Tent Camping in DeKalb County

Affordable summer fun for family and friends. Well, put tent camping in DeKalb County at the top of that list. At a cost of $4 per tent there simply isn’t a better bargain for your enjoyment dollars than a campsite at Russell and MacQueen Forest Preserves along the Much to Do on Route 72 corridor in northern DeKalb County.

Russell Woods Forest Preserve on the western outskirts of Genoa may be the county’s most popular parks. The popularity is expected to grow when the adjacent South Branch Prairie and the Hoppe Heritage Heritage with the authentic 1835 Miller-Ellwood cabin opens in late 2012 or 2013. Russell is picturesque in all four seasons and is a hiker, runner or cyclist’s dream. Fishing the Kish or skipping rocks or learning something at the Natural Resource Education Center. 

Further west along the banks of the Kishwaukee River, MacQueen Preserve and and the Potawatomi Woods near Kirkland offer the Forest Preserve District’s largest natural resource area. These preserves bookend the Kishwaukee State Fish and Wildlife Area and are a sportsman’s and photographer’s paradise. All along this stretch of the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River is near perfect for canoe and kayak enthusiasts.

TENT CAMPING
Tent Camping is allowed only at Russell and MacQueen Forest Preserves at a cost of $4.00 per tent. Campfires must be in designated areas only. Call local rangers for camping and shelter house reservations.

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL:

DeKalb County Forest Preserve District Office & Information 815-895-7191

Al Roloff, Natural Resource Manager 815-751-5529

Park Managers:

Russell Woods Bill Prain 815-895-5556

MacQueen Justine Luepkes 815-522-6254

Your forest preserves provide natural areas for all to enjoy. Please respect this. Put your litter in the proper place and keep fires in designated areas. Leave plants, wildflowers and animals alone so others may also enjoy them. Your co-operation in keeping dogs leashed is important to preserve wildlife and reduce conflicts with other park users. Alcohol beverages are not allowed in the Forest Preserves.