Fox Den Campground offers non-equestrian camping within Chain O' Lakes State Park near Gurnee, Illinois. Located in northeastern Illinois, the area has mostly flat terrain with an elevation around 800 feet above sea level. The climate features humid summers with temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winters dropping below freezing, affecting campground availability from late October through April.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: At Fox Den Campground, visitors can explore multiple connected lakes. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," writes Aida K., who appreciated the rangers delivering firewood daily to their site.
Swimming beaches: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort maintains a lake with swimming areas. According to Leo V., "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."
Hiking diverse trails: Several parks offer varied terrain for hiking. At Kettle Moraine State Forest, Andrew S. found "reservable backpacking sites about 45-60min away from nearest parking" and "really enjoyed the hike through forest to get to this site."
Budget-friendly options: For campers watching costs, Turner Lake South offers affordable sites. Addison G. notes, "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pinewoods Campground features natural separation between camping areas. "The site was actually really lovely and I appreciated the thick brush creating some real seclusion," reports Kendal R., though noting some noise issues during their stay.
Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate locations allowing both seclusion and access to activities. Christopher R. says of Fox Den: "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything... And within 5 miles of the campground, you have the amenities that you need in case you forgot something along the way."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced bathrooms and showers. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, campers mention "Clean bathrooms and shower" facilities that enhance the camping experience.
Quiet camping options: Specialized quiet zones exist at several campgrounds. According to Josh F., Kettle Moraine offers areas "because it has no electricity, is a 24-hour quiet area and no pets allowed. The sites in this area generally have long driveways, more 'privacy' than I've seen in many State Parks."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Marisa A. notes about Turner Lake South: "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer... it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends."
Alcohol policies: Regulations vary by park. Several Illinois state parks enforce no-alcohol rules. Jeanne M. reports: "The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site."
Shower availability: Not all campgrounds provide shower facilities. David W. found at Paul Wolff Campground: "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly. During winter months, Tim H. found Ottawa Lake Campground offers "No host so buying wood is an issue, but pick a site on the edge and there is more than enough free. Bring a saw."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Big Foot Beach State Park provides play areas for children. Brenton S. notes: "Good fishing ponds for the kids, and great hiking trails throughout the property."
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds organize events for younger visitors. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, Christin D. observed it's "Great for kids lots of activities and space to play But very quiet and relaxing by nighttime."
Short hiking loops: Trails suitable for children exist at many locations. Art S. found at Turner Lake South: "We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3."
Shade considerations: Camping with children requires temperature management. Abbe W. found at Pinewoods Campground: "The sites in Loop 1 are varied as far as tree coverage, seclusion, and terrain. Our site (22) was relatively flat, felt secluded, had good tree coverage with some filtered sunlight."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Paul Wolff Campground offers services for larger vehicles. MalibuDave42 L. observed: "This is a very popular campground. Lots of big rigs who seem to be staying for quite a while... Sites are well spaced. Full trees around the perimeter, but not a lot for shade over the campsites. Water and electrical at every site."
Site privacy comparisons: Different campground loops offer varying experiences for RV campers. Debra M. explains: "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts to far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites."
Level parking pads: RV owners appreciate well-maintained sites. Ian C. noted at Fox Den: "Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide sanitation facilities. Art S. found at Turner Lake South: "Each site has water and electric. Trees are around the outside with few on the inside sites. All the sites have paved pads."
Traveler
