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About the Von Oven Scout Reservation
Reservations and Frequently Asked Questions
Amenity Map
Learn More or Volunteer
About the Von Oven Scout Reservation
 Beginning June 1, 2010, the Von Oven Scout Reservation will be available for reserved use by organized non-Scout youth groups and youth educational organizations. This unique city property is approximately 10 acres in size and enclosed with a chain link fence. It is home to abundant wildlife and offers several site amenities (see map below):
- 10 tent campsites with fire rings
- A pavilion
- An ADA accessible latrine
- An amphitheatre
- Several trails that meander through the woods
- Five footbridges
- A cabin (this cabin is only available for Scout use)
The Von Oven Scout Reservation has an interesting history. Originally, the property was part of the Naperville Nurseries owned by Ernst Von Oven (Emma Von Oven’s father). Naperville Nurseries was the city’s most valuable business in the late 19th and early twentieth centuries. Mr. Von Oven started the business as a hobby because he missed the trees and shrubs that grew in his native Germany. He began by raising fruit trees, and later planted small ornamental trees, shrubs and evergreens which grew vigorously in the fertile soil of the DuPage River Valley.
 After Ernst Von Oven's death in 1906, his son Frederick managed the Naperville Nurseries and greatly expanded operations, increasing the planting acreage from 20 to 350 acres. Under his direction, the nurseries became a national leader in propagating young plants, which they sold wholesale. By 1920, the successful business had 125 workers. After Frederick passed away in 1929, Ernst Von Oven's two daughters controlled the Naperville Nurseries until the business closed in 1954.
The ordinance conveying the property to the City provides that the land shall be available for use by all local Naperville units of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America. Today, the Von Oven Scout Reservation is a certified National Wildlife Conservation Area. Approximately 6,000 scouts, scout leaders and scout family members use the facility each year.
Reservations and Frequently Asked Questions
To reserve the property, please complete the attached reservation form and submit with required materials to:
City Clerk’s Office
City of Naperville
400 S. Eagle Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Questions about the site or reservation process? Review the Frequently Asked Questions below:
Who can use the Von Oven Scout Reservation?
Scout organizations and non-scout groups of individuals eighteen (18) years of age or younger who are affiliated with a formally recognized or organized school, entity or organization.
I would like to see what the property looks like before I decide to apply. Is that possible?
Yes. The map on this webpage has photos of the property amenities.
Can I have a wedding reception or other family event at the Von Oven Scout Reservation?
No.
How much does it cost to reserve the Von Oven Scout Camp?
$220.00 for overnight use (this includes a $100 refundable security deposit). $110.00 for non-overnight use (this includes a $50 refundable security deposit).
Do I need insurance to have an event at the Von Oven Scout Camp?
Yes. You will need to present a Certificate of Insurance which names the City of Naperville and the Von Oven Organization as additional insured.
What happens after I submit my application to the City Clerk’s Office?
The City Clerk’s Office will ensure all documents are in order and will then forward the application packet to Diane Charles at the Von Oven Organization. She will have final scheduling authority and will communicate with the applicant. She can be contacted at (630) 983-9129 or NSVonOven@gmail.com
What time is “check out” for overnight use?
11 a.m.
I would like to hold an event during the day. What are the permitted times?
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Can fire pits be used?
Yes.
Can I use the cabin?
Non-scout groups cannot use the cabin.
What is the maximum attendance for an event at the Von Oven Scout Camp?
100. Events in excess of 100 participants will require City Manager approval.
What happens if I need to change the reservation?
A $5 fee will be assessed for changes that are made within 14 days of the scheduled event.
What happens if I need to cancel the event?
If the cancellation occurs more than 30 days before the event the organizer will be refunded the entire reservation amount. If the cancellation occurs less than 30 days before the event there will be no refund.
What if it rains or is too cold/hot to hold the event?
The City of Naperville and the Von Oven Organization are not responsible for cancellations due to weather considerations.
Can I charge people to come to my event?
The Von Oven Camp is not available for commercial purposes.
I will be the contact person on the application but cannot be present at the event. Is that okay?
No. The contact person identified on the application must be present at the event.
How do I get access to the property?
Once the event has been approved by the City of Naperville and the Von Oven Organization, keys to the property may be picked up at the City Clerk’s Office. The keys must be returned to the City Clerk’s Office within 24 hours after the conclusion of the event. If the keys are not returned, a portion of the security deposit will be forfeited.
Amenity Map
When reserving the Von Oven Scout property you will have access to the many site amenities. Scroll over the map below to take a closer look at several of the site features.
 Fire Pit – Several fire pits are located around the property- Pavilion – The lighted pavilion has access to electricity and picnic tables for your group needs
- Cabin – Please Note the Cabin is Restricted to Scout Use Only
- Jean Evans Amphitheater – A unique space for outdoor gatherings
- Latrines – Rustic restroom facilities
- Greer Campsite – One of several campsites areas for overnight reservation
- Haglund Campsite – One of several wooded campsites
- Trails – Nature trails through the wooded grounds
Learn More or Volunteer
Learn more about the Von Oven Scout Reservation or volunteer to help with the property by visiting www.vonoven.org.
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