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Hickory Grove Campground's spacious pet-friendly sites offer full hookups for RV campers and tent sites within easy access to the 80-mile Hennepin Canal bike path. Sites give campers ample room for pets to relax without feeling cramped. The campground includes a dedicated dog park where four-legged guests can play off-leash. Both Chief Keokuk Campground and Geneseo Campground welcome pets at their cabin rentals and RV sites. Owners consistently mention the cleanliness and maintenance of pet areas at these Sheffield-area campgrounds. Hickory Grove's owners provide exceptionally friendly service and allow pets to accompany campers exploring the nearby creek. The campground remains open seasonally from May through October with daily rates that include pet access without additional fees.
Hennepin Canal Lock camping areas provide more primitive options for pet owners seeking a back-to-nature experience. The canal trail system allows leashed pets along its entire length, creating miles of walking opportunities directly from most campsites. Several local campers report excellent fishing opportunities right from pet-friendly campsites along the canal, though mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months. Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area features spacious sites nestled among pine trees ideal for camping with dogs, with several pit toilets and shower facilities available. During cooler months, sites at Francis City Park offer electric hookups for RVs with pets in a quiet setting surrounded by farmland. The nearby Wyanet Meat Locker provides fresh cuts for campers planning cookouts after days of hiking with their pets along the extensive trail systems connecting these campgrounds.
"Set within the sweeping woodlands and restored prairie of Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, Chief Keokuk Campground offers a peaceful Midwestern getaway anchored by the calm waters of Johnson Lake."
"Had the tent section nearest the to the lake to ourselves (site 100). This was great since we had a reactive dog, so it being not crowded was perfect!"
"Located just due north of Sheffield, right off I80 (2 miles to be exact), and due west of Princeton by about 20 minutes, Hickory Grove Campground, on the one hand, is so far off the grid that you will"
"Great bike path right out of campsite along the canal. Nice to get some exercise on a long road trip."
"Plenty of hiking along the canal and 10 miles away from most stores. Fee is $8 however if you’re an Illinois resident over 62 camping is free Sunday through Thursday nights."
"Located literally just a few stone’s throw due west of the tiny town of Wyanet, which is just a few miles west of better-known Princeton, you will access this little spec of undisturbed primitive camping"
from $8 / night
Check Availability"Nestled along a 104.5-mile corridor across parts of northwestern Illinois, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park offers a unique and unexpectedly charming, albeit primitive camping experience."
"Shade trees, soft grass, a nice trail to walk & great views. The stars in the night sky are breathtaking! This isn't some posh camping for someone looking to get a resort-feel."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"Located just off of Route 80, you’ll be searching for the Annawan exit, where heading northbound, you’ll take a right upon exiting and immediately thereafter, turn left, crossing the median, which will"
from $8 - $20 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $8 / night
Check Availability"There’s something about arriving at the Chief Blackhawk Group Camp that immediately feels like stepping into a wide, green embrace, with the tall hardwoods and quiet prairie edges giving families the kind"
"Nice walking trails and good fishing at the lake"
"My 14 yo dog was struggling to regulate her body temp, so she and I camped in a tent while my hubby and the other pup slept in the van."
"camping options are only offered on a first-come, first-served basis or the rustic elements you will find when camping at any one of these spots, one thing is for certain: if you planned to truly ‘get away from"
"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"Another camper walked right over and said he loved it here. They were already going on 2 weeks at Francis Park. It's charm won us over quite quickly."
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!
ScoutGravel pad for one night. Didn’t use facilities, pool was closed for the season. Very nice walk around the lake, dog park was not large, but clean with enough room to run. There were much nicer spots, but we had all we needed for one night.
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! :)
ScoutGreat campground. Has full hook ups, and pull through sites. Hosts are very responsive to texts if you need anything. They warned me ahead of time that GPS would navigate me under a 10 ft bridge and gave me directions around it!! They have a dog park, bathroom, propane, and trash. Very nice place
LegendThis is an incredibly quaint, somewhat out-of-the-way (in a very good way) location that will treat you to a heavy dose of isolation and privacy wherein you’ll feel completely blessed by the nature you will be surrounded by. This incredibly friendly (pet-friendly as well BTW) operation does an excellent job in how it is set up, offering up a few distinct loops that are ear-marked pretty much exclusively for the wheel-toting camping variety (think RVs, rigs, trailers and 5th wheels) providing 59 pull-thru and 12 back-in slots, while also offering up a discreet space flanked towards the front of the property that is simply perfect for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, which is surrounded by mature Oaks. And, just in case you either forgot your tent or RV, Geneseo Campground has 4 super comfy cabins (each sleeps 4 and come with A/C) or an amazing yurt that sleeps 8 that they’ll gladly rent you.
From an amenities standpoint, there’s an amazing kid’s playground, well-stocked camp store, propane refueling station, kayak & canoe rental, gas grill rental, e-bike, pedal carts & fat tire bike rental, full and partial hook-ups offering 30 / 50 electric amp, water & sewage hook-ups. There’s also a meeting room, WiFi everywhere, enclosed dog park, firewood & ice for sale, arcade games, RV dump station, coin-operated washers & dryers / laundr-O-mat, excellent showers & bathrooms, direct access to the Hennepin Canal and don’t forget the 60 or so miles worth of hiking trails!
This place is spacious, very well organized, incredibly clean all the while within a short 10 minute drive into nearby Geneseo, which quite frankly, is one of the most idyllic small towns you’ll come across anywhere in Illinois that is both convivial and provincial, but also quite emblematic of a typical Norman Rockwell painting. What I loved most about this place is that while it doesn’t offer up EVERYTHING that you might be looking for while camping, you only need to head due south to Izaak Walton Park (further south of this spot) or to Geneseo Prairie Park, both of which offer up amazing hiking trails as well as good launch spots to access the Hennepin Canal via kayak and canoe.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re reeling, you should expect to catch blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie, and while you can throw your line from the Geneseo Campground property, I would highly recommend you cross the canal to Izaak Walton Park on its east side where there’s a large open canal / lake to cast in; (2) While there’s tons of hiking trails, you don’t want to forget your bikes – there’s 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on; (3) Maybe you have a kayak or canoe, but in the case you don’t, do yourself a favor and rent one from the good people at Geneseo Campground in which to explore the Hennepin Canal - trust me, you won't be disappointed; and (4) Should you grow weary of eating franks & beans again from your campsite and want to try out some local cuisine, then get yourself over to nearby Geneseo where you can dine out at The Cellar, Sweet Peas Grill & Bar or Geneseo Brewing Company.
Happy Camping!
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!!
ScoutMy Husband were traveling to Montana and this campground was right off the freeway. The grounds are well maintained and the hosts were amazing. They helped you get to your site and get lined up. All sites are pull thru with full hookups. The grounds have lots of mature trees so shade is plenty. There is a very large area to walk your dogs and they have centrally located pet disposal can. They have a pond which was nice to walk the dogs around. I liked that the campground was quiet as we went to bed early in order to get an early start the next day. Keep in mind there are no showers which for us wasn’t an issue but some people might not have that option. We will use them again for sure!!
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!
ScoutClean and well maintained facility. Staff was organized and friendly. Pet friendly. We want to come back when we can stay longer.
Sheffield sits within the historic Hennepin Canal corridor at approximately 650 feet elevation. The region features a mix of oak woodlands and prairie landscapes with seasonal temperatures ranging from below freezing winters to humid 90°F summer days. Campgrounds cluster along the 80-mile Hennepin Canal trail system with most facilities open April through October.
Kayaking the canal system: Access the Hennepin Canal directly from Hickory Grove Campground for paddling on calm waters. "Pretty little campground amongst horse farms and along the Hennepin Canal. Great bike path right out of campsite along the canal. Nice to get some exercise on a long road trip," notes Maureen F.
Bicycling extensive trails: The crushed gravel surface of the canal trail accommodates riders of various skill levels. A camper at Hennepin Canal Lock 21 Campground reports, "Small gravel bike trail along most of the canal. Nice place to kayak and canoe. Very nice visitor center open until 3 during the week, no weekends. Only $8."
Historical exploration: The lock and dam system offers educational opportunities about Illinois transportation history. "There's a small shop on site with limited stock. When we went (summer 2021) you had to buy the wood on site at the shop," explains one visitor about amenities near some sites.
Spacious sites with privacy: Campsites at many Sheffield-area facilities offer ample room. "This a really nice campground with a lot of recent upgrades. Great location, excellent piece of land, and the owners are super friendly. Sites give you TONS of room and they are all FHU," writes Dan M. about Geneseo Campground.
Quiet rural atmosphere: The agricultural setting creates peaceful camping experiences. "It was just lovely. Owners were like you'd known them forever and eager to help in anyway. Sites were huge and not crammed into one another. They even allowed us to use their golf cart to ck out the creek," shares Roxanna L.
Access to water recreation: Campers appreciate shoreline fishing options. At Hennepin Canal Bridge 23 campground, Troy C. notes: "It's a boat launch with a small parking area and a decent little law. Where we pulled our car in and flipped out our tent."
Limited facilities at canal sites: Most canal-adjacent campgrounds offer primitive amenities only. "There are no operable drinking water fountains along the rest of the canal so bring your own water for your hike or camping trip," advises a reviewer at Hennepin Canal Lock 11.
Payment systems vary: Canal camping operates on a different system than established campgrounds. "Camping at the Canal is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no set check-in or check-out times. The Canal's site security officer makes rounds to each campsite to collect camping fees, in-person."
Weather considerations: Summer heat brings insects while shoulder seasons offer more comfortable conditions. "I wouldn't mind coming back to enjoy the activities in the area along the Hennepin canal but we had a family wedding to attend in Michigan the next day," notes Jackie S. about her experience.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Friendly staff, very clean and peaceful. Nice shower rooms and amenities and very reasonably priced," reports Tom N. about family-friendly options at Geneseo Campground.
Rental recreation equipment: Check for campgrounds offering activity equipment. "Great place to camp! Right on the Hennepin Canal. RV, tent, Cabins, and Yurt camping. The couple that run this campsite are so sweet! Pedal bikes for kids (and grown ups), a spray ground, and more!" explains Elizabeth R.
Kid-friendly hiking distances: The flat terrain suits younger hikers. At Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area, one camper shares: "The trails are fairly short but can be combined to include 8 miles of trail. The campground is not terribly big but has a shower house in addition to some pit toilets."
Limited hookup availability: RVers should note varying electrical service levels. "One of our favorite places to camp, kayak, and fish. The only downside side is no water/sewage hookup," reports Jeremy K. about Chief Keokuk Campground.
Site dimensions: Larger rigs require advance planning at some locations. At Hickory Grove Campground, "There are 15 pull-through sites (all with 50 amp electric) with all RV and Trailer sites offering full hook-ups (30/50 amp electric, water and sewage) most with shaded lots."
Budget-friendly seasonal options: Extended-stay opportunities exist for those exploring the region thoroughly. "For those looking for a nice, easy and economical seasonal rental, Hickory Grove is quite affordable offering up sites for as little as $1,400/season."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sheffield, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sheffield, IL is Chief Keokuk Campground — Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sheffield, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 dog-friendly camping locations near Sheffield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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