Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Joliet, IL

Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort accommodates pets at all campsites with water hookups, electric power, picnic tables, and a sanitary dump station for overnight visitors traveling through Joliet. The resort maintains a pet-friendly environment where leashed dogs can accompany owners throughout common areas, though fires aren't permitted on the grounds. Martin's Camping Ground and Leisure Lake Resort also welcome pets at their facilities, with Leisure Lake offering cabin accommodations in addition to tent and RV sites. Campers have noted the clean, level sites provide just what travelers need for overnight stays while passing through the area.

Blackwell Family Campground features pet-friendly sites approximately 45 minutes north of Joliet in Warrenville, with seasonal operation from May through September. The campground offers electric hookups, drinking water, and trails where leashed pets can exercise alongside their owners. Camp Sullivan and Camp Bullfrog Lake, both within an hour's drive of Joliet, provide additional pet-friendly options with cabin accommodations available for travelers preferring solid shelter. Guests bringing pets should be aware that while most campgrounds accept dogs without breed restrictions, facilities vary significantly in noise levels—particularly at locations near highways or industrial areas. The storm shelter at Leisure Lake Resort is typically locked, which has concerned some pet owners during severe weather events.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Joliet, Illinois (62)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-9785

    $20 - $138 / night

    "Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.

    Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well."

    "What’s great about this location is the access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."

    2. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 744-9400

    "Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant."

    "Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."

    3. Martin’s Camping Ground

    7 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really hd a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that."

    4. Leisure Lake Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    $37 / night

    "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"

    5. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 933-7248

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home."

    "I always loved going to the parks in Illinois with my grandparents when I was little. They love hiking and nature and definitely got me interested in it also. I love them and miss them everyday."

    6. Leisure Lake Membership Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 741-9405

    ""Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."

    "The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."

    7. Martin Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shorewood, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 726-3173

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."

    8. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove

    3 Reviews
    Channahon, IL
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    9. Channahon State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Channahon, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 467-4271

    "It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town. 

    Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp."

    10. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."

    "There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Joliet, IL

502 Reviews of 62 Joliet Campgrounds


  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park

    One night stay while traveling home

    Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!

  • A
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park

    Closed Off Tent Camping

    Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view.

  • H
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Kankakee South KOA

    Just another weekend :)

    Small campground but very friendly. A plus was the full hookups. The sights are very close together. Management is not over bearing and very friendly. Dog friendly lots of dogs this weekend nice size dog park! You overall great weekend

  • Iryna R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Leisure Lake Resort

    Ugh..

    We’ve been staying at this resort for several months now, and wanted to share some feedback based on our experience.

    The pool only opened mid-summer.

    Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we’ve had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable.

    We’ve also noticed that rules aren’t enforced consistently, and it sometimes feels like certain guests are treated unfairly. For example, while we were told that personal kiddie pools aren’t allowed, we’ve counted at least six others set up around the park.

    Package delivery is only permitted under special circumstances, and only if pre-approved by staff.

    Had an incident where a staff member criticized my swimsuit at the pool, despite it being modest and similar to what others were wearing. I wore this swimsuit to many pools for many years. Additionally, the beach area is often closed even during posted open hours, and pool hours or updates aren’t clearly communicated—you have to inquire to get any information.

    The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern.

    We’ve also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it’s been broken for a while. Many of the park’s facilities and amenities are showing their age and could benefit from updates and maintenance.

    That said, there are aspects we’ve truly enjoyed, and they’re the main reasons we’ve continued our stay: the spacious layout of the RV park, a nice lake, beach, pool, gym, and a dog park.

  • C
    Jun. 29, 2019

    Lasalle/Peru KOA

    Just what we needed after a day on the road

    Beautiful spot for our single overnight. Staff were great; friendly and helpful. Park was well kept, with lots of green around RV and tent sites. Nice pool, dog park, store, and even a stream system that wanders through the park (no swimming in the stream). Also close to Starved Rock State Park for some neat scenery and hiking. The only downside side is that some of the RV sites are a little close together - didn’t impact our stay though. Two thumbs up! :)

  • Debbie B.
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Kankakee South KOA

    Nice enough for local camping

    Many very nice permanent sites. We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year. Check out their information on their website.

    If you want a quick local get away this is the place.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859

    Easy & Convenient Roadside Pit Stop

    As we were driving eastbound on I80 that day, we spotted the Love’s RV Hookup, which is a new concept that this oversized fueling depot / travel store has been working on for the past year or so. Having checked out one of their other locations in Bloomington earlier in the year, which I have to admit, I was fairly impressed by, we decided to stop in here to have a look. Located just due east on the outskirts of little known Morris, Illinois just off I80, this little roadside stand isn’t the largest Love’s I’ve ever seen, but it sure does pack a punch. 

    If you do find yourself hustling and bustling east or west along the I80 corridor and are in need of a pit stop or an overnight stay, then the good folks at the Love’s RV Hookup have you covered. While the other Love’s I have stopped by seem enormous by comparison, this spot felt more like a corner convenience store that also had a fairly large fueling bay (4 double-sided pumps) in the front, primarily for cars and SUVs. 

    As you pull in, there’s 4 spots earmarked to the right of the entrance for RV’s. As you pull further along in front of the Love’s fueling bay, on the other side, an additional 6 or so slots exist for other RVs to park. In all, there’s 10 back-in RV slots available and inside you’ll find that there’s 7 individual shower stalls (all of which were in pristine, brand-new shape when we stopped by) along with a laundry facility, which we were happily surprised by, as well as a designated RV dump service, propane refill station and all of the typical hook-ups (water, 30 / 50 amp electric and sewage) along with WiFi. Inside, there’s of course the Love’s retail market, which was just decent, an ATM, Hardee’s and Naf-Naf (think Subway, but instead, Middle Eastern food). There’s even a small dog park here. As I hinted at, quite a lot here for such a small location. 

    If you would like something more substantial to eat, just head back west on I80 to the next exit, where if you head north there’s an IHOP, Chili’s, Bellacino’s Pizza or you can head on back to the TA Travel Center where they actually have a proper sit-down 24 hour restaurant called R-Place. If instead of heading north, you drive south on the main drag (Road 47), there’s a Buffalo Wild Wings, Pizza Hut, Starbuck’s, Wendy’s, Culver’s, Dunkin' and Burger King. But if you want something a bit more memorable, I would recommend either Morris Diner & Pancake House or La Casa Michoacana. And if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive back towards Ottawa, there’s 2 amazing places I would recommend that you won’t soon forget: Hank’s and Lone Buffalo. 

    Should you want to actually enjoy a bit of the nature around these parts, you can continue to head south on N. Division Street / Road 47 where you’ll come to 2 parks: Goold and Chapin, where either would make for a great place to stretch your legs, walk the dog or grab a picnic. If you’d like something a bit more splendid, then head on over to William G. Stratton SP or Gebhard Woods SP where you will be able to hike the I&M Canal State Trail. 

    While scoring criteria may vary from one person to the next, here are the 5 most important criteria that informed my rating of this overnight location: convenience (EZ on- and off-access), safety & security, quality (of facilities), peace & quiet and amenities (either on-site or nearby). Here’s how I ranked this particular overnight spot: 

    Convenience: 5 

    Safety & Security: 4 

    Quality: 5 

    Peace & Quiet: 4 

    Amenities: 3 

    Overall, I scored this location a 4.

    Happy Overnighting!

  • T
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    Great First Experience

    Friendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant. No wi-fi found except at hotel. Good phone connection. Garbage cans throughout park. Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80.

  • L
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Lasalle/Peru KOA

    Tight Squeeze!

    Stayed here in early June during a trip to Starved Rock, which is a quick 10-15 minute drive. Camp hosts are very nice and the the grounds well maintained. I stayed on site 5 which is a full hookup but best for a small camper. I have a 14 foot travel trailer and it just fit with my SUV in front. The spots are very tight and you have very little room between you and your neighbor. With all the rain this year, many sites flooded during a storm while we camped and they had to be moved to other areas that were not actual sites so it was a bit crazy...hosts did a great job taking care of everyone effected. Campground has a cute dog park and a beautiful stream that runs through it. I would stay here again!!


Guide to Joliet

Pet-friendly camping near Joliet, Illinois offers options at an elevation of around 600 feet above sea level in northeastern Illinois. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds close their tent sites from late October through early May due to freezing temperatures, though some RV sites remain open year-round with electricity for heating.

What to do

Hiking trails with dogs: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides access to miles of mountain biking and hiking trails where leashed pets can explore alongside owners. As Josh M. notes, "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."

Kayaking opportunities: Several campgrounds offer water activities during summer months. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," according to Layla P.

Fishing access: Blackwell Family Campground offers fishing options with multiple access points. According to Marisa A., "The fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at Blackwell Family Campground. Rich M. notes, "The sites are crushed limestone and are level and wooded. There is one bathroom/shower building at the front of the campground. There are some clean outhouses placed around the campground."

Proximity to Chicago: For urban residents seeking a quick escape, Camp Sullivan provides a convenient option. One camper observed, "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails."

Free firewood: Some campgrounds provide complimentary firewood. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, Josh M. shared, "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits."

What you should know

Seasonal restrictions: Blackwell Family Campground operates from May through September with no off-season access. Rich M. advises, "Only down side of the park is that it is only open on the weekends. On holiday weekends you are able to stay for three nights."

Noise levels vary: Locations near highways can be noisy. At Martin's Camping Ground, Carol L. notes, "Traffic from I80 is extremely loud with semi's all night long. No wifi and very expensive for the quality of the site."

Limited shade: Some campgrounds lack mature trees. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, Tim K. observed, "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small."

Weather considerations: Storm shelters may not be accessible. At Leisure Lake Resort, one reviewer mentioned, "The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern."

Tips for camping with families

Cabin options: For families not ready for tent camping, several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, Hatie P. reports, "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Joliet, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Joliet, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.