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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near St. Joseph, IL

298 Reviews

D & W Lake RV Park's fenced dog park provides a dedicated exercise area for pets at this Champaign campground just minutes from St. Joseph. The park features full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections for RVs, while also accommodating tent camping and offering glamping options. Pets are welcome throughout the campground with standard leash requirements in common areas. The campground maintains clean facilities with showers and restrooms, and the peaceful setting includes a scenic lake where guests can fish catch-and-release for bluegill and bass. Raccoons are active in many area campgrounds after dusk, so proper food storage is essential when camping with pets.

Kickapoo State Recreation Area and Prairie Pines Campground both welcome pets with designated pet-friendly sites and trails. Kickapoo offers both drive-in and walk-in access with tent and RV camping options, while Prairie Pines provides full hookup sites with 50-amp service. The surrounding area features multiple hiking opportunities where leashed dogs can join their owners on trails through wooded terrain and along waterways. Turkey Run State Park, located about an hour east in Indiana, offers extensive pet-friendly hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, though pets must remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Campers report the raccoons at Turkey Run are particularly bold and will approach people without hesitation, so securing pet food is especially important. Most campgrounds in the region maintain clean shower facilities and restrooms, making extended stays with pets more comfortable.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near St. Joseph, Illinois (38)

    1. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Oakwood, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 442-4915

    $10 - $20 / night

    "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."

    2. D & W Lake RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Champaign, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 356-3732

    "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."

    3. Prairie Pines Campground

    7 Reviews
    Gifford, IL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 893-0438

    "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."

    4. Harry L Swartz Campground

    9 Reviews
    Penfield, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 595-5692

    "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."

    5. Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area

    2 Reviews
    Collison, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 442-4915

    "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."

    6. Tin Cup RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Mahomet, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 586-3011

    "Had AC going but could hear road noise from interstate/ nearby roads."

    7. Turkey Run State Park Campground

    72 Reviews
    Marshall, IN
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 597-2635

    $20 - $45 / night

    "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."

    8. Champaign Sportsmen's Club

    1 Review
    Mahomet, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 586-9951

    9. Walnut Point State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Oakland, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 346-3336

    "A great lake for fishing and kayaking. A hidden gem in central Illinois with a great little family owned restaurant. The staff and camp host are super friendly and helpful!"

    "Walking trails all around the campground, all sites close to or on the lake. Little restaurant, ice cream, and kayak rental place on site through October 17. Good fishing spot. Several playgrouds."

    10. Vermilion County Park Forest Glen Preserve

    1 Review
    Georgetown, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (217) 662-2142

    "We did forest glen river ridge trail; started from the staff parking lot and walked about 8 miles to the east camp. We had a big group and took sites 3 and 5 because they were on a flatter ground."

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Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near St. Joseph, IL

32 Photos of 38 St. Joseph Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near St. Joseph, IL

298 Reviews of 38 St. Joseph Campgrounds

  • Debra M.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Bo Wood

    Four Stars because of the Dog Park

    This campground has a dog park and beautiful views, but the sites are very crowded.  There are full hook up sites and electric only.  If you like the party atmosphere, this place is for you.  If you like a more spread out and quiet park, look at Lithia Springs or Opossum.  Your park pass from any COE campground will get you in.

    Photos view from dog park.

  • Luna L.
    May. 12, 2025

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Peaceful Evening With Gorgeous Lake

    Pulled 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.

  • Chris S.
    Oct. 6, 2019

    Bo Wood

    Lovely last camping trip of the season

    Giving this 4 stars for the awesomeness of the sites themselves. We were in 121. All of the sites we saw in our “loop” were super wide, all gravel and quite level. So well kept.....fire pit with grate, large picnic table....really, the site couldn’t have been better. Beautiful views of the lake! Just all-in-all a well maintained park. So, why not 5 stars? I really wanted good shore fishing and not only was it a long walk, but really not very good/easy to get to, or comfortable standing once you get there. Beautiful dog parks....one for large dogs and one for small, but again, a long walk from the campground. Not feasible for our older dog. One other thing, absolutely no lighting at night along the campground roadways. After dark, we watched a truck go into the ditch looking for the turn out (granted, the occupants sounded like they were well into partying), but the pitch darkness at night made it feel a little unsafe, especially walking the dog after dark. Still, the sites themselves are awesome.

  • Austin-Tarra G.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Forrest W. Bo Wood

    Good Spot Except for the Large Amount of Sewer Flies

    We stayed at Boo Wood Campground for about five days and enjoyed much of their amenities.

    The campground featured a dog park which provided room for our dogs to run around. There was also multiple playgrounds and even a small amphitheater. There was a large boat ramp with ample parking. We put in our kayaks on the boat ramp and enjoyed a nice paddle on a portion of the Shelbyville Lake.

    We paid less than$25 a night for full hooks up and we had an almost lake view.

    Our biggest issue with this campsite was the extensive bugs, once the sun goes down the bugs get horribly bad. We let our dogs out past 8 p.m. and our camper was covered with swarms of psychodidae(sewer) flies. Once we quickly got in our camper, we spent the next hour killing the swarms of sewer flies that entered our camper. We learned our lesson and once the sun went down, we did not leave our camper.

  • patricia D.
    Jun. 16, 2021

    Bo Wood

    Serene site

    For my Tent only camp site. I loved it. It’s spacious it’s for the most part shaded. It is right next to the lake. I get some views. In the pictures I posted you’ll see what I’m talking about. As far as the campground I did take a drive around it’s pretty big n has a lot of shaded sites. I think it’s over 140 sites. There is a boat ramp on the grounds also the playground there’s a dog park there is also a little amphitheater. I believe I was told the Rangers do events for the kids.  I do like the fact that you can go into a bathroom and it also has the shower so you have that privacy. I also noticed and was told that there are volunteers that are in the campground I guess all season. It seems like they’re spread out like there’s someone in every section. Which made me feel good.  Having someone with the inside access to get help or to have a problem solved sooner than later. Here are just a couple reasons why I did not give a five star. To you out there it may not be a negative for you so you could see this as a five star. For a beautiful campsite to be surrounded by a lake. You can’t really see or Have access to swim in. There is a beach for the lake but it’s outside the campground and down the road. It’s a negative for me. I mean keep the trees maybe get rid of any low hanging branches and the bushes that block most of the view. I really wish they had some air in the bathrooms. Half of my trip was in the high 90s and the sun was just beaming on the building. So it was not pleasurable to use the bathroom or take a shower then. The tent only site that I was at. You had to park your car in a parking lot across the street but from my site it was down a little further.. I like having my car close by so I can access anything that is left in my car throughout my stay.  wi-Fi would’ve been a plus. So I got good phone service. Att

  • C
    Jun. 9, 2019

    D & W Lake RV Park

    Highway haven

    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. 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.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Friends Creek Campground

    Hidden among the farms - well-manicured camping

    In 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!

  • K
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Friends Creek Campground

    Wonderful Gem in Farm Country

    This 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

Guide to St. Joseph

Camping options near St. Joseph, Illinois include tent sites, basic electric sites, and full hookup RV accommodations within short driving distances. The region features prairie and woodland habitats at approximately 700 feet elevation with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Fall camping from September through early November offers mild temperatures and colorful foliage without the summer humidity.

What to do

Hiking varied terrain: Kickapoo State Recreation Area maintains trail networks through diverse landscapes including woodlands, waterways, and reclaimed mining areas. "There are camp sites that are walk to for some more distance from others... the park itself has a lot of trails to explore and a few lakes to fish at. It is also a local spot to tube," notes Jennifer S. The trails range from easy walking paths to more challenging routes with moderate elevation changes.

Stargazing in dark skies: Harry L Swartz Campground offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "It's a dark sky park so you can get some nice views from the campground and surrounding areas," explains Tim F. The campground hosts occasional astronomy events during meteor showers, with local experts providing talks about celestial objects visible in the rural Illinois skies.

Paddling and fishing: At Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, water activities dominate the recreation options with multiple access points for small watercraft. The park features a swimming beach that remains popular during summer months. "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," reports Todd T. The waterways hold multiple fish species for anglers seeking a quiet day on the water.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Walnut Point State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites for a more private camping experience. "This is a lovely campground with large dispersed camp sites. There is an on-site restaurant that has stayed busy," writes Brandi M. The campground layout includes lake-adjacent sites with direct water access for fishing.

Clean facilities: D & W Lake RV Park maintains well-kept restrooms and grounds according to multiple campers. "Very clean shower and toilet facilities, beautiful pond, the people are very friendly, and close to freeway exit. Would 100% recommend," states Frank. The park's maintenance extends to the grounds with mowed areas and clean fire rings at each site.

Fishing opportunities: Many area campgrounds feature stocked fishing ponds or river access. "A great lake for fishing and kayaking. A hidden gem in central Illinois with a great little family owned restaurant," Brandon E. says about Walnut Point. These fishing areas typically require Illinois fishing licenses for adults, while catch-and-release policies apply at private campgrounds.

What you should know

Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are active throughout the camping areas, particularly after dark. "We had a lot of rain that weekend and one of the pit toilets appeared to have a problem because it smelled very strongly - the people in the sites nearest to it, 21 and 39, probably had a rough weekend," notes Rachel about Harry L Swartz Campground. Proper food storage in secure containers helps prevent unwanted visitors.

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking, especially during summer and holiday weekends. "We reserved a one-night stay 6 weeks in advance for the Friday night of Memorial Day Weekend. We received a call 2 weeks before our stay telling us they won't honor the reservation because they've decided to impose a three-night minimum for the holiday weekend," warns a reviewer about Tin Cup RV Park reservation policies.

Site conditions: Prairie Pines Campground offers level sites with full hookups but varies in privacy between areas. "Nice space between sites. Free WiFi. Very large and clean bathrooms. Laundry also available in bath house. A little different than my typical 'wooded' camping experience, but a nice, clean, quiet spot to relax," reports Rhonda W. The campground occupies repurposed land from a decommissioned Air Force base.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several pet friendly campgrounds near St. Joseph feature dedicated play areas for children. "There is a boat club near by. Gibson City has a great drive in movie theater and German Restaurant. Gibson is about 20 minutes from the camp ground," notes Debbie B. about nearby attractions from Moraine View State Recreational Area. Many sites include open grassy areas for games and activities.

Water activities: For families with children, campgrounds with swimming areas provide welcome relief during hot summer days. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet :)" advises Samantha S. about Turkey Run State Park Campground, noting the trail's water features that delight children.

Educational opportunities: Harry L Swartz Campground offers occasional naturalist programs during summer months. "Our second visit was in August for the Perseid meteor shower and a local expert came to give a talk and there was a meteor viewing party of sorts, so that was very interesting," Rachel writes. These programs provide learning experiences about local wildlife, plants, and astronomy.

Tips from RVers

Pull-through accessibility: Prairie Pines Campground offers accessible RV sites with full hookups. "Our Garmin RV GPS' conflicted with our new Ford RV navigation, wanting to take us a more direct route and Garmin through town to this city park. Either route would have worked but suggest you locate the campground on the map and verify the route with Google Maps or Waze," recommends MickandKarla W., noting the potential navigation challenges.

Site leveling: Many campsites throughout the region require leveling blocks for RVs. "We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade. It's is very close to the restroom but a distance from the camp store and dumpster. The site was clean and well equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The site is very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It's was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end," reports Michelle M. about her experience at Turkey Run State Park Campground.

Full service options: For RVers seeking complete hookups, Moraine View State Recreational Area offers electric sites with a dump station but no sewer connections. "Only electric hook ups," confirms Debbie B. about the campground's services. Sites typically accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, though corner sites may present turning challenges for larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near St. Joseph, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near St. Joseph, IL is Kickapoo State Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near St. Joseph, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 dog-friendly camping locations near St. Joseph, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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