Primitive Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area accommodates pets in all camping options including cabins, tent sites, and RV spots with full hookups. The campground features spacious sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and trash cans at each location. Nearby Crazy Horse Campground in Ashland also welcomes pets with well-maintained grounds and family-friendly atmosphere. Campers note the sites are nicely laid out with some overlooking the lake and offer privacy with good spacing between neighbors. The campground hosts at Jim Edgar Panther Creek sell firewood and ice, maintaining clean facilities with modern shower houses that include locks on stall doors for privacy. Pets must remain leashed throughout both properties.
Dog owners find numerous hiking trails around Jim Edgar Panther Creek's Prairie Lake area, with grassy paths connecting the waterfront cabins to a scenic bridge. The lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking and canoeing with pets nearby. Bass fishing is particularly good in this area. Several of the campgrounds feature primitive camping options with three-sided shelters that cost just $6 per night for budget-conscious pet owners. The Questing Hills Equestrian Campground section offers 51 electric sites for those traveling with both pets and horses. Most campsites lack significant shade as the trees are still maturing in this newer campground development. The rustic cabins positioned along the waterfront do not have air conditioning or running water, but provide an affordable option for campers with pets who prefer solid shelter.
$6 / night
"Like the quite agricultural Illinois environment but suggest shopping for your needs prior to leaving larger cities as most of the few small towns are limited to a Bar and Dollar store."
"From our cabin we walked grassy paths to a lovely bridge. Around the pond's perimeter are dispersed sites for tent-camping or possibly day-use."
"It is family and pet friendly. The owners are fantastic, friendly and caring. They keep the grounds in great shape and always have fun activities to participate in."
"Right outside of Jacksonville, Ashland, Virginia, and close enough to Springfield. We were there last weekend and will be there again at the end of the month. Happy Camping!"
$10 - $30 / night
"Pet friendly. Not 5 stars since we had to leave a day early due to weather. Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn’t even step outside. Barely any AT&T service."
"a couple cute trails and 1 nice little campground that you can pitch a tent in or drive your RV too. close to the beautiful historic New Salem Village. my dog and I love it here!"
$20 / night
"Not too close to your neighbor. Take time to walk around the fairgrounds as they are pretty. The 4H building has a lovely garden out front."
"20 per night for a a pull behind RV on an electric/water site. $30 for a full hookup. Large clean bathrooms, dated but useable."
"Praire Lake Campground has 3 facilities on the lake. FAMILY camp for Rv, Tentand cabins. 1. 84 sites with Electric or 19 have FHU. 2."
"We LOVED having a dog park to exercise our dogs daily!"
"Nice level site, pull.through for overnighters (thank you) lots of grass and walking areas for pets, pool, playground etc. friendly service and a welcoming place"
"Nor did we know there were hiking trails! The hiking trails are located on the road up the hill directly across from where you turn off of the highway to drive up to the village."
$20 / night
"Trails are well marked and maintained over 26 miles of trails."
$46 - $121 / night
"Had a blast, pond was nice, did some fishing, rode bikes, walked trails. Will definitely go back again."
"You can still here some cars because of the highway but it wasn’t like really crazy. The part is a decent size if you don’t want to hear traffic go further in the back."
GuideThe bathrooms here were heated and sparkling clean. Our Starlink had zero obstructions worked lightening fast. We LOVED having a dog park to exercise our dogs daily!
Great location, close to all the Springfield attractions and Slauterhaus Brewing in Auburn, IL (this is the best brewery nearby, better than Buzz Bomb or Obed & Issacs in town!).
GuideGreat place to stay and feel part of the community. Pretty scenery to walk around. Plenty of lakes/ponds to fish. We couldn't boat while there due to COVID but look forward to going back and taking our kayaks. Attentive and Friendly camp hosts. Pet friendly. Close to town if you've forgotten anything or want to have a restaurant dinner. Close to the highway for easy access. Full hookup available. Monthly or Season also available.
GuideWe loved this campground. Was all paved sites and roads. Pretty level sites. Utilities harder to get to but all in all a great family campground. Pet friendly. Not 5 stars since we had to leave a day early due to weather. Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn’t even step outside. Barely any AT&T service. Couldn’t use phone as hotspot at all.
TravelerBig things happening at Country Bend Campgrounds in Montrgromy Co, IL. This beautiful campground has many things to offer and is only a few minutes from the local drive in movie theater in Litchfield Illinois. It has a pool, swing sets, playground, cabins, ponds with stocked fish, beautiful walking trails, camping, welcome center, baseball field, volleyball, games, horseshoes, paddle boats, miniature golf, and so much more. This family run business is under new management and is welcoming new seasonal campers and day campers with competitive pricing. This beautiful campground is nestled in a scenic area in the country and is pet friendly. It has clean shower houses with warm water. We just purchased our seasonal campsite earlier in the season. Come check out this amazing campground and all it has to offer! Our rough collies will be joining us at this dog friendly campground! There is always something to do here and the owners strive to make it a family place by providing many activities on the weekends. The owners have done an amazing job on this campground and have made it one of the best campgrounds around to create that lasting experience with our children before they grow up!!!
ScoutWe only stayed for one night in our way north but we will return. Nice level site, pull.through for overnighters (thank you) lots of grass and walking areas for pets, pool, playground etc. friendly service and a welcoming place
TravelerThis is our favorite campground in central Illinios. It is family and pet friendly. The owners are fantastic, friendly and caring. They keep the grounds in great shape and always have fun activities to participate in.
ScoutEasy on off, right by highway, pulled in after dark and they met us to show us to the site and got us settled. Easy pull thru site with 40' and toad. basically a big open flat field with sites and building spread throughout. Cute little fenced in pet area with benches for the pups to stretch. came thru in February, so only a few permenant people. very quiet and super clean. would stay again
LegendThis review is for the backpacking campsites within the Sand Ridge forest. The trail is a mix of sand and soil. It’s quite an unexpected discovery in Illinois. We didn’t see anyone else on the trail but we saw cars parked so hikers were out there.
We stopped at 2 different campsites. They are just a short distance off the trail. Each was a small clearing with forest right up to the edge. A fire pit is also available. All the backpacking sites were empty so it seems that lots of options are possible.
We didn’t come across water sources so we asked the ranger. He pointed out a couple spots the have spigots or hand pumps. Be sure to have a water supply before heading out.
The longest loop is just under 15 miles but you can do different loops together to increase mileage. There is prickly pear in this area so be careful where you step. We also were told to avoid a trail because it was sandy and a tough climb. The man said he breaks horses by riding them up the hill. If this is a concern, I recommend asking around to find the best trail for you.
This is a hidden gem right in the middle of Illinois.
TravelerReally love this Campground! The owners are a young family, with a bunch of kids! They live across the road to handle any issues. The lodge/office is open til 8. Level packed gravel sites. We have a 40’ class A. Plenty of pull thru sites. Back in sites are great too. Lots of trees. Good shade. Well kept grounds. 2 catch and release ponds. Playground. Fire pit. AT&T wireless service. Every weekend has an event. Bluegrass to crafts. Right outside of Jacksonville, Ashland, Virginia, and close enough to Springfield. We were there last weekend and will be there again at the end of the month. Happy Camping!
Campgrounds near Ashland, Illinois provide outdoor recreation opportunities across central Illinois woodlands. Located in Morgan and Sangamon counties, these areas feature a mix of prairie lands and forests with elevations around 600 feet. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below 25°F, while summer visitors should expect humid conditions with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F.
Hiking at Waverly Lake: Located 25 minutes from Ashland, this quiet campground offers primitive camping with access to lakeside trails. "My wife and I really enjoy this campsite," reports camper Darren D., who found it to be "quiet and pleasant" during their stay. The lake allows fishing and non-motorized boating.
Visit Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site: Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site Campground provides access to historical attractions. "My husband and I had both previously been to New Salem but our children had not. Nor did we know there were hiking trails!" writes Ashley Y. The trails are "located on the road up the hill directly across from where you turn off of the highway to drive up to the village."
Experience living history: Lincoln's New Salem Park features costumed interpreters and reconstructed buildings. Leah H. notes, "I love to walk through all the old buildings and learn about Lincoln's way of life. They even had horses and a bull out in the pastures!" The park also offers evening entertainment as "plays in the outdoor amphitheater in the evenings."
Clean shower facilities: Prairie Lake Campground offers well-maintained bathroom facilities. Steve H. describes the area as a "pleasant campground with 2 loops. Clean bathrooms with showers. Choice of full hookup or just electric on outer perimeters of each loop."
Primitive camping options: Primitive Campground at Jim Edgar Panther Creek offers budget-conscious campers affordable shelter options. Amanda C. describes her experience: "We tent camped in site 1 of the primitive campground. There are 7 sites well spaced with a picnic table, fire ring, trash can and three sided shelter in each site. Pit toilets are in the middle. Each site is along the tree line with plenty of shade."
Water recreation access: Buena Vista Farms Campground provides water activities for campers. Sarah S. reports, "They offer kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats free to campers. There is an open cabin with games, books, and WiFi. Basketball court, play area, and outdoor games."
Seasonal shade conditions: Many campgrounds in the area have limited shade during summer months. At Jim Edgar Panther Creek, Lucas T. notes it "is a nice, well kept campground but being newer has small trees with little shade. Also has been very windy on the few occasions we have stayed."
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. Jennifer K. observed at Buena Vista Farms that "Even though it was a bit off of the interstate, the noise from the highway was awful. The prairie land is flat which lends itself to easily traveling road noise."
Limited cell service: Crazy Horse Campground has connectivity limitations. Sarah S. reports "No Verizon wireless service here or anywhere for about a 45 mile radius," which affects communication and internet access.
Water access at sites: Water hookups vary between campgrounds. Jeffrey F. noted at Lincoln's New Salem Park, "I would give it 5 stars but they should have water at all sites. Water available at just a few sites. Dump station available."
Schedule around weekend activities: Crazy Horse Campground offers regular family events. Leanne B. mentions, "Every weekend has an event. Bluegrass to crafts," making it ideal for families seeking structured activities.
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: The Double J Campground offers numerous family amenities. Kelsie L. describes, "Nice walking trail, swimming pool, playground, outdoor checkers, basketball court, put put golf," providing entertainment options for all ages.
Visit during historical demonstrations: Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site offers educational opportunities. Jamie T. explains, "This is a wonderful place to visit. I enjoy learning about some of our family history... Such a great way to show the kids how life was like for pioneers on the homesteads."
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Pet friendly camping near Ashland, Illinois fills quickly during peak times. Jennifer K. observed, "We certainly didn't expect the Prairie Lake Campground to be full in late October! Both loops were full, but there was just enough space for us to squeeze in for 2 nights!"
Choose sites based on length of stay: For overnight stays, RV campers recommend specific campgrounds. Nick H. found Double J Campground suitable for quick stops: "In and out here for an overnight. No issues nice facility."
Consider drainage after rain: Some campgrounds experience drainage issues during wet weather. Kaitlin D. warned about Lincoln's New Salem: "Not 5 stars since we had to leave a day early due to weather. Not their fault but sites became a lake and couldn't even step outside."
Prepare for utility placement: RV hookups at some campgrounds require extra equipment. Jennifer K. noted, "Site has electricity with water centrally located in the center of the loop. We needed a 100 ft fresh water hose to fill up."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ashland, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ashland, IL is Primitive Campground — Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ashland, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 dog-friendly camping locations near Ashland, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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