Starting on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 8 a.m., Cook County residents and visitors can reserve a spot for 2024 celebrations—from birthdays and reunions to holidays and special event gatherings—while surrounded by nature in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. All 2024 dates to spend a night under the stars camping at one of the Forest Preserves’ five campgrounds will open at the same time.
Visitors with guests who have a disability can request both picnic shelters or camping options that offer accessibility features, including accessible parking, curb cuts and a path from parking to picnic shelter, and an accessible bathroom.
2024 Picnic & Event Permits
Permit sales for 2024 picnics and special events begin on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 8 a.m. online at fpdcc.com/permits and over the phone by calling 800-870-3666, option 1. It’s strongly advised to book reservations online due to the anticipated high call volume. Online, customers can also view information such as site availability, picnic grove maps and the cost of their event location.
Permits may be purchased in person with a valid federal or state-issued identification card starting Thursday, Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm at the Forest Preserves’ General Headquarters, 536 N. Harlem Ave. in River Forest, or the Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, S. Western Ave. and W. 87th St. in Chicago. Both locations will be accepting appointments and walk-ins. Appointments can be made through fpdcc.com/permits.
Customers can learn how to book permits online by attending a Zoom permit session on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 12 p.m. or Thursday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. Registration is requested, and can be done by visiting http://bit.ly/3QJ66pg. Once registered, a Zoom session link will be sent out a day before the session.
For questions or assistance with online picnic and event permit purchases, contact Forest Preserves permits staff by calling 800-870-3666, emailing fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov or visiting fpdcc.com/permits.
2024 Camping Reservations
All 2024 camping dates are also available beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Camping reservations can be made online at fpdcc.com/camping or by phone at 855-YES-CAMP (855-937-2267). Camping reservations can be made in person at Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Reinberg or Camp Sullivan starting Nov. 15 during office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or Saturdays and Sundays when people are camping. For campground contact information, visit fpdcc.com/camping.
Residents and visitors can still enjoy camping—in a tent, RV or heated cabin—at Camp Bullfrog Lake, Camp Reinberg, Camp Dan Beard and Camp Sullivan throughout winter.
For questions or assistance with making camping reservations, call 855-YES-CAMP (855-937-2267).
Other Permits
Customers planning 2024 picnics and special events with more than 400 people may submit applications now via email at fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov or via fax at 708-771-1071. Applications are available at fpdcc.com/permits.
Indoor room rental reservations for 2024 event dates are also available now. All locations may be viewed at forestpreserveevents.com. Contact indoor room rental staff by emailing info@forespreserveevents.com or calling 773-558-2003 for more information. Reservations for league use of athletic fields will be accepted on February 05, 2024. More information is available at fpdcc.com/athletic-field-permits.
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About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there’s no better place to feel free.