A
Abbe 
Scout
ScoutGreat 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.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Orland Hills, IL
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Camp Bullfrog Lake tent and RV campsites welcome pets throughout their lakeside property in Willow Springs, 18 miles northwest of Orland Hills. Campers staying at the Cook County Forest Preserve facility receive a free bundle of oak firewood with each site. Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest offers electric-only sites with pets allowed in their wooded camping areas, though dogs are not permitted inside the rental cabins. Pet owners should be aware that bathing facilities at several campgrounds receive mixed reviews – Camp Sullivan's bathrooms are reportedly cleaned primarily on weekends, sometimes leaving them without toilet paper midweek. Both facilities provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to flush toilets and showers, with site-specific electricity for RVs.
Indiana Dunes National Park's Dunewood Campground permits pets on leash at both tent and RV sites approximately 25 miles east of Orland Hills. The campground connects to extensive trail systems where dogs can explore alongside their owners. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times and properly supervised. Waste disposal facilities are available, but campers should bring their own waste bags. For primitive-style camping with pets, the surrounding forest preserves offer hiking trails and day-use areas, though overnight dispersed camping is limited in the Chicago metro region. The mountain bike trails near Camp Bullfrog Lake provide excellent exercise opportunities for active dogs and their owners, with miles of interconnected paths through the surrounding forest preserves.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Orland Hills (58)
1. Camp Bullfrog Lake
"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 Availability2. Camp Sullivan
"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 Availability3. Martin’s Camping Ground
"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. Blackwell Family Campground
"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 Availability5. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
"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 Availability6. Martin Campground
"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 Availability7. Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort
"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."
8. Enchanted Shores RV Park & Campground
"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 Availability9. Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
"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."
10. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
"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
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Drive Time
- 24 min from Chicago, IL
- 41 min from Kankakee, IL
- 57 min from Michigan City, IN
- 1 hr 16 min from Kenosha, WI
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Orland Hills, IL
53 Photos of 58 Orland Hills Campgrounds
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Orland Hills, IL
545 Reviews of 58 Orland Hills Campgrounds
- HHarrison Z.
TravelerKankakee 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
jamie S.TravelerMichigan City Campground
Great campground
We 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.
Iryna R.ScoutLeisure 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.Traveler
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.
- Derek N.
GuideMichigan City Campground
Not my favorite, but not horrible
Pros - 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.
Donna H.GuideMichigan City Campground
Great Campground
We 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.
Steven C.ScoutLove'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.
LegendLove'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!
Guide to Orland Hills
Private campgrounds within 25 miles of Orland Hills offer convenient access to Lake Michigan beaches and Chicago attractions. The area features several dog friendly campgrounds, though policies vary between tent sites and cabin accommodations. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, especially in July and August.
What to do
Hiking at Kankakee River State Park: Located about 30 miles south of Orland Hills, this park provides multiple trail options through wooded areas along the river. "We had kids under age 8. River is fast, tried to fish. Stars were out. Had rain Saturday but we all just hang out and manage just fine," notes Shannon H. about her Kankakee River State Park experience.
Rock climbing activities: Camp Sullivan offers structured climbing activities for families and groups. "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall. There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," shares Shane S. about Camp Sullivan.
Kayaking at Bullfrog Lake: Rentals available at $15 per hour, including life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports Layla P. from her stay at Bullfrog Lake.
Challenge yourself on the dunes: Take on the 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes for a workout with views. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," advises Greg S. about his time at Indiana Dunes.
What campers like
Access to Chicago: Campgrounds provide budget-friendly alternatives to expensive city accommodations. "It's probably the closest camping to downtown Chicago. About 5 years in existence. Clean facilities with a few trails," says Bill M. about the Camp Sullivan location.
Free firewood: Certain campgrounds include complimentary wood with site rental. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," according to Josh M. who stayed at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Bike trail accessibility: Mountain biking opportunities directly from campsites. "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. There are miles and miles of trails," notes Tim K. about his Bullfrog Lake visit.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple parks offer opportunities to see native birds and animals. "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. from Bullfrog Lake.
What you should know
Limited tent camping at some locations: Restrictions exist at certain campgrounds. "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great and because no one really had a tent here but us we had some privacy. But only down side beside that they have a three day limit for campers with tents. Very disappointed with that And its three days a month," explains Katelyn G. about Enchanted Shores RV Park.
Traffic and train noise: Many campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. "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. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound," warns Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes.
Variable site conditions: Shade and size differ dramatically between sites. "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," reports Lawrence B. about his Bullfrog Lake visit.
Security gate timing: Some campgrounds lock entrance gates overnight. "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," cautions Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan.
Tips for camping with families
Choose woodland sites for play space: Look for sites with natural features for children. "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," suggests Dane S. from Camp Sullivan.
Visit nature centers for programming: Educational opportunities for children at several parks. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares Linda N. about her Blackwell Family Campground experience.
Consider park proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds offer easy access to regional activities. "This is a state park which has an entrance fee and camping you can reserve. The area is beautiful. Big dunes, lovely water. On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake," notes Anna G. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Examine bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. "The bathhouse is nice. I would rate them at a 4/5...not the best we've seen, but by far not the worst," mentions Tim K. about Bullfrog Lake facilities.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups at some campgrounds: Water access varies by location and season. "No laundry… Closest laundromat 10 mins away, office gives address on check in paper. Sewer connection at our site was technically on neighbors…we had to use extension," reports Beth B. about Leisure Lake Resort.
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary widely between campgrounds. "The sites are TINY. We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," observes Lisa S. regarding Camp Sullivan.
Seasonal water availability: Some locations restrict water access in colder months. "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive," notes David N. about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort, adding that there's "No water before 4/15."
Dump station logistics: Facilities vary between parks. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us - we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," suggests Greg S. about his Indiana Dunes State Park experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Orland Hills, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Orland Hills, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 58 dog-friendly camping locations near Orland Hills, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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