Hastings Lake Shelter A



PERMIT FEES

Per day, per shelter, weekends and holidays (Holidays as Observed: Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day).
Number of People Resident Nonresident
1-100 $140.00 $230.00
For each additional group of 10 people, add $20.00.
Per day, per shelter, weekdays and non-holidays (Holidays as Observed: Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day).
Number of People Resident Nonresident
1-100 $130.00 $210.00
For each additional group of 10 people, add $20.00.

This unique shelter is located in scenic Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa and can be reserved year-round. Tent walls are installed late October to fully enclose the shelter allowing for cozy celebrations even during Lake County's colder months and removed in late April.

At Shelter A, your guests will enjoy a stone fireplace, heated restrooms, a large outdoor patio area and convenient parking. A large playground, paved and gravel trails, and an 80-acre lake with scenic overlooks, lake access for cartop boats and fishing piers are all nearby.

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Summer–Fall | Open Shelter Rentals

During Lake County's warmer months, groups can make full use of the shelter's large indoor-outdoor setting. Heaters and the stone fireplace within the shelter offer added warmth for cooler early spring and late fall events. Bring your own firewood.

Winter–Spring | Enclosed Shelter Rentals

During colder months, tent walls are installed to fully enclose Shelter A. The large outdoor space is also still available. Heaters and the stone fireplace within the shelter offer added warmth for winter events. Bring your own firewood.  

Smaller Shelters Available

The preserve also has two family-size shelters for groups of up to 25. These smaller shelters are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis but cannot be reserved. Permits are not required for groups under 25. If your group exceeds 25 people, an open area permit fee will be charged.

Access the shelter from the preserve's main entrance on Gelden Road southwest of Grass Lake Road.

Find Sunset Time

Preserves are open 6:30 am–sunset, daily. Find a sunset time for your desired date »

Rules and Regulations

For your safety and enjoyment, please...

  • Leave nature as you find it for others to enjoy.
  • Leash and pick up litter from pets.
  • Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of playgrounds.
  • Clean the shelter area before leaving your event.
  • Decorations and directional signs are permitted, but may not be attached to Forest Preserves signs. Use only twine or thumbtacks to attach decorations to the shelter. Do not use any forms of tape, staple guns, nails, screws or fishing line to attach decorations. All decorations, signs, twine and thumbtacks must be removed when event is finished.
  • Alcoholic beverages are permitted; must be 21 years or older. No alcohol consumption within 100 feet of parking lots. Host liquor liability insurance is available but not mandatory.
  • Park only in lots. Loitering in lots is prohibited. Vehicles left after closing will be towed at owner's expense.
  • Service roads may be used for unloading and loading only. Do not leave vehicles parked on service road. If you need use of the service road, place a request for the gate to be dropped at the time you reserve the shelter.