Best Dog-Friendly Camping near New Lenox, IL

Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan both accommodate pets with full-service amenities for campers traveling with dogs. Located within 20 miles of New Lenox, these Forest Preserve District of Cook County campgrounds offer tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin options where pets can stay with their owners. The sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Small kiddie pools for pets aren't allowed at some campgrounds in the area, as one camper discovered at Leisure Lake Resort despite seeing several others set up around the park. Most campgrounds enforce leash requirements, typically six feet or less, and owners must clean up after their pets throughout their stay.

Blackwell Family Campground provides excellent hiking options with dogs along wooded trails and around Silver Lake, with sites closest to the lake offering the best views for pet owners. The campground's designated chip bark tent sites remain level and well-maintained throughout the camping season. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort features partial hookups with a pet-friendly policy and garbage cans throughout the park, located just minutes from the I & M Canal entrance. For RV campers with dogs, Love's RV Hookup in Morris includes a small dog park along with shower facilities, laundry, and full hookups. During summer months, campers should be aware that many pet-friendly sites fill quickly, particularly at popular locations like Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, where advance reservations are recommended.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near New Lenox, Illinois (59)

    1. Camp Bullfrog Lake

    30 Reviews
    Willow Springs, IL
    14 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. Martin’s Camping Ground

    6 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    3 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."

    4. 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."

    5. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Manhattan, IL
    13 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."

    6. Martin Campground

    2 Reviews
    New Lenox, IL
    3 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. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    17 Reviews
    Bourbonnais, IL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 933-1383

    "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."

    8. Blackwell Family Campground

    22 Reviews
    Warrenville, IL
    25 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."

    9. Leisure Lake Resort

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

    $37 / night

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

    10. 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near New Lenox, IL

420 Reviews of 59 New Lenox 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.

  • Steven C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2023

    Love's RV Stop-Demotte IN 394

    Clean and convienent

    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.

  • 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!

  • 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 New Lenox

Pet friendly campgrounds near New Lenox offer options ranging from state parks to private resorts within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the junction of several northern Illinois watersheds, creating varied terrain with lakes, rivers and forest preserves throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience milder 60-70°F days.

What to do

Hiking with dogs: At Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park, trails follow along the Kankakee River with options for various skill levels. "We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle. Not many amenities other than showers, toilets and hookups, but it just adds to the appeal here. A great spot to get away and experience some silence and solitude," notes Jacqueline F.

Mountain biking: The trail system at Camp Bullfrog Lake provides extensive off-road cycling opportunities right from campsites. "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," writes Josh M. Another camper adds, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day."

Fishing: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities, particularly at Blackwell Family Campground where the lake provides reliable catches. "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," reports Marisa A.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many dog-friendly campgrounds prioritize cleanliness. At Camp Sullivan, campers appreciate the updated amenities. "The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds," reports Shane S. However, experiences vary as another camper noted maintenance issues with showers.

Urban accessibility: Proximity to Chicago makes these campgrounds convenient weekend getaways. "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails. Camp Sullivan is used a lot by scouting groups. There are lots of trees and it is somewhat woodsy," writes Bill M.

Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer more room than others. "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," notes a camper about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Conversely, at Martin Campground, a camper reported "All RV sites are too close. If it rains your in a mud hole."

What you should know

Seasonal water limitations: Potowatomi Campground requires campers to plan ahead during certain times. "There is no running water at the site so bring plenty," advised one camper. Similarly, at Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, seasonal restrictions apply: "No water before 4/15," noted David N.

Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly throughout the area. "Our site was #2. For the most part, all of the 30/50 amp sites are very similar. Can't really say one appears to be better than the rest. Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," reports a Bullfrog Lake camper. At Blackwell, "Most of the sites have a chip pad for tents and concrete for the vehicle. Site 20 is turf and nicely secluded."

Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means some noise issues. "You can throw a stone and hit a semi driving by on 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," reports Iris A. about Martin's Camping Ground.

Tips for camping with families

Cabin options: Leisure Lake Resort provides cabins alongside traditional camping for families wanting more amenities. "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities," notes Karel M. The resort includes multiple recreation options suitable for children of various ages.

Multi-day stays: Plan extended visits at more remote locations. "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.

Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "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," reported one camper about Leisure Lake Resort.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Prepare for varying site conditions. "Camp sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM. Firewood was still wet and hard to burn," notes Lawrence B. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.

Hookup variability: Check specific hookup details before booking. "We paid $122.00 for two nights," a Bullfrog Lake camper mentioned. At Hollywood Casino RV Resort, "Good phone connection. Garbage cans throughout park. Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80."

Gate restrictions: Some campgrounds limit after-hours access. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting. What if there was an emergency? An ambulance would have had to rush the gate," reported a camper at Camp Sullivan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 59 dog-friendly camping locations near New Lenox, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.