Camp Bullfrog Lake tent sites and RV spots welcome pets along the waterfront, with each site providing a complimentary bundle of oak firewood for evening campfires. Several pet-friendly campgrounds in the South Holland area maintain clean facilities with modern bathrooms and showers, though availability of amenities varies by location. The bathrooms at Camp Sullivan are cleaned regularly on weekends with varying cleanliness reported during weekday stays. Both Camp Sullivan and Camp Bullfrog Lake offer cabins that accommodate pets, though some locations specify that dogs are not permitted inside cabin structures. Campsites are generally well-maintained with picnic tables and fire pits, but pet owners should be prepared to keep animals leashed at all times while on campground property.
Extensive hiking trails connect directly to Camp Bullfrog Lake campsites, allowing convenient access for dog walks without needing to drive elsewhere. The surrounding Cook County Forest Preserves offer miles of hiking and mountain biking trails where leashed dogs can join their owners for exercise and exploration. Many campgrounds in the area provide water access, with Camp Bullfrog Lake featuring lakeside camping with fishing opportunities and boat rentals. The small size of some campsites, particularly at Camp Sullivan, means neighboring campers are in close proximity, so well-behaved dogs that don't bark excessively are ideal for these settings. Wildlife sightings including herons, songbirds, deer, raccoons, and the occasional snake enhance the natural camping experience but require pet owners to maintain control of their animals.
$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."
$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 - $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."
$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."
"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."
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.
Campgrounds near South Holland, Illinois offer overnight stays within an hour of downtown Chicago. The terrain is a mix of prairie and woodland on generally flat terrain, with some offering lakefront settings. Camping season typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak months. Many locations operate primarily on weekends during spring and fall months.
Hike the 3 Dune Challenge: At Indiana Dunes State Park, visitors can tackle a popular trail connecting the park's three highest dunes. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," notes Jackie H., who appreciated the nature center located adjacent to the campground.
Mountain biking on extensive trail systems: The forest preserves offer well-maintained trail networks suitable for various skill levels. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here," explains Tim K. from Camp Bullfrog Lake, adding that "we saw several vehicles carrying top of the line bikes in and out all day."
Archery practice: Some forest preserves maintain dedicated archery ranges for visitor use. Blackwell Family Campground includes "plenty of hiking options including a big hill, the fishing is outstanding... There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course," according to Marisa A., who found it "a great place for families."
Kayak rental opportunities: Several campgrounds offer affordable water craft rentals. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reports Layla P., who stayed twice at the location.
Chicago skyline views: On clear evenings, some lakefront camping areas provide unique city perspectives. According to Anna G. at Indiana Dunes State Park, "On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake. The state park has many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter."
Diverse wildlife sightings: The natural areas support varied ecosystems despite urban proximity. Hatie P. who visited Dunewood Campground noted: "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk."
Proximity to urban amenities: Many campers appreciate the blend of outdoor experience with nearby services. One Blackwell Family Campground visitor explained, "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway." This combination makes these sites popular for weekend trips.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Upgraded bathroom facilities receive frequent positive mentions. At Camp Sullivan, Shane S. observed "The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern. The campsites are well kept as are the grounds."
Train noise affects some locations: Railroad lines run near several campgrounds, creating periodic disturbances. Kaley A. at Indiana Dunes State Park reported: "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long... Nothing the park does wrong, clearly, but something to think about."
Bathroom cleanliness varies by timing: Maintenance schedules affect facility conditions throughout the week. At Camp Sullivan, Lisa S. noted "The bathhouses are newer and kept fairly clean. I don't think they're checked everyday though because the ladies stalls were out of toilet paper our second morning."
Campsite size limitations: Many sites have restricted dimensions, particularly at more popular locations. Regarding Lakeshore Camp Resort, Julia S. explained: "If your idea of camping is to be surrounded by nature, quiet, and the ability to social distance then DO NOT CAMP HERE. Lakeshore Camp resort is like choosing to camp in the middle of a neighborhood whose population density is higher than Chicago."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds struggle with water systems. At one location, a reviewer mentioned: "The stinkest water we've ever smelled, horrible!!! Our sewer connection was nearly buried." This issue varies significantly between campgrounds, with forest preserve sites generally receiving better reviews.
Educational programs: Look for scheduled ranger-led activities at dog-friendly campgrounds near South Holland. Blackwell Family Campground "is a great place for families. I've brought cub scouts here and my kids' friends," mentions Marisa A., highlighting the educational opportunities in the preserves.
Multiple cabin options: Several locations offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. At Camp Sullivan, "There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups," according to Shane S., making it suitable for various group sizes.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds maintain play structures for younger visitors. Holly S. at Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park mentioned: "We stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. Theres a playground as well."
Weekend activity scheduling: Families should note that organized activities concentrate on weekends. Dane S. reported: "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods). Highly recommend."
Limited water hookups: Several campgrounds lack full utility connections. Lawrence B. at Camp Bullfrog Lake observed: "Really enjoyed this campground. Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM."
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on specific needs rather than random assignment. Tim K. advised: "I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small. There are two bath/shower houses. I would rate them at a 4/5...not the best we've seen, but by far not the worst."
Gate access hours: Some campgrounds restrict after-hours entry and exit. Lisa S. at Camp Sullivan warned: "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting. What if there was an emergency? An ambulance would have had to rush the gate."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South Holland, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near South Holland, 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 South Holland, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dog-friendly camping locations near South Holland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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