Tent and RV camping options abound at state parks and private facilities in northeastern Illinois, with access to both small lakes and the larger Chain O' Lakes system. Seasonal considerations affect site availability, with busier conditions during summer months and cooler, less crowded opportunities in spring and fall. Winter camping is limited primarily to cabins, with most campgrounds closing tent sites from November through April.
What to do
Kayaking through connected waterways: Chain O' Lakes State Park provides extensive paddling opportunities through multiple connected bodies of water. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes a visitor at Turner Lake South.
Archery and specialized recreation: Beyond standard hiking and water activities, some parks offer unique recreational options. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," according to reviews of Turner Lake South.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Fall and spring bring migration patterns worth observing, while summer offers consistent animal sightings. "The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," notes a camper at Mud Lake East. The preserve areas across from some lakes provide undisturbed habitat zones.
What campers like
Budget-friendly primitive sites: Non-electric camping loops offer economical options for tent campers seeking affordability. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some electricity, however those sites are $25/night," reports a visitor to Turner Lake South.
Well-maintained restrooms: Modern facilities receive consistent positive feedback across multiple campgrounds. "The showers were clean. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill," notes a camper at Fox Den Campground.
Convenience of camp stores: On-site provisions make extended stays more practical. "The camp store by the boat launch has fire wood, live bait, food, and other supplies," states a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor. Most campground stores maintain consistent hours from 8am to 5pm during peak season.
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary by park: Rules regarding alcohol consumption differ significantly between Illinois and Wisconsin parks. "All Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," warns a Fox Den camper, while Wisconsin's Richard Bong State Recreation Area allows alcohol consumption at campsites.
Gate closing times are strict: Access restrictions apply after hours at most state parks. "The gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in... unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark," explains a Turner Lake South camper.
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes present consistent challenges throughout summer months. "The mosquitos were pretty vicious... a couple of the regulars said it was the worst they'd been in years," shares a camper at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Sites with playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Not far from town in case you need to go to the store and there is also a bait/shop store on premises. You can rent boats and kayaks too! The bathrooms/showers are always clean and have hot water," notes a camper at Turner Lake South.
Screened enclosures recommended: Protection from insects makes meal times and evening activities more comfortable. "With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing tick checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick," advises a visitor to Honeysuckle Hollow.
Raccoon precautions: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage, especially with nocturnal visitors. "The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down," warns a Honeysuckle Hollow camper.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Placement of utility connections varies significantly between sites. "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance," advises an RVer at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Dump station timing: Midweek arrivals minimize wait times at sanitary facilities. "The dump station was near the entrance to the camping loop and had potable water. It was also very busy and we had to wait when filling up and again when dumping," reports a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor who stayed during summer months.
Site selection for privacy: RV camping areas offer varying degrees of seclusion. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers," notes a Fox Den camper.
