Middle Fork River Forest Preserve

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve Map
Attractions
Campground
Directions, Hours & Contact Information

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve contains 1,600 acres of land composed of old hardwood timber, reforested lowlands and grassy meadows. The lands of Middle Fork were set aside for the promotion and protection of wildlife as well as recreation. Rich in hiking and nature trails, the Middle Fork contains one of the region's premier Waterfowl Management Areas, and it is also home to a favorite camping area, the Harry L. Swartz Campground.

This site, located in the northeast corner of Champaign County, offers a swim beach, fishing, hiking, boat rentals, cross-country skiing, picnicking, building rentals and educational programs. It is an extensive, diversely wooded area. About four miles of the Middle Fork River run along the preserve. The site includes three ponds: Willow Pond (4 acres); Cypress Pond (2.7 acres) and Emerald Pond (3.2 acres).

Attractions
The Harry L. Swartz Campground consists of 65 campsites, suitable for all types of camping including group camping. Fifty-three of the sites have electricity. Each campsite is a quiet retreat shaded by large oak, hickory and hackberry trees. Wildflowers grow in abundance. All sites are close to the swim beach and other facilities. Campsites are available per night on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are allowed for stays of at least three consecutive nights.

This area also contains one of the region's premier Waterfowl Management Areas. More than 130 acres of prime nesting habitat for migratory waterfowl are located here. An easily accessible viewing area allows visitors the opportunity to observe a wetland teeming with life. Please note, however, that visitors are not able to enter the wetland area itself between March and June in order to allow waterfowl to nest.

Directions, 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 Rd 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
Camping Reservations

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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