Camping

A number of our preserves allow for overnight tent camping. Only primitive camping is allowed, with no accommodations for recreational vehicles (RVs) or electrical output. The table below provides information regarding family and group campsite capacities and amenities.

Family and group camping permits may be obtained in person at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, or Monee Reservoir in Monee. Reservations for campsites may also be made over the phone up to three days prior to the reservation date.

Site and Location	No. of Sites	Capacity Per Site	Special Amenities
			All sites have a fire ring, picnic table, latrine, and hand pump.
Hammel Woods Shorewood	6	6-8	Wooded sites; 2 miles of trails (bike and hike); shared parking and water with dog park; access to DuPage River (fishing, canoeing). One site is ADA accessible.
McKinley Woods Channahon	4	6	Semi-wooded sites; grills (in addition to fire pits); access to 60-mile I&M Canal Trail (bike and canoe); access to Illinois River (fishing). Two sites are ADA accessible.
Goodenow Grove Beecher (Closed through July 2012) Foxfire I South - Group Foxfire II North - Group Raccoon Hollow - Family Thumper Thicket - Family Pop Up Sites - Family	12 12 4 3 3	6 6 6 6 6	Open group sites and semi-wooded family sites; lighted latrines at group sites; porta-potty at family sites; drinking fountains with jug fillers; Plum Creek Nature Center; 3 miles of trails; sledding hill; pond (no fishing).
Forsythe Woods Wilmington	1	6	Open site; along Forked Creek (fishing); 1 mile of trail; one fire ring.
Messenger Woods Lockport (Closed through late May 2012)	4	6	Open site in the center of woods; adjacent to picnic areas; 2 miles of trails.

Photograph Courtesy of Glenn P. Knoblock