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Red Hills State Park's spacious campsites accommodate pets with electric hookups and picnic tables in a shaded environment. The park's pet-friendly trails loop around a scenic lake where dogs can enjoy the outdoors with their owners. Oblong Park and Lake, another pet-accessible option, offers water and electric hookups at $10 per night. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash policies requiring dogs to be supervised at all times. Campground hosts at Red Hills are noted for being welcoming to campers with pets, and most sites provide ample space for medium-sized dogs to move around comfortably. The Dyrt includes reviews of campgrounds near Sumner, Illinois.
Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area permits pets throughout its camping areas with full hookup sites available year-round. The park features multiple hiking paths where leashed dogs are welcome, with trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to more challenging wooded routes. Arrowhead Campground provides a country-like setting with generous front and back areas that work well for larger dogs. Water quality can vary at some locations, with campers advised to let water run briefly before use to clear initial brown coloration. Local wildlife is prevalent in these natural settings, so keeping pets secure at night is strongly recommended. Many campsites are level and recently regraded with fresh gravel, making them suitable for camping with pets in all seasons.
"Nice and quiet with a small lake. Really shaded. Great fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel cat. Boats allowed with electric motors only. Max depth is 21 feet."
"We have three medium size dogs that go with us we have plenty of space at our campsite that is big enough for them. The campsites are clean with electric hook ups. Water is near by to fill up."
"This is a very nice campground just outside of Vincennes. Love the camp ground, does have electricity and water. Very shaded. Also has cabin rentals that are fantastic. Lots of trails to walk."
"Oubache is super close to home and a regular spot that I take my 3 kiddos to hike and play on the different playgrounds! It is also adjacent to Fort Knox II for any history buffs as well!"
"Very humble rural park with a quiet atmosphere and Great Lake for fishing. The people of oblong are also the friendliest around!"
"There's lots of playgrounds for kids and a big lake to fish or stroll around as well. Big thumbs up👍"
"The site we had had a nice sized front and back area which was nice with our larger dogs. Most of the other campers there are workers for the refinery nearby."
from $25 / night
"we love this park as it reminds us of some of Indiana state parks with a huge lake, horseback riding, lots of trails to explore and beautiful wildlife. pet friendly and lots to do for all ages."
"He even told us where they had been stacking wood from clearing out some trees near the campground and encouraged us to use all we need. Very clean pit toilets."
"Nice campground in rural southern Illinois. Pit toilets, water, picnic tables. On a big lake stocked with trout."
"We enjoy camping here, Small lake nearby, easy access, electric trolley motors on boats allowed & great place paddle canoe or kayak around. Trails are well defined."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"Multiple walking trails and bike trails. Nice shelter houses and picnic areas. Multiple playgrounds. Nature center in the campground. Many events scheduled for summer."
"It was at the back of the campground, but close to the bathrooms/showers and just across from the playground. It was close enough to walk to the Nature Center and grab ice cream."
from $20 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Most spots there are occupied by traveling workers for the nearby power plant so even when the campground is full it’s very quiet. If you have kids i recommend spot #1."
ScoutWhen asked why I couldn't put up a small fence for my dogs he went to great details to tell me why dogs had a bad rep in his park. When I said it wasn't on the website he got extremely angry, came close to attacking me and thru me out of his park and called the police. Don't stay there if you have pets.
TravelerWonderful private campground surround by woods, an open field and a small pond. There is a small playground, covered patio, bathrooms with showers and plenty of lawn space! Pet friendly and looks very ADA accessible, I had a great time spending one night here with my dog. $15 for tent/primitive camping, $25 for electric!
GuideCampground is off the beaten path, lots of space to spread out, and the top 4 amenities (electricity, water, flush toilets and showers). It’s not the cleanest bathrooms but certainly not the worst. Close to a Walmart for all your need and great sunsets too. Plus pets are allowed
Guidewe love this park as it reminds us of some of Indiana state parks with a huge lake, horseback riding, lots of trails to explore and beautiful wildlife. pet friendly and lots to do for all ages.
GuideMy family has stayed at Sullivan Lake many times. It is an awesome place to go for a family outing. They have all kinds of camping sites, a huge lake that can support all sizes of family boating. A beach for swimming. Pets are welcome. Check their site for events.
GuideNext door to the little public airport with fairy lights strung about. An open field greats you at your site and you can watch the helicopter or people fly with parachutes. Full hook ups. No WiFi or cable or anything fancy. There is a little playground on site as well. Pet friendly. There could be a height problem for people coming off expressway as there is a train track with a 13’10” clearance. No gas within 5 miles. Wasn’t an issue for us. Campsite accepts cash, check, and Venmo.
GuideNice and quiet with a small lake. Really shaded. Great fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel cat. Boats allowed with electric motors only. Max depth is 21 feet. Their is the trace in restaurant across the small lake from the camp ground. Lots to do for kids, as the park has basketball courts, volleyball court, and lots of playground equipment around the park. A five minute drive to the north side of the park offers 2.5 miles of hiking trails in hilly scenery.
GuideNice little community park. Nice paced walking path around the lake. Fenced in dog play area. Large park area with multiple playgrounds. Clean bathroom, flush toilets and showers.
TravelerThis is a real nice small park. Each site has great privacy and has very spacious sites. Close to Eastern Illinois University and lake Charleston which has trails.
Campsites near Sumner, Illinois provide access to wooded conservation areas and serene lakes typical of southern Illinois. Camping options range from state parks with complete facilities to small community parks with basic amenities. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 60-75°F.
**Fishing opportunities: Red Hills Lake State Park offers a 40-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. "Great fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel cat. Boats allowed with electric motors only. Max depth is 21 feet," notes Donald T. The lake has a maximum depth of 21 feet, ideal for anglers of all skill levels.
**Trail exploration: Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area features multiple hiking paths of varying difficulty. "There is one 2.3 mile look near the damn which is very nice, but plenty of opportunity to have more. A few short trails exist in the campground from the sites to the lake," explains Tracie E. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with geese, herons, and owls frequently spotted.
**Local attractions: Visit nearby wineries for day trips from your campsite. "Also good suggestion for nice day trip is Irene's Winery; about 30 minutes away. It's in the middle of nowhere down a gravel road but definitely work the trip. We visited on a Sunday & the food was fantastic," recommends Tracie E. from Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area.
**Well-maintained facilities: Harmonie State Park receives consistent praise for upkeep. "Nice clean campground. Most sites are pretty large. Nice pool with water slide. They just need better walking trails," reports Kristene B. The campground includes five bath houses, two pit toilets, and three playgrounds distributed throughout the camping area.
**Spacious campsites: Red Hills Lake State Park features recently upgraded camping pads. "At first I thought the sites were a bit rough and not very level. But while were there, they started to regrade the pads at the sites. The new gravel was leveled and packed flat. The sites are greatly improved," shares Doug W. Sites accommodate medium to large camping setups with room for equipment.
**Budget-friendly options: Oblong Park and Lake offers affordable camping with basic amenities. "Price per night is $10 that includes electric and water only...there is a dump station in the park as well..you drop your payment at the bathhouse on the honor system," explains Cris C. The honor system payment method allows for flexible arrival times.
**Water quality variations: Water sources at some campgrounds may require brief clearing. About Arrowhead Campground, Hank G. advises, "Power was good but let the water run a bit because it's brown when first turned on." This issue is typically temporary and clears quickly.
**Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds have limited reservable sites. At Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area, "Only 33 sites overall (only 1st 10 reservable) but sites are quite large & all have very level concrete pads," according to Tracie E. During peak seasons from May through September, arriving mid-week improves chances of securing non-reservable sites.
**Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Doug W. reports about Red Hills Lake State Park: "Cell service was very good, Verizon, and very quiet." However, Harmonie State Park has "Very little cell phone signal" according to Olivia S., making it important to download maps and information before arrival.
**Playground access: Beall Woods State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "We had a great experience with the park itself. The grounds were very well maintained with trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas," notes Kenda A. Multiple play areas throughout the grounds provide entertainment options for children of different ages.
**Swimming facilities: Harmonie State Park features an "Olympic size pool open during summer-has water slide, diving boards, separate baby pool with shade awning, and concessions," according to Olivia S. The pool typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, providing relief from summer heat.
**Wildlife education: Take advantage of nature centers for educational opportunities. "They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer," reports Olivia S. about Harmonie State Park. These centers often offer ranger-led programs and exhibits about local ecosystems.
**Site selection: Ouabache Trails County Park offers strategic sites for overnight stops. Tom B. advises, "If you are coming in for one night, definitely pick site 23 or 24 pull throughs. TIP: Make sure you have an extension for your 30/50 AMP, and one for your water as well." These pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs without disconnecting tow vehicles.
**Levelness considerations: Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area features concrete pads at all sites. "Didn't even have to put out our big rug @ the door because concrete extends all the way to the fire pit & picnic table," notes Tracie E. Level pads eliminate the need for extensive stabilization equipment.
**Seasonal considerations: Red Hills State Park undergoes regular maintenance to improve camping surfaces. "Most sites are 30 amp but the Lake view loop are 50 amp. There are a few sites that will handle large rigs but most are for medium sized rigs," explains Doug W. Fall camping offers enhanced experience with "magical" foliage colors according to Pam B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sumner, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sumner, IL is Red Hills Lake State Park — Red Hills State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sumner, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 44 dog-friendly camping locations near Sumner, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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