Chain O'Lakes State Park provides year-round camping near North Aurora, Illinois, with 6,500 acres of woods and water. Located 40 miles northwest of North Aurora, the park features multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Winter temperatures drop below freezing, while summer averages 80°F with high humidity, making lakeside camping especially popular.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access: Chain O'Lakes State Park offers multiple launch points for water activities. "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," shared one visitor at Turner Lake South.
Hiking trail options: Trails range from beginner-friendly paths to longer routes through diverse ecosystems. "There are a bajillion different routes right from the campground. We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk," noted a camper at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Mountain biking: Single-track trails provide dedicated routes for cyclists of various skill levels. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails," reported a reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Family activities: Campgrounds organize themed weekends with structured entertainment throughout the season. "This is a great campground. It's on the smaller side and the RV sites are a little close together but they have it set up where your RVs doors open on opposite sides so it gives a little privacy," explained a visitor at Chicago Northwest KOA.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Some campgrounds offer secluded spots for a more traditional camping experience. "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," mentioned a visitor at Thomas Woods Campground.
Beach access: Several sites feature sandy beaches with water activities for cooling off during hot summer days. "We tent camped, but could see the cabin grounds which looked nice. However, important to note dogs are not allowed inside the cabins," shared a camper at Camp Sullivan.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers rank high on camper satisfaction lists. "The bathrooms are really clean! This campground has really grown on me a lot. My family and i have seen the newer owners clean it up, remodel sites, add new equipment for children and added more activities too," noted a Chicago Northwest KOA visitor.
Proximity to urban areas: Many campgrounds provide natural settings within short drives of city amenities. "We live 15 minutes away so like to take midweek camping trips to break up the work week," explained a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. "The 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," warned a visitor to Turner Lake South.
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds close during winter months or operate with limited facilities. "When we are traveling and don't have a plan we always know we will have a good experience at the KOA. This was no exception it was clean and had lots of activities for the kids to do," shared a Chicago Northwest KOA camper.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for insects and wildlife, particularly during warmer months. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. They literally fall out of the trees into people!" cautioned a visitor at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Noise levels: Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds and specific loops. "While pretty busy it still felt private and quiet aside from nearby sites playing music most of the day and early night. Nothing too rowdy especially since no alcohol is allowed," explained a Turner Lake South camper.
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-friendly amenities: Some sites offer playgrounds, organized activities, and shallow swimming areas. "I've been to this site a handful of times growing up and it's a good campsite for the kids. Lots of activities to do everyday like crafts to keep the kids preoccupied during the day," mentioned a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Millbrook.
Choose sites near bathrooms: Family camping becomes easier with convenient facilities. "Our site was #2. For the most part, all of the 30/50 amp sites are very similar. Can't really say one appears to be better than the rest," explained a Camp Bullfrog Lake camper.
Plan for rainy days: Weather can change quickly in northern Illinois. "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked. Overall I'd definitely stay here again," shared a visitor at Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Food storage: Many campgrounds have active wildlife that targets food items. "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," warned a Honeysuckle Hollow camper.
Tips from RVers
Site layouts: Electric hookup locations vary between campgrounds. "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," advised a Honeysuckle Hollow camper.
Dump station access: Plan for potential wait times at peak checkout periods. "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," noted a Honeysuckle Hollow visitor.
Shade availability: Some RV areas lack mature trees for shade. "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. I believe this is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," explained a Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor.
Site spacing: Many RV areas place units close together. "Not a lot of good things to say. I guess the lake was nice, but they let wayyyy to many people come in. The campsites are packed together so close you can see in your neighbors camper," cautioned a visitor at Hi-Tide Beach & Campgrounds.