Chain O' Lakes State Park provides various camping options within the larger Fox River valley system. Located 60 miles north of Chicago, the area features interconnected waterways spread across 6,500 acres. The park's campgrounds sit approximately two miles from the main entrance, offering a buffer from day-use crowds during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: At Chain O' Lakes State Park, paddlers can enjoy multiple connected lakes. "We kayaked in the lake and it's small but nice. Great for kids lots of activities and space to play But very quiet and relaxing by nighttime," noted one visitor. The park features boat rentals for those without their own equipment.
Fishing opportunities: The interconnected lake system supports abundant fish populations. Anglers can fish from shore or boat at multiple access points throughout the park. "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," reports one visitor about Turner Lake South.
Hiking trails: The park contains several trail systems connecting different areas. One camper suggests, "If you go just past the entrance- pass by the playground- you will come to a stop sign. Keep going straight even though it will look like you are just walking into trees. A trail is there that was a nice place to explore. Even on multiple adventures, we did not pass anyone when we went hiking on it."
What campers like
Secluded sites: "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," explains a regular visitor. Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites.
Water recreation: The lake system remains a primary attraction. "I like to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive," shares one visitor about the paddling routes between lakes.
Location convenience: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers proximity to Chicago while feeling remote. "We stayed for 4 nights in June in a pull thru FHU. The mosquitos were pretty vicious... a couple of the regulars said it was the worst they'd been in years. 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."
What you should know
Limited equestrian options: Horse campgrounds near North Chicago, Illinois are scarce. While Chain O' Lakes has riding trails, no dedicated horse camping facilities exist within the park. Visitors bringing horses should contact rangers before arrival about day-use rules.
Reservation requirements: Summer weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer. While these sites are usually slated for walk-ups on the weekends, it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends," advises one experienced camper.
Gate closure timing: "An odd thing is that the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark," warns a visitor about late-night arrivals at Chain O' Lakes.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Paul Wolff Campground offers family-friendly settings with trails and wildlife viewing. "We rarely saw traffic once here. A train goes by a couple times but it was always during the day," notes a camper. "The highlight of our experience is the hiking. There are miles of trails."
Budget-friendly options: Basic tent sites provide affordable options. "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," reports a visitor to Turner Lake South.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The interconnected lakes support diverse wildlife. Campers regularly report seeing deer, raccoons, and various bird species. One camper mentions, "We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies. Hard to believe that there is hiking trails like those in such a densely populated area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Big Foot Beach State Park, "Nice large sites. Gravel spot for arc/trailer. Fire pit and picnic table. Trails for hiking are nice, but the overall camping area isn't very big. 100 sites only. 30 with electric." Space availability varies widely by season.
Hookup availability: Electric sites are limited at most state parks in the area. "There are vault toilets but the large number of big RVs meant they were not used often leaving them almost like our private restrooms. Each site has water and electric," explains a camper at Paul Wolff Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Mosquito populations peak in summer months. Several campgrounds close entirely from November through April due to harsh winter conditions. Spring camping often means dealing with mud, especially at primitive sites.
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