Chain O'Lakes State Park offers diverse camping options beyond equestrian facilities. The park spans over 6,500 acres and features over 230 campsites across multiple campgrounds. Located approximately 17 miles from Lincolnshire, Illinois, the park sits at around 800 feet above sea level and experiences typical Midwest seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Chain O'Lakes State Park provides excellent water recreation opportunities. "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 Cora M. about Turner Lake South Camping Area.
Hiking trails: Explore the park's extensive trail system. "It has the electrical hookups that we need and has a bath house that is close to where you camp (hundreds of feet versus getting into a car and driving to it). It has lots of groomed and ungroomed walking trails," notes Christopher R. about Fox Den Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes offer excellent fishing spots throughout the park. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," explains Julia B. from Turner Lake South Camping Area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept bathrooms and amenities. "We stayed in the Fox Den electric sites. 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," reports Michelle M. about Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Spacious sites: Sites are generally well-sized with adequate room. "Big sites! Nice campground with big, level sites. Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability," notes Melissa C. about Big Rock Campground.
Family activities: The area offers numerous kid-friendly options. "Plenty of activities for kids and adults," shares Tyler S. about Big Rock Campground, while another camper mentions that Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort is "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."
What you should know
No horse camping at most sites: Despite proximity to horse trails, dedicated equestrian camping near Lincolnshire is limited. "I've camped here in the cabin option, which was fine and relatively quiet a few years ago, but wanted to find a place more secluded to do dispersed camping and saw this listed on thedyrt.com under dispersed camping. I called to verify and they do NOT allow any dispersed camping unless if you have a group of 40 or more people for boy scouts/girl scouts," explains Mike C. about Fox Den.
Alcohol restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict no-alcohol policies. "Great for the times that we have to work weekends and still want to go camping. We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish. The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," notes Jeanne M. from Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "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, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees," advises Debra M.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Kids enjoy the lakes and beaches. "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! The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side," shares Chloe N. about Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds offer affordable sites. "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. There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night," explains Addison G. about Turner Lake South.
Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities for nature observation. "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago," mentions Jenifer K.
Tips from RVers
Hookup access: Electric and water availability varies by campground. "Wide open with very young trees. Grass camping. The spaces are pretty level. There is electric at the sites and water spigots throughout, although not really at each space. I saw where some campers hooked about 150' of hose to spigots behind the loops to run to their campers," explains Jeff G. about Big Rock Forest Preserve.
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on shade and amenities. "Campsite 65- Rita, the mgr/owner, returned call to assist in selecting a site. The outer lanes had shade, while our site was in the middle open area. Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office," advises Dan W. from Elkhorn Campgrounds.
Leveling requirements: Most RV sites require minimal leveling. "As someone who normally camps in state parks with only electricity hookups, this site was a welcome treat. Water + 50amp hookups. Wide, open spaces for kids to ride bikes and explore wildflowers. Sites seem to be mostly level," notes Amanda K.
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