Blackwell Family Campground opens for season May 7

Take a minivacation right here in DuPage County by spending a night under the stars at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's family campground at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville.

The campground will be open weekends May 7 to Sept. 25. Extended holiday weekend dates will be Memorial Day, May 27 to June 1; Fourth of July, July 1-6; and Labor Day, Sept. 2-7.

Campsites have electricity and can accommodate visitors with tents, trailers and 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 and hand water pumps. It also has a water-fill station and a dump station for RVs.

Firewood is $7 per bundle; outside firewood is not allowed.

Weekend family campground permits can be purchased online 24/7 up to a year in advance, but must be made at least three full business days in advance.

To book extra nights on extended holiday weekends, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248. For other options, download a family campground permit application at www.dupageforest.org or call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.

Senior citizens are entitled to one free permit for one consecutive two-night stay each calendar year.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 6.2 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, six education centers and scores of programs each year.

For information, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the district's e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.