Camping and swimming are important recreational pursuits for many people. Ensuring that the state's recreational areas, youth camps, swimming pools and bathing beaches follow health and safety standards is one of the Division's responsibilities.

State law requires the Division to annually inspect and license the approximately 650 Illinois campgrounds that accommodate 10 or more people for more than six days each year. (Campgrounds within home rule units are exempt.) Staff inspect the water supply and sewage disposal systems, the electrical systems, general sanitation, food service and recreational facilities. The Division also reviews construction plans for all new campgrounds and for major expansions or alterations of existing ones.

In addition, the Division inspects water slides that are not regulated as part of a swimming pool or bathing beach. Other types of recreational areas that do not provide overnight camping such as highway rest stops and picnicking areas are subject to the rules, but are not licensed or routinely inspected.

Illinois has more than 160 youth camps for children younger than the age of 18. Those that accommodate five or more children for at least five days each year are inspected and licensed annually to assure they are safe and sanitary. Division staff inspect the water supply, sewage disposal system, electrical system, general sanitation, food service and water recreational facilities. The Division also reviews camp construction plans and issues permits for new camps.

Swimming pools have become standard features in hotels, motels, apartment complexes and subdivisions. However, swimming can be hazardous due to the numerous diseases that may be transmitted by contaminated water and the dangers associated with diving accidents and falls on wet surfaces. In order to minimize these risks, the Division requires the state's 3,500 swimming pools and bathing beaches to meet water quality and safety standards, including engineering design standards that apply to pools, bathing beaches, water supplies, bather preparation areas, and water treatment systems. The Division enforces these rules and regulations through plan approvals and inspections. An extensive sampling program of the 350 licensed bathing beaches helps assure that they comply with bacteriological standards. The Division also administers a voluntary certification program for swimming pool operators.

Campgrounds and Recreational Areas

Campground Licensing and Recreation Area Act (210 ILCS 95)
Recreational Area Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 800)
Campground Construction - PDF
R.V. Electrical Safety for Campers - PDF

Forms
Application for Original Campground License - PDF
Application for Campground Construction Permit - PDF
Special Flood Hazard Area Location Request Form - PDF
Injury and Illness Report - PDF

Youth Camps

Youth Camp Act (210 ILCS 100)
Youth Camp Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 810)

Forms
Application for Original Youth Camp License - PDF
Application for Youth Camp Construction Permit - PDF
Injury and Illness Report - PDF