Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park
Closed Off Tent Camping
Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view.
Camp Bullfrog Lake tent sites sit directly on the lakeshore, offering pet-friendly accommodations for tent campers, RV owners, and those seeking cabin rentals. Dogs are permitted throughout this Cook County Forest Preserve District campground, with clean facilities and miles of connecting hiking trails accessible right from the campsite. Each reservation includes a free bundle of oak firewood for use at the fire pits. The bathrooms are well-maintained with hot showers, though tent sites lack shade as the trees within the campground are still relatively small. Hiking with dogs proves particularly rewarding on the extensive trail system surrounding the lake, with many visitors specifically choosing this location for mountain biking and trail riding with their pets.
Martin's Camping Ground allows pets but offers a more utilitarian experience for travelers with dogs. Located adjacent to I-80, the constant highway noise from passing semi trucks is noticeable, especially at night. The campground imposes a three-day monthly limit specifically for tent campers with pets. Sites sit close together with minimal privacy and limited outdoor comfort for pet owners wanting to relax outside with their animals. Despite these limitations, the bathrooms are exceptionally clean, earning praise as "the cleanest campground bathrooms" according to some visitors. Dog owners seeking more natural surroundings might prefer Camp Sullivan or Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park, both of which allow pets and provide more wooded settings for walking dogs away from traffic noise.
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
"Nice safe location. Flat, pretty large spots..picnic tables."
$25 - $45 / night
"We just purchased our first Winnebago and needed a spot close to home for a quick trial run. We have three small boys and they were very excited to camp."
$37 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week."
"The beach and lake were always well maintained, and we had often enjoyed live music at the pavilion. You can even play mini golf here! I would highly recommend for anyone that can invest."
$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."
"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
"There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers."












Although we camped in Illinois record rainfall, we still had a blast. Plenty of trees to hammock, clean bathrooms, and a great river view.
Small 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
We’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.
Many 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.
Great 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.
As 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!
Friendly 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.
For years, this was our go-to campground for weekend nearby adventures. Over the years, the price has increased and at $30 per site for non-residents, it's a bit steep for tent camping for me (so I left off a star rating). All sites are electric, so if you are tent camping and want your fan or slow-cooker, then it's as good as it gets in the burbs. It's located in a beautiful wooded Dupage County Forest preserve. While the sites are pretty close together, there are a few good ones that feel more secluded. Designated chip bark tent sites are level. The grounds are very well maintained. While I didn't camp here this year, I took these photos the last weekend in October to give everyone a sense of how nice this campground could be for them. My favorite sites over the years were the ones closest to Silver Lake along the South Loop road because those sites have the best views. For privacy, my favorite site is #27 on the north loop road which makes you feel like you are alone in the woods. Other than plenty of hiking options including a big hill, the fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release. There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families. I've brought cub scouts here and my kids' friends. Heads-up that sites 21 & 22 may not be able to see traffic on the busy Winfield Rd in the summer, but you will still hear it at those sites.
This campground is right in town. It is a bit away from businesses. However if you arrive by car you drive through the quaint town.
Arriving by bicycle is even better. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride.
This campground is surrounded by trees. When we showed up, a classic car gathering was going on. They even set a campfire to use throughout the morning. There are vault toilets and a picnic area too. It should also be noted that you need to walk in to the campsites (parking is really close by).
The maintenance buildings are right next to campsites. Today they were mowing so workers were moving in camp but also out along the trail and park.
This is a nice, shady place to stop along the I & M Canal Trail.
Pet friendly camping near Homer Glen, Illinois offers multiple options for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions. Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Chicago, this area features a mix of forest preserves, state parks, and private campgrounds across relatively flat terrain with elevations around 600-700 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience moderate temperatures with occasional rainfall.
Hiking with dogs: At Camp Sullivan, extensive trail systems connect to the broader Cook County Forest Preserve network. "We've camped here a few times and it is always a great experience. What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," notes Josh M.
Mountain biking: Trails around Blackwell Family Campground provide excellent cycling opportunities. "Some of the area's best mountain bike single track is right here. There is fishing, kayaking and hiking trails too," reports Geoff, who gave the campground five stars.
Paddling: Several campgrounds offer water access, with Blackwell providing kayak rentals. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," writes Layla P. who stayed at Bullfrog Lake.
Wildlife observation: The forest preserves surrounding Homer Glen host diverse bird and animal species. "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," according to Hatie P.
Clean facilities: Many Homer Glen area campgrounds maintain high-quality bathhouses. "The bathhouse is clean. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly," writes Linda N. about Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park.
Privacy between sites: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite," reports Phillip L. about Davis Creek area at Kankakee River State Park, contrasting with more open layouts at other locations.
Proximity to Chicago: Campers appreciate the short drive from urban areas. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," notes Josh M. about camping near Homer Glen, making these locations convenient for weekend getaways.
Lakeside camping options: Several campgrounds feature water views and access. "Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. Sites # 16 & 17 were amazing for tents!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade," shares Shannon H.
Seasonal variations: Water services at campgrounds often have seasonal limitations. "Not a bad spot. Average and relatively inexpensive. No water before 4/15," notes David N. about Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience significant traffic noise. "Traffic from I80 is extremely loud with semi's all night long," reports Carol L., giving Martin's Camping Ground two stars due to this disturbance.
Limited tent camping policies: Certain RV-focused campgrounds restrict tent camping duration. "If you like having access to a bathroom and shower its great... But only down side beside that they have a three day limit for campers with tents. Very disappointed with that. And its three days a month," explains Katelyn G.
Variable water quality: Water systems can be problematic at some locations. "Water quality has been very bad. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day," reports Iryna R. about her extended stay experience.
Best sites for kids: When camping with children, select sites with natural play features. "We had four sites on Osage loop for tent camping. Two were very small (14&15), and little grass for tent setup. 16&17 were amazing for tents!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade," recommends Shannon H.
Educational opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers nature programs. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares Linda N. who enjoyed the interactive wildlife experiences.
Activity scheduling: Plan around peak hours for common areas. "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," warns Iryna R. based on her extended stay experience.
Weather preparedness: Summer storms can affect camping experiences significantly. "The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern," notes one camper, emphasizing the importance of monitoring weather forecasts.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds near Homer Glen have partial hookups only. "No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," writes Kaitlin M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly in size and configuration. "Sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean," explains Lawrence B., highlighting the trade-offs at many area campgrounds.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation. "When you are checking in with trailer make sure you don't turn left to the office. It will be hard to turn around," advises Nomad Nurse Z about Camp Sullivan, providing practical guidance for larger rigs.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. This would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," reports one visitor to Martin Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Homer Glen, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Homer Glen, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 61 dog-friendly camping locations near Homer Glen, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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