Kane County campgrounds ‘finally’ offering online reservations, officials say

For the first time, the Kane County Forest Preserve District will take online reservations for campsites this coming camping season.

With the aim of providing greater convenience and flexibility, campers can now secure their preferred spot at either Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin or Big Rock Campground in Big Rock via the district’s online system at www.kaneforest.com/camping.

Online reservations will be required for campsites. Reservations will begin being taken at 9 a.m. April 1.

“We’re happy to finally be able to offer online reservations for our campgrounds. This is something our campers have asked for. It’s going to make the campground check-in process easier and more efficient. Plus, campers won’t have to worry about whether sites are available when they arrive,” said Kane County Forest Preserve Director of Operations Jeremy Jensen.

Recreational camping will be open this year from May 1 through Oct. 20. Check-in time for all campsites is 3 p.m. and check-out is at noon, district officials said.

Paul Wolff Campground, at 38W235 Big Timber Road in Elgin, is located within Burnidge Forest Preserve and contains 104 total camp sites. There are 89 improved sites complete with 50/30/20-amp electrical service, water access, parking pads and fire rings. There are 10 primitive sites for tents-only camping. Primitive sites do not have electricity. There are also five equestrian camp sites. ADA-accessible campsites are available upon request.

The surrounding Burnidge Forest Preserve contains more than 700 acres of rolling hills and woodlands along with nine miles of hiking trails including a 2.25-mile multi-purpose trail suitable for hiking, biking or equestrian use, a picnic shelter, and a climbing rock, officials said.

Big Rock Campground, at 46W499 Granart Road in Big Rock, is within Big Rock Forest Preserve and contains 109 total campsites. There are 96 improved campsites with 50/30/20-amp electrical service, water access, parking pads and fire rings. There are nine primitive, tent-only sites without electric access. There are four equestrian sites. There are also ADA-accessible camp sites available upon request.

The surrounding Big Rock Forest Preserve is an 1,100-acre preserve containing several sandy hills that overlook the valley filled with woodlands and streams, district officials said. Fishing is permitted at the campground pond, or Siegler Lake. Kayaking is also permitted on Siegler Lake, according to officials.

There are also more than nine miles of hiking trails suitable for hiking, biking or equestrian use, and two picnic shelters for campers, district officials said.

For fishing regulations at the campground, go to www.kaneforest.com/location/big-rock-forest-preserve.

Daily fees for the improved campsites at both campgrounds are $26 for Kane County residents and $41 for nonresidents. Primitive/non-electric campsites are $18 per day for Kane County residents and $24 for nonresidents. Equestrian camp sites are $21 per day for Kane County residents and $31 for nonresidents.

Dump stations are included with camping, or $15 for single use. Firewood is available for $10 per bundle, officials said.

The campgrounds operate on a cashless system, accepting Visa, Mastercard, and Discover for online reservations. The district does accept cash or checks for firewood and dump station fees.

Online reservations should be booked prior to arrival, officials said. For more information, go to www.kaneforest.com, call the district’s campground hotline at 630-444-1200 or find the Kane County Forest Preserve District on social media by searching @forestpreserve.