Camp Reinberg, located near Palatine, permits pets throughout its camping areas with clean facilities and access to miles of hiking trails. This Cook County Forest Preserve campground offers tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and pet-friendly cabins. The camp host provides free firewood with additional bundles available for purchase. Sites are mulched and leveled for comfortable camping. The well-maintained shower facilities stay consistently clean according to multiple visitor reports. Campers can access hiking and biking trails directly from the campground that wind through Deer Grove Forest Preserve's varied terrain.
Trails throughout the preserve accommodate dogs on leashes with routes suitable for different activity levels. The paths feature creek crossings, wooded sections, and open fields with wildflowers that attract butterflies. The preserve's extensive trail network connects to surrounding areas while providing enough distance from urban noise to create a peaceful camping experience. Gates close at 10pm nightly, providing added security for campers and their pets. For those preferring cabin camping with dogs, Camp Reinberg offers well-maintained cabins as an alternative to tent sites, particularly valuable during winter months. The central location provides easy access to Palatine's services including veterinary care if needed, while maintaining a natural environment with wildlife viewing opportunities.
$45 - $60 / night
"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!"
$25 / night
"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."
$20 - $30 / night
"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."
$20 - $138 / night
"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."
$12 - $35 / night
"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."
$43 - $73 / night
"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."
"*** 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!"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Camp Reinberg in Palatine features a variety of sites for camping near Mount Prospect, Illinois, with a location approximately 9 miles northwest of Mount Prospect. The Cook County Forest Preserve campground stays open year-round with its most popular season running May through September. Winter camping options include cabins that provide protection from cold temperatures which can drop below freezing from November through March. Sites at Camp Reinberg are generally mulched rather than grassy, with level ground prepared for tent placement and adequate drainage during rain. The campground is situated within Deer Grove Forest Preserve which connects to over 30 miles of multi-use trails across adjacent preserves.
Kayaking on the lake: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, visitors can rent kayaks for $15 per hour with included life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," notes Layla P.
Trail exploration: The trails at Blackwell Family Campground offer varying terrain for hikers of all levels. "The trails are nice and the water is crystal clear. Nice place for a winter hike. Canoe rentals and free archery range," shares Christian V., making it ideal for cooler weather activities.
Wildlife viewing: Chain O'Lakes State Park provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. "I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," reports Cora M. about Turner Lake South, highlighting the diverse animal species that inhabit the area.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low rates at some nearby campgrounds. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear," writes Addison G. about Turner Lake South, making it accessible for quick getaways.
Clean facilities: Illinois Beach State Park maintains well-kept shower facilities. "Small shower house but water pressure is amazing. It's always quiet and the view is beautiful," notes Kaitlin M., highlighting an often overlooked but important camping comfort.
Ease of access: Proximity to Chicago makes many campgrounds convenient for weekend trips. "Just outside of Chicago, we have been staying here for quick weekend trips and absolutely love the proximity to home," explains Marc W. about Blackwell Family Campground, which offers discounted rates for county residents.
Site privacy varies: Campgrounds offer different levels of privacy between sites. At Paul Wolff Campground, "Trees are around the outside with few on the inside sites. All the sites have paved pads," according to Art S., which affects sunlight and privacy.
Weather considerations: Bug activity increases in summer months. "Saw several ticks/mosquitoes, decent bathrooms/showers. Sites seemed pretty close together," warns Truly W. about Turner Lake South, suggesting bringing repellent during peak seasons.
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds restrict operations to certain times. "The only down side of the park is that it is only open on the weekends. On holiday weekends you are able to stay for three nights," explains Rich M. about Blackwell Family Campground.
Choose sites strategically: For families with small children, site selection matters. "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 as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep," advises Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Wildlife precautions: Prepare for encounters with local wildlife. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," cautions Meg, emphasizing the importance of securing food items before nightfall.
Playground access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Mount Prospect include play areas. "Multiple playgrounds, access to launch sites for kayaks, little store to buy ice cream or snacks," notes Lawrence B. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, providing entertainment options for children.
Water hookup challenges: Some campgrounds have limited access to water. "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," explains The School for Y. about Camp Reinberg.
Level sites: Most RV sites at pet-friendly campgrounds near Mount Prospect provide level parking. "Sites are crushed limestone and are level and wooded," notes Rich M. about Blackwell Family Campground, making setup easier for RV campers.
Length considerations: Site sizes vary between campgrounds. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," shares Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, important information for those with larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mount Prospect, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mount Prospect, IL is Camp Reinberg with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mount Prospect, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 47 dog-friendly camping locations near Mount Prospect, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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