Permits for Cook County forest preserves available Nov. 15
The new year offers numerous opportunities for Cook County residents to come together with family and friends.
From birthdays and reunions to holidays and special event gatherings, the public can head to the Forest Preserves to plan their upcoming celebrations outside while surrounded by nature.
Online and in-person permit sales for 2020 picnics and special events, as well as campground reservations, begin at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15. In-person sales will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Forest Preserves of Cook County General Headquarters, 536 N. Harlem Ave. in River Forest, or at the Dan Ryan Visitor Center, 8700 S. Western Ave. in Chicago.
Online sales will remain available 24 hours a day. In addition to saving time by purchasing permits online, visitors can view information such as site availability, grove maps and the various fees associated with grove rentals by visiting fpdcc.com/permits.
Those planning to apply for permits in person must have a valid federal/state issued identification card. Accepted payment methods are cash, check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Purchasers should begin completing their permit application immediately upon arrival to expedite wait time, and have two or three additional locations in mind in case the first choice is not available.
Regular hours at the General Headquarters location are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Seasonal hours are Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Picnic permits are required for groups of 25 or more. To reserve picnic groves and request event spaces either online or in-person, patrons must first set up an account at fpdcc.com/permits.
Permits for groups with 1,000 or more attendees may now be requested. Customers may submit applications in-person at the General Headquarters location, via email at fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov or fax, (708) 771-1071.
In 2019, more than 7,000 permits were sold for picnics and special events. Top sites were Dan Ryan Woods in Chicago, Busse Woods in northwest Cook County, and Schiller Woods in Chicago/Schiller Park.
Camping reservations
In addition to picnic permits, all 2020 camping dates are available beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15.
Camping reservations can be made online at fpdcc.com/camping/camping-reservations; by phone at (855) YES-CAMP (937-2267); or in person at Forest Preserves Campgrounds Camp Sullivan, Camp Bullfrog Lake or Camp Reinberg during office hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on business days or weekends when there are campers.
For campground contact information, visit fpdcc.com/camping.
Residents and visitors can still enjoy camping at Camps Reinberg, Sullivan and Bullfrog Lake throughout winter; there is limited availability of heated cabins at some campgrounds, in addition to tent camping and RVs.
Camp Dan Beard in Northbrook is open for winter camping to large groups only.
For more information, call (855) YES-CAMP (937-2267).
For questions or assistance with online permit purchases, contact Forest Preserves permits staff by calling (800) 870-3666 or visit fpdcc.com.