Programs & services
Listed on the organization's official site (veterans.illinois.gov), checked Aug 28, 2026. Always confirm availability with the organization.
- Camping & Admission FeesIllinois disabled veterans and former prisoners of war who are Illinois residents and wish to camp in parks under the control of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
- Hunting and Fishing PrivilegesVeterans who receive 10% or greater service-connected compensation or total disability pension.
Eligibility
Illinois disabled veterans and former prisoners of war may camp free of charge in Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ parks throughout the state. This benefit provides for the exemption of camping and admission fees for certain disabled persons and former prisoners of war who are Illinois residents and wish to camp in parks under the control of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In gratitude for their service, veterans who receive 10% or greater service-connected compensation or total disability pension are provided a fishing and hunting license free of charge.
How to apply
Summarized from the program's official site (veterans.illinois.gov), checked Aug 28, 2026. Always confirm details with the program.
- Contact an IDVA local Veteran Service Office for help choosing the program and submitting the application.
- For camping and admission fee exemption, contact IDVA's local Veteran Service Office to apply.
- For hunting and fishing privileges, gather your DD214 and current verification of VA compensation or pension.
- Apply for the Disability Affidavit for Illinois Hunting and Fishing Privilege card through an IDVA local Veteran Service Office.
- Present the IDVA-issued affidavit upon request while hunting or fishing.
What to bring
- DD214
- Disability Affidavit
- Current verification of VA compensation or pension
- Validation of service and benefit
- Documentation required for camping and admission fee exemption
What to expect
The page says Veteran Service Officers are ready to assist in determining eligibility, discussing available options, and submitting the appropriate application or applications. For hunting and fishing privileges, applicants must possess and present the IDVA-issued affidavit upon request while participating in these activities.
Contact
- Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-383824/7 — connects veterans who are homeless or at risk with local help.
- Serves all of Illinois
Next step
See every Illinois program for this need, how they fit together, and what to try first.
Read the Illinois guideWas this resource helpful?
Source: Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, the official Illinois state veterans agency. Details can change; confirm directly with the program.
View source page (veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/permits.html)
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