Low cost Cook County Forest Preserves Camping

Low cost Cook County Forest Preserves Camping. The Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) offer camping to all Cook County residents from $22-$264 per night. Options are from mulched tent pads to large bunkhouses that sleep 16 people. Non-Cook County residents are also welcome for slightly higher rates. Save money by not driving to a faraway campground and enjoy the great outdoors in one of our beautiful forest preserves. If you’re new to camping they also offer rental equipment.

~~Camping is available year round in many locations~~. Currently Camp Reinberg, Camp Sullivan and Camp Bullfrog Lake are open from Wednesday evening to Sunday morning for tents and cabins, and every day for RVs. Group campsites are limited to 50 campers. Please read COVID-19 rules and information before making a reservation.

Explore Cook County Forest Preserves Explore Cook County Forest Preserve Nature Centers

Locations and amenities

Bullfrog Lake (Willow Springs)

Dan Beard (Northbrook) Camp Dan Beard is closed.

Reinberg (Palatine)

Shabbona Woods (South Holland)Camp Shabbona Woods is closed.

Sullivan (Oak Forest)

Reservation options:

Reserve Online
Click here to reserve online. Online reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance of your stay. If you are interested in a last minute reservation or Organized Group Campsites, please choose the phone or in-person options. Email experience.camping (at)cookcountyil.gov
Reserve by Phone
Call 855-YES-CAMP to make a reservation by phone, or call the campgrounds directly. Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
~~Reserve In Person~~
~~Visit~~ ~~Camp Sullivan~~, ~~Camp Bullfrog Lake~~ or ~~Camp Reinberg~~, seven days a week from 8 am to 4 pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years Day) to make a reservation in person at any campground. Same-day reservations can be made at the specific campground—call ahead to make sure staff is onsite.

Reservation Rules

The camper applying for a reservation must be 18 years or older to reserve a campsite and 21 years or older to reserve a cabin.
You may book up to 6 consecutive nights.

Campground capacities are as follows:
- Tent Campsite: 6 people
- RV/Tent Campsite (With Electricity): 6 people
- Small Cabin: 8 people
- Large Cabin: 10 people
- Small Bunkhouse: 16 people
- Large Bunkhouse: 36 people
- Maximum length of RV/Popup or Camper cannot exceed 40 feet at applicable campgrounds.

Cancelling a Reservation

Refunds apply only to rental fees and are prorated according the table below. Refunds do not apply to additional fees (example: Special Use Items).

FPCC is not responsible for cancellations due to weather.
No refunds will be issued if a member of the camping party on the reservation is ejected for a violation of rules or policies.
FPCC reserves the right to cancel a reservation at any time. If a reservation is cancelled by FPCC staff for any reason, a full refund will be issued.

Rental equipment available Both beginning and experienced campers can take advantage of forest preserve campgrounds without having to invest in gear and supplies. A variety of programs offer rental options to families and individuals, groups and group leaders.

“Instant Camper” Gear Rental $70-$177

Campers at all Forest Preserves campgrounds can rent our basic gear packages (for one, two or four campers). Each package includes:

Tent (1 total)
Flashlight (1 total)
Portable Chair(s) (1 total for One-Camper Package, 2 total for Two- and Four-Camper Packages)
Binoculars (1 total)
Sleeping bag(s) (1 per person)
Pillow(s) (1 per person, yours to keep!)

Following registration, campers will receive a phone call to confirm their reservation, and may select from rental options at that time. All rentals must be reserved prior to arrival at campground. Individual items are available for sale.

Refund Policy
Days prior to reservation	Refund
60 days or more	100%
30 – 59 days	75%
15 – 29 days	25%
under 14 days	none

The Forest Preserves is not responsible for cancellations due to weather.
No refunds will be issued if a member of the camping party on the reservation is ejected for a violation of rules or policies.
The Forest Preserves reserves the right to cancel a reservation at any time. If a reservation is cancelled by Forest Preserves staff for any reason, a full refund will be issued.