The Forest Preserve District of Kane County announced on Monday that reservations for camping spots in the district will be taken beginning at 9 a.m. April 1 for the upcoming campground season, which begins May 1.
Recreational camping at either Paul Wolff Campground at 38W235 Big Timber Road in Elgin or Big Rock Campground at 46W499 Granart Road in Big Rock will be available through Oct. 18, district officials said in a Monday press release. Check-in time for all campsites is 3 p.m., with check-out at noon.
Campers can secure their preferred campsite at either campground in the district starting April 1 at www.kaneforest.com/camping.
Paul Wolff Campground, located within Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin, contains 104 total campsites. There are 89 improved sites complete with 50/30/20-amp electrical service, water access, parking pads and fire rings, the release said.
There are 10 primitive sites for tents-only camping. Primitive sites do not have electricity. There are also five equestrian campsites. ADA-accessible campsites are available upon request, officials said.
The surrounding Burnidge Forest Preserve contains more than 700 acres of rolling hills and woodlands along with nine miles of trails, including a 2.25-mile multipurpose trail suitable for hiking, biking or equestrian use, according to the release. There is also a picnic shelter, fishing ponds and a climbing rock.
Big Rock Campground, located within Big Rock Forest Preserve in Big Rock, contains 109 total camp sites. There are 96 improved campsites with 50/30/20-amp electrical service, water access, parking pads and fire rings, the release said. There are nine primitive, tent-only sites without electric access. There are four equestrian sites. There are also ADA-accessible campsites available upon request, according to officials.
The surrounding Big Rock Forest Preserve is a 1,100-acre preserve containing several sandy hills that overlook the valley filled with woodlands and streams, the release said. Fishing is permitted at the campground pond, or Siegler Lake. Kayaking is also permitted on Siegler Lake, officials said. For fishing regulations, visit www.kaneforest.com/location/big-rock-forest-preserve.
There are more than nine miles of hiking trails suitable for hiking, biking or equestrian use, and two picnic shelters for campers to utilize at the preserve, officials said.
Daily fees for the improved campsites (with pad, electric and water) at both campgrounds are $26 for Kane County residents and $41 for nonresidents, the release said. Primitive/non-electric campsites are $18 per day for Kane County residents and $24 for nonresidents. Equestrian campsites are $21 per day for Kane County residents and $31 for nonresidents, officials said.
Dump stations are included with camping, or $15 for single use, according to the release. Firewood is available for $10 per bundle.
The district’s campgrounds operate on a cashless system, accepting Visa, Mastercard and Discover for online reservations, the release said. Firewood must be purchased by credit card only. Dump station use is included with camping for registered campers, or available for $15 per use for non-campers. Cash, check or credit card are accepted for dump station fees.
Online reservations should be booked prior to arrival, officials said.
To book an equestrian site, contact the appropriate campground directly: Big Rock Campground at 630-538-2077 or Paul Wolff Campground at 630-364-8388, officials said. International travelers should also call the applicable campground to reserve a campsite.
For more information, go to www.kaneforest.com or find the district on social media by searching @forestpreserve.
