Jennifer C.
Traveler
TravelerPine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Sand Ridge Pine Site
Clean and peaceful with an unpolluted night sky.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Normal, IL
49 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Comlara County Park offers electric-only campsites where pets are permitted throughout designated areas, with spacious sites near Evergreen Lake providing room for dogs to move around. Sites contain gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, though some visitors note occasional cleanliness issues with pet waste stations and grounds. The park requires pets to be leashed at all times outside vehicles, with owners responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Moraine View State Recreation Area and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area both accommodate tent and RV campers with pets, featuring similar pet policies requiring leashes no longer than 10 feet.
Love's RV Stop in Normal provides a convenient overnight option for travelers with pets, featuring a fenced dog park divided into separate areas for large and small dogs with concrete walking paths connecting to the main facility. The park's security features include gated keypad entry and 24-hour CCTV surveillance, creating a secure environment for walking pets after dark. Several campgrounds in the region enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disruptions, with most requiring vaccination records at check-in. Nearby Timberline Campground and Hickory Hill Campground also welcome pets with designated walking areas. Visitors traveling with pets should note that summer temperatures in central Illinois can reach uncomfortable levels for dogs, making morning or evening walks preferable during hot weather periods.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Normal (49)
1. Comlara County Park
"Comlara is a beautifully laid out hidden gem in Illinois. Evergreen Lake is the perfect back drop to the campground."
"Located just northwest of Bloomington, which is located absolutely smack-dab in the middle of the state of Illinois, you’ll discover a nature wonderland over here nearly hidden from plain site."
2. Love's RV Stop-Normal IL 867
"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"
"bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability3. Moraine View State Recreational Area
"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 Availability4. Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
"Nice staff, quiet enough for being somewhat close to the highway. The trees seemed to block the noise well. They have a pool that was closed because of a virus or something."
"bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing more fotos as well as providing a topline update: Highlights: (1) Closely located"
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability5. Timberline Campground
6. Hickory Hill Campground
"Nestled in the verdant rolling hills of central Illinois, you’ll discover Hickory Hills Campground located just a short drive west of I39 and completely off the grid, due to the slight incline of this"
"This seems to be more of a full time camping location. Lots of buildings and I was offered a lot for sale. Golf carts seem to be the most common mode of travel as there are plentiful."
from $26 - $40 / night
Check Availability7. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
"This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan. They have a beach and a boat launch."
"The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake. Filled with poison ivy, etc, so long pants recommended when waking thru."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability8. White oak primitive camp Hudson IL
from $22 / night
Check Availability9. Kentuckiana Campground
"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."
10. Weldon Springs State Park Campground
"It’s a nice Illinois state park. Very quiet. Clean bathrooms, the consecution stand is closed. So can’t rent boat etc. but a nice lake to paddle canoe/kayak ."
"Good fishing near by with walking trail surrounding pond. Plenty of wildlife friendly locals."
Drive Time
- 8 min from Bloomington, IL
- 35 min from Peoria, IL
- 49 min from Champaign, IL
- 54 min from Decatur, IL
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Normal, IL
40 Photos of 49 Normal Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Comlara County Park
Kentuckiana Campground
Clinton Lake State Recreation AreaL
Weldon Springs State Park Campground
Carl Spindler CampgroundA
Millpoint Park
Friends Creek CampgroundL
Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area
D & W Lake RV ParkR
Prairie Pines CampgroundR
Oak Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Normal, IL
294 Reviews of 49 Normal Campgrounds
- Jennifer C.Traveler
Pine Campground — Sand Ridge State Forest
Sand Ridge
Beautiful, clean primitive place! Peaceful. The night sky is majestic.
Stuart K.
LegendMillpoint Park
Riverfront Refuge
This lush, shade-rich, pet-friendly CG sits completely surrounded by the oft overlooked Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, creating the rare sensation of being deep in nature while still only a short drive from Peoria. A looping, shade-covered gravel lane guides you past roughly 80 generously spaced sites, each perched beneath tall hardwoods, before opening to the sought-after waterfront slots that frame spectacular sunset views across the water. Whether you’re casting a line, slipping a kayak off the boat ramp or simply leaning back in a camp chair during Golden Hour, this is a campground that practically forces you to exhale. As my review from a year and a half ago provided substantial detail, here I'm just going to point out the HIGHS and LOWS while adding some additional fotos of the CG.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, well-shaded sites that are far roomier than most RV parks in central IL; (2) Excellent mix of back-in and pull-thru sites with water, electric and sewer hookups; (3) Direct access to Upper Peoria Lake with a strong boat launch for anglers, paddlers and sunset chasers; (4) Two additional ponds on property for simple shoreline fishing - perfect for the kiddos; (5) Exceptionally clean restroom and bathhouse facility near the entrance; (6) Three rentable cabins for non-RV travelers; (7) Easy hiking options north and south of the property, including the small beach area at Funks Run; (8) Friendly ownership with a real character where the owner, Don, is known for going above and beyond for campers; (9) Reliable shade almost everywhere, keeping summer stays comfortable.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The well water contains noticeable iron, which MIGHT be fine for showers but not recommended for drinking; (2) Mosquitos, gnats and ticks are summer regulars here in central IL, so be sure to bring DEET and scented candles; (3) Supplies are limited on-site, so trips into town are necessary for groceries or extras, but the good news is that in less than 20 minutes south of here, you'll discover a Home Depot, Lowe's, Bass Pro Shop, Target, Walmart and Costco; (4) Primitive tent areas - which can be found in the open lot north of the property right on the river - exist but provide little separation or privacy compared to the RV loops; (5) This CG can fill up quickly on warm-weather weekends and the summer holidays, especially the waterfront stretch.
Happy Camping!
- AAnnaTraveler
Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground
Over night
A really lovely well kept site very quite when we got here pitches are well spread out with a play park for kids a pool although not open when we was here and the bathrooms were Super clean and well kept A must stay The owners are super nice
- ddennis F.
ScoutTimberline Campground
Fairly easy to get to
Older campground. Some of the sites have to share hydrants for water. All utilities are at the rear of sites. Some campers may need longer hoses or cords
- Stuart K.Legend
Creekside Campground
Primitive Camp Right by Vermillion Creek
As the name suggests, Creekside Campground borders a tributary of the Vermillion River, which is really just a creek in these parts, and it sits as the lowest point of all the campgrounds here at Pleasant Creek. This campground is not for those driving an RV or hauling a 5th wheel - Creekside is really just for primitive tent campers, who enjoy being connected to nature with only the most basic of comforts. The vibe here at Creekside is definitely communal, offering up less privacy than most primitive campsites I have ever been to. After entering Pleasant Creek, you’ll pass the Office, Camp Store and Arcade on the left, where you’ll also notice a small basketball court on the right, passing by the primary community bathhouses, you’ll immediately veer to the left where you’ll cross the lone bridge where you’ll turn hard right and downwards along the ravine to arrive at the Creekside Campground. Down here and along the Vermillion River there are 32 primitive campsites available numbered #101– 106 and #108– 128 on the lower edge, with a small number of sites raised slightly above, but still downhill from the Highlands with sites numbered #130– 134. Apart from a water spigot and a single porta-potty, there are no other amenities here. As Creekside is carved from the curve of the property that follows the Vermillion River along with the thick tree line, which creates a completely separate feel from the rest of Pleasant Creek, preserving a uniquely festive community vibe. The sites here have full visibility between each other, so if privacy and space are of concern, I would suggest one of the other 2 campgrounds earmarked for tent campers.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, the very great father and son duo of Dan& Dan, will work tirelessly to ensure that your experience here at this campground is nothing short of amazing, so if you need anything, just ask either of them; (2) While the Vermillion River is merely a creek in these parts, if you head due west, and search a little, you’ll find a couple decent natural launches where you can access the wider river OR you can access a great kayak launch site either at the lower dells in Starved Rock SP or by contacting Starved Rock Kayak Company (who have their own, very amazing riverfront primitive campsite, BTW and that you can search up here on TheDyrt), who will let you launch from either one of their sites on either side of the Illinois River; and (3) While there’s not a whole lot of restaurants in this area, if you do want to get out to try some of the local fare, I would recommend you check out nearby Utica, where I would recommend either Lodi Tap House or Año del Gallo, which is a nice stand-alone Mexican joint serving up some decent fare along with Margaritas.
Happy Camping!
Beth M.ScoutTin Cup RV Park
Nice overnight
Pros: easy to make reservations. Site was huge and shaded. Very pleasant office and grounds staff. Guided to site. Very nice bathrooms and showers. Cons: roads are very rough with potholes and wash outs.
- Beth M.Scout
Camp A While
Good overnighter
Pros: Full hookups. I had a long pull through site. Lots of shade. Wifi was good for tv streaming. Cons: No bathrooms, shower, etc. Fairly busy and noisy road just a outside camp area.
Katie F.ScoutTimberline Campground
Sad shell
This was clearly a campground that used to have owners who cared for it. It is not anymore. We were there for a weekend trip. Most of the amenities listed are done through the main office which were closed at 6:45pm on a Friday with no notice. There are no hours posted for the office which means No Ice, no wood, no access to anything bc the office is where everything is.
We visited the pool and it was FILTHY. Clumps of hair pulled out left and right and if the kids went to the bottom, it stirred up terrors from the deep. We heard from many people who are regulars that it has gone down hill since new ownership took over.
Guide to Normal
Camping options near Normal, Illinois are spread across the fertile Mackinaw River Valley with elevations ranging from 700-850 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions ideal for outdoor recreation. Most campgrounds in the area feature relatively flat terrain with a mix of wooded and open sites, providing varied camping experiences within a 30-minute drive of Normal.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Moraine View State Recreational Area offers excellent fishing with multiple species available. "We got in without a reservation and upgraded to a beautiful spot on the water. The LTE was a bit weak, that's the only downside," reports Jennifer M., who enjoyed the fall colors and wildlife during her stay at Moraine View.
Kayaking on Evergreen Lake: Comlara County Park provides both boat rentals and launch access to Evergreen Lake. Scott N. describes his experience: "The rustic tent sites are located on the opposite side of the lake from the RV's in an area called White Oak. These sites are the way to go for privacy. It also had a fire ring with grill and a separate grill. The best part was the view of the lake."
Hiking trails: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area features multiple hiking paths around the shoreline. "The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake. Filled with poison ivy, etc, so long pants recommended when waking thru. Hiking path all around the shore of the lake," advises Melissa B., highlighting both the benefits and cautions of the trail system.
What campers like
Spacious rustic tent camping: The White Oak section at Comlara County Park offers more secluded tent camping experiences. "Site 14 is very spacious like it could be used as a group site. I was surprised to see three picnic tables. It also had a fire ring with grill and a separate grill. There was always shade and two pairs of trees that are perfect for a hammock," notes Scott N.
Seasonal entertainment: Kentuckiana Campground provides weekend entertainment during camping season. "On Saturday night they offer classic country music free. Special events throughout the summer. Two fishing ponds. No license required. Catch and keep," explains Cindy H., highlighting the additional activities beyond standard camping.
Easy highway access: For travelers passing through the region, convenient options exist. Sarah S. appreciates Comlara County Park's accessibility: "We were looking for a quick place to spend the night, like a Walmart or gas station when we found this gem. It is only a few miles off the highway, making it super convenient for a quick overnight stop."
What you should know
Crowding varies by season: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area experiences significant fluctuations in visitor numbers. "It's a nice campground but it's usually insanely busy. Holidays are crazy. I've heard people say you can sometimes get a nice, fairly secluded spot but I haven't had the patience to try," shares Bree C.
Alcohol policies differ: Weldon Springs State Park Campground has strict alcohol restrictions in certain areas. "There is a STRICT no alcohol rule in the tent sites. A sign said coolers are subject to inspection, but from our experience and the vibe of the place, I don't see this really being an issue unless your group gets kind of rowdy," explains Priscilla J.
Site types vary significantly: Moraine View State Recreational Area offers dramatically different camping experiences depending on which section you choose. Ryan M. cautions: "We stayed until the main part where you could reserve online through reserve America. Would not recommend that area to anyone. Sites are right on top of each other in every direction. Upon finding the rustic tent sites, we'd wished we'd known about that area before going."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hickory Hill Campground offers family-friendly amenities. Stuart K. notes the extensive facilities: "The amount of amenities at Hickory Hills is a pretty long list that includes an in-ground pool opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day, basketball court, mini golf, shuffleboard, pool table, ping pong and various soda and snack vending machines and games in the recreation center."
Swimming options: Weldon Springs State Park provides multiple recreation facilities. Jamie G. describes, "The park has beautiful natural meadows, an old schoolhouse to explore, and a large pond with trails all the way around it. A WWII memorial is found along the pond and there are also boat rentals and plenty of good fishing spots."
Consider tent site locations: When camping with children at Clinton Lake, Linda N. recommends: "We stayed in the J loop, which was more family friendly and very close to the beach. There was a walking path from our site to the shore which was perfect for our young family to go back and forth on."
Tips from RVers
Secure overnighting: For RVers seeking safety during quick stops, Stuart K. recommends security features at Love's RV Stop: "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."
Level sites: Kamp Komfort RV Park and Campground receives praise for its well-maintained sites. Ryan L. notes, "Some of the sites have concrete pads, some have a pad for the camper, some just have a small one next to the camper parking. The sites do have picnic tables."
Seasonal pet considerations: During summer camping trips with pets, morning and evening offer better walking conditions. Montt B. describes Kamp Komfort's amenities: "This is a nice campground located about 10 miles from Bloomington. It has full hookups at all the sites. The owner was very nice and they also pick up your trash daily for you."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Normal, IL?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Normal, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Normal, IL is Comlara County Park with a 3.6-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Normal, IL?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Normal, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 49 dog-friendly camping locations near Normal, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring