The Forest Preserve District has semiprimitive areas just for tents at five forest preserves — Blackwell, Churchill Woods, Greene Valley, Herrick Lake, Pratt's Wayne Woods and Waterfall Glen — plus a cabin at Herrick Lake.
You can get an application on this page but can only make reservations through Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.
The areas are exclusively for youth groups, which are defined as recognized, nonprofit organizations whose members are 17 or younger. Only members of these groups with their accompanying leaders may camp in these areas, and permits and adult supervision of one leader 21 or older for every 10 children are mandatory.
The sites are open year-round and have portable toilets, trash and recycling containers, water pumps, picnic tables, fire rings and a limited supply of firewood. (Outside firewood is not allowed.) Only the cabin has electricity.
Permits & Fees
To purchase a youth-group camping permit, call Visitor Services at 630-933-7248 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at least seven full business days in advance. For other options, download our youth-group camping permit application (PDF).
Fees are per site per night and are nonrefundable regardless of the reason you cancel (even for the weather). You can, however, change your reservation once at least seven business days in advance over the phone for an additional $5.
Forest Preserve |
Capacity |
DuPage Resident |
Nonresident |
|
Blackwell | ||||
Sites 1 – 12 (PDF) | 25 | $25 | $30 | |
UPDATE: The youth-group campground will be closed for work along the Spring Brook Creek through 2020. | ||||
Churchill Woods | ||||
Site 1 (PDF) | 25 | $25 | $30 | |
Site 2 (PDF) | 50 | $50 | $60 | |
Greene Valley | ||||
Site 1 (PDF) | 100 | $100 | $120 | |
Sites 2 – 9 (PDF) | 25 | $25 | $30 | |
Site 10 (PDF) | 75 | $75 | $90 | |
Herrick Lake | ||||
Cabin (PDF) | 26 | $50 | $60 | |
Pratt's Wayne Woods | ||||
Sites 1 – 2 (PDF) | 25 | $25 | $30 | |
Waterfall Glen | ||||
Sites 1 – 2 (PDF) | 25 | $25 | $30 |
Camping Requirements
Permits & Fees
Youth-Group Rules & Regulations
More About
Archery
Boating
Dogs in the Preserves
DuPage Forest Preserves @Home
Family Camping
Fishing
Golfing
Model Crafts
Navigation & Wayfinding
Photography
Picnicking
Relax
Trails
Winter in the Preserves
Youth-Group Camping
Upcoming Programs
Permits & Fees
Rules & Regulations
Read our Visitors Guide to
find some of the best ways
to enjoy the forest preserves!
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
Visitor Services
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 630-933-7200
Email: forest@dupageforest.org
Police: 630-933-7240
Email: police@dupageforest.org
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