Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Thomson, IL

Thomson Causeway Recreation Area accommodates pets at all 120 campsites with concrete pads along the Mississippi River. Campers note the campground's pet-friendly atmosphere allows dogs to enjoy shoreline walks while requiring they remain leashed throughout the property. Seven Eagles RV Resort & Campground, Spring Lake Campground, and Mississippi Palisades State Park also welcome pets with designated areas for exercise. Most campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings where pets can relax with their owners. The pet policies typically require leashes no longer than 6 feet, proof of current vaccinations, and prompt waste cleanup. Tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and some cabin accommodations permit pets with varying fees ranging from free to $10 per night depending on the facility.

The Great River Bike Trail runs directly through multiple pet-friendly campgrounds in the area, providing excellent opportunities for dog walking with scenic Mississippi River views. Trails at Mississippi Palisades State Park offer additional hiking options where leashed dogs can explore wooded terrain. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, with July and August experiencing high humidity and significant insect activity that can be particularly bothersome for dogs. Multiple reviews mention the troublesome biting flies during summer months that affect both humans and pets. Shallow water access points allow dogs to cool off safely, though water quality varies seasonally with the river levels. Nearby pet supply stores in Clinton and Savanna provide emergency supplies, while after-hours veterinary services are available approximately 30 minutes away in Clinton. Quiet hours starting at 10pm are strictly enforced, with excessive barking potentially resulting in removal from the campground.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Thomson, Illinois (96)

    1. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Savanna, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 273-2731

    "Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."

    "It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway."

    2. Thomson Causeway

    15 Reviews
    Thomson, IL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (815) 259-3628

    $14 - $26 / night

    "We enjoyed our weekend at Thomson Causeway with our popup.  We stayed at site 41.  Although I would have liked the pad to be a little longer, it was still a nice site. "

    "Thomson: Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5. Some great water views."

    3. Morrison-Rockwood State Park

    10 Reviews
    Morrison, IL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 772-4708

    $20 / night

    "We saw an article about "Dutch Days" in nearby Fulton on www.OnlyInYourState.com, (first weekend in May) and thought it looked like fun."

    "We enjoyed the beautiful lake and cute restaurant/gift shop. We liked the different loops of campsites with pit toilets every where and a nice modern bathroom/shower house also."

    4. Spring Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Savanna, IL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 357-0284

    $25 - $35 / night

    "It's like a step back in time in the best way possible."

    "The bike trail is within steps of your site. Hookups for electric and water available. Well maintained portapotties at various points throughout the grounds."

    5. Riverview City Park

    4 Reviews
    Fulton, IL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 243-1260

    "It is right next to the river and the Clinton Riverfront Park and even fast food restaurants are within walking distance. There is also a walking path next to the river."

    6. Timber Lake Resort and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Savanna, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 244-1600

    "Highly recommend Timber Lake Resort"

    7. South Sabula Lakes County Park

    2 Reviews
    Sabula, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 687-2420

    8. Seven Eagles RV Resort & Campground

    1 Review
    Savanna, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 219-2076

    "We took several walks and bike rides around it. There is also a pool and a club house on property, however we did not visit them. There is ATT service, but not strong."

    9. Rockwood State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Morrison, IL
    12 miles
    Website

    "Nice long trail, friendly people, and a cute little ice cream shop that was a lifesaver after a long hike."

    10. Rock Creek County Marina and Campground

    7 Reviews
    Princeton, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 259-1876

    $14 - $18 / night

    "They put the site number posts at the end of the pad near the road and our site had a tree on the other side, so we had to use the grass across the road to maneuver in and out."

    "Sites include fire rings, tables, gravel backing pads, electric with some right near water edge."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Thomson, IL

598 Reviews of 96 Thomson Campgrounds


  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Horseshoe Pond

    Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa

    CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.

  • D
    Oct. 25, 2022

    Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

    Great for an overnight

    Gravel 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.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 24, 2021

    Horseshoe Pond

    Small City CG in Maquoketa Iowa

    CG lies within Maquoketa and is seasonal. Has pond for fishing, shelter, dog park, playset, disc golf course. Sites are pulling, have electric and fire pits. Camp supplies including wood in nearby stores. Prairie Creek runs along south of CG.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    Lakeside RV Park and Campground

    Travelling overnight stay suggested

    I suggest this site only if you need to get off the road for an overnight stay. Very few amenities, all but a few spots appear to be full-time RV living onsite, has nice playground, gazebo, dog park (small), lake is small but appears well kept, electric/water/septic onsite.

  • Skylar M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Stayed for a night passing through

    Great 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

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Geneseo Campground

    Hidden Gem Along Slow-Moving Canal

    This 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!

  • S
    Apr. 2, 2017

    Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

    The best campground along the Great River Trail

    As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks. That is a part of the Mississippi commerce, and should not be used to withhold points when reviewing this campground. This is one of two Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, and although much smaller than Thomson Causeway, much nicer, and I think much cleaner. Although Thomson has less RR noise, there is the hunting, with parts of the park closed off, and gunfire going from dawn to dusk...I find the trains the lesser of the evils! From this campground you can go north, as far as Savanna. Going south will take you through Hampton, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and you can cross over to Davenport, circle Credit Island, and pick up other paths in Iowa. With plenty of sights and restaurants to choose from, it can fill an entire day. For those in to mountain biking, there is the Illiniwek Forest Preserve 5 mile trail, just a mile south of Fisherman's Corners. Some call it the best trail in Illinois. I have never had an issue at this campground, it is as if easy-going, peace loving folks are drawn to it.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 16, 2023

    Rustic Barn Campground RV Park

    Very clean and well-maintained

    General: 58 sites with various amenities. Some are long pull-throughs, some are back-in, some have 30 amp with or without a patio, and some have 50-amp electric with or without a patio. Tents are NOT allowed. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and asked to sign a waiver and given a welcome packet. The rules are extensive, but most are common sense/courtesy and not at all unreasonable. 

    Site Quality: All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park. Our site had a patio and decent-sized picnic table but it was chilly when we were there so we ate inside. 

    Bathhouse: Very clean as were the showers. 

    Activities/Amenities: There are many activities offered, including a dog park, basketball, horseshoes, games (cornhole, large checkerboard, and others), a barn with a television, a book library, puzzles, and a pool table. Coffee is available after 9 am. There is also a small chapel available 24/7 and a laundry room. WiFi is also available. There is a camp store with ice, ice cream, some camping supplies, clothing, crafts, and more. We were told several restaurants will deliver to the campground. 

    We don’t typically prefer to stay in RV-style campgrounds, but it was conveniently located with easy access off Route 151 just over the Wisconsin border from Iowa, we were warmly welcomed, and enjoyed our short stay passing through. Pride of ownership was evident throughout.

  • Jamie M.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Canyon Ridge Campground — Apple River Canyon State Park

    Big, clean sites, nice trails, water access

    There aren't signs within the park directing you to the campsite. I found it eventually but I'm glad I wasn't towing a camper because there was a lot of turning around. Some of the sites are able to be reserved. We went Memorial Day weekend so there were quite a few people but it wasn't full so even without a reservation you'd likely find a space. The sites a nice and big. We chose 2 sites that were connected and even then they were a good distance from one another. The sites were also removed from the road so when people walk or drive by it doesnt feel like they're walking through your campsite. There is some nice water access to wade with shallows so kids or pets can play. Nice trails.


Guide to Thomson

The Mississippi River bottomlands near Thomson sit at approximately 585 feet elevation in a humid continental climate zone. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F with high humidity, while the area's lowland geography creates microhabitats ranging from marshy backwaters to hardwood forests. Camping options span from developed electrical sites with concrete pads to more primitive riverside spots where seasonal flooding impacts accessibility.

What to do

Hiking through wooded terrain: Multiple hiking trails at Morrison-Rockwood State Park offer moderate difficulty routes through diverse ecosystems. "We liked walking along the various loops among the trees. We did enjoy the beautiful lake and cute restaurant/gift shop," notes camper Stephanie S. Trails range from 0.25 to 1.5 miles and connect to the lake area.

Kayaking backwaters: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground provides direct access to Mississippi River backwaters with rental equipment available on-site. "They also have canoe/kayak rental, a visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife," writes Ryan. Equipment rentals cost $10-15/hour depending on boat type.

Wildlife observation: The eco-tourism center at Rock Creek offers guided nature programs focusing on river ecology. "Plenty of sites, boat landing, kayak/canoe rentals, naturalist programs, nature center with native animals including large fish aquarium," reports James M. The center provides seasonal programs from April through October.

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Campers consistently appreciate the secluded feeling at several campgrounds in the area. "Our site was huge, flat and private - no trouble finding flat ground to pitch the tent," says Amy R. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park. Sites in the main camping loops provide natural separation through mature trees and understory vegetation.

Waterfront access: Spring Lake Campground offers direct water access for fishing and paddling. "The campground is very peaceful with spacious sites and a pretty view right on the water. The bike trail is within steps of your site," reports Kate. The shoreline provides gradual entry points suitable for launching small watercraft.

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain above-average sanitation standards. "The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! I'm not squeamish and have been camping for years so my expectations for campground bathroom cleanliness is well calibrated," writes Stacie H. about Rock Creek. Most facilities undergo daily cleaning with additional attention during peak usage periods.

What you should know

Insect activity: Biting insects present significant challenges, especially after rain or during humid periods. "If there has been a lot of rain, or the River has been up a little, there will be an insect problem. There are biting flies that do not care if you are wearing repellant," warns Jeff G. about Thomson Causeway. Another camper, Mashael A., reports: "I should've taken the other reviews more seriously about the number of insects in this campsites - there were hundreds of thousands. We couldn't enjoy our stay."

Train noise: Railroad tracks near several campgrounds create periodic noise disturbance. "The one negative is noise from trains. One seems to go by every few hours," notes Terry A.T. about Riverview City Park. Tracks run parallel to the Mississippi River with heaviest traffic between 11pm-5am.

Flooding impacts: Riverside camping areas experience seasonal flooding that affects access and conditions. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," cautions James M. regarding Rock Creek. Spring flood stages typically occur March through May, with secondary high water possible during summer storm periods.

Tips for camping with families

Playground-adjacent sites: Sites 55-64 at Morrison-Rockwood State Park circle a central playground area. "We had site 57 which is in a loop which goes around a playground. It was great for the kids who could go play and the sites in this loop provide plenty of space and privacy," shares Ben W. These sites typically book 2-3 months in advance during summer weekends.

Interactive nature programs: Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground offers junior ranger activities focused on river ecology. "This might be one of our favorite campgrounds in the area. It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both," notes Scott M. Programs run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Educational centers: Rock Creek's nature center provides hands-on learning opportunities. "They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed," writes Chris F. The center operates Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-4pm with guided programs at 1pm daily during summer.

Tips from RVers

Level concrete pads: Thomson Causeway provides reliable, flat camping surfaces ideal for larger rigs. "The sites are all level concrete and just about every one have a great view of the Mississippi. The only improvement I would like to see is water hookups, but there are plenty of spigots scattered around the park," reports Matt P. Most sites can accommodate units up to 32 feet in length.

Dump station capacity: Rockwood State Park Campground offers efficient sanitation facilities. "Water, electricity and fairly clean bathrooms with showers. We tent camped for $20 a night," shares Briana B. The dump station accommodates multiple rigs with separate fresh water fill stations.

Site approach challenges: Pay attention to campsite layout when selecting a spot. "Our site was pretty flat, although it was a little tricky backing into it. They put the site number posts at the end of the pad near the road and our site had a tree on the other side, so we had to use the grass across the road to maneuver in and out," cautions Chris F. about Rock Creek County Marina. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Thomson post site dimensions online to help with pre-planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Thomson, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Thomson, IL is Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Thomson, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near Thomson, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.