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Harry L Swartz Campground at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve accommodates pets at all 48 campsites, with space between sites offering privacy for dogs and their owners. Campers bringing pets find grassy areas throughout the campground suitable for dog walking, though all pets must remain leashed. Sites feature electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings with cooking grates. The campground stays meticulously maintained with clean facilities. Several fishing ponds surround the camping area, and a small swimming area with beach provides recreation options. Prairie Pines Campground and Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground also welcome pets with full hookup sites for RVs. Large trees throughout these parks offer shade during hot summer months, important for keeping dogs comfortable during Illinois summer heat.
The hiking trails at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve create excellent opportunities for exercising dogs while enjoying nature. The Oak Burl Trail winds through wooded areas with small creek crossings, while other paths lead through prairie restoration areas with traditional prairie plants emerging among field grasses. Visitors with pets should be prepared for encounters with wildlife, as campers report hearing diverse bird calls and coyotes howling at night. One persistent raccoon frequently visits campsites, making proper food storage essential when camping with pets. D & W Lake RV Park features a beautiful lake with catch-and-release fishing for blue gill and bass, plus a dedicated dog park area. The campground's visible management presence ensures facilities remain clean and suitable for campers traveling with animals.
"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."
"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."
"10$ a night next to a park on a slightly busy street. I pitched my tent amongst the many rv trailers and had a rest on my motorcycle trip south."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."
"It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."
from $40 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Had AC going but could hear road noise from interstate/ nearby roads."
TravelerSmall 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
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.
TravelerMany 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.
LegendLet me begin by saying that I scored this Love's RV Stop as high as I did not because it is my ideal camping spot - it isn't - and I don't think anyone looks for a spot to camp out on next to a super busy highway next to a commercial big rig gas station, but if you are doing some heavy duty highway traveling with your RV or 5th wheel and simply need a place to hold up for the night, then this place really is pretty amazing. With that in mind, hopefully you'll pay this place a visit, stop, get fueled up, rest for the night and enjoy the convenience and easy on- and off-access that this place provides. With this in mind …
This spot is brand spanking new, incredibly flat and offers up all the flat poured concrete where you want it and freshly poured gravel where you drive and all the other parts are surrounded by freshly sodded grass that has already grown in to near maturity everywhere else. Conveniently located on the highway axis where I39 / US51 meets I55, here in central Illinois in the city of Bloomington, Love’s RV Stop is an incredibly convenient and easy access spot to drop your RV anchor for the night. Extra points to Love’s RV Stop for providing gated key-pad entry and 24 hour CCTV security delivering a real feeling of safety throughout your roadside RV or 5th Wheel stay.
The convenient app-managed reservation system is seamless and provides for an incredibly simple, remote check-in and payment process. You’ll find back-in or pull-through as well as ADA accessible sites with full hook-ups with water, sewer and choice of either 30 or 50 amp electrical at every site. At the main kiosk where you’ll check-in, there’s a brand new spartan clean single person shower facility as well as individual men and women’s restrooms in addition to a coin-operated laundry facility. Additionally, the property has 2 covered pavilions with picnic tables and gas-powered BBQ grills, community firepit that can easily seat a dozen people, 2 pickleball courts, kid’s playground and a dog park with real grass for the pups to do their business on. Now granted, you'll be enjoying all of these amenities right next to all of the swooshing highway traffic, but surprisingly, we all got over this very quickly!
Because Love’s RV Stop is connected and managed by the neighboring Love’s Truck Stop, you’ll have nearby access to their full convenience store, as well as ATMs, Bojangles Restaurant (mediocre BBQ at best), as well as additional shower facilities along with, but of course, all the gas you can pump by the gallon. But if it’s something simple like firewood, ice, sundries or snacks, you can get these items back at the Kiosk and there are 2 soda vending machines as well as an ice machine behind this small building as well.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) As you are literally on the corner of one of the busiest highway intersections in the entire Land ‘O Lincoln, there is no escaping where you are at, no matter how high they build the fence or how many bushes and trees they place between you and the 8-lanes of rushing passerby traffic and there’s not a single site here to escape the noise, so bring your earbuds if it bothers you or crank up some Van Halen;(2) If you are looking for something more than the stale coffee or the Bojangle’s food they are serving up at the truck stop, there are endless chain options like Starbucks, Dunkin’, Moe’s Southwest Grill nearby as well as further afield; (3) If you want my top recommendations for restaurants that are worth the drive, try out Giordano’s for Chicago deep dish pizza or Portillo’s for their Italian beef & sausage sandwich (don't ask, just order and send me your thanks later); and (4) If you are looking for something to do with the kiddos, head on over to Miller Park Zoo for the wild animals, performances and mini-golf or try out Grady’s Family Fun Park, which is an amusement park with rides and games.
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: 5
Quality: 5
Peace& Quiet: 4
Amenities: 5
Overall, I scored this location a 5.
Happy Overnighting!
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.
GuideStayed 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 the main storms that did so much damage. The campground itself seems solid, but I will admit... I did not use many of the facilities that evening. The camp host at the entrance was super nice though. I can't remember the campsite number, it was near the restrooms at the back of the campground.
TravelerI would highly recommend this campground. It is close to the main highway, but far enough to not be noticeable. Sites are level and in good condition. Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site. Signage to get to the campground is excellent. The bath house is clean and up to date with lots of hot water. The lake is pleasant and has a trail around it for walking. There is a dog area that is fenced in for doggy pleasure and exercise. I would be happy to return here when I could spend more time and maybe wet a line.
LegendCampground Review:
This is a pleasant discovery! 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. Right now you must register online due to COVID-19. There were no photos of the campsites online so we picked a spot distant from the others(my dog gets finicky). We should have picked a different site. Sites 40- 48 get full sun until around 2 in the afternoon. Luckily it was cool for our visit or we would have melted. Other sites are mostly shaded and beautiful. Some sites give more privacy than others(32 looked nice). There is a swimming beach and playground that were also closed for COVID. Each site has a raised fire pit, picnic table and lantern hanger. Every site comes with electric and still it only cost us $16 for the night. The shower house was also closed but pit toilets were available. There are double sites where small groups can share space. There is also a group camping area(near our site) that has a large open field right in front of it. A theater stage is found long a hiking path that starts near the camp host. Perhaps your family can put on a play :)
The hiking here is interesting! The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8” deep creek to cross (thanks small tree branch to walk across!). We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River. One couple found a rock bar to lay out on for their own private river-beach. The hiking on the other side goes through a mix of prairie and woods. The prairie is in restoration and we saw some traditional prairie plants among field grass- signs that they are working on things. Going further out brings you right to the fork between Sugar Creek and the Middle Fork river. We hiked these during the morning and still needed water and a rest. The trails are wide but some of the grass was almost a foot tall- its been raining here.
We discovered a couple donut shops in a town about 20 minutes west- one is known for their scones! We enjoyed this campground but would hesitate before camping here during the heat of summer- unless you have a/c.
Product Review: GCI Pod Rocker with Sun Shade in Loden Green
As a Dyrt Ranger, sometimes I get products to review. I am so happy that I found this chair! A good travel chair that is comfy and folds is key to summer-long adventures. The pod rocker folds into its own carrying case(extra tip: I put the case flat on the ground and my dog loves to lay on it away from some of the crawling ants and things). It is simple to push on the 4 corners of the chair and it opens right up. I immediately noticed that there are some extra shocks on the chair. This adds some weight so this chair might not be great for backpacking very far but it is still certainly carryable. 2 legs in front stabilize the pod rocker in a secure position. The first time I went to rock it I felt like I was falling over- there is a gap before you settle onto the flat base that allows the rocking. Once on this extra base, the shock compresses allowing you to rock your heart out! This transition from stable to rocking was easy to get used to and provides a solid base for eating/activity vs. rocking. This isn’t a chair that rocks on its own. You apply consistent force to rock. The sun shade is a retractable part that can rest behind your seat out of the way. It is really easy to click up above your head at different angles. I so often find myself in places without much shade that this is a feature I will continue to enjoy! When it came time to leave camp, the chair was easy to compress and slide into the carrying bag- no struggles at all. The arm rests are not a perfect fit for my body geometry but didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the pod rocker. Tucked under one of the arms I found a cup holder(big enough for my large coffee container) and a slim pocket perfect for my phone. I did enjoy one extra feature that the wide chair provided room for. The chair will allow you room to rock so I used this to turn the chair into a sort of recliner. I propped my feet on a table, scooted my butt forward in the chair and rocked back. My head was now supported by the top of the chair and my feet were up. Perfectly cradled for recovering after a long hike with my dog! Although you might see in the photo/video that my dog seems to like the pod rocker too. Maybe I need another one for her:) The material in the pod rocker feels like it will keep me sitting comfortable for the rest of the summer and in years to come.
GuideOf all the KOA's so far on my journey was the worst. Not really the campground owners fault for the most part. Stayed on a Friday night, knowing I needed a rest in the trip, booked about 5 days in advance in app. First the camp store really had nothing, second there were some kind of car races until around 9:30, awful noise, third camper near by started banging inside the camper until 11:30! Everytime it would happen it would scare my dogs thinking someone was outside. People walking late at night shining lights towards others rvs around midnight. Needless to say no rest. Wouldn't stay there again.
The central Illinois area near Loda contains several established campgrounds and RV parks located primarily along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River and surrounding forest preserves. Camping options range from primitive sites to full-hookup RV accommodations, with most areas open from April through November. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer days often exceed 85°F with high humidity.
Hiking trails with wildlife viewing: At Kickapoo State Recreation Area, diverse trail systems accommodate various difficulty levels. "The hiking here is interesting! The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8" deep creek to cross (thanks small tree branch to walk across!). We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River," notes one visitor to Harry L Swartz Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes contain various fish species throughout the region. "There are 3 nice ponds for fishing," according to a camper at Harry L Swartz Campground. At D & W Lake RV Park, "the lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass."
Stargazing: The region offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities away from urban light pollution. "It's a dark sky park so you can get some nice views from the campground and surrounding areas," notes a camper. Another visitor shares, "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting. "This is a pleasant discovery! The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them," notes a visitor to Moraine View State Recreational Area, where "the RV campground is on the water, book far enough in advance for a waterfront site. You can kayak or fish from campground."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain their amenities well. At Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, "the bathrooms are basic vault toilets but kept very clean." Another camper notes, "Have stayed here numerous times. Always very clean. We have only stayed in the electric only sites as the full hookup sites are hard to come by."
Well-spaced sites: Many campgrounds offer ample room between campsites. "Love this place. Quiet campground with plenty of room between you and your neighbors," reports one camper. Another visitor to Clinton Lake mentions, "The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake."
Seasonal water access: Some facilities limit water access during colder months. At Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, one visitor noted, "Water was turned off for winter which wasn't entirely clear. The RV fill was shutdown too. Water options were the lake or a 30 min drive into town for bottled."
Weekend crowds: Popular areas can become busy, especially on holidays. "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," comments a camper at Harry L Swartz Campground. Another visitor notes, "It's a nice campground but it's usually insanely busy. Holidays are crazy."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local wildlife interactions. "Bald eagles are visible on the river," reports one camper. Another mentions, "Lots of wildlife: heard many different bird calls & coyotes howling in the night. One very persistent raccoon: hide your food!"
Swimming access: Many campgrounds offer designated swimming areas. "There is a beach and concession stand, group camping areas and lots of roads to bike around. We enjoy the boating/camping combo," notes a visitor to Clinton Lake State Recreation Area.
Playground amenities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Loda include play equipment for children. Prairie Pines Campground offers "several small playgrounds and swingsets scattered about." Another camper mentions that "there's a swimming beach and playground" nearby.
Site selection for shade: During hot summer months, seek shady sites. "Sites 40-48 get full sun until around 2 in the afternoon. Luckily it was cool for our visit or we would have melted. Other sites are mostly shaded and beautiful," advises a camper at Harry L Swartz Campground.
Hook-up availability: Full service sites can be limited at state parks. "We have only stayed in the electric only sites as the full hookup sites are hard to come by," notes one RVer. At Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground, "there are 9 asphalt pads with one pull thru and ada compliant."
Easy highway access: Some campgrounds offer convenient locations for overnight stays. "Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad," shares a camper about D & W Lake RV Park.
Site leveling: Many sites require minimal adjustment. "Sites are level and in good condition. Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site," reports an RVer. This type of personal attention makes pet friendly campsites near Loda particularly accessible for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Loda, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Loda, IL is Harry L Swartz Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Loda, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 dog-friendly camping locations near Loda, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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