blackwell forest preseve

Good close place to me just about 10 minutes from were I am this is a nice park it has boating and fishing in the summer and ice fishing and tubing in winter but it has almost 6 miles of trails and horseback riding there

We took a group of Girl Scout to the scout campgrounds. They were clean, private and well maintained. The firepit was ringed by benches, and there were plenty of picnic tables for our group. The porta-potties and water pump were close to our site, as well as free firewood for group use. Overall, this camping location was ideal for our group.

I live a few blocks from the entrance to Blackwell; this was my first time spending the night there. Certainly, getting near a larger state park or national park our-of-state - there will be a bit more to do. But, for a forest preserve in the suburbs of Chicago - it is great for a night. There is a bath-house with flush toilets and showers available. The campground has very limited availability - it is only open on Fridays and Saturdays for a few months of the year. So, make sure to call ahead to reserve a spot. Also when you reserve, you are able to request a specific site - you probably want to walk the area and jot down a few site numbers to get something that meets your needs. Some sites have woodchips for a tent - others do not. The night we were there - we saw tents, campers, and RV's. - no alcohol- purchase firewood there only ($5 for a bundle)- campground only open on weekends for a few months of the year; make sure to call ahead to reserve a spot- the forest preserve closes its gate 1 hour after sunset. After this time, you can find the ranger to let you out of the gate for an emergency - but you cannot get back in until morning.- no food for purchase; bring your own or plan to leave the forest preserve to eat.Bring your bikes - the trail through Blackwell is very nice. It also connects up to other regional trails.Also - during the daytime hours, canoes and kayaks area available to rent on the lake. No swimming.

The camp ground is clean, well-kept and organized. The rangers are friendly and helpful. Get a reservation if you know you are planning to camp ahead of time. If you can’t, you will need to wait in line at noon to book your site. That process takes an excruciating long time. The lakes, trails, boat rental, fishing and archery range are also well kept, clean and a joyous way to spend the day in the outdoors. Highly recommended!

Just went there for 1 night camping with friends. Nice thing about this camp ground is each camp site is secluded, trees and vegetation separated each campsites which provides a bit privacy. Garbage dump is closed enough but well covered and we didn't get the smell at all while our site is right across the dump. Bathroom (with shower) is bright and clean. This place has plenty of activities for kids at all age, Cantigny Park is right across the street. Overall, this place is like a treasure in our back yard.

We love kayaking and canoeing here because its so pretty and calming. There aren't that many people when we go, which is usually earlier in the day. The staff is kind as well!

My partner and I love going to this forest preserve to walk. We especially like the area off of Mack Road which goes around a lake. It is very quiet and such an enjoyable walk. We did go after a rain and when getting off the main loop, it was buggy but if you stay on the main path, it is great.

Great fishing and lake views. Great for hiking and feeling in the country. Boat rental. Picnic grounds. Camping.

I love the big hill. You can see for miles on top of it. The o my problem is get there. It really kicks your butt climbing it. And in winter it's an amazing sledding hill

I have been here many many times for various reasons. I have taken my daughter for a walk around the lake. Beautiful scenery. We have cooked out while my husband fished. Again just relaxing and beautiful. We have also camped and this is very close to where we live so it is extremely convenient. The only gripe is some of the spots have no shade which is extremely uncomfortable and a little lime in outhouses go very far. That stench was unbearable but the next time we camped the smell was cleared up. All in all this is a great family place.

We just recently discovered DuPage county's wonderful forest preserve system and all the great attractions that are mainly free to the public. Because we don't live in the immediate area most of its attractions were unknown to us but with luck we stumbled on one and that one site led to another, thanks to some very friendly volunteers at St James Farm. They suggested we visit Blackwell Forest Preserve since we were so close to it.Located off of Mack Road in Warrenville, the park is open one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset. Its a park of lowlands with marshes and prairies, and savannas on higher ground.In 1977 Blackwell made history when a 13,000 year old woolly mammoth skeleton was found in their marsh there. This Preserve offers many ways to enjoy nature and the great out of doors by hiking, biking, riding your horse, or cross country skiing on many of their clearly marked trails. A off-leash dog area and compass course are also available.There is also picnicking, fishing, boating, camping, archery and snow tubing throughout the year.Silver Lake is also part of this section of Preserve and parking can be accessed there from Butterfield Road. Boat rentals, Kayaks, rowboats or boats with electric trolling motors are for use by the hour or by the day. There is a youth group and family campground, but permits are necessary.You can also easily link to the Illinois Prairie Path at the southern border.So don't miss a wonderful (and free) opportunity to have some fun in the sun...and locally too. Pretty much in your own backyard paid with the help of your tax dollars, spent very wisely I might add.