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
from $8 / night
"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
"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
"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
"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"
"will be surrounded by."
from $40 - $95 / night
ScoutClean, quiet and nice facilities but the placement of the fire rings borders on the absurd. These are obviously RV sites so there's already little expectation of privacy but they're good size and leave ample space behind your camper. The site we were on was tree-lined in the back. Perfect for a fire ring, right? Nah. Instead they're out front 5 ft from the road. I've never seen anything like it. 🥴
ScoutSeasonal Stay Review Overall Rating:⭐☆☆☆☆ Our experience as seasonal campers at this campground was deeply disappointing due to unprofessional management, inconsistent rule enforcement, premature lease violations, and a toxic atmosphere. Management& Atmosphere The campground owner frequently engaged in inappropriate behaviors, including spreading gossip, making disrespectful comments, and actively bullying campers both in person and on social media platforms. Rather than fostering a welcoming community, the leadership promoted a divisive culture marked by clear favoritism. Inconsistent Rule Enforcement Rules were applied arbitrarily. Certain seasonal campers were permitted to disregard campground policies without consequence, while others were singled out, micromanaged, and targeted for minor or non-existent issues. Unprofessional Conduct Regarding Minors Most concerning was management’s unacceptable conduct toward children. The owner actively made a ten-year-old child feel unwelcome by making inappropriate insinuations regarding his friendship with a nearly thirteen-year-old girl, claiming a platonic friendship between a boy and a girl of those ages was somehow improper. Targeting young children and policing harmless childhood friendships crosses a line that no family should have to deal with while on vacation. Breach of Contract& Property Damage To make matters worse, management prematurely cut off electricity to our campsite prior to the end of our contractual agreement. This lack of power led to a total loss of all refrigerated food items and caused significant interior damage to our camper when the freezer thawed and the ice inside it melted and leaked onto the flooring. Additionally, management unlawfully removed personal property from our campsite before our lease term had expired and failed to return it. Conclusion While a seasonal site should offer a relaxing environment for families, the current ownership creates an uncomfortable, hostile, and unethical environment. Between the emotional hostility and the direct financial loss caused by management's actions, I strongly advise others to avoid this campground.
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people and include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags;All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent-- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, boat ramp, paddling rentals, store with grill, Eco Tourism Center pontoon rides, and nature center with displays and programs.
LegendThe camping cabins are provided with twin size bunks for four people that include air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A fire ring and picnic table are provided for each cabin. One tent is allowed on site.
SUPPLIES PROVIDED: Broom & dustpan. Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster
*RENTER WILL NEED TO BRING:*Complete bedding with pillow, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags; All camping supplies; All bath linens & toiletries(Shower house located inside the park);Lawn chairs (if desired)
Rent- $50/night payable by Visa or Mastercard. Sorry, but we are currently unable to accept Discover cards. Any questions please call 563-259-1876. Park offers playground, store and grill, paddle rentals, nature center too.
LegendPark has multiple cabins. Pintail Cabin is an ADA compliant, fully accessible cabin that sleeps up to 6 people. The cabin includes a queen-size adjustable bed that raises and lowers for easy access, twin size bunk bed, a full-size sofa sleeper, table/chairs. Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, electric cook top, sink. Central Heat/AC. Bathroom has accessible roll-in shower. There is also has a large deck and an accessible picnic table and fire ring outside. Bedding, towels, and kitchen cookware and utensils are not provided. The cabin has an ADA compliant access ramp. Tents are not permitted on this site. There is a playground, boat ramp, paddle rentals, Eco Tourism Center with small store and grill, and a nature center offering programs! The Blue Heron pontoon boat offers tours on the water too!
LegendThis campground offers lots of amenities, including: gravel, pads, fire rings, firewood, on site, campground host, playgrounds, water, dump station, both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. There’s a store for Supplies, and a grill serving food. The Eco tourism center includes interactive and educational displays and programs. The marina offers slips for rent, boat rentals of canoes and kayaks. The campground can get very buggy, considering seasons in Iowa.
LegendFor those willing to trade the hum of RV generators for the splash of paddles against the Rock River, Castle Rock State Park offers one of the most unique and rewarding camping experiences in northern Illinois. Located just a few miles south of Oregon - which if you aren't familiar with, is ABSOLUTELY worth exploring, particular in and around Lorado Taft - along scenic Route 2, this park is a natural mosaic of limestone bluffs, sandstone formations, and dense Midwestern forest punctuated by open prairie. Access to the campground, however, comes only by water ... oh yes, this is a TRUE paddle-in site. You’ll need a canoe or kayak to reach the nine primitive campsites that line this quiet stretch of river, each one tucked beneath a canopy of trees that have seen centuries of change and history.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Absolute serenity - the only sounds you’ll hear are the river, the birds, and your own campfire; (2) The boat-in exclusivity means far fewer visitors, granting this spot an unmatched sense of privacy; (3) Rich Native American history surrounds you as this was Sauk and Fox territory, and nearby you can visit the 48-foot Lorado Taft statue honoring Chief Black Hawk (which the adjoining property is actually another SP here in IL that is also very worthy of your camping pleasure); (4) The South Trails(Pond, Oak Ridge, and Fox) offer easy-to-moderate hikes once you paddle ashore and cross Route 2, while the North Trails provide tougher climbs, but the payoff is worth it with breathtaking overlooks; (5) For anglers, the Rock River teems with bass, walleye, sauger and northern pike; and (6) The view from the Castle Rock Scenic Overlook, just upriver from the launch, is one of the most picturesque in all of Illinois.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Access is strictly by water - here there's absolutely no vehicles, no hiking path or basically ANY amenity - so plan for wet feet and muddy landings accordingly; (2) Facilities are minimal with just one basic bathroom with a fairly nasty vault toilet (glorified hole in the ground) and no showers; (3) Seasonal flooding can temporarily submerge lower sites near the waterline, so plot out planting your tent carefully; (4) Expect a workout carrying gear up from your kayak or canoe; and (5) Dock availability is inconsistent, particularly in spring and fall shoulder seasons, when the temporary dock may altogether not be present.
Happy Camping!
LegendThis lush, shade-rich, pet-friendly CG sits completely surrounded by the oft overlooked Spring Bay Fen Nature Reserve, creating the rare sensation of being deep in nature while still only a short drive from Peoria. A looping, shade-covered gravel lane guides you past roughly 80 generously spaced sites, each perched beneath tall hardwoods, before opening to the sought-after waterfront slots that frame spectacular sunset views across the water. Whether you’re casting a line, slipping a kayak off the boat ramp or simply leaning back in a camp chair during Golden Hour, this is a campground that practically forces you to exhale. As my review from a year and a half ago provided substantial detail, here I'm just going to point out the HIGHS and LOWS while adding some additional fotos of the CG.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, well-shaded sites that are far roomier than most RV parks in central IL; (2) Excellent mix of back-in and pull-thru sites with water, electric and sewer hookups; (3) Direct access to Upper Peoria Lake with a strong boat launch for anglers, paddlers and sunset chasers; (4) Two additional ponds on property for simple shoreline fishing - perfect for the kiddos; (5) Exceptionally clean restroom and bathhouse facility near the entrance; (6) Three rentable cabins for non-RV travelers; (7) Easy hiking options north and south of the property, including the small beach area at Funks Run; (8) Friendly ownership with a real character where the owner, Don, is known for going above and beyond for campers; (9) Reliable shade almost everywhere, keeping summer stays comfortable.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The well water contains noticeable iron, which MIGHT be fine for showers but not recommended for drinking; (2) Mosquitos, gnats and ticks are summer regulars here in central IL, so be sure to bring DEET and scented candles; (3) Supplies are limited on-site, so trips into town are necessary for groceries or extras, but the good news is that in less than 20 minutes south of here, you'll discover a Home Depot, Lowe's, Bass Pro Shop, Target, Walmart and Costco; (4) Primitive tent areas - which can be found in the open lot north of the property right on the river - exist but provide little separation or privacy compared to the RV loops; (5) This CG can fill up quickly on warm-weather weekends and the summer holidays, especially the waterfront stretch.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWe had a wonderful experience at Starved Rock Family Campground! This campground really goes above and beyond to make camping fun for the entire family. There were so many FREE activities for the kids, plus a pool, playgrounds, golf cart rentals, live music, family bingo, wagon rides, crafts, face painting and more.
The freeway traffic can be loud at night so ear plugs maybe helpful. Other than that, we had a great time and would absolutely stay again!
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 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sheffield, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 91 dog-friendly camping locations near Sheffield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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