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.

Table of Contents

General Information:

Illinois has one reviewer that handles all geocaching activities within the state, Reviewer Smith, whom can be contacted by email: reviewersmith10.0@gmail.com.

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.

Geoart

Geoart must follow the guidelines for the individual cache designation. Virtual Icons are NOT to be placed on structures, private residences, or other areas within a restricted zone. Final stages must be located a minimum of .10-miles from a private residence or other restricted areas. The distance may be increased due to previously reported issues.

Playgrounds in parks

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. The reviewer will also consider line of sight and any previously reported issues in the area.

Banks

Caches must be a minimum of 150-feet from any banking facility.

Railroad tracks.

Caches must be a minimum of 150-feet from active railroad tracks including any supporting structures. If there is a barrier such as a fence, large berm, creek, roadway, then a lesser distance might be allowable, but will be on a case by case basis. If there is a rails to trail system located next to the tracks, the cache must be placed on the opposite side of the trail from the tracks.

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: https://www.mccdistrict.org/visit___explore/things_to_do/geocache___letterbox.php

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: https://www.winnebagoforest.org/geocaching

Illinois Reviewers

Reviewer Smith

About This Guide

The local laws and guidelines for geocaching placement vary from place to place. As community reviewers learn geocache placement policies for a certain location, they can add it here. This site may not be a complete or accurate list of land policies. These policies are made by the land owner or manager, they are neither the reviewer’s nor Geocaching HQ’s. This guide is just for reference, if no policies for the area you’re looking for are listed, that doesn't mean no policies exist. You must still obtain permission to place your geocache from the landowner or land manager,comply with all applicable laws, and follow the Geocaching Listing Requirements.

If you have an update, email the community reviewer(s) listed.

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