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Camp Bullfrog Lake's lakeside sites welcome pets with access to miles of hiking trails and mountain biking paths. Each campsite provides a fire ring, picnic table, and a free bundle of oak firewood upon arrival. The well-maintained campground features clean showers and bathroom facilities accessible to campers with pets. Cabin accommodations also permit dogs, making this spot ideal for pet owners seeking alternatives to tent or RV camping. Camp Sullivan and Camp Reinberg similarly allow pets throughout their facilities, including their cabin options. The primitive tent area requires a short walk from parking, with tent pads that some campers find challenging for staking out non-freestanding tents.
Trails connecting directly to Camp Bullfrog Lake provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners, with multiple hiking routes accessible right from the campground. The surrounding forest preserve offers extensive wildlife viewing, where campers commonly spot herons, songbirds, deer, raccoons, and even Cooper's Hawks while hiking with their pets. For overnight campers with pets, the gate closure at 10pm requires planning evening activities accordingly. During summer months, the limited shade at most tent and RV sites makes pop-up shelters advisable for keeping pets cool and comfortable. Despite being located near Chicago, the campground maintains a surprisingly quiet atmosphere, with many campers reporting the peaceful sounds of coyotes howling across the woods at 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."
from $20 - $138 / 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"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"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"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly."
"Driving into rural northern IL felt like leaving the craziness behind. I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."
"Was rainy, but still enjoyed walking the beach. Staff extremely pleasant & helpful. Pavilion services was closed for construction. There is an area on the Beach where you can walk your dogs."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."
"Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"
"Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."
from $18 - $35 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger. They do have nice premium sites in the front. Loved that it is gated and and key card access after hours. Has a dog park and a playground for the kids.
ScoutWe’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.
GuidePros - playground, pool, well kept grounds, helpful staff, gated/swipe card access, ponds, close to area attractions, decent campground WiFi, small fire ring, small dog park
Cons - tight spaces, BYO grill, bad showers, dirty/tight bathroom area
The mens room is just gross. Water in the stalls because showers don’t drain. Water in the shower never gets hot. Missing shower heads with pressure that almost tears your skin. Can barely squeeze into the tiny stall. Toilets are gross.
GuideWe used it as an over night stop right off of 94. It was perfect for that. It would also be perfect spot to stay longer if wanted to be in the area. Grounds were nice. Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook.
LegendAs 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!
RangerI was here for three months this time as i get to business completed. The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how. The grass is mowed every week. There is patroling at all hours for security. The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good. The dog park is clean and secure. The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage. The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year. The store has many items you may need. The showers are cleaned and work great. The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit.
TravelerFriendly 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.
ScoutWe love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It’s always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay. They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly.
RangerFor 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.
Campgrounds near Oak Park, Illinois offer accessible nature retreats within short drives of the city. Situated in the flat Midwestern landscape with elevations typically between 580-660 feet, these camping areas provide diverse outdoor options year-round, though summer highs regularly reach 85°F with moderate humidity. Winter camping remains available at several locations, with overnight temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March.
Hiking trail exploration: At Blackwell Family Campground, extensive hiking options range from paved paths to natural surfaces. "We like to hike and this site had great (kid and beginner adult level) trails. We were in town for the Sgt Tommys fishing day and lived that event as well," shares Nicole R.
Lakeside activities: Illinois Beach State Park features direct Lake Michigan shoreline access. "Easy access to the beach, great sites and was very quiet," notes Chrissy E. The park includes designated swimming areas, shoreline fishing spots, and nature observation points.
Mountain biking: Several trail systems cater specifically to cyclists. "There is no shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small... 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," explains Tim K.
Geocaching and seasonal programs: Forest preserve campgrounds regularly host structured outdoor activities. "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests," notes Kelsey G., adding practical information about the location's accessibility.
Clean facilities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Oak Park prioritize bathroom maintenance. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," reports Layla P., though noting firewood quality can vary by season.
Accessibility from Chicago: The proximity to urban areas makes these pet-friendly campgrounds convenient for weekend trips. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," states Autumn D. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Natural areas support diverse animal populations. "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," according to one camper's experience.
Free firewood: Some locations provide complimentary firewood with site rental. "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5," mentions Leo V. about Camp Reinberg, highlighting an amenity that reduces camping costs.
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long," warns Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Limited shade: Many sites lack tree cover during summer months. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," notes one reviewer.
Seasonal restrictions: Operating schedules vary significantly. "Stay here several times each year. 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," explains Rich M.
Price variations: County residents often receive significant discounts. "The price has increased and at $30 per site for non-residents, it's a bit steep for tent camping for me," states Marisa A., describing local pricing structures.
Choose sites strategically: At Dunewood Campground, site selection affects overall experience. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," recommends Katherine T.
Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic in warmer months. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," reports Katrin M., emphasizing the need for repellent and protective clothing.
Consider cabin options: For families with younger children, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," notes Shane S., describing accommodations suitable for various group sizes.
Find family-specific activities: Some locations offer structured programs. "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," mentions one camper about the recreation options available for children.
Water availability varies: Not all sites offer convenient water hookups. "The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them," explains a camper at Camp Sullivan.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain may present challenges. "Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper. No picnic table, no firing, bathroom and showers were clean," reports Jim L., noting site conditions.
Check gate closure times: Security procedures may restrict late arrivals or departures. "If you are staying here to see Chicago the gates close for the park an hour after sunset," cautions Rich M., explaining an important logistical consideration.
Dumping station availability: Facilities differ between locations. "Two dump stations made wait minimal," notes Jeffrey S., providing practical information about departure procedures for RV campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Oak Park, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Oak Park, 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 Oak Park, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 dog-friendly camping locations near Oak Park, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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