Reservations are required at Paul Wolff Campground, and the online booking system does not always reflect that accurately, so plan ahead. Rates run $12 to $35 per night depending on site type and county residency, with Kane County residents paying noticeably less. The campground sits within the Burnidge/Paul Wolff Forest Preserve and operates from May 1 through October 31. All drive-in sites have paved pads with water and electric hookups, and the campground accommodates rigs up to 50 feet. Advance planning matters here. Water spigots are positioned at some distance from individual sites, so campers should bring enough hose or containers to bridge the gap.
The layout splits into two distinct areas. Roughly 10 walk-in tent sites sit 10 to 20 yards from the parking area, divided between wooded spots and open prairie. The RV loops occupy a more exposed section, with trees lining the perimeter but limited canopy over the interior sites. Sites P1, P3, P5, P7, and P9 get the most shade. As Marisa A. notes, "because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise," which meaningfully reduces overnight sound levels compared to campgrounds without hookups. Trains pass through a few times, though reviewers consistently report this happens during daytime hours.
The trail system is a consistent highlight across reviews. Surfaces vary across routes, including paved sections, sifted gravel, grass, and single-track, with enough loops that some campers finish a full stay without covering all of them. Wildlife sightings include deer, sandhill cranes, goldfinches, hawks, and ground squirrels. Dogs are welcome on leash. Note that collecting fallen wood from trails is not permitted since the preserve sells firewood on-site at $7 per bundle.
Cleanliness comes up repeatedly across reviews. Vault toilets and flush toilets are both maintained regularly by staff and multiple campground hosts. There are no showers. The campground draws a mix of long-term RV guests, families, and tent campers, and weekends tend to fill quickly. Sites in the RV loops are close together, and privacy is limited in those areas. Campers who want more separation between neighbors will find the tent-only section a better fit.
For those exploring places to camp around Elgin more broadly, options in the region vary considerably in hookup availability and site spacing.
Description
Within Burnidge Forest Preserve is Paul Wolff Campground. Paul Wolff Campground contains 89 improved, vehicle camp sites with 50-amp electrical service, water access, parking pad and fire ring. Improved camp sites are available to vehicle campers or tent campers. Each improved site is capable of handling a 50-foot motorhome. There are also 5 equestrian camp sites, where you may camp with your horse(s); and 10 primitive, wooded sites for tent camping only, away from the main camping area. Primitive sites do not have electric service and are available, weather permitting. All camp sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not taken.
Fee Info
Improved camp site (with electric and water): Kane County residents: $20/day, Nonresidents: $35/day
Primitive camp site: Kane County residents: $12/day, Nonresidents: $18/day
Equestrian camp site (with electric and water): Kane County residents: $15/day, Nonresidents: $25/day
Dump station (not registered): Kane County residents: $15, Nonresidents: $15
Firewood: Bundle: $5
Reservation Info
Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted. Payment is accepted via cash or check, only. Credit cards are not accepted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPaul Wolff Campground is located in Illinois near Elgin
Directions
38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin, IL
Address
38W235 Big Timber Rd
Elgin, IL 60124
Coordinates
42.07024381037864 N
88.35989621541057 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/21/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 8/17/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/17/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/21/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 8/17/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/17/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 32 min from Rockford, IL
- 45 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 3 min from Kenosha, WI
- 1 hr 15 min from Racine, WI























