Camp Bullfrog Lake welcomes pets at its lakeside tent sites, RV spots, and cabin accommodations. Campers can bring dogs to all sites with standard leash requirements enforced throughout the grounds. The campground features clean facilities with spacious shower stalls and multiple bathroom options including flush toilets near the tent camping areas. Other pet-friendly options in the area include Camp Sullivan, Blackwell Family Campground, and Camp Reinberg, all maintaining similar pet policies while offering varied amenities. The hiking trails surrounding Camp Bullfrog Lake provide excellent opportunities for dog walking with multiple route options accessible directly from campsites.
Dogs particularly enjoy the walking trail around the lake and the extensive mountain bike trail system that doubles as pet exercise paths. The primitive tent areas include tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, though they offer very little shade during summer months. For pet owners seeking comfortable accommodations, the cabins provide an excellent alternative to tent camping while still allowing dogs. Most campsites around Willow Springs maintain quiet hours that help manage barking and other noise. Several miles of trails in the surrounding Cook County Forest Preserve District connect multiple camping areas, creating an extensive network for longer dog walks. Gates close at 10pm, so pet owners should plan evening walks accordingly.
$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."
$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."
$25 / night
"There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots."
"give you a great view of Lake Michigan. Bathroom rooms and shower were super clean. Dog friendly campsite and right next to the lake!"
"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."
$43 / night
"We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."
"Was rainy, but still enjoyed walking the beach. Staff extremely pleasant & helpful. Pavilion services was closed for construction. There is an area on the Beach where you can walk your dogs."
$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."
"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 / night
"They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly."
"Driving into rural northern IL felt like leaving the craziness behind. I brought my dog to an animal-friendly area of the beach, which was small and secluded."
$45 - $60 / night
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
TravelerSmall 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
ScoutWe’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.
TravelerMany 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.
LegendAs 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!
RangerI was here for three months this time as i get to business completed. The park was still kept up very nicely and this time I was here long enough to be able to see how. The grass is mowed every week. There is patroling at all hours for security. The laundry machines are great the dryers ore good. The dog park is clean and secure. The lake is natural and kept free of litter and garbage. The park is much bigger than i thought it was last year. The store has many items you may need. The showers are cleaned and work great. The camp water is high in Iron. The pot roads need service as thay do have a lot of pot holes. Good thing for the 5mph speed limit.
TravelerFriendly 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.
ScoutWe love camping here. It truly feels rural. Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It’s always quiet and the view is beautiful. Bugs were awful this stay. They are busy but spots are large and neighbors are not close by. Lots of kids. Great for families and pet friendly.
RangerFor 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.
Guideit’s so nice to have a great beachfront in the Midwest. There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots.
Pet friendly camping near Willow Springs, Illinois offers unique outdoor experiences just 30 minutes southwest of Chicago. The area features a mix of prairie, forest, and wetlands within the Cook County Forest Preserve system, with most campgrounds situated at elevations around 600-700 feet. Willow Springs camping areas remain open year-round, though facilities like water hookups typically close from mid-October through mid-April.
Hiking trail networks: At Blackwell Family Campground, visitors can access multiple interconnected trails. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails. There are a lot of loops giving you options. When we left we still hadn't hiked all of them," notes Art S.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access in nearby lakes and ponds. "The fishing is outstanding. There are lots of places along the lake and ponds to get an easy catch and release," reports Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Kayak rentals: For water activities, Camp Bullfrog Lake provides affordable kayaking options. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," explains Layla P.
Climbing activities: Camp Sullivan offers a climbing wall for active visitors. "There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," mentions Shane S., making it a good option for energetic pets and owners needing activity.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked," notes Layla P. at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Proximity to Chicago: The convenient location makes these campgrounds popular for quick getaways. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," writes Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Natural wildlife viewing: The preserve areas offer good wildlife spotting. "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," Hatie P. observed at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Free firewood: At Camp Reinberg, campers receive complimentary firewood. "Free firewood and you can purchase more for just $5," mentions Leo V., which helps pet owners maintain evening campfires without additional expense.
Site privacy varies: Campsite spacing and privacy differs significantly between campgrounds. "Most sites have a chip pad for tents and concrete for the vehicle. Site 20 is turf and nicely secluded," advises John W. about Blackwell Family Campground.
Gate hours: Security gates operate on specific schedules at most campgrounds. At Camp Sullivan, "There is a gate that is closed at 10pm every night and opened again in the morning," explains Susan L.
Limited tent camping at some locations: RV sites dominate at several campgrounds. "Martin's Camping Ground has a three day limit for campers with tents. Very disappointed with that. And its three day limit a month," cautions Katelyn G.
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near some camping areas. "It's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine," warns Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Scout-friendly areas: Several campgrounds cater specifically to youth groups. "The camp sites are pretty close to each other, but neighbors were quiet. Beautiful little lake. Bathrooms were warm and clean," notes Lawrence B. about Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Choose trails rated for children. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods). Highly recommend," shares Dane S. about Camp Sullivan.
Cabin options for comfort: For families with dogs who want more comfort, cabins provide a good alternative. "The cabins provide an excellent alternative to tent camping while still allowing dogs," according to a visitor at Camp Sullivan.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," reports Katrin M. at Dunewood Campground, so families should pack appropriate repellent.
Electric-only hookups: Many sites offer electric but lack water connections. "This was a sweet camping spot. Only 4 sites (only site 3 is shady!) tucked alongside a bike and walking path. No water or dumping hook up. Electric only," reports Nomad Nurse Z about Camp Reinberg.
Limited shade coverage: RV sites often have minimal shade protection. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," notes Tim K. at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump stations. "The staff has to hook up a very very long hose and will bring it to your site. You can get water, it's just an inconvenience for you and them," explains The School for Y. about Camp Reinberg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Willow Springs, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Willow Springs, IL is Camp Bullfrog Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Willow Springs, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 56 dog-friendly camping locations near Willow Springs, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
