You can plug in at your site here. Showing up with the right adapter is the difference between charging and staring at a pedestal; see the gear we carry.
Camp and Charge

Does Harry L. Swartz Campground Allow EV Charging?

Here's what you need to know about EV charging at this RV park in Penfield, Illinois.

Location

3485 County Rd 2700 E

Penfield, IL 61862

EV Charging Policy

Reader report, not confirmed by the parkReader-submitted Aug 2026
EV Charging Allowed At Campsite

A reader sent us this tip. We try to confirm listings directly with the park before marking them “Confirmed,” but we haven't been able to verify this one yet, so call ahead before you rely on it.

A reader reports the campground confirmed you can charge your electric vehicle at your site, unless you book a primitive site with no electricity. We could not independently confirm this policy with the forest preserve district.

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is the first International Dark Sky Park in Illinois, and its Harry L. Swartz Campground near Penfield quietly extends the welcome to electric vehicles. A reader reports being told you can charge at your site, unless you book one of the primitive sites with no electricity. Fifty-three of the 65 sites carry power, so most reservations qualify, though the word came from an inquiry rather than a posted rule, so verify with the Champaign County district when you book. The nearest DC fast charging is in Rantoul, about 13 miles away, with ChargePoint stations. Beyond that, the next option is Oakwood, roughly 20 miles out, with EVgo. Out here in the corn between Champaign and Danville, the night sky is the main event, and a battery quietly topping off at the pedestal is the right kind of company for the dark hours.

DC Fast Charging Near Harry L. Swartz Campground

  • Rantoul
    13 mi
    ChargePoint
  • Oakwood
    20 mi
    EVgo

Is this information outdated? Please let us know at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Not by the park. This listing comes from a reader who shared their firsthand experience, and we have not been able to get the park to confirm it. Treat it as a helpful tip, not an official policy, and call Harry L. Swartz Campground before you arrive to make sure nothing has changed.

Probably, though it isn't confirmed. A traveler reported that Harry L. Swartz Campground in Penfield, Illinois lets EVs charge at the campsites, Teslas included, but the park has not verified an EV policy, so call ahead before you count on it. Most RV parks have 30 and 50 amp service. Use the 50 amp pedestal for your EV and 30 amp for your trailer. A 30-to-50 amp adapter is not recommended, as most EVs will draw too much power thinking they're on a 50 amp circuit. Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is the first International Dark Sky Park in Illinois, and its Harry L. If the park confirms charging is OK, plug in when you arrive and you can wake up with a full battery instead of sweating over your next stop.

By a reader's account, Harry L. Swartz Campground offers campsite-level EV charging, meaning you plug into the electrical pedestal at your site. The park has not confirmed this, so verify it first. Most RV parks have 30 and 50 amp service. Use the 50 amp pedestal for your EV and 30 amp for your trailer, or the NEMA 5-15 household outlet. A 30-to-50 amp adapter is not recommended. Always confirm with the park before you start charging, and turn down your charge rate if possible. A slower draw is kinder to the park's infrastructure and less likely to flip breakers.

A reader reports you can charge at your site at Harry L. Swartz Campground, but that isn't park-confirmed, so it's worth knowing your DC fast charging options either way. The nearest DC fast charging is in Rantoul, about 13 miles away, with ChargePoint. Beyond that, Oakwood is about 20 miles away with EVgo. Have your next charging stop figured out before you arrive. The peace of mind is worth the two minutes of planning.

By one traveler's account, yes, but it isn't confirmed. A reader reported that Harry L. Swartz Campground allows charging right at your campsite; the park has not verified an EV policy. Swartz Campground near Penfield quietly extends the welcome to electric vehicles.

Probably, though it isn't confirmed. A reader reported that Harry L. Swartz Campground allows campsite charging, so if that holds you could plug in on arrival and charge overnight. Confirm with the park first. Most RV park hookups provide Level 2 charging speeds, which is perfect for an overnight charge. Set your vehicle's charge rate to something reasonable if you can. A slower draw is kinder to the park's electrical system, and that's how you stay welcome.

We don't have the specific amp ratings for Harry L. Swartz Campground's hookups, but most full-hookup RV parks offer 30 and 50 amp service. Use the 50 amp pedestal for your EV and 30 amp for your trailer. A 30-to-50 amp adapter is not recommended, as most EVs will draw too much power thinking they're on a 50 amp circuit. Confirm with the park before plugging in, and keep your charge rate reasonable to avoid tripping breakers.

We don't have specific pricing information for EV charging at Harry L. Swartz Campground. At many campgrounds, electricity is included in your campsite fee. Others charge a flat fee or meter the usage separately. Contact the park directly for current rates. Either way, campsite charging typically costs a fraction of what you'd pay at a DC fast charger.

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