Attractions
Middle Fork Campground
Make a Reservation Online!
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
Holidays
Memorial Day 5/22-24; Independence Day 7/3-5; Labor Day 9/5-7 | |
| Campsite with electricity | $20.00 |
| Campsite without electricity | $18.00 |
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| Fridays & Saturdays | |
| Campsite with electricity | $18.00 |
| Campsite without electricity | $15.00 |
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| Sundays-Thursdays | |
| Campsite with electricity | $12.00 |
| Campsite without electricity | $10.00 |
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| Group Sites | |
| Burr Oak, with electricity | $60.00 |
| Indian Ridge, without electricity | $55.00 |
How to Reserve a Site
Online reservations are now available! Please go to the link at the top of this page.
| | | 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 | | Reservations are confirmed when payment is received. | | Reservations and payments should be made at least one week in advance. | (*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.
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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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Top of PageDirections, Hours & Contact Information
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is in the northeastern corner of Champaign County. It is 12 miles east of Rantoul on U.S. Route 136 and five miles north of Penfield and Route 136 on County Road 2700E.
Physical Address, Supt Office - 3433 County Road 2700 E, Penfield
Physical Address, Entrance/Campground - 3485 County Road 2700 E, Penfield
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve Map
Hours
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve opens at 7 AM year-round, weather-permitting. From May through October, the preserve closes at 9 PM, and from November through April, the closing time is 6 PM.
Contact Information
Site Superintendent's Office
(217) 595-5432 or camp@ccfpd.org.
Campground Host (in-season)
(217) 595-5692
You may now make reservations online by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
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.
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