Harry L Swartz Campground

Are you an Illinois resident dreaming of a refreshing escape into nature, where the night sky sparkles with countless stars and the sounds of wildlife replace urban clamor? Harry L. Swartz Campground, nestled within the beautiful Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Penfield, IL, offers just such an opportunity. This beloved local spot provides a chance to reconnect with the outdoors, whether you're bringing your RV for a comfortable stay, pitching a tent under the vast sky, or simply looking for a day of outdoor adventure.

As Illinois' only International Dark Sky Park, Harry L. Swartz Campground offers a truly unique experience for stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike. But it's more than just a place to view the cosmos; it's a well-maintained campground with a variety of amenities and activities designed to make your visit enjoyable. While like any popular outdoor destination, it can have its bustling moments, the core appeal lies in its commitment to providing a clean, accessible, and naturally rich environment for all who visit. This article will guide you through the offerings of Harry L. Swartz Campground, highlighting why it remains a top choice for Illinois locals seeking outdoor recreation.

Location and Accessibility

Harry L. Swartz Campground is ideally situated at 2655 Campground Dr, 3485 County Rd 2700 E, Penfield, IL 61862, USA. This location places it squarely within the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, a significant natural area in East-Central Illinois. For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the central and eastern parts of the state, accessing the campground is generally straightforward via a network of well-maintained state and county roads.

Penfield is a small community, lending to the peaceful and secluded feel of the campground, yet it's close enough to larger towns for convenient access to supplies. The campground's address within the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve means that once you arrive, you are already immersed in a vast natural landscape, ready for exploration. Navigating to the campground is typically easy with GPS or mapping applications. Its location within a designated forest preserve means it benefits from protected natural surroundings, enhancing the outdoor experience for all visitors.

Services Offered

Harry L. Swartz Campground provides a solid range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience for various types of campers:

• Spacious Campsites: The campground offers generously sized campsites, providing ample room for privacy and setting up your camp comfortably.
• Electric Hookups: Many campsites are equipped with electric hookups (110, 30, and 50 amp power), catering to RVs and facilitating a more comfortable stay.
• Water Filling Station: A dedicated water filling station is available for campers to fill their fresh water tanks, essential for RVs and for general camping needs.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is on-site, allowing RV campers to easily dispose of wastewater before leaving.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: The campground features a shower house with flushing toilets and showers, with reviews often highlighting their cleanliness and the availability of hot water. Pit toilets are also available in various areas.
• Firewood and Ice Sales: For added convenience, firewood and ice are available for purchase directly on-site from the campground host.
• Online Booking: The campground offers an online booking system, making it easy to reserve your campsite in advance, especially recommended for busy periods.
• Dog-Friendly Facilities: The campground is noted for being dog-friendly, offering "plenty of dog friendly space to walk them," though dogs are typically required to be leashed and may have restrictions in specific areas like the beach or picnic areas.
• Campground Hosts: On-site hosts are typically available to assist campers, provide information, and help maintain the campground.

Features / Highlights

Harry L. Swartz Campground stands out with several notable features and highlights that enhance the overall camping and outdoor experience for visitors:

• Illinois' Only International Dark Sky Park: This is a major draw. The campground's location within the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, designated as Illinois' only International Dark Sky Park, offers unparalleled opportunities for stargazing and astronomical observation. Special events, such as meteor shower viewing parties and expert talks, are sometimes held here.
• Diverse Camping Options: With 65 campsites, including 53 with electricity, and options for both RVs and primitive tent camping, the campground caters to a wide range of preferences and camping styles. There are also group areas available.
• Natural Beauty and Landscaping: The campsites are surrounded by mature oak, hickory, and hackberry trees, providing ample shade and a feeling of being immersed in nature. The area is regularly mowed and kept tidy, creating a pleasant environment. Wildflowers also grow in abundance, adding to the scenic beauty.
• Recreational Opportunities:
  • Fishing: There are several fishing ponds within the preserve, offering "lots of action" for anglers, including two small kids as noted in a review.
  • Hiking Trails: A network of trails, including Oak Burl Trail, Prairieview Trail, and the Dark Sky Trail, allows for exploration of various habitats, including forests, prairies, and river bottomlands. Some trails lead to observation points for wildlife like bald eagles.
  • Swimming Beach: A small swimming area with a beach is available during summer months (Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend), providing a refreshing way to cool off.
  • Playground: A well-maintained playground area is available for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Many sites are described as spacious, with some offering good privacy due to natural vegetation between them, allowing campers to enjoy their space.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Harry L. Swartz Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 2655 Campground Dr, 3485 County Rd 2700 E, Penfield, IL 61862, USA

Phone: (217) 595-5692

Mobile Phone: +1 217-595-5692

It's always a good idea to contact the campground directly, especially if you have specific questions about site availability, current conditions, or events happening during your planned visit. The campground also offers online booking, which is often the most convenient way to secure your spot, particularly during peak season or holiday weekends when a three-night minimum stay might be required.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Illinois locals, Harry L. Swartz Campground in Penfield offers an exceptional blend of accessibility, natural splendor, and recreational opportunities, making it a highly suitable destination for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. Its location within the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve means that a significant natural escape is just a manageable drive away for many, providing a convenient option for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without the need for extensive travel.

The campground’s primary draw for locals is its status as Illinois' only International Dark Sky Park. This unique feature offers an unparalleled opportunity for stargazing right here in the state, transforming an ordinary camping trip into an extraordinary celestial experience. Beyond the night sky, the commitment to maintaining clean and spacious campsites, complete with electric hookups and essential facilities like clean showers and dump stations, significantly enhances the comfort and convenience for RV and tent campers alike. The availability of firewood and ice on-site further simplifies the camping logistics.

Furthermore, the variety of on-site activities – from excellent fishing in the ponds to extensive hiking trails, a refreshing swimming beach, and a children's playground – ensures that there's something for every member of the family. The dog-friendly policy is a huge bonus for pet owners in Illinois who wish to include their furry companions in their outdoor adventures. While some past reviews mention isolated instances of disruptive behavior from other campers or visitors to the free swimming lake, these appear to be outliers and do not reflect on the campground's inherent quality or the efforts of its management and hosts to maintain a well-kept environment. The positive feedback consistently highlights the campground's cleanliness, the spaciousness of sites, and the kindness of the hosts.

In essence, Harry L. Swartz Campground is more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to experiencing the best of Illinois’ natural beauty, from its peaceful wooded landscapes to its breathtaking night skies. For locals seeking a reliable, amenity-rich, and naturally immersive camping experience, this Penfield gem stands out as a prime choice.

Harry L Swartz Campground

2655 Campground Dr, 3485 County Rd 2700 E, Penfield, IL 61862, USA