Camping at the Forest Preserves of Cook County

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Camping at the Forest Preserves of Cook County

The Forest Preserves of Cook County has five campgrounds open to families, groups and individuals This natural heritage offers something for everyone.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County has five campgrounds open to families, groups and individuals of all ages and interests. Whether you’re staying in a tent, a cabin, a bunkhouse or an RV, you’ll get an immersive, round-the-clock nature experience, a chance to hear owls, paddle a canoe, stargaze and watch the sun rise over the trees. Or you can try one of our many free programs to learn about local nature or hone your outdoor skills. The Forest Preserves of Cook County, with nearly 70,000 acres, is the largest urban forest preserve district in the United States. It receives an estimated 40 million visits each year, providing an escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich with outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities. Within its boundaries are rare habitats that offer plant and animal diversity on par with the rainforests of the world. This page has been created for the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Campgrounds and its patrons to share news, ideas and events. Any comments that include political ranting, off-topic attacks or abusive language will be removed.

07/06/2026

Shout out to Block Club Chicago for shining a light!

Five campgrounds — all a short drive from the city — opened in 2015 but are still somewhat of a “hidden gem.” Campers have access to nearly 100 tent sites and more than 30 cabins.

07/03/2026

The fifth and final star in the Forest Preserve Camping family goes to Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs, Illinois! Nestled in numerous Forest Preserve District Woods and surrounded by 42 miles (!) of the Palos Trail System, Camp Bullfrog Lake literally has it ALL for year-round fun. Fishing, hiking, kayaking, and oh yes, CAMPING. We offer RV sites, tent camping, small and large cooled/heated cabins, group camping options and more!

Remember, it's never too late to celebrate and the at the Campgrounds of the Forest Preserves of Cook County! Have a happy and Safe Fourth of July!

Booking and more info: https://fpdcc.com/camping

07/02/2026

Today's star is Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland, Illinois! Featuring three-season cabins, tent camping pads and an organized Group Campsite, there are plenty of accomodation options. If enjoying stillness and relaxation isn't enough, Camp Shabbona Woods has immediate access to the Sand Ridge Nature Center and hiking trails, as well as nearby Forest Preserve River Oaks Golf Course, AND mulitple fishing destinations, including Lake Calumet and Wolf Lake.

For this Fourth of July (happy ) - or anytime - enjoy the at the Campgrounds of the Forest Preserves of Cook County!

More info and booking: https://fpdcc.com/camping

07/01/2026

Camp Dan Beard in Northbrook, Illinois takes the stage today! Situated in the Potawatomi Woods on the northern edge of Cook County and bordered by the Des Plaines River, Camp Dan Beard offers heated AND COOLED❄️cabins, as well as ample open-field tenting space. Enjoy an evening by the fire, a hike along the Des Plaines River Trail, or a gathering under on-property shelters and picnic sites. It's never too late to celebrate and the at the Campgrounds of the Forest Preserves of Cook County!

06/30/2026

Today's spotlight is on Camp Reinberg, located in Palatine, Illinois! If you're into ⛺CAMPING 🏕️, or 🚌GLAMPING 🚌, and anywhere in between, our cabins, RV spots, tenting and group camping options are nearly endless. Nestled in the woods of Deer Grove, and with access to the Deer Grove Trail system, Camp Reinberg is a perfect setting to have a . Happy !

06/29/2026

Today, we're shining the spotlight on Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest! With cabin, RV, tent and bunkhouse camping options, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a night under the stars. With our iconic red activity barn (and climbing wall within) and the Tinley Creek Trail System - which offers 13 miles of hiking, biking and birdwatching - there's no shortage of opportunities to have a . Happy

06/05/2026

June is National Camping Month, and we invite you to celebrate with us all around Cook County! We'll spotlight our FIVE amazing campgrounds throughout the month, but if you want to get a head start discovering why we are , book your adventure now:

https://fpdcc.com/camping

04/22/2026

Did you know that you can do your part for Earth Day - not just today, but any day - by volunteering, and even camping? It's all part of our mission to educate, protect and preserve! 💚💙🌎

👷 Volunteer: https://fpdcc.com/volunteer/
⛺ Camp: https://fpdcc.com/camping/

02/20/2026

Looking for something fun, out of the cold, and totally free?

Join us this Thursday at Camp Sullivan to scale our indoor 28-foot rock climbing wall for an exciting evening of climbing fun! We offer adaptive climbing gear as well as harnesses, helmets, and rock-climbing shoes!

Open to all skill levels, from first timers to seasonal climbers.

Time: Thursday from 4:00pm-8:00pm (February 26th)
Where: Camp Sullivan
Free to Attend
Accessible Climbing Gear Available
Must weigh over 40 pounds.
Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

If there are any questions, please contact: [email protected]

02/15/2026

It’s the final day to catch us at Booth 334 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center! Stop by to talk camping, map out your next Forest Preserves getaway, and grab tips to make your next adventure even better. 🏕️🔥

We can’t wait to see you before the show wraps!

Address

1801 N Quentin Road
Palatine, IL
60074

Telephone

+18559372267

Website

https://fpdcc.com/camping/

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