Will County Forests To Offer Picnic, Camping Permits

SHOREWOOD, IL — Even though it’s a little chilly out, it’s not too early to begin imagining camping and picnics when the warmer weather arrives. The Forest Preserve District of Will County will begin selling picnic shelter and camping permits on Monday, Jan. 3.

The permits, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, are available for more than 30 rentable shelters in forests throughout the county. Tickets are available online starting at 8 a.m. on the 3rd at reconnectwithnature.org, or at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Sugar Creek is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tent camping is allowed at Forked Creek Preserve in Wesley Township, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete Township, Hammel Woods in Shorewood, McKinley Woods in Channahon, and Messenger Woods in Homer Glen.

Some District fees are changing starting Jan. 1. Now, any rentals for celebrations at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon will cost $3,000 for an all-inclusive package, and a 10 percent discount will soon be applied for off-season events taking place from November to March.

One-day dog park permit fees are also dropping from $5 per dog to $5 per day, with a limit of three dogs. The daily rental for snowshoes is dropping from $10 to $5.