Minutes away from beach access.
GuideCampground is off the beaten path, lots of space to spread out, and the top 4 amenities (electricity, water, flush toilets and showers). It’s not the cleanest bathrooms but certainly not the worst. Close to a Walmart for all your need and great sunsets too. Plus pets are allowed
TravelerWe loved staying here. Pet friendly and beautiful lake views from many of the camp sites. I recommend checking the grade of the camp site because some of the ones next to the lake were at a pretty big angle. Our site was nice and flat so no issues there. We loved it and would definitely stay again.
Guidewe love this park as it reminds us of some of Indiana state parks with a huge lake, horseback riding, lots of trails to explore and beautiful wildlife. pet friendly and lots to do for all ages.
TravelerThere are only about 6 tent sites at this campground, which makes it not entirely friendly for tent campers. However, the bathrooms were lovely and clean. For those who are allergic, there is a colony of feral cats living outside of the office. OUTDOOR DOMESTICATED CATS ARE TERRIBLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, please do not encourage this behavior.
Campgrounds near Johnsonville, Illinois provide access to over 25,000 acres of recreational land across multiple conservation areas and state parks. The region has elevations ranging from 450-580 feet above sea level with humid continental climate patterns that create distinct camping seasons. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer highs regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity levels.
**Fishing opportunities: Bass and bluegill fishing at Sam Dale Lake supports anglers of all skill levels. "Clean campground right on the lake," notes Elmer L. at Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area.
**Kayaking on Rend Lake: Paddle through secluded coves and inlets with abundant wildlife viewing. "Nice little campground on Rend Lake. Sites are spread out with long concrete pads... Lake is very pretty - you could anchor your boat off your campsite," reports Maggie C. from Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground.
**Hiking trail system: Several interconnected paths with variable terrain from flat shorelines to wooded hills. "Main trail was nice but could be better marked. Lost our way a few times but still a good hike," shares Tracie E. from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area.
**Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours provide prime deer watching opportunities. "Never been to a CG with such abundant wildlife! Can sit at your spot and watch deer throughout the day," says Lucas T. from Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground.
**Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer larger than average sites with good separation between neighbors. "The sites were pretty level. The campground is well kept, about 20 minutes from any groceries so come with your necessities," notes Tina J. about Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area.
**Beach access: Several lakes feature designated swimming areas with sandy shorelines. "This State Park is located outside Carlyle, Illinois. This park offers playground areas and more. Cabins, campsites with power or no power the choice is yours," explains Jake L. about Eldon Hazlet State Park.
**Early morning tranquility: Lakeside sites provide peaceful dawn conditions for nature enthusiasts. "Our tent site was shaded and our one neighbor was quiet and friendly. We felt secluded yet had easy access to the campground shower house," writes Julie M. about Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
**Fall camping events: October brings special programming at many parks. "They have a huge Halloween event every year where people decorate their sites (pretty extensively) and there's a haunted house, then kids trick or treat from site to site," shares Aimee T. about Illini Campground.
**Water tank filling: Many sites require bringing water from central stations. "It clearly states electric only. Which was no problem. They had a water hookup that you could pull up to for more water if needed," explains Jonathon B. from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area.
**Site leveling challenges: RVers should check site conditions before setup. "Many sites do have a steep grade," cautions Debra M. about Rend Lake campgrounds. "Some spots do have a fairly good slope to them," confirms Jeff F. from Gun Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Johnsonville, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Johnsonville, IL is Rend Lake Gun Creek Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Johnsonville, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 60 dog-friendly camping locations near Johnsonville, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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