Attractions
Middle Fork Campground
Whether you choose to play hard or just relax surrounded by nature, you can create memories at Middle Fork Campground.
Fish, hike, swim, pedal boat, watch wildlife, listen to nature, or sit around the campfire getting reacquainted with family and friends.
Each campsite is a quiet retreat shaded by large oaks, hickory and hackberry trees. Wildflowers grow in abundance. All sites are close to the beach and other amenities. Ice, firewood and other “necessities” can be purchased from the Campground Host.
Watch for our schedule of nature programs to be offered on weekends throughout the summer!
Nightly Camping Rates
| Resident Campsite w/Electricity (F,Sat & Holidays) | $14.00 |
| Nonresident Campsite w/Electricity (F,Sat & Holidays) | $16.00 |
| Resident Campsite w/o Electricity (F,Sat & Holidays) | $13.00 |
| Nonresident Campsite w/o Electricity (F,Sat & Holidays) | $15.00 |
| Overflow Camping (weather-permitting) | $13.00 |
| Campsite w/Electricity (Sun-Thurs) | $10.00 |
| Campsite w/o Electricity (Sun-Thurs) | $9.00 |
| Off-Season Rate (Nov-Mar) | $9.00 |
| Reservation Fee | $5.00 |
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| Burr Oak/Indian Ridge Group Area | |
| 1-18 people; ages 16 and up | |
| Resident Group Site w/Electricity | $50.00 |
| Nonresident Group Site w/Electricty | $55.00 |
| Resident Group Site w/o Electricity | $45.00 |
| Nonresident Group Site w/Electricity | $50.00 |
| Each additional camper age 16 and up | $3.00 |
| Bundled Wood (per bundle) | $3.00 |
| Ice (per 8 lb. bag) | $2.00 |
How to Reserve a Site
We hope to have online registration available soon. In the meantime, simply call Middle Fork at (217) 595-5432, and we’ll take care of the rest.
| | Two-night minimum on weekends | | Three-night minimum on holiday weekends | | No minimum stay for group sites or campers with special needs | | Maximum stay 14 days | | There is a $5.00 Reservation Fee. | | Reservations are confirmed when payment is received. | | Reservations and payments should be made at least one week in advance. |
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| (*Ask about Season and Off-Season extended stay options.) |
Campground Site Map
In addition to the map below, you can download a PDF copy of our campground site map. 
Campground Rules
For the safety and enjoyment of all campers….
| | Camp only in designated campsites. |
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| | Camp only one family to a site (extra tents for kids okay). |
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| | An adult (18 or older) must be the registered and responsible person for the campsite. This person must be present for the duration of the campsite reservation. |
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| | Limit cars parked at your site to no more than two. |
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| | Ask your visitors to park in visitor parking areas. |
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| | Observe quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM. |
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| | Wash dishes at your site, not near drinking fountains or in the shower building. |
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| | Build fires in grills provided. |
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| | Leave plant materials (including dead wood) where they are to protect habitat. |
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| | Keep your dog(s) on a short leash (less than 6 foot) at all times…and never on the beach or beach picnic areas. |
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| | Hang lanterns on lantern posts provided in your campsite. |
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| | Keep volume of radios or sound systems very low so sound stays in your campsite. |
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Contact the Harry Swartz Campground
You can contact the Harry Swartz Campground at (217) 595-5492 or by e-mail at mkuntz@ccfpd.org. You can send fax transmissions to the Harry Swartz Campground at (217) 595-5626.
If you are searching the web for directions or need to reach us by mail, our address is 3433 County Road 2700 E, Penfield, IL 61862.
Directions
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is located on County Road 2700E, about five miles north of Penfield and U.S. Route 136 in northeast Champaign County.
Our Namesake
The campground was named in honor of one of the past presidents of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. Harry L. Swartz was instrumental in focusing the District's efforts toward the preservation of natural resources around the Middle Fork River in Champaign County.
All lands, waters, plants and animals at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve are protected by law under the stewardship of the Forest Preserve District. We welcome you to enjoy your stay with us and ask for your help in preserving and protecting these valuable resources for generations to come.
