Map showing campground location near Spring Grove, Illinois

Camper submitted image from Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park

Mud Lake East — Chain O' Lakes State Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing, paddling, and hiking draw campers to Mud Lake East, one of several campgrounds spread across Chain O' Lakes State Park in Spring Grove, Illinois. The campground sits a short walk from Turner Lake and gives boaters direct access to the broader Chain of Lakes system, making it a practical base for anyone arriving by water. Sites vary between shaded and open, and reviewers note the spacing is generous enough to feel uncrowded, though privacy between sites is limited.

The park has multiple lakes for fishing and swimming, a boat rental concession with paddle boats and small motorized options, a bait shop, and wooded hiking trails that run through and around the campground. Horse stables with guided rides are also on-site. A shared bathhouse serves Mud Lake East alongside Fox Den Campground and Prairie View, and two additional bathroom buildings are located within the campground itself. Reviewers consistently describe the facilities as clean and the staff as friendly.

Water hookups are available at $12 per night, and the campground has water hydrants distributed throughout. Jori W. calls it "perfect if you have a boat and want access to the Chain of Lakes." No alcohol is permitted in the park, and rangers do issue citations for violations. Reservations are available, so booking ahead is advisable for summer weekends when lake access sites tend to fill first.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 Road Trip Segment: Chicago, IL to St Louis, MO

Chicago to St. Louis: 3-Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsMud Lake East is located in Illinois near Spring Grove

Public Campground

Coordinates

42.443592 N
88.183149 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/5/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 8 users
Last on 8/5/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 6/27/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/5/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 8 users
Last on 8/5/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 6/27/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

33 min from Kenosha, WI
44 min from Racine, WI
56 min from Janesville, WI
57 min from Milwaukee, WI

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Mud Lake East

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the large wooded sites and clean facilities, with consistently friendly staff. Several reviews noted excellent lake access and recreational activities, though some found limited entertainment options.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

tyler

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Enjoyable Experience

This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed. A few different lakes for fishing, swimming, boating, etc. The fox river runs through the park as well. There is a bait shop and place to rent both a paddle boat and one with a small motor.

Site5

Month of VisitJuly

Debra M.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2021

Turner South - NON Electric Campground

Very quiet spot with no electric short walk to Turner Lake. Spaces are well spaced, some with good shade and others in full sun. It shares a nice bath house with two other campgrounds on the property, Fox Den and Prairie View. Two bath room buildings in the campground as well. Many trails and water hydrants.

Month of VisitJune

(13) View All

Liz M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2020

Never actually camped here but visited almost daily

I used to live very close to this area and would hike it almost daily.

It is small but has gorgeous views of the lake and lovely flora abound.

Kelly G.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Clean, well maintained

Nice park. Fishing, hiking, boating or biking. Small campstore and concession stand by boat launch. No alcohol, they will issue a ticket.

Jori W.

Guide

Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Lakeside Sites

This is a great local getaway! There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground. Perfect if you have a boat and want access to the Chain of Lakes. Horse stables and guided rides for horse lovers.

(5) View All

Christian V.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2016

Nice campsites

There are tons of trails, a small fishing pond and ok bathrooms. The staff is very friendly. There is horse riding here as well. The views are breathtaking.

(4) View All

Benjamin C.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2016

okay

site: large. wooded. amenities: friendly staff. clean facilities. attractions: paddle boats for rent. Some biking/hiking. We didn’t feel like there was very much to do, so we would probably not come back again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mud Lake Campground located in Illinois?

Mud Lake East Campground is located within Chain O' Lakes State Park in Illinois. The campground is situated along a small lake offering sunset views, with access to the Fox River that runs through the park. Its location provides proximity to convenience stores and gas stations while maintaining a natural setting. The campground is positioned near Turner Lake, making it an ideal spot for water activities and scenic views.

What camping facilities are available at Mud Lake Campground?

Mud Lake Campground offers spacious, wooded campsites with varying levels of shade. Facilities include clean bathrooms and a shared bath house with other campgrounds in the park (Fox Den and Prairie View). The campground provides boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and access to multiple lakes. There's a small camp store and concession stand by the boat launch. Note that alcohol is prohibited in the park, and rangers enforce this rule with tickets. Sites are decently sized, though there isn't much privacy between them.

Is Mud Lake Campground part of Chain O Lakes State Park?

Yes, Mud Lake East Campground is definitely part of Chain O' Lakes State Park in Illinois. The campground is one of several camping areas within this state park, alongside Fox Den and Prairie View campgrounds. The park features multiple lakes, the Fox River, extensive hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, and horse riding facilities. This integration within the larger state park system provides campers with access to the park's numerous recreational activities and natural features.

Keep Exploring