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Dog-Friendly Camping near Urbana, IL

29 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    D & W Lake RV Park, located just north of Champaign, features a dedicated dog run area where pets can exercise off-leash. The campground maintains well-kept grounds with spacious sites and full hookups for RVs, while also offering five tent sites for campers traveling with pets. Prairie Pines Campground in nearby Rantoul also welcomes pets with large sites surrounded by grass and mature trees. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed when not in designated exercise areas, and owners must clean up after their animals. Kickapoo State Recreation Area and Walnut Point State Park Campground provide additional pet-friendly options with hiking trails and water access. Campers consistently note the cleanliness of facilities and the friendly, helpful staff who accommodate pets.

    The walking trail around D & W Lake provides an ideal place for daily pet exercise, with the half-mile loop offering both pets and owners a pleasant outdoor experience. During summer months, the concrete pathways at Prairie Pines Campground remain cooler for pet paws than asphalt surfaces. Most campgrounds in the region provide waste stations throughout the grounds, though campers should still bring their own bags as supplies can run low during busy weekends. Local veterinary services are available in Champaign, approximately 10-15 minutes from most area campgrounds. Highway noise may be noticeable at some locations, particularly for tent campers with pets who might be more sensitive to sound. Campground staff frequently escort new arrivals to their sites, helping ensure pets remain secure during the check-in process.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Urbana (29)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. D & W Lake RV Park

      5.0(15)6mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass. There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park."

      "Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad. Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available."

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      2. Prairie Pines Campground

      4.1(7)12mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents

      "It's on the outskirts of town on the old Chanute AFB. They have lovely tree coverage, it's close to lots of amenities like grocery shopping, sports complex, urgent care, quick interstate access."

      "Close to Champaign, IL off I 57 is this charming, open and clean grass covered park. Large sites with full hook ups, picnic table and scattered large trees near an Air Force base."

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      3. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

      4.3(31)24mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents

      "Stayed here on Dec. 10, 2021 (yes the night of all the tornadoes throughout the Illinois/Kentucky/Tennessee area), I and everyone else at the campsite got pretty lucky, we were just outside the path of"

      "Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water."

      from $10 - $20 / night

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      4. Tin Cup RV Park

      3.0(4)11mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents

      "Had AC going but could hear road noise from interstate/ nearby roads."

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      5. Champaign Sportsmen's Club

      5.0(1)11mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents
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      6. Harry L Swartz Campground

      4.4(9)22mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The drive into the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve winds between a few ponds. We saw many families fishing around each of them. Once at the campground, check in with the camp host."

      "Arrived on Sunday and nearly had the place to ourselves. Campgrounds are far removed from town and very quiet, large enough to feel isolated. Host sells ice and firewood for a reasonable price."

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      7. Moraine View State Recreational Area

      3.9(27)35mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents

      "I never did all of the trails but spent an afternoon hiking with a friend last summer."

      "It’s also never super convenient to need to pack up just to go to a dump station but as long as your fine walking to the community restrooms, you should be fine."

      from $40 - $20 / night

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      8. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area

      4.1(19)32mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This also means in the dog days of summer the breeze is blocked by the trees so get an electric site even with a tent and bring a fan. They have a beach and a boat launch."

      "The lake is surprisingly warm. No dogs allowed on the beach. The sites were spacious, and ours had a path to the lake. Filled with poison ivy, etc, so long pants recommended when waking thru."

      from $10 - $30 / night

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      9. Friends Creek Campground

      4.7(13)32mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "In mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty."

      "This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek"

      from $10 - $25 / night

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      10. Gibson City South Park Municipal Campground

      4.2(5)25mi from UrbanaRVs, Tents

      "10$ a night next to a park on a slightly busy street. I pitched my tent amongst the many rv trailers and had a rest on my motorcycle trip south."

      from $10 / night

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Urbana, IL

    26 Photos of 29 Urbana Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Urbana, IL

    201 Reviews of 29 Urbana Campgrounds

    • Debra M.
      Jun. 1, 2021

      Bo Wood

      Four Stars because of the Dog Park

      This campground has a dog park and beautiful views, but the sites are very crowded.  There are full hook up sites and electric only.  If you like the party atmosphere, this place is for you.  If you like a more spread out and quiet park, look at Lithia Springs or Opossum.  Your park pass from any COE campground will get you in.

      Photos view from dog park.

    • Luna L.
      May. 12, 2025

      D & W Lake RV Park

      Peaceful Evening With Gorgeous Lake

      Pulled in about 7pm and immediately was greeted by the manager who showed us to our site, helped us pull in get settled and brought us firewood. The lake behind our trailer is beautiful and can be fished Catch and Release with Blue Gill and Bass. There's plenty of grass, Fire Pits, Playgrounds and a Dog Park. Wonderful campground and only about 10 min from downtown.

    • Chris S.
      Oct. 6, 2019

      Bo Wood

      Lovely last camping trip of the season

      Giving this 4 stars for the awesomeness of the sites themselves. We were in 121. All of the sites we saw in our “loop” were super wide, all gravel and quite level. So well kept.....fire pit with grate, large picnic table....really, the site couldn’t have been better. Beautiful views of the lake! Just all-in-all a well maintained park. So, why not 5 stars? I really wanted good shore fishing and not only was it a long walk, but really not very good/easy to get to, or comfortable standing once you get there. Beautiful dog parks....one for large dogs and one for small, but again, a long walk from the campground. Not feasible for our older dog. One other thing, absolutely no lighting at night along the campground roadways. After dark, we watched a truck go into the ditch looking for the turn out (granted, the occupants sounded like they were well into partying), but the pitch darkness at night made it feel a little unsafe, especially walking the dog after dark. Still, the sites themselves are awesome.

    • Austin-Tarra G.
      Oct. 11, 2021

      Forrest W. Bo Wood

      Good Spot Except for the Large Amount of Sewer Flies

      We stayed at Boo Wood Campground for about five days and enjoyed much of their amenities.

      The campground featured a dog park which provided room for our dogs to run around. There was also multiple playgrounds and even a small amphitheater. There was a large boat ramp with ample parking. We put in our kayaks on the boat ramp and enjoyed a nice paddle on a portion of the Shelbyville Lake.

      We paid less than$25 a night for full hooks up and we had an almost lake view.

      Our biggest issue with this campsite was the extensive bugs, once the sun goes down the bugs get horribly bad. We let our dogs out past 8 p.m. and our camper was covered with swarms of psychodidae(sewer) flies. Once we quickly got in our camper, we spent the next hour killing the swarms of sewer flies that entered our camper. We learned our lesson and once the sun went down, we did not leave our camper.

    • patricia D.
      Jun. 16, 2021

      Bo Wood

      Serene site

      For my Tent only camp site. I loved it. It’s spacious it’s for the most part shaded. It is right next to the lake. I get some views. In the pictures I posted you’ll see what I’m talking about. As far as the campground I did take a drive around it’s pretty big n has a lot of shaded sites. I think it’s over 140 sites. There is a boat ramp on the grounds also the playground there’s a dog park there is also a little amphitheater. I believe I was told the Rangers do events for the kids.  I do like the fact that you can go into a bathroom and it also has the shower so you have that privacy. I also noticed and was told that there are volunteers that are in the campground I guess all season. It seems like they’re spread out like there’s someone in every section. Which made me feel good.  Having someone with the inside access to get help or to have a problem solved sooner than later. Here are just a couple reasons why I did not give a five star. To you out there it may not be a negative for you so you could see this as a five star. For a beautiful campsite to be surrounded by a lake. You can’t really see or Have access to swim in. There is a beach for the lake but it’s outside the campground and down the road. It’s a negative for me. I mean keep the trees maybe get rid of any low hanging branches and the bushes that block most of the view. I really wish they had some air in the bathrooms. Half of my trip was in the high 90s and the sun was just beaming on the building. So it was not pleasurable to use the bathroom or take a shower then. The tent only site that I was at. You had to park your car in a parking lot across the street but from my site it was down a little further.. I like having my car close by so I can access anything that is left in my car throughout my stay.  wi-Fi would’ve been a plus. So I got good phone service. Att

    • C
      Jun. 9, 2019

      D & W Lake RV Park

      Highway haven

      Super easy on and off the highway. With that you do get some noise but not too bad.

      Office staff is very friendly and efficient. Full hookup sites. Wifi is available. Playground and dogrun for the pets.

      The pond is 1/2 mile walk around. Bathrooms we clean.

      If you need to get off the road and get some rest give them a try. Just north of town and you will be back on the road in no time.

    • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2020

      Friends Creek Campground

      Hidden among the farms - well-manicured camping

      In mid-Illinois a campground waits for you. Well tended grassy sites with an impeccable grassy picnicking area. There was plenty of room in our site but most of the campground is empty. It would feel more crowded when full due to a lack of vegetation between sites. We grabbed a non-electric site but most have electric. The showers/restrooms are centrally located and could be crowded if the camp was full. 

      We set up and walked some in the trails. The conservation area extends across the road and that’s where most of the trails are. Start at the one room schoolhouse and make your way down wide trails. They aren’t that long but take a few and they add up. Stay on the camp side of the road and you can find large grassy areas with playgrounds and picnic shelters. A few trails are on this side too.

      Clinton Lake Recreation area is just down the road if you want to fish or bring some watercraft. 

      One note: if you reserve a camping spot it’s just to have a site. Specific campsites aren’t reserved. Get here early and you have your choice. 

      This is a nice mid-Illinois campground!

    • K
      Jul. 21, 2020

      Friends Creek Campground

      Wonderful Gem in Farm Country

      This hidden gem of a campground is very quiet and serene - surrounded by tall trees and next to a tall grass prairie conservation area - complete with historic schoolhouse, mowed trails to a nearby creek, gentle rolling hills, trees, birds & wildlife and a small bridge. Best place to stop in central Illinois - 13 miles from Decatur

    Guide to Urbana

    Camping sites near Urbana, Illinois offer year-round opportunities with seasonal considerations. The region experiences humid continental climate with hot summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters with temperatures often below freezing. The terrain consists primarily of flat prairie land with scattered wooded areas, providing camping options within 5-45 minutes of Urbana at elevations around 700-750 feet above sea level.

    What to do

    Fishing and kayaking opportunities: At Kickapoo State Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy multiple lakes for fishing. "The park itself has a lot of trails to explore and a few lakes to fish at. It is also a local spot to tube," notes Jennifer S. The recreation area provides various water activities with boat rentals available seasonally.

    Hiking trails: Middle Fork River Forest Preserve features diverse trail systems through both woodland and prairie restoration areas. "The hiking here is interesting! The Oak Burl trail is mostly wooded. We came upon a 8" deep creek to cross (thanks small tree branch to walk across!). We found little offshoots to spots along the Middle Fork River," reports Art S. Trails vary in difficulty but most are appropriate for casual day hikers.

    Stargazing: The region offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "Since the campground is right next to a Dark Sky Park, stargazing is amazing if you have good weather," explains Rachel at Middle Fork River Forest Preserve. During meteor showers, some campgrounds organize special viewing events with local experts providing educational talks.

    What campers like

    Spacious, private sites: Prairie Pines Campground offers well-spaced campsites. "Nice space between sites. Free WiFi. Very large and clean bathrooms. Laundry also available in bath house," notes Rhonda W. Many reviewers appreciate the privacy afforded by mature trees and vegetation between sites.

    Clean facilities: Friends Creek Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and shower facilities. "Very clean with soap, paper towels, and a shelf for toiletries. Did not use the shower but it looked clean as well," writes Lee D. The commitment to cleanliness extends to the entire property with well-maintained grounds.

    Helpful staff: Many campgrounds feature attentive hosts and staff who enhance the camping experience. "Owner greets you on entering and then guides you to your site. Signage to get to the campground is excellent," says Dave P. at D & W Lake RV Park. Camp hosts frequently provide local knowledge about trails, fishing spots, and nearby attractions.

    What you should know

    Reservation systems vary: Campgrounds have different reservation policies that campers should understand before planning trips. "Have to reserve via Reserve America 135 days prior to arriving," notes one reviewer about Friends Creek Campground, while others require less advance planning.

    Limited water access: Not all campgrounds offer water hookups directly at sites. "Water pump at either side of the entry. Some outhouses available," explains Cassandra I. about Kickapoo State Recreation Area's primitive sites. Campers should check water availability when booking and plan accordingly.

    Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roadways. As a tent camper at Walnut Point State Park noted, "The interstate noise could be heard all night, and at times overpowered the sounds of nature. This is probably only an issue for tenters, though." Site selection can mitigate noise concerns.

    Tips for camping with families

    Multiple playground options: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Walnut Point State Park, "There are playgrounds throughout the park and a concession building near the campground entrance," according to Rachel H. These play areas provide entertainment between outdoor activities.

    Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer unique learning experiences for children. "The old school house is a must see," suggests Brandi M. regarding Friends Creek Campground, which features a historic one-room schoolhouse that occasionally offers guided tours.

    Beach access for swimming: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides family-friendly swimming opportunities. "Has a really nice beach for swimming and picnics," notes Brandon E. The beach area typically charges a small entry fee ($2-3) and operates during daytime hours, typically 10am-7pm.

    Tips from RVers

    Electric hookup variations: Campgrounds offer different electrical service options. "They have 50 amp sites and 30 amp sites. The 50 amp sites are more expensive," notes Larry R. about Friends Creek Campground. RVers should confirm electrical requirements when booking.

    Pull-through accessibility: Many sites accommodate larger rigs with convenient access. "Our site was fairly level and easy to maneuver into. For reference, we have a 34' fifth wheel," shares Jill C. about Friends Creek Campground. Site length and accessibility information should be verified before arrival, especially for longer rigs.

    Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide dump stations, though locations vary. "There is one dump station near the campground entrance, and water fill there or in a few locations in the campground," explains Rachel H. about Walnut Point State Park. RVers should plan accordingly for tank management during their stay.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Urbana, IL is D & W Lake RV Park with a 5-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 dog-friendly camping locations near Urbana, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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