Camping Resources

Camping as a ward is encouraged. Aaronic Priesthood leaders should refer to the Aaronic Priesthood Quorom Camp Guide. On this page, you will find suggestions on planning, where to camp and explore locally.

Planning guides

A camp planning sheet is available to help guide the young men plan for a campout, including who is going, what is needed and what the menu will be.

Excel File (download or save a copy to edit to fit your needs)

PDF Version

Day trips

Chief Shabonna Forest Preserve

Located in Shabonna, IL

Good for hiking, winter sports, and more

For more information see https://dekalbcounty.org/departments/forest-preserve/chief-shabbona/

Weekend Camping Locations

Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls

Located within the boundaries of the Elgin units. 40W095 Freeman Rd. Gilberts, IL. This is owned and operated by the Kane County Forest Preserve.

Stake Young Women’s used this facility in 2021 for the Young Women’s Camp activities. Elgin 3rd ward would regularly camp here as well.

The best sites are 1, 2, 12 or 13.

For more information https://kaneforest.com/location/camp-tomo-chi-chi-knolls

Paul Wolff Campground

Paul Wolff Campground is located within Burnidge Forest Preserve, one mile west of Randall Road on Big Timber Road, at 38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin, IL. Paul Wolff Campground is open seasonally, May 1 – October 15, each year.

Primitive camping for tents is available, on a first come first serve. Elgin 3 camped here occasionally.

For more information see https://kaneforest.com/location/paul-wolff

Rock Cut State Park, Illinois

Located off of I-90 near Rockford. Approximately 1 hour west of Elgin

Primitive sites are available year-round. Reservations are required between May 1 and the end of October. First come first serve between November and April. The is no running water during these colder months.

Hiking trails and the lake are key features.

For more information see https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.rockcut.html

MacQueen Forest Preserve

Located in Kirkland, IL

For more information see https://dekalbcounty.org/departments/forest-preserve/macqueen/

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Great for day trips and overnight camps. Many hiking trails to explore. A favorite of many youth.

Approximately 1 1/2 hours south off of I-80

For more information see https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html

Cantigny Park, Wheaton

Cantigny Park has two campsites available for rental youth groups for overnight camping. Make sure to plan far in advance as these are hard to get and require a reservation many months before you go.

For more information see https://cantigny.org/things-to-do/scout-activities/scout-activities/

Matthiessen State Park

Utica, IL

For more information see https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.matthiessen.html

Devils Lake Stake Park, Wisconsin

Located in Wisconsin. Approximately 3 hours north

Could be used as a weekend adventure or an extended week-long adventure. Camping, hiking, climbing, and a lake are available. The stake young men have used this location for weekend camps and the week-long Deacon’s camp.

For more information see https://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Wisconsin

Campbellsport, Wisconsin, Located north of Milwaukee, approximately 2 hours from Schaumburg

For more information see https://stateparks.com/kettle_moraine_state_forest_in_wisconsin.html

Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa

#caving

Camp overnight and explore the caves. Open mid-spring to mid-fall. Group campsites are available.

Approximately 3 hours west of Elgin.

For more information see https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Maquoketa-Caves-State-Park

High Adventure Ideas

Boundary Waters Canoe Area

#canoeing

A favorite destination for the stake. Many youth at the stake and ward level have experienced this adventure over the years. Explore the true wilderness in a canoe.

Suggested outfitter: https://www.williamsandhall.com/. One of the owners was a former member of the stake.

Wildman Adventure Resort, Wisconsin

Offers a variety of activities to fill a week-long adventure. If you are looking for something fun but not completely in the wilderness, this is a great adventure.

Menominee River Whitewater Rafting

For more information see https://wildmanranch.com/

400 State Trail, Wisconsin

#biking

Plan a bike hike along the 400 State Trail in Wisconsin. Start your ride in Reedsburg, WI. Here’s the itinerary for one of the wards from 2016.

For more information see http://www.400statetrail.org/

Mammoth Caves, Kentucky