Tri-State Outdoor News

SPRINGFIELD – Reservations for the 2009 camping season at Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) campsites, cabins, group campsites and picnic shelters can be made by mail beginning January 2 and in person or over the phone beginning February 1, announced IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood.

“Campgrounds at our state parks, recreation areas and state fish and wildlife areas are popular destinations for families, hikers, hunters and anglers,” said Flood. “By taking reservations at the beginning of the year, we ensure there is a campsite waiting for our visitors when they’re ready for a vacation.”

Reservations can be made by mail only beginning January 2. Reservation forms and instructions can be obtained from the IDNR website at http://dnr.state.il.us/.

Beginning February 1, telephone and in-person reservations can be made using Visa and MasterCard at the following sites: Chain O’Lakes, Fox Ridge, Jim Edgar Panther Creek (Cabins and Group Camps only), Pere Marquette, Ramsey Lake, Rock Cut, Shabbona, and Sangchris Lake. In-person reservations will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted via electronic mail at any site.

A daily lottery will be conducted for mail-in reservations. Up to six mail-in reservations per envelope, per person will be accepted for campsites or shelters. Camping groups may mail more than six reservations per envelope as long as no more than six are for one individual.

Regular campsites and group campsites require a $5 nonrefundable reservation fee and the first night’s camping and utility fee at the time the reservation is made. Shelter reservation fees are $25, except on Fridays and Saturdays at Spitler Woods.

Campsites can be reserved for a maximum of 14 nights per 30-day period and reservations must be made at least seven days in advance. Reserved campsites will be held until 3 p.m. the following day, after which time the site will be offered to other campers on a first come first-served basis.