Camping

The Winnebago County Forest Preserve District provides four campgrounds for general public use. The campgrounds provide paved access roads, running water, electric hookups, restrooms, and dump stations. Shower facilities are available only at Sugar River. A diversity of recreation opportunities including fishing, ball fields and hiking trails are found nearby. No reservations are accepted for any of the four campgrounds. Five additional youth camping areas may be reserved by special permit - inquire at the District Office for more information. Equestrian camping at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve only. Overnight camping is not permitted outside these designated areas. Firewood may not be brought in to campgrounds due to the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.

CAMP SITES

Hononegah
Purchased in 1924, the preserve is located on the north bank of the Rock River and bisected by Dry Run Creek. The preserve was once a camping area of Stephen Mack, the County’s first permanent white settler, and Hononegah, his Native American wife. Upon entering the preserve, campers will enjoy the drive over the Rainbow Bridge and up into the cool maple grove. The Winnebago Indian Campground has campsites interspersed in a mature stand of white oaks and hickories. A launch for fishing boat access to the Rock River is available. The campground is located 2 miles from antique shopping in downtown Rockton and the Macktown Golf Course. Host on duty in campground May-October. There are 60 sites (5-50 amp and 42-30 amp), dump station, horseshoe pits, & playground.

Pecatonica River
This camping area is located on a breezy hillside in the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve. Large trees shape and shade the campsites. A boat launch for small boats and canoes provides access to the Pecatonica River. A free interpretive booklet is available to guide hikers along a 1-1/2 mile nature trail. Campers, even on the busiest weekends, can be assured of finding a site in this remote campground. The campground is located four miles northeast of Pecatonica, offering easy access to activities at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds. Host on duty in campground May-October. There are 49 sites (4-50 amp & 45-30 amp), dump station, playground, & horseshoe pits.

Seward Bluffs
Purchased in 1930, this preserve is one of the most serene and pleasant areas in the County. The preserve is bisected by Grove Creek, which has high limestone bluffs on its north and south sides. The campsites are interspersed in a majestic stand of bur oaks. Located just off Highway 20, Seward Bluffs is two miles south of Pecatonica and the Winnebago County Fairgrounds, and is also an excellent overnight area for traveling campers. Host on duty in campground May-October. There are 60 sites (11-50 amp & 49-30 amp), dump station, horseshoe pits, & playground.

Sugar River
Most of the developed portion of this preserve is built on a large sand terrace overlooking the Sugar River. Purchased in 1925, workers in the Public Works Administration program built stone walls and the picturesque Riverview Shelterhouse. The Pine Tree Campground has individual campsites nestled throughout a large pine plantation. A shower house is available. The preserve also offers primitive camping along the river’s edge. Canoes can be launched near the camping area or from an area downriver. A scenic hiking trail loop meanders through this unique preserve and takes the hiker through a variety of natural features. Host on duty in campground May-October. There are 80 sites (5-50 amp, 58-30 amp, & 12 primitive) dump station, playground, basketball, volleyball, & horseshoe pits.

FEES

Regular campground (Sugar River)	$12.00/unit
Senior (62 and over) & disabled	$10.00/unit
Electric hookup (additional) 3 units per site maximum	$5.00/unit

Regular campgrounds (Pecatonica, Seward, Hononegah)	$10.00/unit
Senior (62 and over) & disabled	$8.00/unit
Electric hookup (additional) 3 units per site maximum	$5.00/unit

Regular campgrounds (Pecatonica, Seward, Hononegah)	$10.00/unit

Organized Youth Group Camping by reservation only (per weekend reservation)
50 or less people	$15.00
Over 50 people	$25.00

Firewood from host when available	$5.00/bundle
Non-camper dump station use fee	$10.00

Note: All campers must be established and registered by 10:00 P.M. A fee will be collected and separate permits will be issued for each unit.

Campgrounds will open Wednesday, April 14, 2010, and will close in November.