This is a list of the known regions in Illinois that have published geocaching policies. Note that some areas may have policies but have not yet put them onto a formal web page, or may have done so, but the reviewers have not been made aware of them. As the cache owner you are responsible for determining who to contact to obtain permission. If you discover a place with a policy that is not mentioned here, please contact your local reviewer for inclusion.

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COVID-19 UPDATES, 6.23.2020

REGULAR event publications will start to publish on JULY 18th.  ALL regular events will be held OUTSIDE and must contain language as per the state guidelines for social distancing and mask wearing.  This is subject to the phased regional opening mandates as directed by the state of Illinois.  ALL COMMUNITY EVENTS ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED AT LEAST UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER DUE TO THE 50-PERSON LIMIT ON GATHERINGS.  As COMMUNITY EVENTS draw larger crowds, they most likely will violate state guidelines.     All items are subject to change based upon changing state mandates or executive orders.

Cemeteries

Geocaches may be placed in cemeteries but must be placed around the perimeter respectfully away from any graves, in a maintenance area or an undeveloped area.  They may not be placed within the interior of the cemetery or among the graves.

Playgrounds in parks

Geocaches may be placed in cemeteries but must be placed around the perimeter respectfully away from any graves, in a maintenance area or an undeveloped area.  They may not be placed within the interior of the cemetery or among the graves.Caches should be at least 150-feet from any playground equipment located in a public park. 

School Grounds, Daycares and Proximity

We will not publish caches that are on school grounds/day cares or near a school within 150-feet.  Again, near school grounds/daycares and with GPS accuracy only being so good on the best days, most likely a cacher would end up on school grounds regardless.  In many counties it is against the law to even be on school grounds unless you have been checked in through the office and have a visitors pass. 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

A permit is required to hide caches on IDNR-managed properties. Geocaching is not allowed in state natural areas.

Contact Info: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/recreation/Pages/Geocaching.aspx

US Fish and Wildlife Refuge

Geocaching is not allowed on any US Fish and Wildlife refuge.

Refuges in Illinois: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/Illinois.html

Algonquin (Village of)

A permit is required to hide caches.

Contact info: http://www.algonquin.org/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item;id=1302

Boone County Conservation District

Geocaching is allowed on BCCD properties, except for Flora Nature Preserve and Kinnikinnick Conservation Area.

More Info: http://www.bccdil.org/geocache-policy/

DuPage County Forest Preserves

A permit is required to hide geocaches on DPFPD land.

Contact Info: http://www.dupageforest.com/Recreation/Activities_and_Facilities/Navigation_and_Wayfinding.aspx

Kane County Forest Preserves

Geocaching is allowed only in certain designated properties and a permit is required to place caches in them.

Contact Info: http://www.kaneforest.com/recreation/geocaching.aspx

McHenry County Forest Preserves

A permit is required to hide geocaches on MCFPD land.

Contact Info: http://www.mccdistrict.org/rccms/index.php/geocaching/

Oakwood Hills (Village of)

A permit is required to hide caches in Oakwood Hills Parks. Note that geocaching is not allowed in the Oakwood Hills Fen.

More info: http://www.oakwoodhills.org/index.asp?SEC=A845C1B1-F133-4580-9903-4E83683357CC

Rockford Park District

Geocaching is allowed, except for certain specified properties.

More Info: http://rockfordparkdistrict.org/index.php/facilities/recreation/geocaching

Will County Forest Preserves

Geocaching is allowed in certain specified properties, and a permit and approval process is required to hide caches there.

Contact Info: http://www.reconnectwithnature.org/resources/recreational-activities/activity-detail/default.asp?id=24&name=Geocaching

Winnebago County Forest Preserves

A permit and fee are required to place caches in WCFPD land.

Contact Info: http://www.wcfpd.org/activities/geocaching/