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Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides pet-friendly camping options in northeastern Illinois, approximately 25 miles from Cary. The campground accommodates pets at tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals with full hookups available. Camp Reinberg in Palatine and Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin also welcome pets, both offering electrical hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables at each site. The resort maintains clean facilities with staff described as friendly and helpful regarding pet accommodations. Several campers note the grounds are well-maintained and suitable for family camping with dogs.
Hiking trails connected to many of these campgrounds provide excellent dog walking opportunities, particularly at Camp Reinberg where paved and dirt trails wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve. The preserve features varied terrain with creeks running throughout that dogs can enjoy during warmer months. Paul Wolff Campground has both wooded and prairie tent sites suitable for camping with pets. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements and request owners clean up after their animals. Fire rings are available at all locations, allowing campers and their pets to enjoy evenings by the campfire. Nearby Chain O'Lakes State Park offers multiple pet-friendly camping areas including Fox Den, Prairie View, and Turner Lake South, providing access to water features that active dogs particularly enjoy.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."
"We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."
from $43 - $73 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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
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!"
"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!"
"We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."
"It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "
"Our site had the usual picnic table and a short walk to the restrooms and water. What we enjoyed the most was the variety of hiking trails."
"While the highway riding was occasionally a bit harrowing, it was absolutely worth it for the beautiful views and camping here."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting."
"It was me, my wife, our 8 month old daughter, and our dog."
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
ScoutI have camped in the tent section and also used the 30 amp service with our Class B van. Plenty of sites to choose from during the week but tends to get crowded on weekends. There are some sites out in the open and some that are totally private and secluded. It pays to drive through the camp ground and note a couple sites that you are interested in and then book your site at the entrance during walk in days. Once you have a couple favorites you can then book in advance online.
It does get congested and noisy on the weekends and holidays but can be a very peaceful and relaxing campground during the non-busy days. There is obviously the lake, hiking and biking paths throughout the park, 2 camp stores, showers and plenty of restrooms scattered around the park.
Pet friendly.
ScoutWe always make our first trip of the year to Rock Cut State Park. For us it's close to home, shopping and an RV dealership so it's pefect to "shake out" the camper and we can easily get anything we forgot or get stuff to repair anything that's not working. The park is very good sized with nice camping sites, pet friendly, loads of trails to hike and bike and a lake for quiet water sports, no motor boats allowed.
ScoutI reserved 5 nights, paid in full. After just one night, management cancelled my stay because my service dogs(Maltese) supposedly barked. I was fully cooperative, kept them quiet, and even documented this in emails. There was a stray cat near my RV that caused the issue, but instead of solving it, they forced me to leave. No refund for 4 nights. This is unfair, discriminatory, and against ADA law.
Northwestern Illinois offers diverse camping options within 25 miles of Cary, with most sites accessible from April through October. State parks and private resorts in the region provide varied terrain from prairie to woodland settings, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 65-85°F. Campgrounds connect to regional trail systems that extend throughout McHenry, Lake, and Kane counties.
Kayaking access points: Chain O'Lakes State Park provides multiple launch points for paddlers. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," reports a visitor to Turner Lake South.
Hiking variety: The forest preserves feature both paved and unpaved trails with varied terrain. At Camp Reinberg, "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, creeks run throughout, and there's even a little up-and-down thanks to ice age glaciers."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and ponds throughout the region offer shore fishing. At Prairie View in Chain O'Lakes, "We took a look at the boating docks and found paddleboats and row boats for rent. Most people were putting their own boats into the lakes." The concession stands typically sell basic fishing tackle and live bait.
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots than others. At Thomas Woods Campground, "This was a well laid out campground, with some sites right on the roads and some buried back in the woods away from everyone (we chose the latter and felt like we had the place to ourselves)."
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms. At Chicago Northwest KOA, reviewers noted "Clean bathrooms" and that "The attendant was very nice and informative." One camper mentioned that "The hosts do a good job keeping the bathrooms stocked and clean" at Prairie View.
Affordable options: Non-electric sites at several parks offer budget-friendly camping. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear," writes a camper at Turner Lake South. County residents often receive discounts at county-managed campgrounds like Camp Reinberg.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Fox Den Campground, "reservations would be important to make first" as one camper noted that "the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season."
Alcohol policies: State parks typically prohibit alcohol. "ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," explains a Fox Den reviewer. Private campgrounds like Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort do permit alcohol consumption at campsites.
Gate closure times: Be aware of entry restrictions after hours. "The gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark," warns a Turner Lake South camper. Plan evening activities accordingly.
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreational areas. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water. Clean bathrooms and shower."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple trails provide chances to observe local animals. A Thomas Woods camper shares, "Hiking galore! My 'leashed' dog loves this place, as do I." Similarly, at Turner Lake South, "We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."
Insect protection: Be prepared for seasonal bugs, especially in wooded areas. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," warns a Honeysuckle Hollow camper, who recommends a "contained covered screen house" for young children.
Electric hookup variations: Campgrounds differ in their electric service configurations. At Paul Wolff Campground, "Each site has water and electric. Trees are around the outside with few on the inside sites. All the sites have paved pads." This differs from Honeysuckle Hollow where "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad."
Site spacing considerations: RVers should research specific loops for more room between sites. At Fox Den, a reviewer notes it "is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts to far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees."
Dump station access: Plan for potentially busy dump stations during peak times. "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping," reports a Honeysuckle Hollow camper, highlighting the importance of timing these essential services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cary, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cary, IL is Paul Wolff Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Cary, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 dog-friendly camping locations near Cary, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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