Camp Bullfrog Lake and Camp Sullivan both feature designated pet-friendly campsites with full hookups for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin accommodations that welcome dogs. Leashed pets are permitted throughout these Forest Preserve District of Cook County campgrounds, with Camp Sullivan offering easy access to nearby hiking trails suitable for dog walking. Michigan City Campground maintains a fenced dog park within the property where pets can exercise off-leash, while Indiana Dunes State Park enforces strict on-leash policies throughout its grounds. Most campgrounds in the region require proof of current vaccinations and limit pets to two per site. Campers consistently note that Blackwell Family Campground provides spacious sites with enough room for pets to relax without disturbing neighboring campers.
The Indiana Dunes National Park trail system includes several pet-friendly hiking paths where leashed dogs can accompany their owners through wooded areas and along beach access points. Campgrounds near water access typically enforce additional pet restrictions at swimming areas, with designated pet beaches available at select locations. Lakeshore Camp Resort provides waste disposal stations throughout the grounds, while Love's RV Stop locations offer convenient pet relief areas for travelers making overnight stops. Summer temperatures in the region can reach uncomfortable levels for pets, making early morning or evening walks preferable during peak season. Wildlife encounters are possible at forest preserve campgrounds, requiring vigilant leash control and proper food storage to prevent attracting animals to campsites. The Michigan City area provides emergency veterinary services within a 15-minute drive of most camping locations.
$20 - $138 / 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."
$35 - $250 / night
"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."
$25 / night
"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!"
$43 / night
"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."
$49 - $57 / night
"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
$20 - $30 / night
"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."
"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."
$45 - $55 / night
"There was a nice big field for the dog to run. Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."
"You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."
$20 - $35 / night
"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."
TravelerSmall 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
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.
TravelerMany 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.
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.
ScoutGreat 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.
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!
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.
Pet friendly camping near Riverdale, Illinois offers multiple options for outdoor enthusiasts with dogs. Campgrounds in the region typically enforce standard leash policies and vaccination requirements. The area features a mix of state park and privately-owned facilities within a 60-mile radius of Riverdale, with most camping areas open from April through October. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, with periodic thunderstorms common during camping season.
Hiking with dogs on designated trails: At Indiana Dunes National Park, leashed pets can join you on most trails through diverse ecosystems. "The campsite was large and beautiful. The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers. Lots of nature, chill vibe," notes Veronica S., highlighting the natural surroundings.
Lakefront activities: Take your dog to permitted beach areas during morning hours when temperatures are cooler. "You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture," explains Chris M. from Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, where leashed pets are welcome on specific trails.
Mountain biking on forest preserve trails: Several trails near Camp Bullfrog Lake accommodate various skill levels. Josh M. confirms, "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite." These trails offer options where dogs can accompany riders on leash.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced facilities. At Emerald Trails Campground, campers appreciate "Very relaxing, and very quiet. Great shade from tall trees, and a large pond to fish or paddle boat," according to Maurice, who notes the peaceful environment suitable for pets.
Spacious sites with adequate separation: Campers value having enough room for pets. "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean," Lawrence B. reports about Camp Bullfrog Lake, where pets have room to relax at campsites.
Access to water features: Several campgrounds offer lake or pond access. "We took the kids to the lake which was actually fun," notes a reviewer at Lakeshore Camp Resort, which features a swimming beach and fishing opportunities where leashed pets can join families along shorelines.
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons, typically April through October. Kathryn from Camp Sullivan shares, "We stayed in April at Camp Reinberg and in June at Camp Sullivan, both for a few nights," demonstrating the seasonal camping window in the region.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise from nearby highways or trains. "You can hear trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink," reports Truly W. about Indiana Dunes National Park, important for pet owners concerned about noise-sensitive animals.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. "We decided to spend the weekend here because I had a client meeting at sunrise the first morning of our stay in downtown Chicago. It saved me making a 3 hour drive," explains Lisa S., emphasizing the planning needed for Camp Sullivan.
Visit nature centers for educational programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities suitable for families with pets. "The nature center is right next to the campground," notes Jackie H., describing family-friendly amenities at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Blackwell Family Campground offers recreational facilities for children. "Additionally, there's an open space for sports/games and some great climbing trees within the group area," John R. explains, highlighting areas where families can relax while keeping pets nearby.
Plan for weather contingencies: Summer storms can occur quickly in the region. "The weekend traffic can be a bummer," Kirk B. mentions about Indiana Dunes State Park, suggesting families should plan flexible schedules when camping with pets in this area.
Limited hookup options: Many campgrounds offer electric-only sites. "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," Greg S. shares about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Size considerations for larger rigs: Check site dimensions before booking. "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," advises Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, noting important information for RVers with pets who need adequate space.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "There are two dump stations made wait minimal," Jeffrey S. notes about Indiana Dunes State Park, providing practical information for RVers planning multi-day stays with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Riverdale, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Riverdale, 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 Riverdale, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 dog-friendly camping locations near Riverdale, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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