43 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camp Reinberg welcomes pets at its campsites, cabins, and RV spots just 25 miles northwest of Wilmette in Palatine. This Cook County Forest Preserve campground offers clean facilities with electric hookups, showers, and drinking water for both campers and their four-legged companions. Staff members are friendly and helpful, maintaining 24-hour presence on the property. The campground connects directly to miles of hiking and biking trails through Deer Grove Forest Preserve where dogs on leash can explore varied terrain including wooded sections, open fields, and lily pad covered ponds. Sites are mulched and maintained, though some campers note they aren't especially spacious.
Illinois Beach State Park in Zion provides another pet-friendly campground option with over 200 campsites featuring water and electricity. The park allows dogs throughout the campground area and on designated trails. Lake Michigan access provides swimming and fishing opportunities, with multiple reviewers noting they could hear the waves from their campsites. The surrounding bike trail network extends through Zion with unmarked paths providing excellent pet exercise opportunities. Both campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements. Camp Bullfrog Lake and Blackwell Family Campground also permit pets with similar amenities including water hookups, picnic tables, and reservable sites. Sites at Illinois Beach tend to fill up during weekends, with weekdays offering more availability and freshly cleaned bathroom facilities.
"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"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
Check Availability"There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots."
"give you a great view of Lake Michigan. Bathroom rooms and shower were super clean. Dog friendly campsite and right next to the lake!"
from $25 / 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"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"We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening."
"Was rainy, but still enjoyed walking the beach. Staff extremely pleasant & helpful. Pavilion services was closed for construction. There is an area on the Beach where you can walk your dogs."
from $43 / 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"Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability
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.
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.
Guideit’s so nice to have a great beachfront in the Midwest. There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots.
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.
Situated approximately 15 miles north of Chicago, Wilmette offers several camping options within a 30-mile radius that welcome four-legged companions. The area features relatively flat terrain with elevations ranging between 580-720 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during peak camping season with moderate humidity from Lake Michigan's influence.
Lake activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers kayak rentals at $15 per hour including life vests. The small lake provides a relaxing paddling experience with wildlife viewing opportunities. "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side," notes camper Chloe N.
Mountain biking: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides immediate access to extensive trail networks. The trails range from beginner-friendly to more technical sections. "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," shares Josh M., who recommends midweek trips to avoid weekend crowds.
Beach exploration: Indiana Dunes State Park features sand dune formations with elevation changes for hiking challenges. The park maintains a dedicated trail system through the dunes. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," reports Greg S.
Clean facilities: Camp Reinberg maintains exceptionally clean bathroom and shower buildings. The campground staff regularly services all facilities. "The shower facilities were clean and the staff very friendly. There is a nice nature trail to the beach," reports Laura Z.
Nature immersion: Dunewood Campground offers wooded sites with good tree coverage and wildlife viewing opportunities. Sites feature tent pads on natural surfaces. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," mentions Katherine T.
Family activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort organizes structured activities for children throughout the summer season. The facility includes swimming areas with beach access. "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," writes Leo V.
Trains: Indiana Dunes State Park experiences periodic train noise throughout the night that may disturb light sleepers in tents. The railway runs near the park boundary. "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long," cautions Kaley A.
Site exposure: Paul Wolff Campground has limited shade in many sites, particularly during peak summer months. Sites in the center receive full sun throughout the day. "There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," notes Tim K.
Insects: Illinois Beach State Park can have significant mosquito and fly populations, especially after rainfall or in humid conditions. "Beautiful views and amazing sunrises but it is quite littered with trash and broken glass. Very busy in the summer and can get wild with people partying," reports Liz M., who also warns that "flies and mosquitos are wild."
Playground access: Select sites near play areas at Blackwell Family Campground for easier supervision while still maintaining your campsite. "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.
Swimming options: Camp Sullivan has kid-friendly water activities with protected swimming areas and beach access. The campground also offers climbing activities for children. "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites (either in the woods or out of the woods)," shares Dane S.
Educational opportunities: Indiana Dunes has ranger-led programs specifically for children, teaching about local ecosystems and wildlife. "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state," explains Kaley A.
Water access: Camp Bullfrog Lake has limitations with water hookups that require planning. "Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors," advises Kaitlin M.
Site selection: At Paul Wolff Campground, RVers should request perimeter sites for better shade coverage and privacy. "Though a commercial-style, it does not feel like it. Sites are well spaced. Full trees around the perimeter, but not a lot for shade over the campsites. Water and electrical at every site," explains MalibuDave42 L.
Gate restrictions: Camp Sullivan implements after-hours gate closures with padlocks, requiring planning for late arrivals or early departures. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting," warns Lisa S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wilmette, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wilmette, 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 Wilmette, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 43 dog-friendly camping locations near Wilmette, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
