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TravelerSt. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Heaven!
This park is very well kept, the natural lake is completely surrounded by a paved trail to bike, run, or walk on! They have a fenced in dog park and level sites!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Waterloo, IL
62 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Cahokia RV Parque accommodates pets in cabins, RV spots, and tent sites with full hookups just 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Washington State Park Campground, Hawn State Park, and St. Francois State Park similarly welcome pets with various accommodation options including tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options. Campgrounds maintain standard pet policies including leash requirements and waste cleanup expectations. Sites vary in spaciousness, with Covered Bridge RV Park offering surprisingly large sites despite being a smaller facility. The on-site BBQ restaurant at Cahokia RV Parque offers a 10% discount to campers. Most campgrounds provide basic pet-friendly amenities like designated walking areas, though specific pet facilities like dog parks or washing stations are limited.
Dog-friendly trails and outdoor recreation areas surround the Waterloo region's campgrounds, particularly at the state parks. Hawn State Park and St. Francois State Park feature extensive trail systems appropriate for leashed pets. Weather considerations affect pet comfort, particularly during summer months when temperatures rise significantly. Noise levels vary by location - highway proximity at some sites creates consistent traffic sound that might disturb sensitive pets. Some campgrounds experience seasonal flooding issues, so checking current conditions when traveling with pets proves important. Urban campgrounds like Cahokia RV Parque provide convenient access to metropolitan attractions while maintaining safe environments for pets. Campground layouts differ substantially, with some offering spacious sites providing adequate room for pets while others position RVs and tents in closer proximity.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Waterloo (62)
1. Cahokia RV Parque
"Pet-friendly, full hookups, space for our larger rig and parking around for extra vehicle. Laundry and propane on site. Spaces were a little close together, but minutes from downtown St."
"Lots of dogs tied up, but with owners nearby. Some still “bolt” at you when you walk by. Could be less littered. Our site had lots of litter when we pulled in."
2. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park
"70 per night, plus $20 pet fee and $5 reservation fee. Stayed two nights passing through to visit Gateway Arch National Park. Casino is pretty old looking on the outside."
"I haves stayed at Casino Queen RV Park several times..It’s always very clean and I always feel very safe..it’s easy clean in and clean out…you have to have a code to get into the gate..pets are allowed"
from $65 / night
Check Availability3. Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage
from $50 / night
Check Availability4. Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground
"Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$."
"Horseshoe Lake is one of my most visited parks and most favorite park in the STL and surrounding areas. First off absolutely beautiful land and peace is easily achieved."
5. Scott AFB FamCamp
"You are on the entire opposite side of the base, away from everything, absolutely everything.."
"GREAT location for camping, especially if you run out of items and need to get something close by. Very natural, and amazing views and the feel is spectacular."
6. St. Louis NE-Granite City KOA
"Doesn't allow pets for tent sites"
"Pet runs clean and in good shape. Good air signal for tv."
7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags
"pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"
"We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"
8. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
"This park is very well kept, the natural lake is completely surrounded by a paved trail to bike, run, or walk on! They have a fenced in dog park and level sites!"
"Large grassy camp sites, dog park and clean restrooms/shower house. Lake is very pretty and great staff."
from $35 - $60 / night
Check Availability9. Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground
"A very old and historic cemetery is next to the campground. There is electric hookups 30 and 50 amp. No water/sewer but does have a dump station. Vault toilets."
"Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site is located on the remains of historic Fort Kaskaskia, constructed by the French in the 1700s to defend the town of Kaskaskia."
from $8 - $18 / night
10. Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam
"Water was available close to the restrooms and is accessible to fill campers. Parking area at each site could accommodate two vehicles. The capsites were located next to the Kaskaskia River."
from $10 / night
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Drive Time
- 27 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 28 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 37 min from Springfield, IL
- 2 hrs 10 min from Jefferson City, MO
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Waterloo, IL
40 Photos of 62 Waterloo Campgrounds
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Waterloo, IL
567 Reviews of 62 Waterloo Campgrounds
- WWendy P.Traveler
Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout
Beautiful place-
This was our first trip together in our new camper. It was a little rough assessing the place thru the website but the reviews swayed us. There are walking paths all around and a beautiful lake /clubhouse area. Super people running the place and of course other campers were so helpful. We took our 2 dogs and would have loved a little more grass for their paws as the entire camping area is rough gravel. We’re hoping for a dog park in the future....? The lake has many easy entrances for swimmers near the club house - broad steps or large boulder for the more adventurous. Can be a bit slippery tho so bring your water shoes. Kids seemed to have little problem. Saturday night there was live music. Just a single guy with a guitar but great choice of music and great singing voice. Had a great 2 days. We plan to come back.
Zach H.
RangerSt. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
Good location for exploring St. Louis
This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west. We stayed 2 nights to have a day to visit the Gateway Arch. The pool and playground seemed nice even though we didn’t use them. Nice dog park for smaller dogs. Several cabins are available along with RV sites. The tent sites are next to a river under large trees. Plenty of spaces for big rigs. Our site was no very level but nothing our auto-leveling couldn’t handle.
- JJennifer H.
ScoutSt. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Great place to camp
Large grassy camp sites, dog park and clean restrooms/shower house. Lake is very pretty and great staff.
Jan S.
GuideSt. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
KOA in Eureka, MO
Nice, clean campground, level pull-through sites - ours had a paver-patio and grill, a lot of shade throughout, dog park, and a creek to explore. This was our 2nd time here. Close to Saint Louis, Six Flags, and hiking.
Leah H.GuideSt. Francois State Park Campground
St. Francois
We had a beautiful campsite with soft grassy ground. We did have a mole or something burrowing around so you had to watch for loose dirt clods but that was NBD. The site had a picnic table and fire ring. There were pit toilets, no showers. Spigots throughout the area. Within walking distance of the river and trail access. Beautiful hiking on the bluffs above the river. The hosts were really friendly. There was also a very cute and very friendly kitty running around the area hunting grasshoppers. He hung out for some pets and cuddles then wandered off for some more adventure. I kind of want to be that cat. ^_^
Paul B.RangerSt. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Convenient to St. Charles
Easy off I-370, campground is new and large. It is on a lake with bike trails, kayak rental, and kids splash pad. Staff were helpful. I received about 5 pieces of paper when checking in. You need a code to get into the dog park. Shopping nearby. Used this as a base to visit historic St Charles.
- Jan S.Guide
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
KOA campground near Saint Louis
This is a KOA, so you know what to expect. Pull through, level sites, lots of shade, dog park, pool, and a creek are all here. Have been here before, will be back!
Lindsey R.GuideSt. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
LEDLENDSER MH10 and KOA Route 66 review
Campground review:
Once googling local campsites at the last minute for a weekend getaway with both dogs, we came route 66 campground. They have a dog park, rv hookup sites, electric tent sites and primitive sites. We stayed at a primitive tent site with both dogs. Site t13, which unfortunately was one of the very few camp spots with zero trees so we're unable to use our hammock. (Most of the other sites had great trees for hammock setups). Other amenities on the campground included a heated pool, bike rentals, basketball courts, a country store for firewood, supplies, and gift shop. Needless to say this was not a "roughing" it type campground. For the dogs though, we were right across from the creek to take them down to play. Also, kids were catching crawdads! Great campsite that is pet friendly and very family friendly!
Product review:
Ledlenser mh10
This headlamp first of all comes with a 7 year warrantly(must register the product)! On top of that all these features: a rechargeable battery with a USB port. Rapid focus system with 2 tough button on headlamp to adjust lighting. The strap is very easy to adjust and fit to comfort, lightweight despise the battery pack attached to the headlamp. The lighting is phenomenal! You also get a green and red additional glass lense that you can screw into the front of your lense for any activity and not disturb others with a bright white light. Me, howsoever, I was able to on this camping trip, use the headlamp to continue to play a game of cornhole... and winter, might I add.. thanks to my headlamp for optimal vision;). Included are some pictures of how bright and fitting the headlamp is. I was highly impressed! Never once did it slip... which I have struggled with in many headlamps that it seems the lamp is too heavy and slowly makes its way down your forehead. The Ledlenser stays in place and is very comfortable! Also, doesn't leave that weird band line on your head... at least I didn't experience it like I have on others. Very impressed overall!
Guide to Waterloo
Pet friendly camping near Waterloo, Illinois offers options in both state parks and private campgrounds within an hour's drive of the Mississippi River. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging between 400-700 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking trails and camping experiences. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snow, while summer humidity typically reaches 70-80% from June through August.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: 30-minute drive from Washington State Park Campground provides access to Big River. "We hiked the 1000 step trail. Most of the campers did fine but those who were not use to hiking did struggle a bit. If you are use to hiking, then this trail should not be any problem for you," notes Scott M. The park also features an outdoor pool as mentioned by Lindsey R.: "Friendly staff, outdoor pool, hikes close by and a windy maybe thirty minutes away."
Fishing spots: Year-round access at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground with lake fishing for multiple species. "Nice camping area. It was not overly crowded. We went beginning of June during the covid crisis/RV buying crisis. It has decent camping sites and they are right next to the river and swimming holes," reports Kristen R. about nearby options. The campground offers affordable rates with Travis noting "Clean and well kept up with spots, water Spickets never far from your camp also nice cast iron fire pits. Good fishing, trails and memories waiting to be made. $8 a night."
Historical sites: Native American petroglyphs can be viewed at Washington State Park. Phil W. shares, "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see." This provides educational opportunities when camping with pets in the Waterloo region.
What campers like
Reasonable rates: $8 per night at Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground gives access to primitive camping with basic amenities. "Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$," reports Helge Vandel J. Another camper adds, "The campground is relatively small but has great sites to camp. Very private and clean. 5 ⭐ in my opinion simply because of the overnight price and privacy."
Scenic camping environments: Pine forest settings at Hawn State Park Campground create unique atmospheres. One camper, Megan M., describes it as "a park like no other. Nowhere else in the state of Missouri have I been able to camp and feel like I'm in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The car camping area is nestled in the middle of a pine filled valley. There's nothing more refreshing than sitting in the evening and hearing the wind whistle through the pines."
Urban access: 15-minute drives to downtown St. Louis from several campgrounds. At Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park, Scott C. notes it offers "Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Flooding concerns affect several campgrounds in the area. Charlie & Danielle B. report from Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage: "While we were there they had a record rainfall amount and the park apparently already has flooding issues so it was flooding pretty bad but also our RV was right next to a creek that had risen really high and was in danger of flooding our site completely."
Noise considerations: Trains and highways near several pet-friendly campgrounds. Josh F. mentions at Casino Queen: "There are trains every 15-30 minutes all day long." Similarly, GW C. notes about Jellystone Park: "can hear highway traffic....a lot."
Mixed cell service reception: Varies by location with best reception at campgrounds closer to St. Louis. One camper at St. Francois State Park noted "good cell service (ATT)" while more remote locations may have limited coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags, which offers structured activities for kids. "We stayed here last minute for Labor Day Weekend and the staff were great with finding us a good tent site available. This is not a rugged style campground as there are many amenities such as a pool, putt putt golf, volleyball, and more. They also host daily kids activities and crafts," shares Lindsey R.
Budget-friendly activities: State parks offer lower rates and natural entertainment. One camper at Hawn State Park said it's "Beautiful. Quiet. Relaxing. No place to swim. Only think yo do is hike or relax." This provides a calmer setting for families with pets.
Seasonal considerations: Summer activities expand options but increase crowds. At Jellystone Park, a camper notes: "Great kids activities! Good breakfast and nice store. Really enjoyed our trip bundled with a Six Flags trip."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Check water and electric distances before setting up. A Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage camper warns: "our water hook up and electric hookup was significantly far apart. (1st world problems I know but handy info for those with campers) may be site specific."
Leveling challenges: Bring blocks for uneven sites. Jan S. reports about Jellystone: "The site was ok, tricky to level. There was a steep drop just past our steps, and not a lot of room to set up chairs, etc."
Gate access: Some parks require codes for entry when traveling with pets. At Casino Queen RV Park, Greg S. notes: "Reservations are online and they email you the gate code and WiFi code. Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Waterloo, IL?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Waterloo, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Waterloo, IL is Cahokia RV Parque with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Waterloo, IL?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Waterloo, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Waterloo, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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