Harry L Swartz Campground

Whether you choose to play hard or just relax surrounded by nature, you can create memories at Middle Fork Campground. Fish, hike, swim, watch wildlife, listen to nature, or sit around the campfire getting reacquainted with family and friends. Each campsite is a quiet retreat shaded by large oaks, hickory and hackberry trees, and wildflowers grow in abundance.

We're excited to announce we've added 11 "Dark Sky Friendly" campsites.  These sites offer unobstructed sky views for the serious stargazer.

The Swim Beach is open from Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend.

Nightly Camping Rates

All sites are electric.

Campsite Time of Year Price
Holiday Campsite (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day)

$40.00
Friday-Saturday Campsite $30.00
Sunday-Thursday Campsite $25.00
Burr Oak Group Site (Call for reservations) Burr Oak has electricity $85.00
Primitive Campsite (non-electric) $20.00

Campground Rules

For the safety and enjoyment of all campers...

  • Camp only in designated campsites.
  • Camp only one family to a site (extra tents for kids okay).
  • An adult (18 or older) must be the registered and responsible person for the campsite. This person must be present for the duration of the campsite reservation.
  • Limit cars parked at your site to no more than two.
  • Ask your visitors to park in visitor parking areas.
  • Observe quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.
  • Wash dishes at your site, not near drinking fountains or in the shower building.
  • Build fires in grills provided.
  • Leave plant materials (including dead wood) where they are to protect habitat.
  • Keep your dog(s) on a short leash (less than 6 foot) at all times...and never on the beach or beach picnic areas.
  • Hang lanterns on lantern posts provided in your campsite.
  • Keep volume of radios or sounds systems very low so sound stays in your campsite.

Make a Reservation

Reserve a site

QUESTIONS?

Campground Hosts (May-Oct):

Hours may vary.

Thursday - Sunday

8 AM - 8 PM

Monday, 8 AM - 12 PM
(217) 595-5692

[email protected] 

 

Site Superintendent (April ONLY):

Monday - Friday:

8 AM - 3 PM

(217) 595-5432

Policies

Campground opens:  April 1 (no amenities)

Hosts on duty:          May 1 - October 31 (amenities available)

Last day to camp:  October 31

Check in: 3:00 PM

Check out: 2:30 PM

Two-night minimum on weekends

Three-night minimum on holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day)

Online reservations must be made at least three days in advance

Maximum stay 14 days

Water available      May 1 to October 31

Reservations are confirmed when payment is received.

Reservations and payments should be made at least one week in advance.

Ask about extended stay options

Directions

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is in the northeastern corner of Champaign County. It is 12 miles east of Rantoul on U.S. Route 136 and five miles north of Penfield and Route 136 on County Road 2700E.

Campground Events

2026 Dark Sky Events

International Dark Sky Celebration

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
Dark Sky Trail, 2665 County Road 3500N, Rankin, IL 60960

Saturday, Apr. 18
7 - 10:30 PM 

A determination about whether to proceed with the event as planned or cancel due to cloud cover will be made at 3PM today. Please check back here at 3PM for updated information.

Join us for an evening of stargazing at the new Dark Sky Trail and Observatory. Arrive and park at the Activity Center between 7 and 7:30 PM, then follow the signs to independently walk a scenic half mile on a gravel path to the Observatory. An outdoor presentation about the dynamic field of astronomical research and discovery begins at the Observatory at 8 PM. Then, take a walk under the stars to find celestial objects through telescopes set up by members of the Champaign Urbana Astronomical Society along the Dark Sky Trail. No rain/cloud date.

FREE. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or Morgan at [email protected]. 

2026 Summer Camps

Coming Soon

Information on the 2026 summer camps will be posted in February.  Registration starts on Monday, March 2.

Pop Up Programs

Throughout the summer our educators may add a pop up program for visitors. Check back  periodically to see what's happening or add your name to the email list to recieve info. on pop-up programs!

International Dark Sky Park

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve hosts the darkest sky in Champaign County and now has made protecting its dark sky a priority so that people can enjoy the thousands and thousands of stars in the sky. On November 19, 2018, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve became the first International Dark Sky Park in Illinois. The goal of a Dark Sky Park is to preserve the skies and educate the public about light pollution and how they can make a difference.

International Dark Sky Park

Our Namesake

The campground was named in honor of one of the past presidents of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. Harry L. Swartz was instrumental in focusing the District's efforts toward the preservation of natural resources around the Middle Fork River in Champaign County.

All lands, waters, plants and animals at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve are protected by law under the stewardship of the Forest Preserve District. We welcome you to enjoy your stay with us and ask for your help in preserving and protecting these valuable resources for generations to come.

Our Namesake