Dog-Friendly Camping near Winfield, IL

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    Blackwell Family Campground allows pets throughout its wooded campsites in Warrenville, just minutes from Winfield, Illinois. All sites feature electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings on level, well-maintained grounds with both crushed limestone and wood-chip tent pads. The campground enforces a strict leash policy for dogs with no designated off-leash areas. Most campsites offer partial shade with varying degrees of privacy, particularly along the north loop where site #27 provides a secluded feel that many dog owners prefer. The gates close one hour after sunset and reopen at sunrise, which requires planning for evening dog walks. Despite being within a forest preserve, traffic noise from nearby Winfield Road can be heard at some sites, especially those on the downhill section of the campground.

    Chicago Northwest KOA in Union welcomes pets with designated dog-friendly cabins and tent sites throughout the property. The campground features full hookup RV sites with 50-amp service and maintains a clean, well-lit shower facility. Hiking trails accessible from the campground provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with the connecting multi-use path through Blackwell Forest Preserve offering additional recreation options. Beau Bien Park and Old Tavern Park near Naperville provide convenient spots for exercising dogs when staying at area campgrounds. Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs allows pets in both cabins and standard campsites while maintaining pet-specific rules to ensure wildlife safety. During summer months, sites with more shade are recommended for pets, as temperatures can rise significantly in exposed areas. The nearby forest preserves offer miles of trails where leashed dogs can explore alongside their owners.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Winfield (62)

      1. Blackwell Family Campground

      4.4(22)3mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $20 - $30 / night

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      2. Camp Bullfrog Lake

      4.2(30)17mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 - $138 / night

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      3. Paul Wolff Campground

      3.9(21)17mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents

      "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

      "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

      from $12 - $35 / night

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      4. Camp Reinberg

      4.8(13)19mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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!"

      from $45 - $60 / night

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      5. Big Rock Campground

      3.8(18)21mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents

      "Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"

      "Open campground with nearly zero tree. We had a great campfire but didn’t take advantage of the whole park to explore. She wants to again this year but we will spend more time hiking."

      from $18 - $35 / night

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      6. Camp Sullivan

      3.1(15)26mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $35 - $250 / night

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      7. Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

      4.1(67)42mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $25 / night

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      8. Chicago Northwest KOA

      4.1(16)31mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "You can walk from one side to other no problem. Plenty of large and small RV's and Trailers with tent camping. Our home away from home, so relaxing!"

      "Saw a few of their “puppy sites” that included a private gated area for dog owners. It poured all weekend but we still enjoyed the stay."

      9. Fox Bluff CottageS & RV

      5.0(2)21mi from WinfieldRVs

      "There's a gorgeous Creek, a lovely small lake and I really enjoy the walking trails."

      "The location requires a 2 night stay minimum."

      from $65 - $95 / night

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      10. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

      4.0(32)38mi from WinfieldRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "If you find yourself out in these parts near Shabbona in north central Illinois it is because of either one of two reasons - you are incredibly lost and stumbled across this hidden natural preserve gem"

      "All within easy walking distance to the lake. Camp store and two boat rental spots allow for flexiblity on busier weekends."

      from $25 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Winfield, IL

    532 Reviews of 62 Winfield Campgrounds


    • A
      Jul. 4, 2023

      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.

    • jennifer Z.
      Oct. 22, 2023

      Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      Surprising secret camp ground

      We love private campsites, far enough away from other campers, yet close enough to amenities. We chose a walk in site #16 which was nice but I wish we chose one a bit further in. Bathrooms where very clean. Trails are great. Pet friendly - we brought our small, quiet dogs. Dog friendly restaurant right next to the camp site.

    • Iryna R.
      Oct. 6, 2024

      Leisure Lake Resort

      Ugh..

      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.

    • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 31, 2020

      Blackwell Family Campground

      Weekend Camping with lots of activities

      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.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 1, 2024

      Love's RV Hookup-Morris IL 859

      Easy & Convenient Roadside Pit Stop

      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!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 13, 2024

      Northwoods RV Resort

      New Campground Scent Emanates From this Freshly Minted RV Outpost

      My first impression when I first arrived here was the overwhelming scent of a newly minted campground, what with the freshly laid gravel, the mint condition security gates, finely manicured and recently raked greenery (as it was October when we visited, it might be better described as brownery) surrounded by a fairly decent gated enclosure lined with perfectly pruned tall towering oaks. Upon arrival, you’ll find what looks to be a brand-spanking new log cabin office on the right after passing a seemingly freshly-minted activities center / community lodge complete with in-ground heated swimming pool and jacuzzi on the left.

      Amenities? As you could guess, this pet-friendly 60-acre RV resort has all the attractions in spades from pickleball, playgrounds, volleyball, log pergola patio, full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage), picnic tables, fire pits, BBQ grills, wagon rides, river access, picnic areas, bathhouses w/ showers & restrooms, cable TV WiFi (pretty poor connection though), gaga ball, game room, community room, billiards table, playground, wet bar, tabletop shuffleboard, community living room with large screen TV, DVD player w/ DVD library, clubhouse, dog park, horseshoes, hot tub, covered pavilions with picnic tables, catch & release ponds, inflatable water toys, jumping pillow, laundr-O-mat, propane refueling station and dump station.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) This place isn’t EZ to find – for some reason, if you plug the campground into your GPS, you’ll literally be on the wrong side of the tracks, where you will arrive at a dead end with a sign that says you are in the wrong place and that you’ll need to double-back, cross the train tracks heading north and turn right just before arriving to High Road School of Belvidere (so if you see a school, you’ve gone too far); (2) You will want to take note that yes, you actually cross train tracks to get to this campground, so if you’re sharp, you’re going to want to ensure you haven’t booked a site right next to where trains will shoot through every few hours, this specifically means avoiding sites #E1-#E5 and #FS23-#FS36 as well as #FE1-#FE20; (3) If you’re a tent camper, you can certainly stay here, but you will want to note that this is very much an RV outpost; (4) The best sites IMHO are those on the northernmost perimeter, as far away from the train tracks as you can get and that also border the Kishwaukee River with sites #S9-#S20 being excellent, as well as #S25-#S81, which are equally amazing; (5) If you are planning on using that amazing pool that you saw as you came in, make sure you call management a good day or two before you come in to ensure that they turn on the heater – when we were there for 2 days, by the time we left, the pool was still too cold to go for a dip; and (6) When you grow weary of trying to conjure up a meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler and want to venture out to try some local fare, just a short walk into the nearby town is Garden Prairie Café, which has a very simple menu offering no shortage of fried everything (fish, shrimp, chicken, etc.) and then there’s Pleasant Street Tavern, but that’s mostly cheap national beers and frozen pizza fare, so if you want something a bit more substantive, head west of here to Miles Bar N’ Grill that serves up typical Midwestern fare like cheese curds, pork tenderloin, Italian beef and a variety of fried fish like blue gill, cod and catfish.

      Happy Camping!

    • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 19, 2024

      Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort

      My second stay here

      I 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.

    • T
      Oct. 4, 2020

      Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Resort

      Great First Experience

      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.

    • Kaitlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 20, 2025

      Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

      Relaxing but no water hook up

      We 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.


    Guide to Winfield

    Campgrounds near Winfield, Illinois offer diverse experiences within 30 miles of Chicago's western suburbs. The region features a mix of forest preserves with lakes, prairie restoration areas, and wooded hiking trails. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide milder conditions between 50-70°F.

    What to do

    Fishing at Shabbona Lake: At Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, the 318-acre lake attracts anglers year-round. "The lake has produced a lot of trophy fish, if that's your thing. Otherwise it's quiet and peaceful. We like to go just to chill and read out out in the woods," notes Scott C. The campground store sells bait and tackle.

    Kayaking at Bullfrog Lake: Rental kayaks cost $15 per hour and include life vests. "The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," shares Layla P. The small size makes it ideal for beginners or families with children trying paddling for the first time.

    Hiking at Camp Reinberg: The interconnected trail system offers varying difficulty levels. "The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking. There are plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods," explains Kristy G. Many trails connect to larger forest preserve paths.

    What campers like

    Clean facilities at Camp Reinberg: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms and shower facilities were clean and the staff very friendly," reports Laura Z. The campground also features a communal kitchen area and seasonal ranger-led programs.

    Privacy at certain sites: At Paul Wolff Campground, the primitive walk-in tent sites offer seclusion. "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables," describes Tricia E. These sites require carrying equipment 10-20 yards from parking.

    Convenient urban escape: Many campers appreciate the proximity to Chicago. "Located only 30 miles outside the city, and conveniently only 10 mins from my house, this is the perfect little getaway," shares Autumn D. This accessibility makes these dog friendly campgrounds near Winfield popular for weekend trips.

    What you should know

    Limited shade at newer campgrounds: Big Rock Campground opened more recently and lacks mature trees. "This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade," explains David W. Consider bringing canopies or shade structures during summer months.

    Water hookup challenges: Several campgrounds have unusual water access arrangements. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K. Hose lengths of 50-100 feet are recommended at certain sites.

    Gate hours vary: Many forest preserve campgrounds restrict entry/exit during night hours. "The gates close for the park an hour after sunset," notes Rich M. Plan evening activities accordingly, especially if bringing pets that need late walks.

    Reservation policies differ: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others are first-come, first-served. "Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability," shares Melissa C. about Big Rock Campground.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly hiking: The pet friendly campgrounds near Winfield offer trails suitable for children. "We like to hike and this site had great (kid and beginner adult level) trails," says Nicole R. Many trails are under 2 miles with minimal elevation change.

    Recreation options at Illinois Beach State Park: Families appreciate the variety of activities. "What's great about this location is the access to miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," notes Josh M. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, reflecting similar recreation access at most area campgrounds.

    Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "The new pool, the game room, the playground, the beautiful new bath house and the grounds are just wonderful," describes Gina H. These amenities help keep children entertained.

    Tips from RVers

    Electric service details: At Chicago Northwest KOA, the electrical service is reliable but site layout requires planning. "The RV sites are a little close together but they have it set up where your RVs doors open on opposite sides so it gives a little privacy," explains Michelle J. Most campgrounds offer 30-50 amp service.

    Dump station timing: During peak weekends, plan for dump station waits. "The dump station has two spaces and the lines move right along," notes Jeff G. Most campgrounds have central dump stations rather than full hookups, so timing departure to avoid crowds helps.

    Level sites available: Big Rock and Paul Wolff campgrounds receive high marks for level sites. "The spaces are pretty level," reports Rodney D. This reduces setup time and stabilization needs for RVers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Winfield, IL is Blackwell Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Winfield, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.