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Dog-friendly campgrounds near Peru, IL range from developed RV parks with full hookups to cabin rentals and glamping yurts, giving pet owners several accommodation options to choose from. Starved Rock Family Campground welcomes pets across tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and cabin rentals, with on-leash walking paths along the perimeter and spacious sites that allow comfortable room for pets and their owners. Nearby, Lasalle/Peru KOA (now Nature's Way RV Park) also welcomes pets across their tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with a small creek running through the property. Pleasant Creek Campground adds glamping and yurt options for pet owners seeking alternative lodging. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard pet policies including waste cleanup and leash requirements, though specific restrictions vary by location.
Trails at nearby Matthiessen State Park provide excellent pet exercise opportunities, though owners should watch for poison ivy and ticks that thrive in the area. The park features unusual rock formations, exposed limestone and sandstone with five miles of trails where dogs can explore alongside their owners. Starved Rock State Park offers additional hiking options and access points to the Illinois River for dogs who enjoy swimming, with a boat and kayak launch at the lower portion of the park. When planning trips during peak seasons (Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day), early reservations are essential as pet-friendly accommodations fill quickly. Local dining options including outdoor patios accommodate travelers with pets at restaurants like Lodi Tap Room and Skoog's Pub & Grill in nearby Utica.
"Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!"
"Beautiful Starved Rock is Illinois's favorite state park. Hiking through forests along the Illinois River to canyons and waterfalls with eagles soaring overhead."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Within LaSalle County or for that matter, the whole of north central Illinois, I don’t know of any other privately run, multi-campground locations like Pleasant Creek that offers a total of 6 separate,"
"There is a nice pavilion, a game room/club house, basketball court, fishing pond, firewood for sale, and a few short trails."
"Park was well kept, with lots of green around RV and tent sites. Nice pool, dog park, store, and even a stream system that wanders through the park (no swimming in the stream)."
"Stayed here in early June during a trip to Starved Rock, which is a quick 10-15 minute drive. Camp hosts are very nice and the the grounds well maintained."
"Located here in the heart of north central Illinois, where you can very easily get lost in the golden hue of sweet corn or the dizzying amounts of drilled bean fields, there’s a special quiet that exists"
"While this location is much newer, it checked everything off my box."
"more than two years 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"
"So we took the dog and hiked Matthesion state park, which was beautiful and only a mile or so passed the starved rock state park entrance."
from $29 / night
Check Availability"Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view."
"Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."
from $12 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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) Great hiking abounds in this particular Illinois"
"to hike during the day and the friendly on-site ranger made a call over to nearby Starved Rock SP to secure me a camping spot over there, so not all was lost. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer."
"under this shaded forest and will feel a world away from the caravan camping types that, rest assured, are on the other side of the careening creek that cuts this campground nearly in half."
from $30 - $125 / night
Check Availability"A number of trails around effigy mounds make for a nice walk."
"You have to walk a bit to get there but the sites are great. If you’re looking for privacy this is it. There aren’t toilets tho or running water.."
from $6 / night
Check Availability"All of this in arguably the absolute best state park in the whole of Illinois."
"function; (3) The second meadow offers more privacy, a quieter vibe along with the sense you’ve stumbled into your own private patch of wilderness; (4) Hiking at Starved Rock delivers 13+ miles of trails"
TravelerVery friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for. Quiet campground not far off the highway! Didn’t expect this kind of camping in Illinois! Nicely wooded and picturesque area, similar to northern Wisconsin!
ScoutAlthough we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view.
GuideBeautiful spot for our single overnight. Staff were great; friendly and helpful. Park was well kept, with lots of green around RV and tent sites. Nice pool, dog park, store, and even a stream system that wanders through the park (no swimming in the stream). Also close to Starved Rock State Park for some neat scenery and hiking. The only downside side is that some of the RV sites are a little close together - didn’t impact our stay though. Two thumbs up! :)
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.
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!
TravelerStayed here in early June during a trip to Starved Rock, which is a quick 10-15 minute drive. Camp hosts are very nice and the the grounds well maintained. I stayed on site 5 which is a full hookup but best for a small camper. I have a 14 foot travel trailer and it just fit with my SUV in front. The spots are very tight and you have very little room between you and your neighbor. With all the rain this year, many sites flooded during a storm while we camped and they had to be moved to other areas that were not actual sites so it was a bit crazy...hosts did a great job taking care of everyone effected. Campground has a cute dog park and a beautiful stream that runs through it. I would stay here again!!
ScoutClean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.
LegendPerched on Upper Peoria Lake where the Illinois River conjoins, this family-friendly and pet-inviting lush camping outpost is completely surrounded by Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, absolutely guaranteeing a sublime encounter with nature on top of offering direct waterfront sites that will frame one of the most beautiful sunsets as you look west to Peoria during Happy Hour. In all, there’s about 80 sites – all of which are incredibly spacious, unlike a lot of other RV parks – to choose from at Millpoint, where a slow meandering gravel lane will have you navigating around the campground where you’ll take good note of the excellent shade that is provided everywhere.
From an amenity standpoint, Millpoint Park packs a punch with a combination of back-in and pull-thru sites offering up standard water, sewage and electric hook-ups, relatively new picnic tables and in-ground fire rings as well as a designated dumpster upon exiting the grounds. There’s a fantastic boat launch that will have you fishing, kayaking and experiencing this body of fresh water shortly after you anchor into your spot for the night. In fact, you don’t even need to get into a boat, by accessing one of 2 small little lakes where you can simply cast a line in from the dock or around the perimeter. The meticulously clean restroom / bath house facility is located near the front adjacent to the main office, where next to this are 3 cabins that can be rented, just in case you forgot your tent or RV. Additionally, there’s decent hiking paths to explore both north and south of the property, with the latter offering up a small beachhead at Funks Run. The place also sells firewood, but if you need anything else, you’ll need to head south towards town where there’s no shortage of shops and restaurants.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a tent camper, there’s 3-4 designated areas for primitive camping, but if you’d like something less primitive and with access to water and electricity, then book yourself into one of the 5 designated tent sites: #233-#237, of which I recommend #236 and #237 as they have a small waterfront area flanking the southern perimeter; (2) The water here has a lot of iron in it, so don’t attempt to drink it, but according to the locals, it’s fine to shower in, so I would encourage you to bring a decent amount of bottled water with you; (3) If you haven’t camped out here in central Illinois during the summer, you will want to bring good DEET spray to keep the ticks away as well as hard-core smoke or scent-fused candles that are peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender-scented to keep the gnats at bay; and (4) The owner, Don, is quite possibly one of the most accommodating and friendly campground owners I have ever met– so don’t be shy if you need anything at all during your stay, including a discount to his pizza restaurant.
Happy Camping!
LegendIf you find yourself either stuck in the middle of nowhere here in north central Illinois or actually looking to escape the hustle & bustle to find peace, serenity and a tranquil encounter with nature, then look no further than Nature’s Way RV Park, which is set amongst the golden rows of sweet corn that you’ll find out in these parts. From the winding blacktop that you’ll have to maneuver to get here, just a few minutes north of I80 and east of I39, while you will feel as though you are completely isolated, and for the most part you are, what I like most about Nature’s Way is that if you know where you are at and the surroundings, there’s actually an awful lot to explore and enjoy, but if you don’t want to go anywhere, you can simply set up camp here and allow nature to envelope you in a way that only she can.
As for the campground, what makes Nature’s Way pretty amazing is that there’s a tremendous amount of infrastructure and a ton of amenities that most private campgrounds don’t offer. Upon entry, you’ll veer left and arrive at the main office where you’ll check-in. Here also is a quaint community room chalk full of books, DVDs and VHS tapes (for anyone still using these) and board games as well as a small alcove kitchen area complete with microwave, sink, dining table & chairs along with 2 driers and 3 washers, both coin-operated. Beyond this, there’s also a seating room with two oversized dollies with freshly cut wood bundles available for purchase as well as yet another room that is the campground market store and has everything from souvenirs to camping supplies, ice, beverages and snacks to charcoal and lighter fluid, BBQ tool sets and roasting forks and just about anything else you could think that you’ll need during your stay here. Just outside and behind this main building, you’ll discover a rather large, covered pavilion which is great for larger groups or for anyone wanting to picnic under some shade.
Another reason why I love Nature’s Way RV Park so much is how they have organized the living arrangements. For mi tent pitching bredren, this campground IMHO has set aside the best spots for us – clear in the back, completely surrounded by God’s green nature, you’ll be able to pitch a tent just about anywhere under this shaded forest and will feel a world away from the caravan camping types that, rest assured, are on the other side of the careening creek that cuts this campground nearly in half. Over in these parts, just past the bridge that you would need to cross to reach this primitive camping area, there’s a K9 dog park as well as plenty of scattered picnic tables, in-ground raised BBQ pits as well as water spigots. For the RV driving / 5th Wheel toting crowd, Nature’s Way has spots reserved on its front porch lawn that you will encounter upon first arriving to the entrance. There’s about 20 or so designated RV spots here that offer full hook-ups including 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage. Apart from being located right in front of the main office / market, you’ll be straddled next to the main road, which really should be a problem as this is just a quiet, small country road with not much traffic on it. Just due east of these RV slots are 4 cabins available for rent along with small porches complete with benches, brand new grills, fire pits and picnic tables, which is great for anyone not packing a tent or hauling a makeshift campground with them. Due south of these cabins as well as west of the main building are additional RV slots, but these only offer electric and water, so if you need sewage, you’ll have to book slots #1– 19.
From an amenities standpoint, apart from what has already been covered, the ‘crown jewel’ asset here is the in-ground heated swimming pool, completely fenced in preventing the young kiddos from straying too far. Above and beyond this, there’s a designated propane refilling station, very well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, basketball court, scattered picnic tables and stand-up BBQ grills, WiFi and cable access, kid’s playground, community fire rings as well as designated dumpsters and dump stations.
Insider’s tips? Here’s but a few: (1) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or onboard mini-fridge, then check out some of the local establishments, of which I highly recommend nearby Cajun Connection, which has some pretty amazing deep fried alligator tail as well as somewhat mediocre Jambalaya (but ask yourself the question: who else is serving up this dish so far away from Louisiana?!); (2) If you are a hiker and looking for some trails to blaze, then check out either Starved Rock SP, which as more than 13 miles of hiking trails awaiting you, or better, the lesser known Matthiessen SP, which has 5-6 of fairly decent challenging, but completely isolated, non-touristy-laden trails to plant your steps on; (3) Should you be wanting to get that beak of your watercraft wet on your outdoors expedition, then look no further than the Illinois River, which is literally less than 5 miles away from Nature’s Way, where you’ll be able to oar your way to some pretty epic wildlife encounters as well as some fairly decent currents as well as amazing fishing holes; and (4) Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t warn you – within just a 20 minute drive of where you have camped out, you’ll discover Rip’s Chicken, which is hand’s down, unequivocally, and judged by experts in more than 40 nations (mmm, OK, that last one may be a stretch) as the best fried chicken in the known universe. Oh, and they have Schlitz on tap. But this place only takes cash, so come prepared.
Happy Camping!
The Peru area sits at approximately 460 feet above sea level along the Illinois River, with seasonal camping conditions affected by spring flooding and summer humidity. Many campsites feature exposed limestone and sandstone formations unique to this region, creating distinctive camping environments not found elsewhere in Illinois. The area's state parks and private campgrounds remain open April through October with limited winter availability.
Kayaking on the Illinois River: At Kayak Starved Rock Campground, you'll camp directly across from the state park with views of the river. "There's a nice sandy beach along the road before the dam we pulled over to swim in!" notes Caitlin C., highlighting water recreation options beyond just paddling.
Hiking unusual terrain: The trails around Matthiessen State Park offer excellent geological features. "With nearly 2,000 acres, there's a lot to explore here...from the many valleys you will surprisingly encounter and the small trickling waterfalls you will stumble across," explains a reviewer, noting this less crowded alternative to Starved Rock.
Wildlife viewing: Birdwatching opportunities abound throughout the area's parks. At Illini State Park, visitors note the diverse wildlife. "We did take a morning walk along the river and we enjoyed MANY different birdsongs," reports Karla J.B., describing a morning experience at the campground.
Spacious sites: Starved Rock Family Campground receives praise for its layout. "Sites aren't stacked on top of each other and seem fairly level," notes Jessica T., contrasting with more crowded parks in the area.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers matter to campers. At Nature's Way RV Park, formerly LaSalle/Peru KOA, "Clean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly," notes larry V., highlighting the operational standards.
River proximity: Camping near water ranks high in popularity. "Every site had its own fire pit with a cooking grate, as well as the option to purchase wood bundles, which was very convenient," explains Cullen S. about Kayak Starved Rock Campground, where the riverside sites provide direct water access.
Seasonal considerations: Spring flooding affects some campgrounds. "Watch your campsite choice! We flooded...A heavy downpour resulted in water up over our ankles all through the site!" warns Jackie S. about Pleasant Creek Campground, particularly mentioning creek-adjacent sites.
Bathroom facilities vary: Some parks have better facilities than others. "The shower was hot and clean. For the price it's a solid experience," reports Katherine T. about Illini State Park, while others note that some parks only offer porta-potties or limited facilities.
Reservation timing: Book well ahead for peak weekends, especially for waterfront sites. "Book early- reservations open online 6 months in advance and book up quickly. Most summer weekends are completely full," advises a camper about state park options.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer better play options than others. "Small dog area (not the best fencing though if your dog is an escape artist), pool, showers, RV amenities, amazing park for children," notes Tony K. about Starved Rock Family Campground.
Kid-friendly hikes: Starved Rock offers accessible trails for younger hikers. "Perfect Family Hike! People get down on Illinois... But...then there's Starved Rock! Easily accessible to most of IL residents," writes a visitor who adds, "Quick tip: We enjoyed a quick trail mix snack at the bottom of the steep inclines. Gave the kiddos the energy they needed to make it to the top."
Water safety: The Illinois River has strong currents in spots, requiring caution with children. One kayaker notes, "The calm, clear water is suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers," but others warn to watch for changing conditions after rainfall.
Site dimensions: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Peru have size limitations. "For a 30' travel trailer, our campsite has just enough room for our slide out and awning," notes a camper about state park options, suggesting checking site dimensions before booking.
Hookup variations: Full hookups aren't universal in the area. "This park does NOT have water and sewer hook ups. You will have to fill your water tank, before parking," warns Lex D. about Illini State Park, information particularly important for longer stays.
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging entries. "To get up to the sites, it's a one way up and down road. Hopefully no one else is coming the opposite direction," shares Brian A. about Pleasant Creek Campground, noting tight turns that larger rigs may struggle with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Peru, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Peru, IL is Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 100 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Peru, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 91 dog-friendly camping locations near Peru, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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