Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lockport, IL

Camp Bullfrog Lake offers pet-friendly tent sites, RV spots, and cabins within the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Campers with pets have access to clean facilities, hiking trails, and lakeside views approximately 25 miles from Lockport. Martin's Camping Ground allows pets at its full-hookup sites, though the camping area features minimal shade and sits adjacent to Interstate 80. The bathrooms at Martin's are exceptionally clean with coded entry, according to multiple visitor accounts. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area provide water access, picnic tables, and fire rings, with Camp Bullfrog Lake including a free bundle of firewood with each reservation.

The extensive trail network surrounding Camp Bullfrog Lake provides excellent opportunities for dog walking with miles of connected paths through the Palos Forest Preserve system. Highway noise impacts the camping experience at Martin's, particularly for dogs sensitive to traffic sounds. Blackwell Family Campground, located in Warrenville, offers another pet-friendly option with RV and tent sites near water access. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with Blackwell operating from May through September, while Camp Bullfrog Lake maintains year-round operations. Dog owners should note that most locations require pets to remain on leash at all times and proper waste disposal is mandatory. The proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds convenient weekend destinations for urban pet owners seeking quick outdoor escapes.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Lockport, Illinois (57)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    10 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. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    12 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."

    3. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    18 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."

    4. Martin’s Camping Ground

    6 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    6 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."

    5. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rockdale, IL
    10 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."

    6. Martin Campground

    2 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    6 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."

    7. Leisure Lake Resort

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

    $37 / night

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

    8. Leisure Lake Membership Resort

    3 Reviews
    Joliet, IL
    12 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."

    9. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (708) 258-6040

    $20 - $35 / night

    "The park is dog friendly. The campground is clean and quiet. There is no bath house, only port-a-potty's throughout the campground."

    "Yes, it’s an hour from the city, but I’d take the drive over the bill at a nearby hotel. There’s an outhouse and plenty of places to plug in the RV, and cars/tents are welcome too."

    10. Big Rock Campground

    18 Reviews
    Big Rock, IL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (630) 232-5980

    $18 - $35 / night

    "Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"

    "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lockport, IL

373 Reviews of 57 Lockport Campgrounds


  • 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.
    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.

  • 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!

  • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

    My second stay here

    I was here for three months this time as i get to business completed.  The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how.  The grass is mowed every week.  There is patroling at all hours for security.  The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good.  The dog park is clean and secure.  The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage.  The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year.  The store has many items you may need.  The showers are cleaned and work great.  The camp water is high in Iron.  The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes.  Good thing for the 5mph speed limit.

  • 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.

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Blackwell Family Campground

    Weekend Camping with lots of activities

    For years, this was our go-to campground for weekend nearby adventures. Over the years, the price has increased and at $30 per site for non-residents, it's a bit steep for tent camping for me (so I left off a star rating). All sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs. It's located in a beautiful wooded Dupage County Forest preserve. While the sites are pretty close together, there are a few good ones that feel more secluded. Designated chip bark tent sites are level. The grounds are very well maintained. While I didn't camp here this year, I took these photos the last weekend in October to give everyone a sense of how nice this campground could be for them. My favorite sites over the years were the ones closest to Silver Lake along the South Loop road because those sites have the best views. For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods. Other than plenty of hiking options including a big hill, the fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release. There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families. I've brought cub scouts here and my kids' friends. Heads-up that sites 21 & 22 may not be able to see traffic on the busy Winfield Rd in the summer, but you will still hear it at those sites.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Channahon State Park Campground

    Perfect for cyclists along the canal trail

    This campground is right in town. 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. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride.

    This campground is surrounded by trees. When we showed up, a classic car gathering was going on. They even set a campfire to use throughout the morning. There are vault toilets and a picnic area too. It should also be noted that you need to walk in to the campsites (parking is really close by).

    The maintenance buildings are right next to campsites. Today they were mowing so workers were moving in camp but also out along the trail and park.

    This is a nice, shady place to stop along the I & M Canal Trail.


Guide to Lockport

Dispersed camping near Lockport, Illinois offers overnight options for campers within a one-hour radius of this canal town located 30 miles southwest of Chicago. The area sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level in the Illinois prairie region, with mostly flat terrain broken by river valleys and forest preserves. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter camping availability at select locations.

What to do

Hiking trail access: The Palos Forest Preserve system connected to Camp Bullfrog Lake provides extensive trail networks suitable for all skill levels. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits. 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," notes Josh M.

Fishing opportunities: Several area lakes offer shoreline fishing for bluegill and bass, with some campgrounds providing direct water access. Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville features multiple fishing spots. "The grounds are very well maintained. While I didn't camp here this year, I took these photos the last weekend in October to give everyone a sense of how nice this campground could be for them. My favorite sites over the years were the ones closest to Silver Lake along the South Loop road because those sites have the best views," writes Marisa A.

Water activities: Seasonal kayak and canoe rentals are available at several locations, typically costing $15-20 per hour including safety equipment. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports Layla P. about her experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake.

What campers like

Clean bathroom facilities: Martin's Camping Ground features modern restrooms with secure entry systems. "Sites are ok. Very close together. Traffic from I-80 is loud. Staff is very nice. Cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen," says Robert C.

Proximity to Chicago: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Lockport provide reasonable driving access to downtown Chicago, allowing for day trips. "Awesome place to stay when you live in the city and wanna get away," shares Deanna B. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, which is approximately 30 minutes from downtown.

Level campsites: Big Rock Campground offers particularly flat sites for easy setup. "Nice campground with big, level sites. Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability. Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails, but the lack of trees and privacy isn't my preference," explains Melissa C.

What you should know

Highway noise impacts: Several campgrounds near major roadways experience significant traffic noise, particularly at night. "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by to I-80. There's a lot of traffic given the proximity to Chicago. If you're able to sleep with large trucks driving in the background, you'll be fine," warns Iris A. about Martin's Camping Ground.

Shade availability varies: Most newer campgrounds lack mature trees, resulting in limited shade during summer months. "This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade," points out David W. about Big Rock Campground.

Tent camping restrictions: Some locations limit tent camping duration or have specific regulations. "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really had a tent here but us we had some privacy. It is next to a highway so be mindful of that. But only down side beside that they have a three day limit for campers with tents. Very disappointed with that And its three days a month," explains Katelyn G. about her experience at Martin's Camping Ground.

Tips for camping with families

Urban escape options: Camp Sullivan provides family-friendly amenities close to Chicago. "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. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds. There are trails to walk. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," describes Shane S.

Kid-friendly activities: Some locations offer structured activities for children during summer weekends. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods). Highly recommend," writes Dane S. about Camp Sullivan.

Cabin options: For families new to camping or wanting more comfort, several pet-friendly campgrounds near Lockport offer cabin rentals. "I visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc). 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," shares Hatie P.

Tips from RVers

Hookup locations: Water connections at some campgrounds require additional hose length. "Campers with pets have access to clean facilities, hiking trails, and lakeside views approximately 25 miles from Lockport. Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K. about Big Rock Campground.

Site spacing considerations: Many RV sites throughout the area provide minimal spacing between units. "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper. No picnic table, no firing, bathroom and showers were clean. Thought it strange that you needed a combination to get in the bathroom. Seems like most people live there. With a few sites for People passing through," reports Jim L. from his stay at Martin's Camping Ground.

Casino camping option: Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort offers RV spots with casino access. "Friendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. $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," explains TK n E.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lockport, 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 Lockport, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Lockport, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.