Camp Dan Beard

cabins in the woods at Camp Dan Beard

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

200 Portwine Rd
Northbrook, IL 60062

Phone

855-YES-CAMP

Things to Do & Amenities

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 Day

Closures & Alerts


Nearby Locations

Explore these nearby locations during your stay:


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.


a large cabin at Camp Dan Beard
A large cabin at Camp Dan Beard.

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.
Large Cabin Rates
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.


a small cabin at Camp Dan Beard
A small cabin at Camp Dan Beard

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. 

Small Cabin Rates
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
Organized Group Campsite Rates
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.

Full Campground Rates
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 60062

Learn fire building skills indoors and try out your new talent outdoors. […]

Free