PART 130 CAMPING ON DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PROPERTIES : Sections Listing

TITLE 17: CONSERVATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SUBCHAPTER a: LANDS
PART 130 CAMPING ON DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PROPERTIES

AUTHORITY: Implementing and authorized by Sections 1 and 4(1) and (5) of the State Parks Act [20 ILCS 835], and by Sections 805-305 and 805-515 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois [20 ILCS 805].

SOURCE: Adopted at 4 Ill. Reg. 7, p. 110, effective February 4, 1980; emergency amendment at 5 Ill. Reg. 5707, effective June 1, 1981 for a maximum of 150 days; codified at 5 Ill. Reg. 10623; amended at 5 Ill. Reg. 14568, effective December 9, 1981; amended at 6 Ill. Reg. 3840, effective March 31, 1982; amended at 6 Ill. Reg. 9626, effective July 21, 1982; amended at 6 Ill. Reg. 14835, effective November 24, 1982; amended at 7 Ill. Reg. 5870, effective April 22, 1983; amended at 8 Ill. Reg. 5647, effective April 16, 1984; amended at 9 Ill. Reg. 6173, effective April 23, 1985; amended at 9 Ill. Reg. 11594, effective July 16, 1985; amended at 10 Ill. Reg. 9777, effective May 21, 1986; amended at 10 Ill. Reg. 13244, effective July 28, 1986; amended at 11 Ill. Reg. 9506, effective May 15, 1987; amended at 14 Ill. Reg. 12402, effective July 20, 1990; emergency amendment at 16 Ill. Reg. 7925, effective May 11, 1992, for a maximum of 150 days; emergency expired October 8, 1992; amended at 16 Ill. Reg. 15982, effective October 2, 1992; amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 1126, effective January 18, 1994; amended at 19 Ill. Reg. 6462, effective April 28, 1995; amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 6683, effective May 6, 1996; amended at 21 Ill. Reg. 9034, effective June 26, 1997; amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 3076, effective January 23, 1998; amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 11781, effective June 24, 1998; amended at 23 Ill. Reg. 8376, effective July 7, 1999; amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 1634, effective January 13, 2000; amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 13699, effective August 23, 2000; amended at 27 Ill. Reg. 12630, effective July 21, 2003; amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 6118, effective April 15, 2004; amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 20445, effective December 2, 2005; amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 181, effective December 19, 2007; amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 8406, effective May 21, 2008; amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 10791, effective July 16, 2010; amended at 43 Ill. Reg. 4826, effective April 11, 2019; amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 922, effective December 30, 2020; amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 11067, effective August 27, 2021.

 

Section 130.10  Location

 

Camping will be permitted only in established campgrounds on designated areas. Camping is prohibited in any other area.

 

Section 130.20  Purpose of Campground

 

a)         Campgrounds on lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources are established for the convenience and enjoyment of outdoor recreation by the visiting public. Illinois Department of Natural Resources' campgrounds are not places for permanent or semi-permanent residences, bases for operations or a business, or facilities for non-camper residences.  All campground amenities are for the sole purpose of registered camping parties (i.e., showers, dump stations, dumpsters, etc.).

 

b)         All campground amenities are for the sole purpose of registered camping parties (i.e., showers, dump stations, dumpsters, etc.), except dump stations may be used by non-campers for dumping of wastewater from recreational vehicles and camping trailers, provided the required dumping fee listed in Section 130.70 is paid.

 

(Source:  Amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 8406, effective May 21, 2008)

 

Section 130.30  Classification of Camps by Equipment Used – Definitions

 

a)     Tent Camp – any camp using a fabric-type shelter erected on the ground, and not a part of a trailer unit as the basic unit that has been transported to the camp site by a motor vehicle.

 

b)     Trailer Camp – any camp which has a trailer, of not more than 40 feet in total overall length including any extensions forward or backward beyond the living quarters, as the basic shelter unit. This includes tent trailers, the standard travel trailer, or boats mounted on a trailer and used as the basic shelter unit.

 

c)     Vehicle Camp – any camp using a vehicle as the basic shelter unit. This includes converted buses, manufactured camper buses, and automobiles, of not more than 40 feet in total overall length, when used as the main sleeping and shelter unit of the camp.

 

d)     Primitive Camp – any camp using a shelter carried to a site via bicycle, canoe, horse or on the back of a camping member.

 

e)     Group Organization Camp – any camp using any one or combination of the various types of shelter when the camping group makeup qualifies as an organization camp, according to Sections 130.120 and 130.130.

 

f)     Boat Camp – any camp using a boat which is anchored off the area shore or tied on Department water frontage for shelter and sleeping. When the boat is placed on a camp site and used as a basic unit of the camp, it will then be classified as a trailer camp (subsection (b) above).

 

g)     Cabin Camp – any camp using a wooden-type shelter erected on a concrete pad as a permanent structure and within a campground.

 

(Source:  Amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 11781, effective June 24, 1998)

 

Section 130.40  Definitions

 

"Barracks" means a temporary housing structure characterized by its plainness and minimal amenities offered.

 

"Camp" means a single family or group occupying one site within a Departmentally managed site, established and maintained for the sole purpose of camping, including the use of tents, trailers or any other type of camping device.

 

Where campgrounds are laid out in defined sites, in no case will 2 or more tent trailers, travel trailers, self-propelled mobile campers, pick-up campers, or any combination thereof be considered a single camp.

 

Where campgrounds are not laid out in sites, the number of camps will be determined by the capacity of the existing sanitary facilities, parking areas, soil and turf conditions, potential social conflicts between campers due to crowding, and similar factors as determined by Department staff.

 

"Camp Shelter" means the portable equipment used by the single family or group for bedding and housing. If more than one camp shelter is required for the single family or group, they shall occupy separate campsites.  (Exceptions:  Minor children (under 18) sleeping in sleeping bags or in a tent outside the family shelter are considered occupants sharing the same shelter.  A group of no more than 4 occupants may occupy up to 2 or 4 one-man tents on a single campsite.)

 

"Department" means the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

 

"Premium Campground" means a designated camping facility that has a preponderant history of consistently operating at capacity or has unique amenities, such as automated trap and skeet ranges, that are not typically offered at other State camping facilities.  The following sites are designated as Premium Campgrounds:  Chain O'Lakes State Park, Illinois Beach State Park, Kankakee River State Park, the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC), Rock Cut State Park, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area and Starved Rock State Park.

 

"Single Family" means either or both parents and unmarried children.  Other family members will be considered part of the family as long as they occupy the same shelter, but not to exceed a total of 4 adults (18 years of age or older).

 

"Single Group" means unrelated adults (18 years of age or older) with or without children occupying the same shelter.  This group shall not exceed 4 occupants (except for Rent-A-Camp sites with an extra large tent, which shall not exceed 8 occupants and a campground cabin, which shall not exceed 6 occupants).

 

(Source:  Amended at 43 Ill. Reg. 4826, effective April 11, 2019)

 

Section 130.50  Registrations

 

a)         A permit will be issued and fees collected at the time the camp is established with the camp shelter in place or as soon as possible thereafter (see Sections 130.70 and 130.80).  A responsible adult (18 years of age or older) from the camping party must register for the party and thereby acknowledge compliance with the rules and regulations of the park for the party.

 

b)         The camping attendant has the authority to assign sites.

 

c)         Curfew:  the provisions of Section 1 of the Child Curfew Act [720 ILCS 555/1] with reference to curfew for persons under the age of 17 years are in effect on Department of Natural Resources' properties.

 

d)         No camping equipment shall be placed on any campground site while that site is occupied by another camping party. A person acquiring a permit must have camp shelter at the time of registration and must occupy the site at that time.

 

e)         In "emergency situations", the camping attendant may designate an area and charge a fee commensurate with facilities provided (see Section 130.70).

 

f)         Reservations will be accepted at selected sites offering reservation service.  A $5 non-refundable fee must be submitted for each site reserved. The full amount of the camping fee and utility fee (if applicable), in addition to the $5 per campsite non-refundable reservation fee, is required at the time reservation is made.  The Department may set, by public announcement, minimum stay requirements and reservation cut-off dates.  Cancellations made after the reservation cut-off dates will be subject to loss of one night's camping and utility fee (if applicable).

 

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 10791, effective July 16, 2010)

 

Section 130.60  Permits, Extensions and Time Limits

 

a)     A camp permit may be issued for a period not to exceed 14 consecutive nights between the dates of May 1 through September 30. Persons are eligible to camp at a specific Department of Natural Resources' facility for a maximum of 14 nights in a 30 day period between the dates of May 1 through September 30.  During this period, sites with designated long term campsites can allow campers to register for up to 30 days in a 45 day period. The 30 and 45 day period starts from the first day the person actually obtains a bona fide camping permit and the camping equipment involved is subject to these limitations also. From October 1 through April 30, a camping permit may be issued for an unlimited number of nights during this time period.

 

b)     Exceptions to the above time limit may be made in the following instance:  In bona fide emergency cases involving serious illness or accident which makes compliance with the rules impossible and only for the duration of the emergency – the burden of proof is on the permittee and the Site Superintendent should be satisfied by investigation or inquiry that facts in the case warrant consideration before granting an extension.

 

c)     During periods when a vacancy occurs in the reservation schedule at the Pere Marquette group camps, day use shall be allowed during a twelve-hour period beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m. Reservations will be made by application to the site superintendent. (Application requirements:  name of organization, address, number of campers, person in charge, phone number, and age of campers.)

 

(Source:  Amended at 21 Ill. Reg. 9034, effective June 26, 1997)

 

Section 130.70  Fees and Charges

 

a)         The full amount of the camping fee and, if applicable, the utility fee shall be collected at the time the permit is issued.  If checks are taken, they shall be made payable to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the site identified.  Camping fees vary according to the type of campground and are as follows:

 

1)         Spring-Summer Camping (rates apply May 1 through September 30, except at the WSRC during sanctioned shooting events when camping is reserved for event participants via a licensing agreement between the event sponsor and the Department)

 

A)        Class AA Sites:  Camping fee of $15 per night per site, $10 utility fee.  Sites having availability to showers, electricity, water hookups, sewer hookups, and vehicular access.  The camping fee shall be $25 per night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of the Independence Day weekend if July 4 falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

 

B)        Class A Sites:  Camping fee of $10 per night per site, $10 utility fee.  Sites having availability to showers, electricity and vehicular access.  The camping fee shall be $20 per night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of the Independence Day weekend if July 4 falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

 

C)        Class A Premium Sites:  Camping fee of $15 per night per site, $10 utility fee.  Sites having availability to showers, electricity and vehicular access.  The camping fee shall be $25 per night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights of the Independence Day weekend if July 4 falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

 

D)        Class B-E Sites:  Camping fee of $8 per night per site, $10 utility fee.  Sites having availability to electricity and vehicular access.

 

E)        Class B-E Premium Sites:  Camping fee of $10 per night per site, $10 utility fee.  Sites having availability to electricity and vehicular access.

 

F)         Class B-S Sites:  Camping fee of $10 per night per site.  Sites having availability to showers and vehicular access.

 

G)        Class B-S Premium Sites:  Camping fee of $12 per night per site. Sites having availability to showers and vehicular access.

 

H)        Class C Sites:  Camping fee of $8 per night per site.  Sites having vehicular access or tent camp/primitive sites (walk-in or backpack) having availability to showers.

 

I)         Class D Sites:  Camping fee of $6 per night per site.  Tent camping or primitive sites with no vehicular access.

 

J)         Youth Group Camping:  $2 per person, minimum daily camping fee of $20.

 

K)        Adult Group Camping:  $4 per person, minimum daily camping fee of $40.

 

L)        Each member of an organized group utilizing facilities furnished at Dixon Springs State Park, Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Alexander County) and Pere Marquette State Park shall pay a fee of $4 per night.  At Dixon Springs and Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Alexander County), a deposit of $40 will be required before confirmation of a reservation.  The deposits will be credited to the total camping fee.  At Pere Marquette, a deposit of $100 will be required before confirmation of a reservation.  The deposits will be credited to the total camping fee.  At Pere Marquette and Dixon Springs, deposit balances will not be refunded until inspection is made of the facilities after the group departs.  If damages warrant, Pere Marquette and Dixon Springs will have authority to retain this deposit.  Fees for day use of the group camps at Dixon Springs, Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Alexander County) and Pere Marquette shall be $75 per day.

 

M)       Rent-A-Camp Tents at Primitive Sites

If resources and funding allow, the Department, or the Department's concessionaire (see 17 Ill. Adm. Code 150), will make available Rent-A-Camp Tents for use at primitive sites at designated State parks and recreational areas throughout the Department's statewide system. A Rent-A-Camp Tent will provide, at a minimum:  an already erected tent on a platform, one sleeping mattress, one charcoal grill, one picnic table, and one trash barrel.  The overnight fee for a Rent-A-Camp Tent will be based on the basic fee of $6 per night for a primitive (Class D) camping site (see subsection (a)(1)(I)) and the per-night fee charged by the Rent-A-Camp Tent concessionaire for access to the camping amenities listed in this subsection (a)(1)(M) and set-up costs.  Depending on availability, and at the concessionaire's discretion, a camper may obtain additional amenities, including additional sleeping mattresses, from the concessionaire for an additional fee for each amenity.

 

N)        Rent-A-Camp Cabin areas will provide, at a basic cabin rental fee of $25 per night, one 2-bedroom cabin with 2 bunk beds, one full-sized bed, ceiling fans, electric heaters, table with chairs, one charcoal grill, one picnic table, and one trash barrel.  The total overnight fee for a Rent-A-Camp Cabin will be based on the basic fee plus Class specific utility and camping fees, as follows:

 

i)          Rent-A-Camp Cabins at Class A Sites:

$25 cabin rental plus $10 utility fee and $10 camping fee per night, per site at all sites having availability to showers and vehicular access.

 

ii)         Rent-A-Camp Cabins at Class A Premium Sites:

$25 cabin rental plus $10 utility fee and $15 camping fee per night, per site at all sites having availability to showers and vehicular access.

 

iii)        Individual Rent-A-Cabins at Dixon Springs State Park:

rented individually – not by organized groups pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(L); $60 cabin rental, $45 barrack fee per unit.

 

iv)        Individual Rent-A-Cabin (boathouse) at Siloam Springs State Park:  $80.00 cabin rental.

 

O)        A $5 per campsite non-refundable reservation fee must be remitted at those facilities offering reservation services.  This fee applies to reservations for group campsites as well as individual site reservations and individual Rent-A-Camp Cabin and individual Rent-A-Camp Tent reservations.  In addition to the $5 non-refundable fee, the full amount of the camping and utility fee (if applicable) is required at the time reservations are made.

 

P)         Dumping of wastewater from recreational vehicles and camping trailers by persons who are not registered campers will cost $5 per vehicle.

 

2)         Fall-Winter Camping (rates apply October 1 through April 30, except at the WSRC during sanctioned shooting events when camping is reserved for event participants via a licensing agreement between the event sponsor and the Department)

 

A)        As long as buildings, water and electrical service are available, regardless of the date, the regular camping fee will apply.

 

B)        When cold weather requires closing down buildings and shutting off water in any Class A or B campgrounds, the fee shall be reduced commensurate with the services and facilities available for use.

 

C)        The fee for primitive campsites shall be $6 per site.  When a change in facilities is made and a campsite is reclassified, the fee for a site will change automatically.

 

b)         Exceptions:  Employees, Concessionaires, and Special Legislation

 

1)         Persons who qualify and are placed in the campground host program at approved camping sites will not be required to pay the established camping fee.

 

2)         The concessionaire, manager, or a responsible employee designated by the concessionaire will not be charged the regular camping fee.  Rent will be paid at the rate established by the Department or pursuant to the concession lease.

 

3)         An Illinois resident age 62 or older, or a person who has a Class 2 disability as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act [15 ILCS 335] or a disabled veteran, or a former prisoner of war as defined in Section 5 of the Department of Veterans Affairs Act [20 ILCS 2805], is entitled to the following camping fee provisions, upon qualifying, which will allow the spouse or minor (under 18) children, or minor grandchildren to be included in the camping party.  All other members must be registered and pay the regular camping fee for the facilities provided.

 

A)        Illinois residents age 62 or older will be charged one-half the established camping fee on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, at Class AA, A Premium, A, B-E Premium, B-E, B-S Premium, and B-S sites but must pay the entire established camping fee on all sites on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and, if at a site with utilities, must pay the entire utility fee for each day of camping.  Verification of age may be made by any document required by law to establish proof of age and date of birth and issued by a federal or state governmental agency.  No fee on Class C and D sites Monday through Thursday.

 

B)        Illinois residents who have a Class 2 disability and present a current Illinois Disabled Person Identification Card issued by the Secretary of State will be charged one-half the established camping fee for Class AA, A Premium, A, B-E Premium, B-E, B-S Premium and B-S sites  on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, but must pay the entire established camping fee for any Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and, if at a site with utilities, must pay the entire utility fee for each day of camping.  No fee on Class C and D sites.  Parents or legal guardians, aged 18 or over, of minors who have a current Class 2 Illinois Disabled Person Identification Card may register the campsite at the reduced rate specified in this subsection (b)(3)(B) for disabled persons, provided the disabled minor is present and camping at the same site as the parent or legal guardian.

 

C)        An Illinois resident who is a disabled veteran or former prisoner of war may camp without being charged a camping fee, but if at a site with utilities, must pay the entire utility fee for each day of camping.  An individual wishing to qualify for free camping under the provisions stated above must be able to submit the appropriate document issued by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (see 20 ILCS 2805/5).

 

c)         World Shooting and Recreational Complex

The Department may establish the fees for use of all or parts of the campground at the WSRC through the negotiation of contracts for events to be held at the WSRC.  The Department shall consider the numbers of camping spaces reserved and the services provided at each campsite when establishing fees by contract.  All other fees set forth in this Section shall apply to public camping at the WSRC.

 

(Source:  Amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 11067, effective August 27, 2021)

 

Section 130.80  Refunds

 

a)         A refund of camping and utility fees for unused time shall be made, within 7 days after departure, upon the request of the registered camper. No personal check refunds shall be made sooner than 10 days after the check has been deposited to insure clearance. Refunds will be made in the field out of current cash receipts. Refunds for Camper's Permit will be prepared and appropriate copies submitted to accounting. Full refunds of camping and utility fees (if applicable) for reserved camp sites shall be made, less the non-refundable reservation fee, provided the camper cancels the reservation before the reservation cut-off date set by the Department.  Cancellations made after the reservation cut-off date will be subject to loss of one night's camping and utility fee (if applicable).  No refunds will be made for no-shows unless the reservation has been cancelled.

 

b)         Refund forms must be completed whenever a camper requests a refund for the unused portion of this camping permit.

 

c)         The person requesting the refund must show identification at the time of the refund.

 

d)         The camper's copy of the permit must be surrendered at the time of the refund.

 

e)         Rent-A-Camp reservation fees will not be refunded by the Department.

 

f)         No refunds will be made for reservation fees unless the campground is closed by the Department. In cases where the Department closes the campground, the Department shall refund the unused portion of the reservation, minus the fee paid the reservation host affiliate.  If the entire reservation is to be refunded due to the Department closing the campground for the full duration of the reservation, the entire reservation fee shall be refunded minus the fee paid to the reservation host affiliate.

 

g)         The deposit required for organized group camps at Pere Marquette, Dixon Springs and Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Alexander County) will be non-refundable unless notice of cancellation is received at least 30 days prior to reservation date.

 

(Source:  Amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 11067, effective August 27, 2021)

 

Section 130.90  Check-in and Check-out Times

 

a)     Check-in times are normally from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Late check-in will be allowed provided camping space is available, when site staff is available or to help avert emergencies. Rent-A-Camp Cabins and Tents may not be available for occupancy until 3:00 p.m. due to additional time needed to clean units.

 

b)     Check-out time is 3:00 p.m., with the exception of Rent-A-Camp Cabins and Tents which is 1:00 p.m.

 

1)     A camper who has checked out and desires to remain in the area for other purposes after the check-out time must break camp and move from the campground.

 

2)     The camper shall remove all personally owned camping equipment from the campground at the time the camper leaves.

 

3)     Failure to remove camping equipment by 3:00 p.m. (or by 1:00 p.m. for Rent-A-Camp Cabins and Tents) without specific authorization by Department of Natural Resources staff shall obligate the camper to pay an additional night's fees.  The camper may elect to stay the additional night if such use does not violate time limits and if space is available.

 

(Source:  Amended at 23 Ill. Reg. 8376, effective July 7, 1999)

 

Section 130.100  Unoccupied Camps

 

a)     A camper may leave his camp unoccupied at his own risk by paying the camping fee and, if at a site with utilities, the utility fee for the entire period covered by the permit, within the limits set by Section 130.60, when notification has been given to the site superintendent.

 

b)     A camp is deemed to have been abandoned if a camper does not appear to remove his camping equipment within 24 hours of the expiration of his camping permit.  When a camp is abandoned, staff will attempt to call the owner at the phone number associated with the license plate number of the camping vehicle.  Following this effort, the camp equipment will be inventoried by park staff with an authorized peace officer and it will be removed to a place for safeguarding in the maintenance area for storage. If the owner cannot be located within 30 days, it will be sent to the Law Enforcement Division of the Department for disposal under the rules of abandoned property.   Law Enforcement Disposition of Property Act [625 ILCS 1030] and the Illinois Vehicle Title and Registration Law [625 ILCS 5/Ch. 4, Art. II].

 

(Source:  Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 13699, effective August 23, 2000)

 

Section 130.110  Vehicles per Camp (Refer to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 130.30)

 

a)         All vehicles must be registered by license number and site number (if available) with the Site Superintendent.

 

b)         Tent campsite may have:

 

1)         No more than two standard cars, or

 

2)         No more than two motorcycles, or

 

3)         No more than one standard car, van or pick-up and two motorcycles.

 

c)         Trailer campsite may have (in addition to camp shelter):

 

1)         No more than two standard vehicles such as cars, vans or pick-ups, or

 

2)         No more than one standard vehicle, such as car, van or pick-up, and two motorcycles.

 

d)         Vehicle campsite may have (in addition to the vehicle camper):  No more than one standard vehicle, such as car, van or pick-up, and two motorcycles.

 

e)         Primitive – No vehicles except bicycles, canoes or snowmobiles.

 

f)         Youth group camping – tents only.  Leaders may use vehicles or trailer camper when camping with youths, but must park where directed by the site superintendent and may not power their camp shelters from electrical outlets provided in picnic shelters.

 

g)         Organization – Not applicable.

 

h)         Boat – same as trailer (subsection (c)).

 

i)          Visitors shall not park vehicle on any campsite when the maximum limits established in subsections (b) through (h) would be exceeded.

 

j)          Where camping pads are provided, all wheeled shelter vehicles must be parked with wheels completely on the surface provided.

 

(Source:  Amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 181, effective December 19, 2007)

 

Section 130.120  Youth Group (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Explorers, church groups, or others)

 

a)         A youth group/organization camp is a group of five or more minors up to 18 years of age who are members of an organization camping with its adult leaders.

 

b)         The regular camping fee will be charged on the basis of: $2/person or a minimum of $20a day.

 

c)         These camps will be placed in an organization campground or special area set aside for such use, rather than in the regular campground.

 

d)         One responsible adult (18 years of age or older) must accompany each group of 15 or fewercampers under the age of 18.

 

(Source:  Amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 6118, effective April 15, 2004)

 

Section 130.130  Organization Group Camps (charter organizations, ROTC, private clubs or others)

 

a)         The organized group camping areas are available for camping without showers or electricity.  Other forms of camps will be placed in the appropriate sites on an individual and equal basis with other campers.  An organized group camp is a group of 10 or more adults (18 years of age or older) with or without children.

 

b)         The regular camping fee will be charged on the basis of:  $4/person or a minimum of $40 a day.

 

c)         If the organized group camping area is unavailable, the organization will be accommodated only as individual campers and will use the regular campgrounds on an equal basis with other campers.  The camping fee and utility fee applicable to the campsite classification will be charged for each campsite used by the group.

 

(Source:  Amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 6118, effective April 15, 2004)

 

Section 130.135  Campground Host Program

 

a)         Purpose of host – The host provides a service to Illinois State Park and Historic Site visitors and encourages compliance with park rules and regulations.

 

b)         Pertinent information and qualifications

 

1)         The Department will provide free camping privileges to campground hosts while they are performing duties in the campground, and will compensate the host $1 per day for the days the host works, unless the host declines compensation in writing.

 

2)         The host must provide camping equipment.  Some campgrounds do not have full hook-ups, so self-contained equipment is advisable.  CB radio is optional.

 

3)         A host shall have camping experience.

 

4)         A host shall serve for a minimum of 4 weeks.

 

5)         Illinois residents will be given first priority for host positions.

 

6)         A host shall have a valid driver's license.

 

7)         A host shall be at least 21 years of age.

 

8)         The Department may conduct background security checks on campground hosts and host candidates.

 

9)         A host shall be available in the park to assist visitors 35 hours per week, usually over a 5 day period.  Weekends and holidays are mandatory days for duty in the program.

 

10)         A host shall be on duty and work during all kinds of weather.

 

c)         Location of host campgrounds

 

1)         Designated host campground sites will vary, but will be represented throughout the statewide park and recreation system.

 

2)         A current listing of designated host campground sites will be provided with the application.

 

d)         Number of hosts per park

An individual or couple may act as hosts.  Most parks have one campsite designated and a few larger parks may have more campsites.

 

e)         Duties and responsibilities of a host

 

1)         A host shall be a visible representative of the Department with knowledge of rules and regulations.

 

2)         A host shall be informed about the park setting and activities available in the area.

 

3)         A host shall greet visitors, help them get settled, answer questions, receive comments, pass out publications, and collect campground fees.

 

4)         A host shall be observant for activities within the campground that require immediate attention by the staff or law enforcement, and contact help when emergencies occur.  (A host is not required to enforce rules or perform major maintenance repairs.)

 

5)         A host shall replenish restroom supplies when the park staff are not present.

 

6)         A host shall promote care of the park by keeping a clean campsite and performing minor maintenance tasks such as picking up litter, etc.

 

f)         How to apply

 

1)         Interested persons may obtain a campground host application from a Department office or write:

 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Campground Host Coordinator

One Natural Resources Way

Springfield IL 62702-1271.

 

2)         Interested persons may complete the application and return it to the above address.

 

g)         When to apply

 

1)         Applications are accepted year round and filled as positions open.  If a position is open, applicants will be contacted for an interview.

 

2)         Recruitment for the summer season occurs from March to June.

 

h)         Hiring campground host and/or hostess

 

1)         The Site Superintendent at the site designated for the host campground program shall review the host and/or hostess applications, interview each applicant, and hire the most suitable candidates for this position.

 

2)         All persons considered must be 21 years of age or older, possess a valid driver's license, and have camping experience and knowledge.  Other qualifications to be taken into consideration in the evaluation of applicants shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

A)        Previous experience in handling financial transactions, including the making of change, the proper safekeeping of cash, and recording all such transactions.

 

B)        Previous experience in maintenance and report work.

 

C)        The capability of positive communication with campers, and a willingness to deal with any problems which might arise among campers or between campers and site management.

 

D)        Results of security background checks, if performed.

 

(Source:  Amended at 32 Ill. Reg. 181, effective December 19, 2007)

 

Section 130.140  Use of Campground

 

a)     Campsites shall not be used for large group gatherings or parties.

 

b)     The use of a registered motor vehicle in a campground is only for the purpose of establishing a camp and for transportation in and out of the campground.

 

c)     Quiet hours shall prevail in the campground between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.  During this time no noise or light shall be emitted beyond the individual's immediate campsite that would be disturbing to others.

 

d)     Fires are allowed in stoves or designated areas only. Large bonfires are not permitted without permission of the Site Superintendent.

 

e)     Pets – The camper is responsible for all dogs, cats or other small animals under his ownership or care. No pets will be allowed in the interior of Rent-A-Camp Cabins.  All animals must be on a leash not to exceed 10 feet. All leashed animals shall be at all times under the direct control of the owner or person designated by the owner.  Animals are not to be left unattended.   Owners are responsible to make sure that their animals do not cause a nuisance to other campers as determined by Department personnel. Excrement of these pets shall be removed from the campsite by the owner.  Disposal shall be made directly into a Department garbage container with tight fitting lid, or excrement shall be placed in a water tight bag that has been closed or a water tight container with lid closed and placed in a department trash receptacle.

 

f)     Smoking – Smoking is not allowed in cabins designated as no smoking.

 

(Source:  Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 13699, effective August 23, 2000)

 

Section 130.150  Violation of Rule

 

a)         For violation of these rules and regulations, a camper is subject to eviction. The camper at the demand of the Department, shall remove all equipment and personal property.

 

b)         The Department may refuse to permit a person to re-enter the eviction site/park for a period of up to 365days from such eviction.

 

c)         No refunds will be granted in such cases.

 

d)         Any person who violates any provision of this Part shall be guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor.

 

(Source:  Amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 6118, effective April 15, 2004)