29 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
D & W Lake RV Park features a fenced dog park where pets can exercise off-leash while their owners camp at full-hookup sites. This pet-friendly campground in Champaign, about 20 minutes from Penfield, offers spacious RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. Kickapoo State Recreation Area and Harry L Swartz Campground also welcome pets with designated pet-friendly camping areas. Most campgrounds in the region require pets to be leashed when outside the designated dog areas, with typical leash requirements of 6 feet or less. Prairie Pines Campground provides pet-friendly sites with full hookups including 50-amp service, making it suitable for RVers traveling with dogs. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular bathroom and shower maintenance, important for longer stays with pets. Persistent raccoons are common at several area campgrounds, requiring careful food storage to prevent wildlife encounters with pets.
Hiking trails at Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area provide excellent pet exercise opportunities with paths that wind through wooded areas and along creek crossings. Dogs should remain leashed on trails to protect local wildlife and prevent encounters with poison ivy that grows abundantly in some areas. Turkey Run State Park, though slightly farther at about an hour's drive, offers extensive dog-friendly hiking options with trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging terrain with ladder sections that may be difficult with larger dogs. Summer temperatures in central Illinois can reach uncomfortable levels for pets, making early morning or evening walks preferable during hot months. The campgrounds near Penfield provide good access to veterinary services in nearby Champaign and Rantoul. Many campsites feature raised fire pits and picnic tables positioned under shade trees, creating comfortable resting spots for pets during midday heat.
"Stayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of"
"Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host."
"Arrived on Sunday and nearly had the place to ourselves. Campgrounds are far removed from town and very quiet, large enough to feel isolated. Host sells ice and firewood for a reasonable price."
"It's on the outskirts of town on the old Chanute AFB. They have lovely tree coverage, it's close to lots of amenities like grocery shopping, sports complex, urgent care, quick interstate access."
"Close to Champaign, IL off I 57 is this charming, open and clean grass covered park. Large sites with full hook ups, picnic table and scattered large trees near an Air Force base."
"The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass. There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park."
"Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad. Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available."
"This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax."
"It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas."
"If that’s what you’re looking for, try to get a wooded site on the outsides that back up to woods. The majority of those have a decent number of trees separating you from the site next to you."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"10$ a night next to a park on a slightly busy street. I pitched my tent amongst the many rv trailers and had a rest on my motorcycle trip south."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Had AC going but could hear road noise from interstate/ nearby roads."
"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 Availability
GuidePulled in about 7pm and immediately was greeted by the manager who showed us to our site, helped us pull in get settled and brought us firewood. The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass. There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park. Wonderful campground and only about 10 min from downtown.
GuideSuper easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad.
Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available. Playground and dogrun for the pets.
The pond is 1/2 mile walk around. Bathrooms we clean.
If you need to get off the road and get some rest give them a try. Just north of town and you will be back on the road in no time.
LegendIn mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty. It would feel more crowded when full due to a lack of vegetation between sites. We grabbed a non-electric site but most have electric. The showers/restrooms are centrally located and could be crowded if the camp was full.
We set up and walked some in the trails. The conservation area extends across the road and that’s where most of the trails are. Start at the one room schoolhouse and make your way down wide trails. They aren’t that long but take a few and they add up. Stay on the camp side of the road and you can find large grassy areas with playgrounds and picnic shelters. A few trails are on this side too.
Clinton Lake Recreation area is just down the road if you want to fish or bring some watercraft.
One note: if you reserve a camping spot it’s just to have a site. Specific campsites aren’t reserved. Get here early and you have your choice.
This is a nice mid-Illinois campground!
GuideThis hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek, gentle rolling hills, trees, birds & wildlife and a small bridge. Best place to stop in central Illinois - 13 miles from Decatur
GuideStayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of the main storms that did so much damage. The campground itself seems solid, but I will admit... I did not use many of the facilities that evening. The camp host at the entrance was super nice though. I can't remember the campsite number, it was near the restrooms at the back of the campground.
TravelerI would highly recommend this campground. It is close to the main highway, but far enough to not be noticeable. Sites are level and in good condition. Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site. Signage to get to the campground is excellent. The bath house is clean and up to date with lots of hot water. The lake is pleasant and has a trail around it for walking. There is a dog area that is fenced in for doggy pleasure and exercise. I would be happy to return here when I could spend more time and maybe wet a line.
LegendCampground Review:
This is a pleasant discovery! The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host. Right now you must register online due to COVID-19. There were no photos of the campsites online so we picked a spot distant from the others(my dog gets finicky). We should have picked a different site. Sites 40- 48 get full sun until around 2 in the afternoon. Luckily it was cool for our visit or we would have melted. Other sites are mostly shaded and beautiful. Some sites give more privacy than others(32 looked nice). There is a swimming beach and playground that were also closed for COVID. Each site has a raised fire pit, picnic table and lantern hanger. Every site comes with electric and still it only cost us $16 for the night. The shower house was also closed but pit toilets were available. There are double sites where small groups can share space. There is also a group camping area(near our site) that has a large open field right in front of it. A theater stage is found long a hiking path that starts near the camp host. Perhaps your family can put on a play :)
The hiking here is interesting! The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8” deep creek to cross (thanks small tree branch to walk across!). We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River. One couple found a rock bar to lay out on for their own private river-beach. The hiking on the other side goes through a mix of prairie and woods. The prairie is in restoration and we saw some traditional prairie plants among field grass- signs that they are working on things. Going further out brings you right to the fork between Sugar Creek and the Middle Fork river. We hiked these during the morning and still needed water and a rest. The trails are wide but some of the grass was almost a foot tall- its been raining here.
We discovered a couple donut shops in a town about 20 minutes west- one is known for their scones! We enjoyed this campground but would hesitate before camping here during the heat of summer- unless you have a/c.
Product Review: GCI Pod Rocker with Sun Shade in Loden Green
As a Dyrt Ranger, sometimes I get products to review. I am so happy that I found this chair! A good travel chair that is comfy and folds is key to summer-long adventures. The pod rocker folds into its own carrying case(extra tip: I put the case flat on the ground and my dog loves to lay on it away from some of the crawling ants and things). It is simple to push on the 4 corners of the chair and it opens right up. I immediately noticed that there are some extra shocks on the chair. This adds some weight so this chair might not be great for backpacking very far but it is still certainly carryable. 2 legs in front stabilize the pod rocker in a secure position. The first time I went to rock it I felt like I was falling over- there is a gap before you settle onto the flat base that allows the rocking. Once on this extra base, the shock compresses allowing you to rock your heart out! This transition from stable to rocking was easy to get used to and provides a solid base for eating/activity vs. rocking. This isn’t a chair that rocks on its own. You apply consistent force to rock. The sun shade is a retractable part that can rest behind your seat out of the way. It is really easy to click up above your head at different angles. I so often find myself in places without much shade that this is a feature I will continue to enjoy! When it came time to leave camp, the chair was easy to compress and slide into the carrying bag- no struggles at all. The arm rests are not a perfect fit for my body geometry but didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the pod rocker. Tucked under one of the arms I found a cup holder(big enough for my large coffee container) and a slim pocket perfect for my phone. I did enjoy one extra feature that the wide chair provided room for. The chair will allow you room to rock so I used this to turn the chair into a sort of recliner. I propped my feet on a table, scooted my butt forward in the chair and rocked back. My head was now supported by the top of the chair and my feet were up. Perfectly cradled for recovering after a long hike with my dog! Although you might see in the photo/video that my dog seems to like the pod rocker too. Maybe I need another one for her:) The material in the pod rocker feels like it will keep me sitting comfortable for the rest of the summer and in years to come.
GuideI was pleasantly surprised that this in town park didn't feel in town.
It's on the outskirts of town on the old Chanute AFB. They have lovely tree coverage, it's close to lots of amenities like grocery shopping, sports complex, urgent care, quick interstate access.
If you want to park and go adventure the area, ride the bike path, check out some of the surrounding towns or local shopping it's all right there but doesn't feel right there. Or you can set up and just relax for a long weekend.
Free delivery with purchase of firewood, and if you're not in the mood to cook dominoes delivers too!
Camping, glamping, rv life, you name it, your rig will be happy in this pull through park.
Scout**The campsites are so close to each other no privacy, there was a camper on both sides of us and we were in a tent when we arrived one neighbor had all there stuff (bicycles, dog, dog accessories, all in our spot, and they had helped thereselves to our picnic table, we saw a couple open spots next to us with a little more privacy so we asked if we could switch the lady said they were spoken for I stayed 2 nights no one ever showed up to them sites very unhappy will not return. **
Camping near Penfield, Illinois offers diverse outdoor experiences amid the prairie landscape of east-central Illinois. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with moderate seasonal changes and clay-heavy soils that can become muddy after rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly reach into the 90s from June through August, making spring and fall popular for outdoor activities.
Hiking at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve: Experience scenic trails with diverse terrain just 20 minutes from Penfield. "This park has very nice hiking trails and a swimming beach. The kids had a great time, and I got to kick back and relax," shares Todd T. about Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area.
River activities near Turkey Run: Paddling options abound within an hour's drive. "Sugar Creek is also great for floating with inner tubes, canoes, or kayaks," notes Joel R. at Turkey Run State Park Campground, which offers multiple water access points for day-use visitors.
Fishing opportunities: Several stocked ponds allow for casual fishing without a boat. "There are 3 nice ponds for fishing for the small and big kids alike," explains Tim F., who visits Harry L Swartz Campground regularly. "We try to get to this place several weekends each season."
Dark skies for stargazing: The rural setting provides excellent night sky viewing. "It's a dark sky park so you can get some nice views from the campground and surrounding areas," mentions Tim F. about Harry L Swartz Campground, which has designated observation areas.
Spacious, level sites: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds. "Sites are level and in good condition. Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site," reports Dave P. about his stay at D & W Lake RV Park.
Proximity to local attractions: The area offers small-town experiences beyond camping. "Nearby things you should try to experience: antique shops, an awesome authentic German restaurant called the Bayern Stube with steins of German beer," recommends Marisa A. about Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground, noting it provides good access to local culture.
Weather and ground conditions: Be prepared for sudden weather changes and resulting terrain issues. "Our reserved tent site was waterlogged from torrential rainstorms just before our arrival. He created a space for us that was elevated, dry, and actually more private than the original site," explains Julie P. about her stay at a pet-friendly campground near Penfield.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife can be curious, especially at established campgrounds. "One very persistent raccoon: hide your food!" warns Alli about their experience at Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground.
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or reliable water sources. "There is a dump station on site and large dumpster. Supermarket, restaurants and gas station with in a few blocks," notes Cowboy W., highlighting the need to plan water usage accordingly when visiting dog-friendly campgrounds near Penfield.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There's a playground by bathrooms which have showers. Showers were a good temp," notes Sarah M. from Moraine View State Recreational Area, adding that "Campground was not particularly loud when we were there (even on a holiday weekend)."
Swimming options: Beaches and swimming areas provide relief from summer heat. "The swimming beach and playground that were also closed for COVID," mentions Art S., indicating that Harry L Swartz Campground normally offers these amenities for families during standard operations.
Backpacking with older children: Some preserves offer beginner-friendly backpacking experiences. "First backpacking trip in the Midwest and this was a surprisingly scenic place with great backpacking sites! We did forest glen river ridge trail," shares Janet B. about Vermilion County Park Forest Glen Preserve, noting that "All sites were well shaded and there was even an OUTHOUSE!!!"
Electrical considerations: Most local campgrounds offer electric hookups but amperage varies. "We paid only $20 for our one-night stay. Big, beautiful and well maintained. We had electricity, free showers, topped off our water tank. It's a great deal," notes Rob G. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on shade and drainage, especially during summer months. "We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private however our site was pretty sloped. Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," advises Samantha S. who camped at Turkey Run State Park with her dog.
Budget-friendly options: Several municipal campgrounds offer good value for travelers. "10$ a night next to a park on a slightly busy street. I pitched my tent amongst the many rv trailers and had a rest on my motorcycle trip south," reports Eric P. about his stay at Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Penfield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Penfield, IL is Kickapoo State Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Penfield, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dog-friendly camping locations near Penfield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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