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Camp Reinberg accommodates pets with clean facilities and multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. Located in Palatine within Deer Grove Forest Preserve, this pet-friendly campground provides extensive hiking and biking trails through varied terrain that dogs particularly enjoy. The campground enforces standard leash policies but offers ample space for pet exercise throughout its connected trail system. Bathrooms and shower facilities remain exceptionally clean, important for campers with pets who need reliable facilities. Most sites at Camp Reinberg are mulched and level, though not particularly spacious for pets requiring room to roam.
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides another pet-friendly option near Deer Park, featuring lakefront tent sites where dogs can enjoy water access. The campground balances family activities with pet amenities, maintaining quiet evening hours beneficial for campers with pets sensitive to noise. The lake setting offers pets cooling opportunities during warmer months, with the swimming beach separated from pet access areas. Tent sites along the lakefront provide ample space for dogs to enjoy shoreline exploration while remaining on leash. Wildlife in surrounding nature preserves requires pet owners to maintain vigilance with their animals. Some guests report pet-related issues can affect stays if barking disturbs neighbors, so proper pet management remains essential for successful camping experiences.
"Located in the Norwest suburb of Palatine, this campground is super accessible from Chicago and a fun getaway for suburban camping. Grocery stores and modern conveniences are minutes **away. **"
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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"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"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"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
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!"
"It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
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.
LegendThis campground is very well maintained with all the amenities you could need: a small camping store, communal kitchen, firepits, and clean bathrooms. Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests.
Located in the Norwest suburb of Palatine, this campground is super accessible from Chicago and a fun getaway for suburban camping. Grocery stores and modern conveniences are minutes away. From the campground you have access to the entire Deer Park preserve and it's paved cycling and walking trails.
Cook County residents get a nice discount, as do veterans. Rates go up on the weekends. A one week limit for all stays unless you get approval from higher-ups.
RV spots are concrete, flat, and easy to get into.
Overall, a very clean and well-loved sem-urban camping experience.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Several campgrounds near Deer Park offer cabin accommodations for campers seeking shelter options beyond tent sites. Woodland areas surround most local campgrounds within 30 minutes of Deer Park, providing moderate tree cover with trails connecting to larger forest preserves. Camping seasons typically run May through October, with several campgrounds closing during winter months due to freezing temperatures and limited services.
Water activities at Chain O' Lakes: The Chain O' Lakes system at Chain O' Lakes State Park provides access to seven connected lakes via small tributaries. "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," according to one visitor at Paul Wolff Campground.
Hiking with varied terrain: Burnidge Forest Preserve offers trails for all skill levels. A camper noted, "Gentle hills and beautiful color. Always see turkey and other small game so great for Scout skills and badges." The 5-mile trails at Prairie View include hills, forested areas, and open prairie sections.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Turner Lake South provides habitats for diverse wildlife. "I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," reports one kayaker. Early morning or evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing conditions.
Clean facilities: Camp Reinberg maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and shower buildings. One camper stated, "Seriously the cleanest I've ever seen, even the ceilings were cleaned!" The campground features heated dining halls and well-maintained pavilions that stay open throughout the camping season.
Lake access for fishing: Turner Lake South offers direct water access. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," noted a recent visitor.
Secluded sites for privacy: Many campsites at Prairie View offer natural screening. "The site was so cozy because it was at the very back of the circle," mentioned one camper. Another visitor at Fox Den reported, "This campground is the closest to the boat dock and concession which serves as the camp store."
Gate closing policies: Several campgrounds enforce strict entrance rules. At Blackwell Family Campground, "The gates close for the park an hour after sunset." Chain O' Lakes enforces similar restrictions with "gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in."
Wildlife precautions: Ticks and mosquitoes require preparation. One camper at Honeysuckle Hollow warned, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks." Raccoons actively search for food after dusk at multiple campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. At Burnidge Forest Preserve, "No online reservations were allowed and their phone systems were down but we only found a few sites that were available." Booking weekdays generally offers more availability.
Kid-friendly water options: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides safe swimming areas for children. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids," reports a family camper.
Playground access: Chicago Northwest KOA offers multiple play areas. "Plenty for the little kids to do, and the text message communication was great with regards to weather updates or any goings on around the campground," noted one parent who visited with children.
Family activities: Blackwell Family Campground organizes seasonal events. "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests," recommends a camper. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Deer Park offer hiking trails suitable for families with pets.
Site selection for RVs: Honeysuckle Hollow provides electric hookups but requires careful site selection. "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance," advises an RVer.
Water access considerations: At Camp Reinberg, "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. But they do it with a good attitude." Fox Den offers more direct access with individual electric posts.
Leveling requirements: Several pet friendly campgrounds near Deer Park require leveling equipment. At Chicago Northwest KOA, "Site was not level but it had a lot of shade which was nice." Most RV sites feature either gravel or concrete pads with varying degrees of levelness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Deer Park, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Deer Park, IL is Camp Reinberg with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Deer Park, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 54 dog-friendly camping locations near Deer Park, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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