Activities at your forest preserves

Picnic Shelter Rental

Our picnic shelters and open areas are popular locations for baptisms, family reunions, wedding receptions, company picnics and other special events. 

Picnic Shelter Permits

For exclusive use of a picnic shelter, regardless of group size, a permit is required. All shelters provide a parking area, picnic tables, water, drinking fountains, toilets, and at least one grill. Most offer electricity. Many have playgrounds, playfields and trails nearby. 

Permit fees for picnic shelters are based on group size and event date, and begin at $50 for Lake County residents and $100 for nonresidents. Accommodations for groups of 700 or more are arranged on an individual basis.

Note: There is a $5 fee to change the date, location or number of people (subject to availability) after your reservation has been finalized. Permits are not refundable.

Open Area Permits

Open areas are available at most preserves on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 50 people. Open areas are not reservable, however, a permit is required for groups of 25 to 50 people. Permits are not required for groups under 25. Tents sized 10 feet by 10 feet or smaller are allowed. For most preserves, open area permits can be obtained from a Ranger if present on site, or by calling 847-549-5200 and asking to speak to a Ranger. For open areas at Independence Grove, permits can be purchased at the Visitors Center. 

Reserve a Shelter

Check shelter availability and purchase permits online below, by phone at 847-367-6640, or in person from 8 am to 4:30 pm at our General Offices at 1899 West Winchester Road in Libertyville. 

Shelter reservations for the following year start on Monday, October 15 at our General Offices. Online reservations start at noon on the same day.

Special Activities & Licensed Vendors

Any vendors hired by the permit holder to provide special activities allowed at a shelter, including catering, must be licensed with us for the current year. View our list of licensed vendors. Learn how to become a licensed vendor.

Other Information

• All preserves are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Main preserve gates open at 6:30 am and close at sunset. Find sunset time for date desired.
• Picnic tables are 6 feet by 3 feet and seat six adults. 
• Wheelchair accessible picnic tables are 8 feet by 3 feet with a 6-foot bench.
• At some sites, water is not available from mid-October to May 1.

Picnic Shelter Permit Fees

Picnic Shelter Locations

Picnicking is permitted at most Forest Preserves. Use the form to the left to search for a picnic shelter, or call 847-367-6640 for details about permits, fees, special uses and locations.