Chain O' Lakes State Park features several glamping options on interconnected waterways spanning 6,500 acres across northeastern Illinois. The park encompasses seven lakes and extensive wetland habitats with elevation ranges between 750 and 840 feet above sea level. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months and frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing routes: Fox Den Campground offers easy access to multiple waterways. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," notes a visitor at Fox Den Campground. The park allows paddlers to travel between lakes without portaging through most of the system.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple spots throughout the park for shoreline or boat fishing. "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The lake is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there," reports a camper from Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Hiking trail variety: Chain O' Lakes features both marked and unmarked trails of varying difficulty. "There are a lot of trails through park for people to hike, bike, or ride horse on," according to a visitor at Honeysuckle Hollow. Some trails lead through wooded areas while others traverse prairie landscapes with wildflowers, particularly vibrant in late spring.
What campers like
Secluded sites with lake views: Turner Lake South camping area provides sites with water access. "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," shares a camper from Turner Lake South.
Proximity to conveniences: Despite natural settings, local stores remain accessible. "This is our favorite place to camp. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. It has the electrical hookups that we need and has a bath house that is close to where you camp," reports a visitor at Fox Den Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report seeing various animals, especially during morning and evening hours. "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," notes a visitor at Turner Lake South.
What you should know
Gate closure policy: The park enforces strict entry rules. "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," advises a camper from Turner Lake South. Plan evening activities accordingly or risk being locked out.
Site selection strategy: Campground layouts vary significantly. "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 visitor from Fox Den Campground.
Wildlife challenges: Prepare for encounters with local fauna. "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," warns a Honeysuckle Hollow camper.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation essential: Sites require proper insect management, especially with children. "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," advises a family from Honeysuckle Hollow.
Activity planning: Multiple recreation options for different age groups. "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," reports a visitor from Turner Lake South.
Site spacing considerations: Some areas offer better separation between campsites for families. "The campsites are a nice size and have electric hookups. Water was at central locations and a dump is on the way out," notes a camper at Fox Den, while another adds, "Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts to far from parking pad. Fox Den also has more space between sites."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Electric hookup locations matter when choosing sites. "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 an RV camper at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Seasonal crowd patterns: RVers should plan according to expected visitation. "The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," shares a visitor who spent a week at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Dumping station logistics: Plan for potential wait times during peak 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," reports an RV camper who stayed at Honeysuckle Hollow.
