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Carl Spindler Campground welcomes pets throughout its waterfront sites along the Illinois River, offering both RV and tent camping options with electric hookups. The campground features designated pet walking areas where dogs can stretch their legs while owners enjoy views of Peoria across the water. Millpoint Park also accommodates pets with spacious sites that provide ample room for dogs to relax alongside their owners. The water at Millpoint has high iron content, so campers should bring bottled water for both themselves and their pets. Sites at both campgrounds include fire rings and picnic tables, with most offering full hookups for RVs. The grounds are well-maintained with plenty of mature trees providing shade during hot summer months, particularly important for pets who need relief from the heat.
Sand Ridge State Forest offers unique pet-friendly camping experiences with both developed and primitive options. Dogs can explore the forest's extensive trail system spanning nearly 15 miles through unusual sandy terrain that features prickly pear cactus—an unexpected sight in Illinois. Leashed pets must be supervised at all times, especially when encountering wildlife in the preserve areas. Kentuckiana Campground provides excellent accommodations for traveling pet owners with spacious sites and pet-friendly policies that have earned positive reviews from families with dogs. The campground's large designated pet area includes centrally located waste disposal stations. During summer months, campers should bring DEET spray to protect both themselves and their pets from ticks, along with peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented candles to keep gnats away from camping areas.
"This waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that"
"It was also a short walk to the Illinois River!!!"
"Perched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing"
"If you’re looking to stay close to Peoria and enjoy beautiful sunsets and the water this place has it. Big trees, deep shade and it’s right on the Peoria Lake on the Illinois River."
from $18 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It’s quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there. "
"It’s a nice get away from the city. I haven’t stayed at any of the backpacking sites, but the main campground. It is located under a bunch of tall pines, and feels fairly open."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"The abundant forest, trails and the creek going through the park make this an ideal place to visit during spring and fall. Summer is ok too but may get a bit hot in Central Illinois for my taste."
"Located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies. The campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric goo ups."
"We stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage."
"When Unhitching if there is anyone waiting to drive by, you feel kind of rushed. Don’t let it make you forget wheel chocks or something important. They have a nice pond."
"This campground has walk-in only camping but it’s right next to where you park. It’s a quiet place in an open field surrounded by forest. Choose a campsite under some trees if you like."
"A set of vault toilets is commonly located. Along with garbage cans there are multiple spots to pile manure. There were a couple sites occupied the first night but it emptied out on Saturday. "
"Lots of trails nearby, and plenty of beautiful green trees. Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn’t get a lot of action."
from $8 / night
"Trails are long and well maintained. All sand! this is my go to state forest since it’s so close to my home. campgrounds are clean and it’s never super busy!"
GuideWe stayed here last year and will likely stay there again this year when we are back in Illinois. The park has two sides, one side closer to the stage. We haven’t been there when they have shows, so I can’t speak to what that is like. When we were there it was lovely. There is plenty of shade, sites are large enough for our Class A and they are pet friendly.
ScoutMy Husband were traveling to Montana and this campground was right off the freeway. The grounds are well maintained and the hosts were amazing. They helped you get to your site and get lined up. All sites are pull thru with full hookups. The grounds have lots of mature trees so shade is plenty. There is a very large area to walk your dogs and they have centrally located pet disposal can. They have a pond which was nice to walk the dogs around. I liked that the campground was quiet as we went to bed early in order to get an early start the next day. Keep in mind there are no showers which for us wasn’t an issue but some people might not have that option. We will use them again for sure!!
GuideWe loved this campground. Was all paved sites and roads. Pretty level sites. Utilities harder to get to but all in all a great family campground. Pet friendly. Not 5 stars since we had to leave a day early due to weather. Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn’t even step outside. Barely any AT&T service. Couldn’t use phone as hotspot at all.
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!
LegendPerched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.
From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night. In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don’t attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it’s fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you; (3) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.
Happy Camping!
LegendThis waterfront campground is perfect for anglers and particularly boaters who want to have their vessels close at hand, tied up at the marina, providing quick and EZ access to a fresh body of water that is formed where Upper Lake Peoria meets the Illinois River. For campers who want to get away from it all, while still being within close driving distance to civilization, Carl Spindler offers the convenience of a nearby major city (Peoria) while still providing a decent escape for some rest & relaxation within a fairly decent vicinity to nature. The best part about this lakefront getaway – apart from the incredibly cheap prices for an overnight stay – was hands down, the very friendly staff who offer up everyone a very strong dose of Midwestern hospitality.
This pet-friendly CG offers a lot of amenities including: FHUs featuring electric, water and sewage as well as playground, community fire pit, restroom and shower facility that are in pretty good (not pristine) condition, laundry, fresh tap water, boat launch, 2 dump stations, WiFi (although very poor connection) and a beachhead. All sites are very level here and come with a picnic table, fire ring and electric, while a good number of the RV slots have a combination of electric amp options in addition to water and sewage hook-ups. At the marina, you can purchase ice, small sundries and camping supplies and / or simply use this spot to launch your boat, kayak or canoe from. There’s also options to rent a slip, store your boat and / or trailer for the winter. There’s even a deluxe cabin to rent in case you don’t have a tent or RV.
While most of Carl Spindler is designed more for the RV-driving or 5th Wheel toting kind – and to be honest, some of these look like longer-term residents and / or traveling professionals – offering up some 55 individual slots (some of which I would definitely describe as ‘very snug’), this outfit does provide 2 different options for decent camp sites with me tent pitchin’ bredren in mind, both of which sit right in front of the Illinois River. In these areas, and actually for the entire campground, there’s not much (if any) shade, tree cover or brush that contributes to an overall lack of privacy – so whatever your activities might be, you and your camping brood will be on full display to the rest of the campground. At least if you chose to set up your tent over in the primitive camping area, this area is still pretty underdeveloped (for now), so over in these parts, you’ll have a greater feeling of solitude, peace & quiet.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’d like to knock some pins down while slurping some delicious local cold brew, head on over to Landmark Bowling Center; (2) Should you be looking for some decent trails to hike check out nearby Powerton Lake State Park; (3) You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, you’ll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out to shine their brightest all with a crackling bonfire keeping you warm and lit on a gorgeous Midwestern night; (4) While I always pack a long 100 foot electrical cord for all of my electricity needs, I’ve never had to use it, except here, where the electrical outlet in the primitive tent camping area is shared by all 4 sites and ours was the furthest away – so we got lucky; and (5) In the event that you grow weary of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge and want to check out some local flavor, there’s a handful of options, but all will require a bit of a drive, of which I highly recommend Avanti’s Ristorante for their excellent pizza and Italian subs, the Blue Duck BBQ Tavern for outstanding smoked brisket and Obed & Issacs Microbewery for the finest local taps as well as their signature dish, Kitchen Sink Pie (don’t ask, just order).
Happy Camping!
GuideWe were late reserving a campsite for Memorial Day Weekend. But Don had a spot for us. We are glad we stayed.
The campground sits along the Illinois River: many campsites face it. It's secluded and quiet. Campsites are spacious and well-distanced.
There is much to do on site. The campground is situated between a nature preserve with nice walking paths and a beach. There is also an old barge to explore.
A little further away is Old Mill Vineyard. Well worth the 20 minute drive! The wine and ambiance are very nice. Ask for Ellen.
The campground only had two restrooms available during our stay. But they were nice. And don't forget your RV water filter! The water here is very rusty.
LegendThis is one of the larger Walmart stores that I have across in my travels and is conveniently located right off of I74 just due south of Peoria and across the Illinois River. You will immediately discover that this Walmart is easily accessible from just about any entrance point that completely surrounds this blue big box retailer. And even though this retail outlet is massive, as is its accompanying oversized parking pad, the place was very frenetic, and jam-packed with lots of traffic zipping around in multiple directions.
But hey, if lots of ping-pong match-style traffic doesn’t dissuade you from parking here, then you’ll be treated to a decent ton of amenities as you are situated within a massive retail complex that is surrounded by other big box retailers like Lowe’s and Bass Pro Shop, a number of gas stations as well as a decent assortment of smart restaurants, like Texas Roadhouse, Childer’s Eatery and Godfather’s Pizza. Of course, there’s no shortage of drive-by fast food joints nearby like McDonald’s, IHOP, Bob Evans, Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell, but take it from me, you’d be better off crossing the Illinois River into Peoria to check out some better haunts like Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery or Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer.
Should you decide to park at this oversized discount retailer parking haven, I would suggest parking either on the southern or northern perimeters as while they are next to their own respective inner 2-lane roads, the traffic is slow-moving and isn’t stopped for any lights around those areas, making for less noise pollution. You’ll find that the lot is very flat and level, well-paved albeit dated as well as offering really great lighting at night along with very good rotating security that remain constantly vigilant in this overgrown shopping mecca.
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: 3
Safety & Security: 2
Quality: 3
Peace & Quiet: 2
Amenities: 3
Overall, I scored this location a 3
Happy Overnighting!
LegendThis review is for the backpacking campsites within the Sand Ridge forest. The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It’s quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there.
We stopped at 2 different campsites. They are just a short distance off the trail. Each was a small clearing with forest right up to the edge. A fire pit is also available. All the backpacking sites were empty so it seems that lots of options are possible.
We didn’t come across water sources so we asked the ranger. He pointed out a couple spots the have spigots or hand pumps. Be sure to have a water supply before heading out.
The longest loop is just under 15 miles but you can do different loops together to increase mileage. There is prickly pear in this area so be careful where you step. We also were told to avoid a trail because it was sandy and a tough climb. The man said he breaks horses by riding them up the hill. If this is a concern, I recommend asking around to find the best trail for you.
This is a hidden gem right in the middle of Illinois.
Carl Spindler Campground sits along the Illinois River about 15 miles northeast of Mapleton. The area features sandy terrain with unusual ecological features including prickly pear cactus naturally occurring in central Illinois. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate camping conditions between 55-75°F.
Fishing from shore or boat: At Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, campers can access multiple fishing spots along the road. "There is lots of fishing opportunity here. Spring lake is long and shallow. They allow pole fishing. We saw people fishing from boats as well as from nicely designed pullouts along the road," notes Art S.
Hiking unique terrain: The trails at Sand Ridge State Forest offer a surprising landscape. "You can even spot some cacti out there, which is a site when you're in the Midwest," shares Silas H. The green trail comes recommended by rangers as it "touches on all the various ecosystems that are found here."
Paddle the Illinois River: Waterfront access makes kayaking and canoeing popular activities. "There's a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night," mentions Stuart K. about Millpoint Park.
Pine forest camping: Pine Campground features a unique environment. "Large sites in a pine forest with a thick bed of pine needles. The orange trail (5 mile loop) starts at the campground making it easy to access the trail to check out the sandy forest and prickly pear cactus," says Amanda C.
Riverside sites with views: At Carl Spindler Campground, campers appreciate waterfront locations. "You will want to time your sundowners correctly, because if you do, you'll be sipping Mai Tais leaning back in your camp chair listening to some Amy Winehouse watching the sun set in the west over the Illinois River as the twinkling stars come out," writes Stuart K.
Spacious camping areas: Millpoint Park offers generously sized sites. "Large sites on Illinois River. FHU. They do sell firewood, pickup your trash, and have two showers available," notes Cindy H. Another camper adds, "We were on 2 huge pull-thru sites with just our 2 tents and we were the only tent campers I saw."
Water quality concerns: Millpoint's water requires planning. "The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don't attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it's fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you," advises Stuart K.
Limited cell service: Some campgrounds have connectivity challenges. "We did not have any cell phone service here at all and from talking to some of the other campers they did not either so that eliminates at least Sprint and Verizon cell phone signal," reports Ryan L. about Kentuckiana Kampground.
Varying campsite privacy: Site layouts differ between campgrounds. "There isn't a lot of privacy, but it is pretty. You're close to others, and there isn't a lot of privacy," mentions Silas H. about Pine Campground. At Jubilee College State Park, "the campsite has three main loops with RV pads and electric hookups. We tent camp and majority for the sites also have plenty of room for one or two tents."
Kid-friendly playgrounds: Jubilee College State Park has outdoor recreation for children. "The campground has shower house near loop B, which is not bad. Could be cleaner, but gets the job done," notes Brooke C., adding that "located outside of Peoria, Jubilee is far enough away from town that you get clear, start night skies."
Special activities: Family events happen regularly at certain campgrounds. "The big red slide and playground area in the holler is a fun area for the kids. We were there the week before the Halloween festivities and it looks like that was going to be a good time as well," says Ryan L.
Pet-friendly trails: Dogs can enjoy hiking alongside owners. "We enjoyed the short nature trail that leaves directly from the area. The trail starts off as a boardwalk over an interesting marsh area and then transitions to a primitive trail eventually leading you to the lake shoreline. This was a great walk for our black lab who loves trails and water," reports Nancy W.
Electricity planning: At Horseman's Park, hookups are minimal. "The staff isn't always there, so you could end up with a free place to stay (especially if you come late). Outhouse on site. One of the more quiet sites that doesn't get a lot of action," mentions Jesse B. Bring extra power cords as some campgrounds have limited access to outlets.
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round. "I have camped at this park several times over the last few years. Especially like winter truck camping here. The pit toilets are always available in the winter, and I usually have the park to myself," says Jonathan J. about Jubilee College State Park.
Leveling considerations: Check site terrain before setting up. "Our site was paved with a picnic table and fire pit and all the hook-ups worked well," reports Nancy W. At other campgrounds, "we had a great spot that required minimal leveling" notes a camper at Millpoint Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mapleton, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mapleton, IL is Carl Spindler Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mapleton, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dog-friendly camping locations near Mapleton, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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