Group Camping
Reserve a Campsite
Campgrounds are open 1st Friday in April to last Sunday in November. Check-in is before 7 p.m. and check-out is before 12 p.m.
Thomas Woods remains open for winter camping December–March.
CAMPING BROCHURE
Find a campsite close to home on our Find a Site page!
Reservations: Group campgrounds can be reserved for up to a three-night stay and must be made at least one week in advance, and can be made up to six months in advance.
Payment is due at the time of the reservation with a credit card. Fees are listed as per night stay.
Reservations should be made online. Phone reservations are no longer available.
For online assistance call (815) 338-6223.
Note: Be sure to change the "Nights" to equal the number of nights you wish to camp. You cannot simply change the "From" and "To" date, you must change the number of nights to equal the number of nights you are staying.
Firewood: Don’t Forget to purchase your firewood at the time of making the reservation! Firewood is $5 per bundle.
Additional Fees: All reservations subject to a $2 administrative fee. A $100 cleaning fee will be charged for shelters/picnic grounds/campsites damaged or left with excessive litter.
Changes and Cancellations: If you need to change your reservation, a $10 administrative fee will be charged. Cancellations up to two weeks prior to the reservation will receive a 90% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than two weeks from the reservation. No refunds or carry over reservations are issued due to weather-related conditions.
Memorial Day Weekend Friday, May 26–Monday, May 30
July 4th Weekend Friday, June 30 -July 3
Labor Day Weekend Friday, Sept 1-Monday, Sept 4
Help keep our conservation areas beautiful! Please remember to Pack-In-Pack-Out and bring all trash with you when you leave.
Site Specifics
Site Info
5940 N. Pagles Road, Chemung
Activities: Camping, Hiking, Fishing, Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing
Group Camping: 1-25 people, parking for 6 cars
Fees: $25 Residents / $50 Non-Residents
Holiday Surcharge: $10 Residents / $20 Non-Residents
Site Info
3804 Route 14, Cary
Activities: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking
Small Group Camping Area A (Sites 8–9 on map): 1-40 people, parking for 50
Fees: $25 Residents / $50 Non-Residents
Holiday Surcharge: $10 Residents / $20 Non-Residents
Small Group Camping Area B (Sites 10–12 on map): 1-40 people, parking for 50
Fees: $25 Residents / $50
Holiday Surcharge: $10 Residents / $20 Non-Residents
Large Group Camping Area (Sites 1–7 on map): 1-100 people, parking for 50
Fees: $45 Residents / $90 Non-Residents
Holiday Surcharge: $20 Residents / $30 Non-Residents
Site Info
2411 N. Route 23, Marengo
Activities: Camping, Hiking, Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing
Group Camping Area: 1-100 people, parking for 18
Fees: $55 Residents / $90 Non-Residents
Holiday Surcharge: $20 Residents / $30 Non-Residents
Site Info
500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary
Activities: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horse Trails, Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing
Group Camping: 1-25 people, parking for 5 cars
Fees: $25 Residents / $50 Non-Residents
Holiday Surcharge: $10 Residents / $20 Non-Residents
Site Info
20501 McGuire Road, Harvard
Activities: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horse Trails, Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing
Group Camping Area (Large Group Area on map): 1-100 people, parking for 20
Fees: $55 Residents / $90 Non-Residents
Holiday Surcharge: $20 Residents / $30 Non-Residents
December 1–March 31 (Daily)
Site Map
Thomas Woods, Marengo Ridge
2411 N. IL Route 23, Marengo
Fees: $12 Residents / $18 Non-Residents
Enjoy the solace of the winter woods. Sleep under crisp, star-filled skis, hike the trails, follow animal tracks, bring your cross-country skis or snow shoes and stoke the campfire as you enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate amidst the quiet, peaceful surroundings.
