Camp Reinberg offers fenced sites and hiking trails ideal for leashed pets, earning consistent 4-5 star ratings from visitors with dogs. This Cook County Forest Preserve campground provides clean restrooms and pet-friendly tent sites, cabins, and RV spaces with electric hookups. The campground connects directly to Deer Grove Forest Preserve's extensive trail system where pets can explore varied terrain. Staff members are particularly welcoming to campers with dogs, maintaining well-organized grounds with free firewood included. Pets must remain on leash throughout the campground and preserve areas. Fire pits and picnic tables are available at each site, and the clean shower facilities make extended stays comfortable. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Wheeling, Illinois.
The surrounding trail network provides excellent dog walking opportunities, with paved and unpaved options suitable for all activity levels. Deer Grove Forest Preserve features varied terrain with small elevation changes, creek crossings, and wooded sections perfect for pet exercise. Sites are mulched and level but not particularly spacious, and vehicles cannot be parked directly at tent sites, though staff provides wagons to help transport gear. For supplies, nearby Palatine offers pet stores and veterinary services within a 10-minute drive. The preserve's trails connect to neighborhoods and major roads at some points, but the main paths are clearly marked and easy to follow. Temperature variations can be significant in this region, so campers should pack appropriate gear for pets during colder nights or hot summer days.
$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."
$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!"
$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."
$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."
$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."
"*** 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"
"They will allow anyone on these sites-we even saw huge RV'S and 5th wheels on primitive sites. There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on."
"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 offers spacious cabin accommodations and primitive campsites for visitors with reduced mobility, with several sites designed for better wheelchair access to facilities. Located within the Deer Grove Forest Preserve network at 1,800 acres, this camping destination sits just 10 miles northwest of Wheeling, Illinois at an elevation of 650-700 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s.
Kayaking on glacial lakes: At Adeline Jay-Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park, campers enjoy paddling along the Lake Michigan shoreline. "Really neat place. Fun activities for all skill levels or just sit back and relax," notes Tyler S. The park offers sunrise views over the water with "easy access to the beach, great sites and was very quiet," according to Chrissy E.
Archery practice: Blackwell Family Campground features a free archery range that's suitable for beginners and intermediate archers. "There is also archery, a dog park, picnic areas, boat rental/ramp, and a compass course. It is a great place for families," explains Marisa A. The facility provides designated areas away from camping zones for safe practice.
Geocaching trails: Several forest preserves near Wheeling offer geocaching opportunities for tech-savvy outdoor enthusiasts. "Check out the office for fun seasonal events like group hikes and geocaching contests," recommends Kelsey G. These digital treasure hunts use GPS coordinates to locate hidden containers throughout the trail systems.
Tent site privacy: Many campers appreciate secluded spots at Paul Wolff Campground where natural vegetation creates separation between sites. "Spots are large and well kept. Easy to get in and out. Lots are nice and well kept," says Mike M. The primitive walk-in sites offer even more seclusion, with one camper noting "the primitive camp sites were beautiful. Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots."
Bicycle-friendly infrastructure: The extensive trail systems connecting campgrounds to surrounding areas make this region ideal for cyclists. "From the campground you have access to the entire Deer Park preserve and its paved cycling and walking trails," says Kelsey G. These multi-use paths accommodate riders of all skill levels with both paved and unpaved options.
Winter camping options: Unlike many regional facilities, Camp Bullfrog Lake remains open year-round for hardy campers seeking off-season solitude. "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," reports Hatie P. The cabins provide a comfortable base camp for winter exploration.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Wheeling require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer," warns one camper about Turner Lake South. At more popular sites, reservations may be needed up to 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Alcohol restrictions: Several forest preserve campgrounds have alcohol bans that are actively enforced. "ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," cautions Jeanne M. Private campgrounds typically allow alcohol consumption within reasonable limits at designated sites.
Wildlife encounters: Campers should prepare for active wildlife, especially at night. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched," warns one camper. Proper food storage in vehicles is essential to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.
Seasonal insects: Bug populations can be significant during warmer months. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks," reports a parent. Ticks and mosquitoes are most active from May through September, requiring appropriate repellents and regular tick checks.
Easy-access lakefront sites: Families with young children appreciate shoreline campsites at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort for convenient fishing and swimming. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site!" advises Chloe N. The beach areas feature gradual entries suitable for supervised children.
Playground proximity: When selecting sites with children, consider proximity to play areas. "We chose the loop was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms," explains one family camper. Sites nearest to play structures may have more foot traffic but reduce walking distance for little legs.
Contained play spaces: Families with crawling infants or toddlers benefit from bringing portable play enclosures. "Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks," recommends a parent, noting this helps prevent ticks and insects from falling from trees onto children.
Educational programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities designed specifically for young campers. "There is also a little camp store on site that was open until 10:00 PM," mentions Lawrence B., with many locations offering nature workshops on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hookup limitations: Most regional forest preserve campgrounds offer electric service but limited water connections. "We had 50 amp, but no water/sewer, although there was a water spigot next to our site that we could use to fill up jugs of water," notes Tina about Chain O'Lakes State Park. RVers should arrive with fresh water tanks filled.
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should bring leveling equipment as many sites have slight grade variations. "All sites have paved pads," notes one reviewer, but others mention "the sites in the 340's are awesome" indicating significant site-by-site differences even within the same campground.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential waits at dump stations, particularly on Sunday mornings. "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," warns Tina. Midweek or non-peak hour departures can minimize delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wheeling, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wheeling, 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 Wheeling, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 dog-friendly camping locations near Wheeling, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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