Top Dog Friendly Camping near Rend Lake

Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Rend Lake? Finding pet-friendly campgrounds in Illinois is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Rend Lake campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Rend Lake, IL (90)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek

    1.

    Gun Creek

    19 Reviews
    63 Photos
    90 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    Gun Creek sits along the Eastern banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Golf Complex, which includes a 27-hole golf course, restuarant, and lodge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Sandusky Campground

    2.

    South Sandusky Campground

    18 Reviews
    52 Photos
    101 Saves
    Sesser, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change througout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    South Sandusky Campground is situated around Sandusky cove on Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With nicely spaced campsites and plenty of activities easily accessible from the campground, South Sandusky is an excellent destination for camping at Rend Lake. Wildlife in the area includes white tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year.

    Nearby Attractions

    South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake Visitors Center Rend Lake Project Office

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground

    3.

    South Marcum Campground

    15 Reviews
    31 Photos
    64 Saves
    Benton, Illinois

    Overview

    Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at its best. Even a short visit to Rend Lake will impress you with the versatility of this magnificent area. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land. Wildlife in the area includes deer, turkey, fox, raccoon, opossu, waterfowl, and others as seasons change throughout the year. Whether you're looking for high adventure, a peaceful retreat, or something in between, you'll find it here in the heart of Southern Illinois.

    Recreation

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Facilities

    Take a leisurely morning stroll, ski or sail lake waters, spend the afternoon viewing inspiring art exhibits and end your day by the warm glow of a campfire under starry night skies. The fields, forests and waters of Rend Lake provide a natural haven for wildlife and an outdoor wonderland for you. Boat, hike, fish, hunt, swim, and explore at your leisure. If you prefer a little less nature, visit one of the resorts around the lake and delight in superb lodging and dining. Just minutes away you'll find golf, trap and skeet, arts, antiques, museums, wineries, and more.

    Natural Features

    South Marcum Campground sits along the banks of Rend Lake in the heart of Southern Illinois. With plenty of unobstructed views of the water, campers are able to take in scenic sunsets as well as enjoy activities such as bank fishing, right from the campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    Rend Lake Dam

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Whittington Woods Campground

    5.

    Whittington Woods Campground

    11 Reviews
    9 Photos
    26 Saves
    Whittington, Illinois

    We also have a basketball court, propane, dump station and our laundry room has brand new machines. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the park. We have added a new activity/meeting room with central ac/heat, pictures are located on our Facebook page.

    Laundry
    Pull-Thru Sites
    30 & 50 Amp Service
    Big Rig Friendly
    Pet Friendly
    Playground
    Ice
    Clean Restrooms/Hot Showers
    Activity/Meeting Room
    Dump Station
    Pool
    Grocery Store
    Basketball
    Pavilion
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA

    6.

    Benton KOA

    12 Reviews
    5 Photos
    8 Saves
    Benton, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park

    7.

    Archway RV Park

    15 Reviews
    17 Photos
    42 Saves
    Mount Vernon, Illinois

    Open year-round, Archway RV Park is easy to get to from the Interstate. Level, full-hookup pull through sites that are big-rig friendly. We love pets. You’ll love that we sell propane. Visit our Amenities page to see photos of our facility. We also have cabins, super fun glamper pods and on-site rental campers. Visit our Lodging page to learn more.

    Come on in, you’re gonna love it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    8.

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    52 Reviews
    208 Photos
    488 Saves
    Karbers Ridge, Illinois

    One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods' scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic.

    The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. Interpretive signs explain the geological history. The 1/4-mile trail is made of natural sandstone and takes about an hour to walk. It contains short, steep grades and steps; benches are located along the trail and as a whole the trail is not tiring. Caution should be used due to the high cliffs in the area.

    Overnight parking allowed at Backpacker's Parking Lot only (Indian Point Trailhead). Pets are allowed only on a leash. Picnic areas and Observation Trail are open 6am-10pm. Use trash receptacles where available. Pack It In, Pack It Out while on trails. Camp only at designated sites in the campground. Disposable food and beverage containers are not permitted on the Observation Trail. Stay on the designated trail and leave the beauty of the rocks and plants for others to enjoy.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground

    9.

    Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    165 Photos
    136 Saves
    Makanda, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    10.

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    45 Photos
    61 Saves
    Bargerville, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $25 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 90 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews In Rend Lake

617 Reviews of 90 Rend Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
    August 15, 2024

    Pine Hills

    Very nice

    Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
    July 29, 2024

    Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area

    Enjoyable time

    Campground was quiet and well kept. Foliage was well trimmed. There was a spot from previous campers that needed cleaned up, but that's more of a reflection of the previous campers and less the camp ground, in my opinion, as it was not an overall theme.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
    July 22, 2024

    Hilltop Campground

    Nice stop

    Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    June 30, 2024

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Great Community camp not too far off the highway

    My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    June 21, 2024

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    A beautiful little spot !

    First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    June 16, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Great place to camp!

    We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Benton KOA
    May 30, 2024

    Benton KOA

    Loud

    1 side is directly on the freeway VERY loud, the other is in between the sewer treatment plant and municipal airport. If you're a light sleeper might want to stay away Full video review on YouTube https://youtu.be/QpuNpA7UVZI

  • Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    May 30, 2024

    Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    Wonderful surprise

    Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
    May 20, 2024

    Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area

    Nice State Park Campground

    We stayed here for the eclipse in April. No real issues. Kids had plenty of room to run around, hike and safely ride bikes around the campground. Showers and bathrooms were typical for a state park.

    There were heavy storms the night before the eclipse and everyone in tents were completely soaked. The area around our site had really poor drainage. We had noisy neighbors that were up until at least 2 or 3 with zero regards for anyone else trying to sleep.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Marcum Campground
    May 13, 2024

    South Marcum Campground

    Great Campground

    Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing. Cell service for AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE. Only issue that I have is that site 49 is very hard to get level in, make sure that you bring extra leveling blocks if possible

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    May 9, 2024

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Probably nice in a big rig, sucks otherwise

    This campground was essentially an RV park. Only big rigs, some sites well spaced physically but no privacy in between so feels like everyone staring at each other. Some of the waterfront sites okay privacy-wise, but not most. Hookups work well, but bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers.

    The whole place also smells like dead fish. We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite so be careful what you leave out, also tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads.

    The lake is at least really pretty and there’s a small beach area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jackson Falls
    May 8, 2024

    Jackson Falls

    Love this place!

    This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to. Great hiking around the area. 

    The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw volvos and subarus do just fine.  Sprinter vans would be fine. Was pretty dry when we visited, could see the road getting a little sketch after big rain.  Definitely not gonna be fun for even small RV's. Tough turnarounds for large trailers or 5th wheels.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Archway RV Park
    May 8, 2024

    Archway RV Park

    Great campground

    Sites are nice, although all sites face each other meaning you will be 5-10 feet from your neighbors if you are sitting out front. Full-hookups with only a 50amp connection so if you are using 30 make sure you have a 50/30 adapter. Overall very nice campground, well maintained.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oak Point Campground
    May 6, 2024

    Oak Point Campground

    Nice national park campground

    Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on. You can spend a week here and not see everything.
    There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance.

    Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front. There are some lake front spots that can be had. Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.

    Large lake with swimming, fishing, kayaking. Also has a bike trail around it - maybe 2 miles.

    Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work.

    All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gun Creek
    April 30, 2024

    Gun Creek

    Blue Jay #49 Water site

    Love this state park! Clean, quiet, water views and lots of bike paths to ride.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
    April 24, 2024

    Crab Orchard Lake Campground

    Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind

    Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale 

    Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems. 

    Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers. 

    Site: A-35. In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can’t be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Forest
    April 6, 2024

    Trail of Tears State Forest

    Not free but worth the $8/night

    Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others. Potable water and camper registration (but had a boil water warning but that was not normal). 30 min into Cape Girardeau and 15 min to Anna. Nice picnic table and raised fire ring/ grill.



Guide to Rend Lake

Camping near Rend Lake, Illinois, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy nature and relax.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Giant City State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The shorter trails in the park were beautiful even in the winter," making it a great spot year-round.
  • Fishing: Head to Gun Creek for some fishing. A reviewer noted, "Excellent park but many sights aren’t flat. Not all have water, septic," indicating the need to choose your spot wisely for fishing access.
  • Wine Tasting: If you enjoy wine, several wineries are a short drive from South Sandusky Campground. One visitor shared, "The campground is good, and camp hosts very friendly and helpful," making it a perfect base for your winery adventures.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Turkey Ridge Campground. A review stated, "Bathrooms and shower house were all clean!" which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Sites: At South Marcum Campground, visitors enjoy the roomy sites. One camper said, "Sites are well spaced apart," allowing for a more private experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Archway RV Park. A reviewer mentioned, "The staff was great," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Reservation System: Be aware of the reservation system at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The reservation system and finding a spot was overly complicated for a first timer," so plan ahead.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crab Orchard Lake Campground, may have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers," so manage your expectations.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially at Washington County State Recreation Area. One camper shared, "Lots of wildlife," which can be exciting but also requires caution.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like South Sandusky Campground. A family-friendly review stated, "It was very safe and had close restrooms and playgrounds."
  • Short Trails: Choose campgrounds with shorter hiking trails, such as Turkey Ridge Campground. A camper noted, "The trails include everything — bluffs from above and below," making it suitable for young kids.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. At Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "Quiet camping convenient to I-57," which is great for families needing rest.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: When booking at Gun Creek, be mindful of site levels. One reviewer said, "Not all sites are very level," so bring leveling blocks if needed.
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like South Marcum Campground. A camper mentioned, "Only $26 a night for full-hookups is amazing."
  • Cell Service: Be aware of cell service availability. A visitor at Archway RV Park noted, "AT&T is marginal at 2 bars LTE," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Camping near Rend Lake, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing, there's something for every camper to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rend Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rend Lake is Gun Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rend Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 90 dog-friendly camping locations near Rend Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.