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.
58 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camp Sullivan's electric campsites allow pets throughout the facility with dogs kept on a 10-foot leash at all times. Located 25 miles from Mokena in Oak Forest, this Cook County Forest Preserve campground offers clean bathrooms, well-maintained grounds, and full hookup sites for RVs, though spaces are notably small and close together. Sites lack water hookups, requiring campers to fill tanks before setting up. Both tent and RV camping are available, with cabins that permit pets outside but not inside the structures. Bathhouses are generally clean with showers, though water temperature and pressure can be inconsistent. Martin's Camping Ground permits pets with strictly enforced leash policies, offering full hookup RV sites and tent camping with a three-day limit for tent campers.
The miles of walking trails accessible directly from Camp Sullivan provide excellent pet exercise opportunities despite the campground's proximity to urban areas. Highway noise from nearby I-80 can be disruptive at Martin's Camping Ground, particularly for pets sensitive to traffic sounds. Most campgrounds in the area enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances, with violation potentially resulting in removal. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground allows pets with standard leash requirements and offers lake access, though water quality concerns have been noted. Kankakee River State Park provides a more natural setting for dog walking with extensive trail systems and river access points approximately 40 minutes south of Mokena. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid hot pavement that can burn sensitive paw pads.
"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."
from $20 - $138 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
"There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."
"There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots."
"give you a great view of Lake Michigan. Bathroom rooms and shower were super clean. Dog friendly campsite and right next to the lake!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
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Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view.
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
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.
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.
Great stop for the night, It's new, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court and tennis ball court for some activities if you have kids. Plenty of space and Convenient. We reserved and checked in online. The only complaint I had is the site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit but it's Nov so no need to run dual ACs minor issue but still make sure your using your EPM devices.
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!
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.
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.
it’s so nice to have a great beachfront in the Midwest. There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots.
Camping near Mokena offers access to a mix of forest preserve, state park, and private campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, closing from late fall through early spring when temperatures drop below freezing. Located in northeastern Illinois, Mokena sits at approximately 720 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and cold winters.
Hiking trails system access: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides direct access to miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. "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," notes Josh M. The trails connect to a larger network throughout the preserve.
Kayaking and fishing: Dunewood Campground at Indiana Dunes National Park offers both lake and river recreation opportunities. "We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle," mentions Jacqueline F. The campground sits approximately 40 miles from Mokena but provides access to Lake Michigan beaches.
Nature center programs: Blackwell Family Campground features ranger-led programs for campers of all ages. "There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families," according to Marisa A. The nature center offers hands-on activities suitable for children during weekend camping sessions.
Clean facilities: Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms inclu vault were cleanest I've seen. Bike path/hike path is long and wide and very nice," shares Shannon H. The campground is approximately 30 miles south of Mokena.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Blackwell Family Campground provides ample wildlife watching close to urban areas. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," reports Hatie P. The wooded campsites create habitat for various species.
Spacious sites: The dog friendly campgrounds near Mokena typically offer sites with enough room for pets to settle comfortably. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "the campsites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean," notes Lawrence B. Some sites include complimentary firewood with rental.
Noise considerations: Several pet-friendly campsites near Mokena experience noise from nearby highways. At Martin's Camping Ground, "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," warns Iris A. Sound-sensitive dogs may become stressed by constant traffic noise.
Site size variations: Camp Sullivan offers limited space between campsites. "The campsites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded," explains Lisa S. Larger dogs or multiple pets may feel confined in smaller sites with close neighbors.
Seasonal water availability: Some campgrounds restrict water access during colder months. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, campers report "No water before 4/15," according to David N., making early spring camping more challenging for those with pets requiring frequent water access.
Group camping options: Blackwell Family Campground offers designated areas for larger groups with children. "Each group site has a nice cooking area and open space for tents. We had a group of about 20 kids plus moms and dads, so we grabbed three sites in the same area," shares John R.
Structured activities for children: Camp Sullivan provides additional facilities for youth activities. "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)," reports Dane S. The campground includes a climbing wall in their activities barn.
Pet-specific considerations: Dog friendly campgrounds in Mokena area typically permit pets outside cabins but not inside structures. "Our trip to Camp Sullivan was mostly a test run to determine how our new dog handled camping. However, important to note dogs are not allowed inside the cabins," advises Megan R. This requires planning for pet supervision during any indoor activities.
Electric-only sites: Many campsites near Mokena provide electricity but lack full hookups. At Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, "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," mentions TK n E.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have problematic water systems. At Leisure Lake Resort, one camper notes: "Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning." Bringing bottled water for pets is advisable.
Limited weekend availability: Blackwell Family Campground operates on a restricted schedule. "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," shares Rich M. This limitation requires advance planning for RV camping with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mokena, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mokena, 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 Mokena, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 58 dog-friendly camping locations near Mokena, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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