Camping
Tip: Use our interactive map 
to locate specific campsites!
McHenry County Conservation District group campgrounds are available for reservation on a first come, first serve basis.
To reserve a site, a completed permit and any necessary fee is due in the District's main office at 815-338-6223 (Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm) at least ten (10) working days in advance of your desired date for approval.
Click here for a printable brochure of available camping sites and fee list.
Campground use requires a permit, regardless of group size. All campers will be charged a fee to secure the necessary permit. Refunds are issued on cancellations received ten (10) working days in advance. The District will not issue refunds or carry over reservations that are cancelled due to weather-related conditions.
NOTE: Marengo Ridge group campground remains open throughout the winter. All other District campgrounds (with the exception of Thomas Woods at Marengo Ridge) close on December 1st for the winter season and reopen April 1st (subject to change based on weather conditions).
Thomas Woods Individual Campsites/Marengo Ridge
The exceptions to the pre-approved permit requirement are the Thomas Woods at Marengo Ridge individual tent camping and RV sites. Thomas Woods individual tent camping and RV sites are open May 1st through October 31st each year. Click here for a map of the sites.
Fees are as follows:
$8.00 per night for a non-electric site; $12.00 for Out of County Residents
$16.00 per night for Electric, RV only (1st unit); $24.00 for Out of County Residents
$8.00 per night for Electric, RV only (2nd unit); $12.00 for Out of County Residents
To reserve a site at Thomas Woods call the District office at (815) 338-MCCD (6223). Campers are welcome without reservations if space is available. The District's on-site campground host issues permits, sells firewood and collects the necessary fees.
GROUP CAMPING FEES
(INCLUDES A FIREWOOD FEE)
McHenry County Groups
1 - 25 .......... $30
26 - 50 ......... $55
51 - 100 ....... $85
101 - 150 .... $110
151 & up ..... $160
Out of County Groups
1 - 25 ........... $55
26 - 50 ........ $105
51 - 100 ...... $160
101 - 150 ..... $210
151 & up ...... $310
INFORMATION & PERMITS
For information on site availability or to obtain a permit, stop by the District's main office at 18410 U.S. Highway 14 between Woodstock and Harvard or call (815) 338-MCCD (6223).
Sites & Facilities
Beck's Woods 
printable map
5940 N. Pagles Road, Chumung
Group Camping: 25 people, parking for 6 cars
Shelter/Picnic: 150 people, parking for 40 cars
Activities: Camping, Hiking, Fishing, Picnicking
NOTICE: Temporary Road Detour
Glacial Parkprintable map
6316 Harts Road, Ringwood
Group Camping: 25 people (Remote campsite accessed by canoe only on the Nippersink Creek)
Picnic: 80 people, parking for 20 cars (Additional parking at Wiedrich Education Barn for 50 cars)
Activities: Camping, Canoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Horse Trails, Picnicking
Harrison Benwellprintable map
7055 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake
Group Camping: 80 people
Shelter: 100 people, Parking for 25 cars total
Activities: Camping, Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Picnicking
Hickory Grove Riverfrontprintable map
500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary
Group Camping: 25 people, parking for 20 cars
Shelter/Picnic: 80 people, parking for 20 cars
Activities: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horse Trails, Picnicking
The Hollowsprintable map
3804 Route 14, Cary
Group Camping: 360 people, parking for 50 cars
Shelter Grove #1: 75 people, parking for 25 cars
Picnic Grove #2: 60 people, parking for 12 cars
Picnic Grove #3: 60 people, parking for 12 cars
Lake Atwood Shelter: 50 people, parking for 20 cars
Activities: Camping, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horse Trails, Picnicking
Marengo Ridgeprintable map
3100 N. Route 23, Marengo
Shelter (electricity): 50 people, parking for 25 cars
Picnic: 50 people, parking for 20 cars
Group Camping: 160 People, parking for 20 cars
Thomas WoodsTent Sites: 29 sites
Thomas Woods RV Sites: 18 sites
(No utilities at RV sites except Site #0, electric and water; and Site #4, electric only)
Activities: Camping, Cross-Country Skiing, Hiking, Picnicking
Rush Creekprintable map
20501 McGuire Road, Harvard
Group Camping: 80 people, parking for 20 cars
Shelter: 100 people, parking for 25 cars
Picnic: 100 people, parking for 25 cars
Activities: Camping, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horse Trails, Picnicking
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