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Camp Reinberg accommodates pets with clean, well-maintained sites near Highwood, Illinois. This Cook County Forest Preserve campground features tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and pet-friendly cabins, all with picnic tables and fire rings. The staff provides free firewood and maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. Campers can easily access miles of hiking and biking trails directly from the campground where dogs can explore on-leash. Sites are mulched and relatively close together, though not spacious, with wagons available to transport gear from parking areas to campsites.
Illinois Beach State Park also welcomes pets throughout its spacious campsites situated near Lake Michigan. The park's 100, 200, and 300 series sites vary in proximity to the water, with electric hookups available but no water or sewer connections at individual sites. Water spigots are scattered throughout the campground and a dump station is available. The beach areas include designated pet-friendly sections where dogs can enjoy Lake Michigan, though the shoreline consists primarily of pebbles rather than sand. Trails throughout the park accommodate leashed pets, with some paths occasionally becoming sandy. Camp Bullfrog Lake and Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provide additional pet-friendly options in the Highwood area, both offering full hookup sites for RVers traveling with animals.
"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"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"*** 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!"
"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. "
"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!"
"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"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"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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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 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.
RangerNice 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 all season that the bugs Annoyed us. the beach is about 10 feet of sand off a busy road and is not pet friendly. nice spot to stay if you want to avoid paying lake Geneva prices for a room.
TravelerLots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc. The preserve bumps up next to neighborhoods and major roads depending how far in you get, but the main trails are easy to follow.
Many campgrounds near Highwood, Illinois welcome canine companions with varying amenities and restrictions. These pet-friendly sites often require leashes and responsible waste management. Some locations offer designated dog areas or access to walking trails where pets can safely exercise.
Kayaking on Fox River: At Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area, water enthusiasts can launch directly into the Fox River system. "This is a great place for kayakers. There is a water way fee per kayak or canoe per year but it is well worth it," notes Scott B. The interconnected waterways provide multiple routes for paddling excursions.
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake features extensive trail access for cyclists. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," says Josh M. The trail system attracts serious mountain bikers with various difficulty levels.
Archery practice: Several forest preserves in the area maintain archery ranges for visitors to practice their skills. "There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course," according to Marisa A. regarding nearby recreation options. No previous experience required, but bringing personal equipment is recommended.
Clean shower facilities: Campers frequently mention the shower amenities at Turner Lake South Camping Area. "The shower houses are dated, yet I have seen them clean and also not clean on busy camper weekends," explains Marisa A. During weekdays, facilities typically receive more attention from maintenance staff.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest preserves host diverse animal species visible from campsites. "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," reports Hatie P. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife observation times.
Free firewood at select locations: Some campgrounds provide complimentary firewood with site rental. "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits," mentions Josh M. about his experience at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Additional bundles can usually be purchased from camp stores for $5-7.
Seasonal insect considerations: Ticks and mosquitos can be problematic during summer months. At Honeysuckle Hollow, one visitor warns, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks... they literally fall out of the trees into people!" Proper repellent and regular checks are essential during warm months.
Noise levels vary by location: Some campgrounds experience more activity on weekends. "It did get a little noisy at night but that sometimes happens," notes a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor. Weekday camping typically offers quieter conditions across all locations.
Alcohol policies differ by property: Fox Den Campground prohibits alcohol entirely. "The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," explains Jeanne M. County-operated facilities often have different rules regarding alcohol consumption.
Scout appropriate sites for children: Paul Wolff Campground offers specific considerations for young campers. "All the sites have paved pads. The highlight of our experience is the hiking. There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails," shares Art S., highlighting the varied terrain suitable for different ages.
Look for contained play areas: Sites with defined boundaries help keep children supervised. "For nature that's close to civilization, Deer Grove Forest Preserve is the best. While the camp sites are small, the amenities are super clean and the rentable cabins are as well," notes Kristy G. Campgrounds with defined recreational spaces provide safer play environments.
Consider cabin options for unpredictable weather: Several locations offer cabin rentals for families concerned about weather conditions. "There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold," recommends Hatie P. Cabins typically require earlier reservations than tent sites.
Electric hookup locations: At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, RVers have access to full hookup sites. "Very big campground with mostly seasonals. Atmosphere is the perfect balance of fun and relaxing. Site size varies," reports Glenn T. Most electric sites accommodate up to 50-amp service, though availability varies.
Water access considerations: Not all sites provide direct water hookups at the camping spot. "The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs," shares David W. about a campground without shower facilities but with water spigots throughout.
Parking pad materials vary: RV sites feature different surfaces depending on the campground. "Spots are mostly wide open to the road but separated enough to feel private (until drivers/walkers come through). Site had gravel and roots so tent spot took some searching," notes Matt K. Concrete pads are typically available at newer facilities while older campgrounds may have gravel or mixed surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Highwood, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Highwood, IL is Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 67 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Highwood, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 dog-friendly camping locations near Highwood, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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