Natural Resources Department

The **Natural Resources Department** office and related campground facilities near Elwood, Illinois, represent a vital part of the outdoor recreation landscape for local users in the Will County area. While the address, 24621 N River Rd, is tied to the administrative or operational hub for this area's natural spaces, it acts as a primary point of contact for local residents looking to connect with the region’s rich conservation and camping opportunities. This area is situated strategically near major natural attractions, providing Illinois residents with convenient access to genuine nature experiences.

As a campground resource, the entity managing this location is focused on conservation and providing well-maintained, primitive camping experiences within the Forest Preserve District of Will County. It's important for local users to understand that this facility may serve as a gateway to several nearby preserves offering dedicated campsites, such as those within McKinley Woods—Frederick's Grove, or Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. The overall goal of the department is to encourage residents of Illinois to reconnect with nature by providing safe, regulated, and accessible outdoor spaces.

The type of camping offered in these protected Will County areas is often focused on **primitive tent camping**, prioritizing a truly natural experience. Motorhomes, pop-ups, and large RVs are typically prohibited, ensuring that the integrity of the natural setting is maintained. For local Illinois residents, utilizing this natural resource is an excellent way to escape the urban and suburban bustle and enjoy the serene beauty of the region’s forests and prairies, all managed by dedicated natural resource professionals.

The central point of contact for the Natural Resources Department in this area is located just outside the Village of Elwood, IL. This location provides convenient access for many residents of Northeastern Illinois, especially those from the Joliet and greater Will County area.

**Physical Address:**
24621 N River Rd, Elwood, IL 60421, USA

Its placement along the river road often suggests proximity to important waterways, such as the Des Plaines River or the Kankakee River area, connecting local campers directly with riparian ecosystems and associated recreational trails.

A critical feature of the facilities managed by the Natural Resources Department in this region is the strong focus on **universal accessibility**. This commitment ensures that the outdoors are open to all Illinois residents:

• The main office or key access points offer a **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, providing a smooth path for all visitors upon arrival.
• Designated **Wheelchair accessible parking lots** are available, ensuring easy and convenient parking close to essential facilities.
• Many of the associated campgrounds within the Will County Forest Preserve system offer specific ADA-accessible campsites. These sites often feature concrete pads and include accessible amenities like nearby latrines and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable experience for campers with mobility concerns.

While the Natural Resources Department itself provides the oversight and management, the associated campgrounds in the Elwood area offer a valuable suite of services centered around primitive, regulated nature enjoyment. These services are specifically designed to protect the natural environment while maximizing the user's experience.

The services and facilities available across the local camping preserves typically include:

• **Primitive Campsite Rentals:** Offering tent-only campsites that can often accommodate multiple tents, with a strong focus on minimal ecological impact.
• **Permitting and Reservation System:** The department strictly manages access through a required permit system for all campsite usage, ensuring a well-organized and non-overcrowded experience. Reservations are often made on a first-come, first-served basis.
• **Essential Amenities:** Campsites have access to essential features like nearby **fire pits or fire rings** with grates for cooking, and **accessible latrines**.
• **Potable Water Access:** Campers are provided with access to **water fountains or hand pumps** for drinking water, though water is often shut off during the winter months.
• **Trail System Access:** Campers have direct access to local and regional trail networks, such as the crushed limestone Wauponsee Glacial Trail or the I&M Canal State Trail, perfect for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
• **Fishing and Water Activities:** Many preserve areas are located near lakes or rivers like the Des Plaines, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, though regulations on motors and swimming should always be checked.
• **Educational Programs:** The larger Forest Preserve District often provides nature centers and occasional programming related to local ecology, conservation, and history, enriching the camping experience for families.

The primary appeal of the Natural Resources Department’s managed campgrounds near Elwood, IL, is the blend of accessible convenience and genuine wilderness immersion. This makes it an outstanding choice for local Illinois residents seeking an authentic outdoor retreat close to home.

• **Gateway to Midewin:** The location provides excellent access to the vast open lands of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, offering unparalleled hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities across thousands of acres.
• **Dedicated Primitive Camping:** For those who prefer traditional, tent-only camping away from large RVs, the focus on primitive campsites (prohibiting motorhomes) offers a more quiet, nature-focused experience.
• **Unwavering Accessibility:** The provision of **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and **parking lot** at the administrative base, along with ADA-accessible campsites in associated preserves, highlights a strong commitment to making the local outdoors available to everyone in the Illinois community.
• **Conservation-Focused Environment:** Visitors are camping in areas directly managed by professionals dedicated to protecting natural resources. This ensures a clean, well-regulated environment where visitors are encouraged to practice responsible outdoor ethics.
• **Affordable Local Getaway:** As a public resource, camping fees are typically highly affordable, especially for Will County residents, making a refreshing natural escape financially accessible to local families.
• **Scenic River Road Proximity:** Being located on N River Rd often means the sites benefit from beautiful natural scenery near local waterways, perfect for photography, bird watching, and peaceful reflection.

For local Illinois residents seeking to inquire about permits, specific campground locations managed under this department, or general questions regarding the natural areas around Elwood, use the following details.

**Department/Facility:**
Natural Resources Department (Admin/Operational Office or Access Point)

**Address:**
24621 N River Rd, Elwood, IL 60421, USA

**Primary Phone:**
(815) 423-5226 (Also provided as +1 815-423-5226)

Note: For campsite reservations and detailed preserve information, it is often best to consult the official Will County Forest Preserve District website or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reservation portal, as this address may pertain to a specific district office.

Choosing a campground managed by the Natural Resources Department near Elwood, IL, is a decision to prioritize authentic outdoor immersion, accessibility, and local convenience. It is worth choosing for Illinois residents who value the tranquility of **primitive tent camping** and want to be close to the rich ecological resources of Will County, such as the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

For families and groups, the commitment to **accessibility**—evidenced by the **Wheelchair accessible entrance** and **parking lot**, and available ADA campsites—ensures that everyone can participate in the joy of an Illinois camping adventure. This is not a commercial RV park; it is a resource managed by the state's conservation experts, guaranteeing a highly regulated, clean, and environmentally respected experience. If you are a local user seeking an affordable, close-to-home getaway where you can truly pitch a tent, build a campfire in a designated ring, and hike miles of pristine trails away from the city noise, this Natural Resources-managed location provides the ideal, protected environment for your next memorable Illinois nature trip.

Natural Resources Department

24621 N River Rd, Elwood, IL 60421, USA