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Big Foot Beach State Park Campground welcomes dogs throughout its camping areas with standard pet policies. Located minutes from downtown Lake Geneva, the park features a variety of pet-friendly accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and walk-in campsites. Dogs must remain leashed in camping areas and aren't permitted on the small beach area across the busy road or in certain sections of the park. Elkhorn Campgrounds provides another pet-friendly option with water and electric hookups for RVs and tent camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be supervised at all times and properly cleaned up after. Happy Acres Kampground offers additional pet-friendly accommodations including cabins. The shower facilities at Big Foot Beach are new, clean, and conveniently located for campers with pets.
Hiking trails throughout Big Foot Beach State Park provide exercise opportunities for dogs, though pet owners should note that several reviews mention dogs aren't allowed in large portions of the park. The campground's proximity to Lake Geneva allows for convenient access to town amenities, with the downtown area approximately 40 minutes walking distance or 11 minutes by bike. Ottawa Lake Campground in Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit offers additional pet-friendly camping options with more extensive trail systems for dogs. Weather considerations are important when camping with pets, as sites can become muddy after rain. Pet owners camping at Big Foot Beach should be aware that some sites provide better shade than others, with sites 27, 32 and 74 noted for good shade coverage, which is important for pets during warmer months.
"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."
"Nice large sites. gravel spot for arc/trailer. fire pit and picnic table. trails for hiking are nice, but the overall camping area isn’t very big. 100 sites only. 30 with electric. this was the first time"
from $18 - $36 / night
Check Availability"I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"
"Pros: great hiking trails, nice lake to kayak on, family friendly beach and picnic areas Cons: Not great fishing, no dog friendly swim area, the beach/fishing pier/boat launch are all pretty far from"
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Rocket launch (bring your own,) atv (no rentals-bring your own), water fowl hunting (during season), fishing, wildlife watching, swimming at the beach, playground for kids, and my favorite- nice trails"
"Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Huge beach area, dog park, fishing as well. Shop to buy items you may need and absolutely wonderful place. Open all year round"
"Some have a beautiful view of lake. Some water fountains did not work, however sinks were always working. So many little trails all throughout the campsite."
from $23 - $38 / night
Check Availability"*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end"
"Campsite is nice, we're pretty close to our neighbors but not as bad as other places I've been. Walking distance to a fishing dock!"
"No radios or pets allowed. I'm not sure about children!"
"I've stayed here twice, both times in August (of different years), both times in Loop 1 which is the quiet loop (no pets, no radios or other noise, 24 hours a day)."
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability"In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."
"You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly. But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"
"It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "
"However there is plenty of space around to find a spot on your own. The campsites are a nice size and have electric hookups. Water was at central locations and a dump is on the way out."
"Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly."
"we’ve been RV camping here for 2 months now and love it. the bathrooms are older but still nice and cleaned daily. the pool is fantastic, lots of fun playgrounds around, and there’s a neat walking trail"
"Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office. Site, restrooms, and showers were clean. There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space."
"Not many frills but quiet and within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn."
GuideWe 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.
TravelerJust became KOA met local campers that love this park! Good sites, trash pickup at side! They even have a snack bar and deliver to your campsite! No enclosed dog park but plenty of area to walk your dog!
GuideAbsolutely beautiful, reasonable prices, electric available. Tons of restrooms, showers, laundry, and wonderful camp hosts. Huge beach area, dog park, fishing as well. Shop to buy items you may need and absolutely wonderful place. Open all year round
TravelerGreat park with swimming beach, trails, dog park, and archery range. Campsites were ok, not much separation or privacy at all. Pit toilets and metros desperately need to be cleaned more often. We had very noisy neighbors that did not respect the quiet hours rule and park staff did nothing to intervene. Very convenient that they drive through the Campground to sell/deliver firewood tho. I'd stay here again because the park overall is great, but I would try to choose a better site. #9 looked alright, and in the 20#s looked a bit more tree lined and bigger.
LegendMy 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!
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.
ScoutStaff was polite and helpful. They escort you to your spot. They hand out activity sheets for the weekend. Petting zoo, camp store, pool, lake/pond for swimming and fishing. Cell signal for ATT just one bar. No internet. Lots of full time residents. Lots of activities for kids. Pet friendly. They charge extra if you have visitors.
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.
ScoutSo much good about this campground! Great management, really great food at the bar & grill. Clean sites, friendly people, great mix of full and part time residents. Holiday weekends get a little crazy, in both good and bad ways. WiFi was great in some areas, Non-existent in others. No cell carrier works well here at all, so non-functional WiFi areas can be a deal-breaker for connected campers unless you get a spot where WiFi is really good. There are several areas of great coverage, the dead spots just need some work. Starlink works in many areas, though the heavily wooded sites will need an elevated “dishy” to make it work. So many amenities. Horseshoes, bags pavilion, craft areas, fantastic pool and water slides, outdoor bar and ice cream shop. Don’t forget the lake and floating obstacle course. Dog park, baseball field, the list goes on.
The dump station lanes need some attention, more than gravel would be great. Andy being honest, there needs to be a few longer term sites with sewer hookups or a reasonable pump out service option.
For the list of pluses at this campground, the nits seem trivial. But those few details would put this location from 4 to 5 stars in a heartbeat if addressed.
Campgrounds near Lyons, Wisconsin feature a mix of forested settings and lakefront properties across the gently rolling terrain of southeastern Wisconsin. The region has clay-rich soils that can become muddy after rain, particularly in spring and fall. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping often requires extra layers for nighttime temperatures that can dip into the 40s.
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities: The Chain O' Lakes State Park offers connected waterways for paddlers. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," notes Aida K. The park provides boat rentals for visitors without their own equipment.
Hiking at observation points: Several trails at Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit lead to scenic viewpoints. "We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail. While the view was mostly hidden it was still a nice hike," reports camper Art S. These trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging 5+ mile routes.
Wildlife watching: The wetland areas provide excellent bird and animal viewing opportunities. "I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," shares Cora M. about her experiences at Turner Lake South. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing conditions.
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion available at certain campgrounds. "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion," reports Kendal R. about Pinewoods Campground. Sites farther from main roads tend to be quieter and more private.
Clean facilities: Modern shower buildings are available at several parks in the area. "The shower houses are new, clean and as hot as I needed it to be," notes Linda N. about Ottawa Lake Campground. Most campgrounds clean their facilities daily, though they can become less maintained during peak weekend periods.
Family-friendly activities: Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers diverse recreation options. "There is a ton to do at this park the nature center has activities all weekend long," shares Jill G. The recreation area spans over 4,500 acres with activities ranging from fishing to model rocket launching.
Variable site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly in the region. "Campground amenities include a shower building, flush and vault toilets, a dump station and a playground area," explains Tori K. about the Sunrise Campground. Site numbering typically starts near entrance roads with higher numbers being farther from facilities.
Weather considerations: The area can experience rapid weather changes. "It was a hot weekend, so the sandy Beach and warm water were great! kayaking was nice too on wolf lake," reports Stefanie B., though she adds, "expect to be breakfast, lunch, and dinner for an army full mosquitos." Bug activity is most intense in June and July, especially near water.
Reservation timing: Ottawa Lake Campground fills quickly during prime seasons. "We were able to grab a nonelectric site and transfer to an electric site when one cancelled last minute," notes Linda N. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day typically require reservations 2-3 months in advance.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The campsite was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night," describes Michelle M. about Fox Den Campground. Sites near playgrounds are convenient but can experience more foot traffic.
Safety considerations: Some areas have terrain features to watch for with young children. "Along one edge of campsites there is a huge cliff-sized drop off, so be cautious if camping with children," warns Amanda K. about Happy Acres Kampground. Sites farther from water edges and steep terrain are better for families with small children.
Kid-friendly hiking: Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers trails suitable for young hikers. "Plenty of space between sites & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground," notes Justin F. The nature center often offers guided hikes specifically designed for children on weekend mornings.
Electric hookup locations: Access to power varies between sites and campgrounds. "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad," explains Debra M. Extension cords of at least 25 feet are recommended even at sites with dedicated hookups.
Dump station access: Weekend departures can create congestion at sanitary stations. "They needed someone to control the traffic that comes from two different directions going to the dual dump stations," advises Myron W. about Happy Acres Kampground. Dump stations are typically busiest between 11 am and 2 pm on Sundays.
Site selection for larger rigs: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Lyons have limitations for bigger RVs. "The campsite was very clean and large, we were in the Fox Den electric sites," shares Michelle M. Sites in the outer loops typically provide more room for slide-outs and awnings than those on inner loops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lyons, WI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lyons, WI is Big Foot Beach State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lyons, WI?
TheDyrt.com has all 79 dog-friendly camping locations near Lyons, WI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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