Camp Dan Beard features renovated rustic cabins perfect for group or family campers. The site also includes open fields for group tent camping. The camp’s shelters and picnic sites are great for events.
On this page:
Location & Things to Do
Camp Dan Beard
Entrance
Phone
855-YES-CAMPThings to Do & Amenities
- Parking
- Camping
- Accessible Campsites
- Showers
- Nature Play
- Accessible Indoor Bathroom
Hours
Year-round: 24 hours a day for registered campers (with campgrounds accessible from 7 am to 10 pm; quiet hours are observed from 11 pm to 7 am). Staff is available from 8 am to 4 pm.Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's DayClosures & Alerts
Nearby Locations
Explore these nearby locations during your stay:
- River Trail Nature Center
- Allison Woods (features a canoe landing with access to the Des Plaines River)
- Des Plaines River Trail System
Camping Options
Non-profits, individual veterans and veteran organizations qualify for a 50% discount for all cabin and bunkhouse reservations for use Sunday through Thursday night; and qualify for a reduced rate of 50% on stated tent or RV non-electric fees, anytime. Register in person or by calling 855-YES-CAMP (855-937-2267) to receive the reduced rate.
Large Cabin
- Capacity: 10 people
- Availability: 1 cabin
- Layout: Large Cabin Floorplan (PDF)
- Refundable Deposit: $100
- Features:
- Heat and air-conditioning
- Bunk beds for eight people
- Single beds for two people in a separate room
- Ceiling fans
- Private, accessible restroom with toilet, shower and two sinks
- Porch
- Picnic table
- Fire ring with grate
- Accessibility: Large cabin #1 features accessible parking, path of travel to cabin, roll-in shower with bench, accessible sink, raised fire pit and accessible picnic table.
Reservation Date | Cook County Resident | Non-Resident |
---|---|---|
April – October (Thu – Sat Nights) | $111/night | $121/night |
April – October (Sun – Wed Nights) | $94/night | $104/night |
November – March (All Nights) |
$94/night | $104/night |
*During winter, groups that book the Organized Group Campsite can book the cabin(s) at an additional cost.
Small Cabin
- Capacity: 8 people
- Availability: 5 cabins
- Layout: Small Cabin Floorplan (PDF)
- Refundable Deposit: $100
- Features:
- Bunk beds for eight people
- Ceiling fan
- Porch
- Picnic table
- Fire ring with grate
Small cabins are not heated or air-conditioned.
Reservation Date | Cook County Resident | Non-Resident |
---|---|---|
April – October (Thu – Sat Nights) | $88/night | $100/night |
April – October (Sun – Wed Nights) | $57/night | $66/night |
November – March (All Nights) |
$45/night | $57/night |
*During winter, groups that book the Organized Group Campsite can book the cabin(s) at an additional cost.
Organized Group Campsites
- Capacity: 60 people
- Availability: 2 sites
- Features:
- Open field for tents and activities
- Picnic table
- Fire ring with grate
Reservation Date | Cook County Resident | Non-Resident |
---|---|---|
Year-round | $24/tent/night | $34/tent/night |
Organized Group Campsites must be booked in person or by phone at 855-YES-CAMP (855-937-2267). During winter, groups that book the Organized Group Campsite can book the cabin(s) at an additional cost.
Full Campground Rental
- Capacity: 248 people
- Availability: Sunday through Thursday year-round, limited dates are available for Friday and Saturday.
- Features: Exclusive use of all campsites, public buildings and activity areas.
- Refundable Deposit: $100-500
Applications are accepted starting October 16 for the following year. Reservations must be made at the campground at least 10 business days in advance.
Reservation Date | Cook County Resident | Non-Resident |
---|---|---|
Monday – Wednesday | $1,844/day | $2,385/day |
Thursday – Saturday | $2,711/day | $3,254/day |
Sunday | $1,104/day | $1,628/day |
Accessible Campsites & Amenities
Accessible campsites are designed for campers with disabilities. Please only book an accessible campsite if you need it or all other campsites are booked. Camp Dan Beard features:
- Accessible large cabin (cabin #1) with accessible parking, path of travel to cabin, roll-in shower with bench, accessible sink, raised fire pit and accessible picnic table.
- Accessible bathroom/shower building with a roll-in shower with a bench as well as an accessible changing area with a bench.
Events
Forest Preserves-led programs are offered at Camp Dan Beard for organized groups by request, based on staff availability. Please email experience.camping@cookcountyil.gov with your request at least two weeks prior to your reservation.
Each campground has a limited number of Camping Adventure Backpacks available for free check-out, which include binoculars, field guides, a compass, activity sheets and other aids to nature exploration.
Winter Fire Building Workshop
Camp Dan Beard • Northbrook, IL 60062Learn fire building skills indoors and try out your new talent outdoors. […]