Public invited to ribbon-cutting, picnic at Big Rock Campground
Submitted by Kane County Forest Preserve District
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Big Rock Campground will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. The public is invited to the “Picnic at Big Rock Campground.” Camping will be free that day. The celebration will begin with an appearance by the Forest Preserve District Police Honor Guard, there will be remarks by officials and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by complimentary hot dogs and other picnic fare. There also will be giveaways, guided nature hikes and more. Join this fun, family celebration!
The new campground is located in the southern part of Kane County, within Big Rock Forest Preserve. The facility contains 110 camp sites, including 96 improved, vehicle campsites complete with 50-amp electrical service, water access, parking pads and fire rings, 10 primitive, tent-only sites without electric access, and four equestrian camp sites. Among the sites are 10 ADA-accessible sites.
Other campground amenities include a picnic shelter, restrooms, and miles of trail when used in conjunction with the surrounding forest preserve. Big Rock Forest Preserve is an 842-acre preserve containing several sandy hills that overlook the valley filled with woodlands and crystal clear streams. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted at the former quarry, Siegler Lake.
“We’re happy to be able to open a second campground in the Kane County forest preserves — something that’s long been asked for by county residents,” said District President John J. Hoscheit. “Big Rock Campground was one of three key capital projects we focused on during the 2011 referendum. We’re happy to be able to deliver on that promise and provide endless opportunities for recreation here.”
Daily fees for vehicle camp sites are $15 for Kane County residents and $25 for nonresidents. Primitive/non-electric camp sites are $10 per day for residents, $15 for nonresidents. Camp sites are available on a first-come, first served basis.
The entrance for the Big Rock Campground is located at 46W499 Granart Road in Big Rock.
For more information about camp site availability and conditions, call the Forest Preserve District’s camping hotline at (630) 444-1200.
Siegler Lake is a premier feature of Big Rock Forest Preserve. Formerly a limestone quarry, the lake was formed when high floodwaters breached the banks of Big Rock and Welch Creeks in 1996, sending torrents of water into the quarry. The result of this flood event was a 32-acre lake, complete with fish and invertebrates that were swept in with the floodwaters. Subsequent fish habitat projects have been undertaken, and Siegler Lake supports a diversity of fish and aquatic wildlife. It’s a popular destination for anglers. Fishing is allowed in the Big Rock Quarry on a catch and release basis. Swimming is not allowed.
Big Rock Creek is rated as one of the best quality streams in Illinois. Freshwater mussels, indicators of high quality habitat, live here along with fish such as darters. A specialized wetland called a fen is fed by underground seeps on the southeastern portion of the preserve.
Visitors can walk from either of the two parking lots to the woodlands, the marsh, and the prairie. There is a loop trail around Seigler Lake, with beautiful views over the water.