Chain O'Lakes State Park offers multiple glamping options close to Hainesville, Illinois, with Turner Lake South specifically featuring canvas accommodations in a wooded setting. The surrounding terrain includes over 3,000 acres of protected natural area across northeastern Illinois, with elevations ranging from 735 to 820 feet. Winter visitors should note that while the park remains open year-round, many canvas glamping sites close after October until spring reopening.
What to do
Horseback riding: The trail system at Fox Den Campground accommodates equestrians with dedicated paths shared with snowmobilers during winter months. "There are hiking trails and this campground is the closest to the boat dock and concession which serves as the camp store," notes one visitor about the convenient access to multiple activities.
Archery practice: Available within a dedicated range at Chain O'Lakes State Park, making it ideal for glamping guests wanting to practice their skills. "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," shares a camper who visited Turner Lake South.
Kayak between lakes: The interconnected waterways are perfect for paddlers looking to explore multiple bodies of water. "This is a great place for kayakers. The bathroom facilities have a bit to be desired but still very functional. If you like to kayak or canoe this is a great place to be," explains a reviewer from Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area.
Winter activities: While summer attracts more glamping visitors, winter camping provides unique opportunities near Hainesville. "We stayed here for a week over the summer in 2021. We had a back-in site on the north side of the campground. The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," reports a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Thomas Woods Campground offers secluded glamping options with greater privacy than other facilities. "Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites. Camp hosts are super engaged and seem to love being caretakers. Hand pumps for water and well-kept pit toilets. Hiking galore!" according to one satisfied visitor.
Lakefront tent sites: At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, glamping areas directly face the water. "We stayed in one of the tent sites across the road from the lakefront sites. There are about 8 tent/pop up sites and the rest of the campground is for RVs. I recommend the lakefront tent sites, they are spacious and you can fish right from your site!" explains a reviewer who found the experience convenient for families.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides chances to observe local fauna. "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," shares a camper from Turner Lake South.
Seasonal festival camping: Several campgrounds offer themed weekend events during fall and winter. "We booked a site here for Halloween and had a great time. My kids love Halloween Weekend camping at the various JellyStone Campgrounds. This location did not dissapoint," notes a visitor to Jellystone Caledonia.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Summer months can bring heavy insect activity in the wooded glamping areas. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing 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, but they literally fall out of the trees into people!" warns a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for nighttime visitors at campsites. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. 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," advises a camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Campsite spacing varies significantly: Research specific site dimensions before booking glamping accommodations. "Spots are mostly wide open to the road but separated enough to feel private (until drivers/walkers come through). Site had gravel and roots so tent spot took some searching and clearing to find," explains a Turner Lake South visitor.
Weekend crowds vs. weekday tranquility: Plan accordingly for different experiences. "The campsite was very clean and the fire pit and table were in good condition. Our site was very shaded and quiet at night. The bath house was very clean. There is a lot to do at this park from hiking to water sports to horse back riding," shares a Fox Den camper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for glamping sites with kid-friendly amenities: Big Foot Beach State Park provides suitable options for children. "Great place to quickly get in and set up, easy access to all amenities, the ranger station, and camp hosts if needed. Good fishing ponds for the kids, and great hiking trails throughout the property," explains a visitor who found the experience convenient.
Consider facilities with ice cream access: Camp stores provide welcome treats during hot summer days. "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. Clean bathrooms and shower," notes a Fish Lake Beach camper.
Scout bathroom proximity for nighttime needs: Some glamping sites require longer walks than others. "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit," advises a Turner Lake South visitor.
Choose quieter midweek stays with children: Weekends tend to attract larger, noisier groups. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East," suggests a Turner Lake South regular who prefers less crowded times.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup sharing: At certain Chain O'Lakes sites, prepare for potential limitations. "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 a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor who experienced hookup challenges.
Campground access logistics: Full-facility glamping near Hainesville requires planning for gate closures. "An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in," explains a Turner Lake South camper.
Consider Fox Den over Honeysuckle: For RV glamping at Chain O'Lakes, site selection matters significantly. "Chain O'Lakes State Park in IL has two electric campgrounds, 2 non-electric campgrounds and one group site. 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," recommends a Fox Den visitor who compared the options.
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