Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Karnak, IL

Shawnee Forest Campground, Lake Glendale Recreation Area, and Giant City State Park Campground all welcome pets on leashed visits throughout their grounds. Campers find full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections at several properties, making extended stays comfortable for travelers with animal companions. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities with shower houses, restrooms, and in some cases, sanitary dump stations that complement the pet-friendly accommodations. Grounds are generally well-kept with walking trails where leashed pets can exercise. Tent camping, RV sites, and some cabin options accommodate different camping preferences while allowing pets to stay with their owners. Spacious sites often include fire rings and picnic tables where campers and their animals can relax together after exploring the surrounding natural areas.

Hiking trails throughout the Shawnee National Forest region provide excellent opportunities for leashed dogs to exercise while their owners enjoy the local scenery. The Tunnel Hill State Trail accessible from Vienna offers a 9-mile ride to the tunnel with pets allowed on-leash. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, a remarkable geological formation, permits leashed pets on designated trails. Some campgrounds feature multiple fishing ponds where pets can accompany their owners during catch-and-release fishing sessions. The region experiences hot summers and cold winters, so visitors should plan accordingly for pet comfort, bringing extra water during warmer months and bedding during cooler periods. Most campgrounds enforce standard pet policies including proper waste disposal, noise control, and keeping pets leashed when outside camping units. Vienna's nearby services provide access to basic pet supplies should campers need additional items during their stay.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Karnak, Illinois (94)

    1. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "We were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived."

    2. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    $18 / night

    "Had very nice trails, very clean. Forest is beautiful. We camped at the primitive area spot 11. Spots are pretty dam close to each other. There is camping you can walk off to."

    "Great campground away from roads and noise. Goreville is small local town with grocery store and service station for supplies. South LOOP sites 1-23 are first come sites."

    3. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

    "Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."

    4. Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    32 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    $15 / night

    "However, by Saturday morning (Easter weekend) all but 5 sites had cleared out and we had the place nearly to ourselves for the rest of the stay. "

    "They were nice with variety between tucked away and fairly open spots. There are trailheads that lead down to the springs or you can just hike around."

    5. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes."

    "We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."

    6. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "Lake Glendale is a true southern Illinois gem. They have recently improved the shower houses, the kids love the playground, and there is SO much shade!"

    "Ill Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods and Trail of Tears segments on

    ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower."

    7. Fern Lake Campground

    15 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 444-7939

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Located on the edge of Paducah, Kentucky this is the perfect place to stay if you are going to the quilt shows or visiting the National Quilt Museum."

    "Told us we could walk our dogs around the pond. Nice level spot for our tent.

    We were able to try our first Buckee's on the way to this campground in Crossville TN! Check it out if you haven't been!"

    8. Riverview Campground

    1 Review
    Karnak, IL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 645-2641

    $25 / night

    9. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here."

    "Each site has electricity and access to water. Some have more.

    All the hiking in the park is some of the best in Illinois. The visitors center has a lot of great information."

    10. Main Brother's Campground

    1 Review
    Karnak, IL
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 634-9311

    $10 - $24 / night

    "The Tunnel Hill bike trails travel in each direction so biking is amazing.  2 downsides only portajohns and portashowers.  And the Mosquitoes are prominent."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Karnak, IL

661 Reviews of 94 Karnak Campgrounds


  • Chelsea D.
    Apr. 24, 2020

    Marion Campground & RV Park

    Would come back as a last resort...

    This is a stop-over type of campground. The sites are very close together with no privacy. There are some pull-thru sites, which is convenient. It is right next to interstate 57, so unless you're inside your camper, you'll definitely be listening to the highway. This is a pet-friendly campground, and they have a little dog park. They have a shower/laundry facility which is also convenient, especially if you're out on a big trip. Overall, it's certainly not a bad campground, but the highway noise really bothered us.

  • John H.
    Aug. 2, 2020

    Benton KOA

    Good place for a quick stop

    Not 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.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2019

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Not a typical KOA

    As KOAs go, this is one of The nicer ones! There is actually grass, not gravel, around the sites. There are trees and flowers and it is quite pleasant. With KOA you expect water, electric and sewer hookups. Clean shower/bathroom facilities and usually a pool. This place has that. Along with a small store, fishing lake, propane filling station. A dog park would be nice for the pups, but the do have a large grass area for walking them on lead. Internet connection is spotty! The spaces are a little close, but not as bad as some, and we were on an end site, so we had more room.

  • Donna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2023

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Very nice little KOA

    We only stayed one night but staff was very pleasant and sites are reasonable size. There is a nice dog park with disposable bags. Our site overlooks a nice little pond. There is a clean laundry facility and heated restroom and showers. We did not need to use the facilities so I cannot comment on those. Campground is easily accessible from I24. We would definitely stay here again.

  • G
    Oct. 23, 2020

    The Landing Point RV Park

    Real nice RV Park with easy access

    Real nice RV park orientated toward rigs of all sizes. Easy to navigate the roads, with every site level concrete. ATT & Verizon both worked fine. Wifi & cable included in the price. 10% discount for Good Sam, military & seniors. Right off a hiway (W) and a bit noisey, but all in all a nice park, especially for a night over. Sites are reasonably spaced, many with large trees. Not real far off 55. Would stay here again for a nioght ofer and even an extra night. They also have a dog park area.

  • Greg M.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Excellent lakeside sites

    Wthat a nice find in southern Illinois just outside of Marion. Very big roomy and grassy sites. Some right on the lake shore. This is a national conservation area so our national park passes are accepted meaning only $10 a night for electric and water. Full hookups $12.50. (Double the fee if you do not have a pass.) Boat ramps available. Very friendly and accomodating management. You will like it. Pets allowed. Internet accessible with my smartphone.

  • Lucy M.
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Hinton RV Park

    Shower, Sleep, and Power

    The older man in the office was kind and helpful. The facility allotted pets, sewer, water, and electric hook up. If had a few mature trees but mainly a place to catch-up before heading off again.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Camp Cadiz Campground

    Dusty, rustic camping at the edge of Shawnee

    This small, rustic camp is at the edge of Shawnee and only had a few campers staying multiple nights with us. Then the turkey hunting season came upon us and the sites filled.

    We had site choices that ended up being along the gravel forest road that goes by camp. This put us away from other dogs but caused other issues. Every vehicle that went by generated dust which then coated everything in our camp. If you come here, we suggest taking the site that is furthest from the road (it's right next to the small forest road that heads off to the hiking trails. They had shade as well as sun and no dust. 

    The sites are large but there isn't any foliage between them. Luckily the dogs were in camps further away from our dog so she was able to relax. The water pump got frequent use and the twin vault toilets were plenty for the campground. 

    The hiking trails that headed out from the camp were wonderful. We even hiked down the forest road and found a hidden cemetery tucked away. The river to river trail heads out from camp too - we saw a group of backpackers leave their cars and head off for the night. Garden of the Gods area is a short drive away for more hiking options.

    Choose your time wisely. Camp filled up with hunters who started generators at 3 in the morning to get ready to head out for turkey. Once we realized what was going on, we put our dog's bright shirt on. Everyone was wonderful and we had some interesting conversations. It was also morel mushroom time so some people were hunting for them.

  • James D.
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Devils Backbone Park

    Cool to see the Devil's Bake Oven and Tower Rock but otherwise blah

    Maybe it's because I am from WI and we tend to rip on IL a lot, but I really found this park sub-par. I am also spoiled from getting to see some of the larger parks in the country. Would probably be nice for a long weekend with the kids. But I don't have kids. It's more of a touristy place than a real campground in my opinion. If you are in the area check out the view of Tower Rock. There are a lot of campsites available for both tent and RV, and they do offer grills, tables, camp fire pits, toilets, and a playground. Pets are welcome. Part of a foundation of an old house built on a rock is still around and is a neat part of history.


Guide to Karnak

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Karnak, Illinois, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry friends. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Karnak

  • At Shawnee Forest Campground, pets are welcome, and you can explore paved trails that offer scenic views and a chance for your dog to stretch their legs.
  • Giant City State Park Campground features numerous hiking trails where dogs can join you on your outdoor adventures, making it a great spot for active pet owners.
  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at Lake Glendale Recreation Area, where pets are allowed, and you can spend quality time together by the water.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include ample amenities

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and natural beauty

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Karnak, IL is Shawnee Forest Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 94 dog-friendly camping locations near Karnak, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.