Blackwell family campground opens April 29

Local campers can take a mini-vacation in DuPage County by spending a night under the stars at the family campground at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville.

The campground opens Friday, April 29, and will be open Friday and Saturday nights through Sept. 25, as well as Thursday nights, May 26 to Sept. 5. To accommodate holiday campers, sites are also available the nights of Sunday, May 29; Sunday, June 26, through Sunday, July 3; and Sunday, Sept. 4.

Campground sites have electricity and can accommodate visitors with tents, trailers or motor homes. Each has a gravel parking pad, fire ring and picnic table and can hold up to eight people, two tents and one vehicle. The campground has restrooms, showers, hand water pumps and a dump station. Firewood is $5 per bundle, cash only; outside firewood is not allowed.

"Camping is a great way for people to connect to nature and enjoy a getaway weekend without leaving DuPage County," said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore.

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

Visit dupageforest.org for information about camping and a map of the campground. For reservations, call (630) 933-7248.

"Blackwell is one of our most popular and beautiful forest preserves," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Al Murphy, District 6. "There are plenty of fun things to do there, including fishing, archery, hiking and boating."