Chain O' Lakes State Park near Lindenhurst, Illinois sits within the northeastern Illinois moraine region at approximately 830 feet above sea level, where glacial activity created the interconnected waterways that define the area. The park's seven glacial lakes are connected by narrow channels, forming part of the Fox River watershed that eventually flows into the Illinois River. Winter camping is available in certain designated areas with temperatures often dropping below 20°F during January and February.
What to do
Kayaking through nature preserves: At Turner Lake South, visitors can experience peaceful paddling without fighting river currents. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes paddler Cora M.
Winter camping options: Chain O' Lakes offers year-round camping opportunities with some specific considerations. A visitor at Ottawa Lake Campground mentioned, "No showers in winter but awesome," showing that while some amenities are reduced, the experience remains valuable for cold-weather enthusiasts.
Horseback riding trails: Multiple campgrounds in the area offer equestrian access. A family who stayed at Fox Den noted, "There are amazing trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on," providing options for those looking to explore on horseback during warmer months.
What campers like
Secluded weekday camping: Many campgrounds in the region become significantly quieter midweek. One camper at Honeysuckle Hollow observed, "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," making this timing ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Family-friendly activities: At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, structured programming keeps children engaged. "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," shared one visitor who appreciated the balance of activities and peaceful evenings.
Budget-friendly primitive options: Some camping areas offer excellent value for basic accommodations. A camper at Turner Lake South mentioned, "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," making this an affordable glamping option near Lindenhurst.
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Ticks and raccoons require special attention in this region. A parent at Honeysuckle Hollow warned, "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks... Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for anything food has touched."
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Facility quality can differ even within the same campground. One camper at Fox Den Campground noted, "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Bathhouse could use to be cleaned a bit more regularly but overall a pleasant experience for the price."
Site placement considerations: Many campgrounds have significant variations in site quality and positioning. A camper at Fox Den shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Screen protection for infants: When glamping with babies near Lindenhurst, bring protective gear. A family who stayed at Honeysuckle Hollow advised, "Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks so nothing lands in their hair," highlighting the importance of tick protection for little ones.
Choose sites strategically with children: Position matters when camping with young kids. One parent recommended, "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms... avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep."
Lake quality for swimming: At Camp Bullfrog Lake, water activities are convenient but limited in scope. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," reported one visitor, suggesting this might be better for quick recreation than extended water adventures.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup placement: Fox Den offers better electrical access than other nearby options. One RVer explained, "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts too far from parking pad."
Campsite leveling considerations: Site preparation varies across locations. An RVer noted, "Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees. In Honeysuckle you will have clear line of site to very close neighbor," suggesting Fox Den as the preferred luxury glamping option for RVers near Lindenhurst.
Seasonal crowds and reservations: Holiday weekends require advanced planning. A camper observed, "We stayed at Thomas Woods Park for a week over the summer. The tent sites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South, I feel, but both have campsites circled by woods with a level place to pitch a tent," indicating that researching site-specific details beforehand improves the camping experience.
