Blackwell offers family camping

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District invites outdoor explorers to spend time under the stars at the Blackwell Family Campground in Warrenville.

Camping is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights July through September. The campground also is open daily June 27 to July 6 for the Fourth of July holiday and Aug. 31 for Labor Day.

"In response to public interest, we've expanded the season to include Thursday nights for a pilot program this summer," said Doreen Warsaw of the district's Visitor Services team. "If the extra days draw enough interest, we may offer additional nights of camping next season, too."

The campground has more than 60 sites, each with electricity, a gravel parking pad, a fire ring and a picnic table. All are within easy walking distance of restrooms, running water, and trash and recycling containers.

Restrooms with showers and a dump station for recreational vehicles with self-contained waste systems are near the campground office; sewage and water hookups are not available. The surrounding Blackwell Forest Preserve offers fishing, boating and more than seven miles of trails.

Permits, which are nonrefundable, are $20 per site per night for DuPage County residents and $30 for nonresidents. Senior citizens may receive one free permit per household for one consecutive two-night stay. Permit holders must be at least 21 and remain on site. Alcohol is prohibited.

Campers are encouraged to make reservations, which are accepted no later than three business days in advance. A permit form and campground map is available on dupageforest.org at "Things to Do" and "Recreational Activities." To make reservations, call (630) 933-7248.