Chain O' Lakes State Park contains five distinct camping loops set 2 miles from the main entrance within a 6,500-acre landscape of wetlands, forests, and interconnected waterways. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching 85°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions for camping. Primitive sites without electric service provide the most secluded options, particularly in the Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East loops.
What to do
Kayaking on connecting waterways: Visitors with kayaks can explore the extensive lake system that gives the park its name. At Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park, campers appreciate how the lake provides quieter water recreation compared to the main channels. "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 Cora M.
Hiking the diverse trails: Chain O' Lakes offers several trail systems catering to different experience levels. The Goldfinch trail is particularly recommended as "the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora," according to Brian O. at Turner Lake South. The crushed gravel and paved paths make most trails accessible even for beginner hikers.
Fishing opportunities: Fox Den Campground provides good access to fishing spots. "There are hiking trails and you can walk to Turner Lake from the Honeysuckle Hollow campground," notes Debra M. For families, there are several fishing ponds specifically designed for younger anglers throughout the park.
What campers like
Affordability for budget campers: The primitive campsites are notably economical. Addison G. at Turner Lake South points out, "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."
Secluded camping options: For those seeking privacy, certain loops offer more isolation. "The campsites are a nice size and have electric hookups. Water was at central locations and a dump is on the way out. We prefer more brush/trees between sites so this campground was just ok with us," explains Art S. about Fox Den.
Well-maintained facilities: The campgrounds feature recently updated facilities. "The fire area was great, it had a grill you could put over it to cook on. It was also very well upkept. We saw someone going around and cleaning out all of the fire pits before check-in even to make sure they were ready for the next group," reports Dakota at Prairie View Camping Area.
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Ticks and mosquitoes are common, particularly during warmer months. Beyond the raccoons mentioned in the existing description, campers report diverse wildlife sightings. "We've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes," notes Cora M., highlighting the rich ecosystem.
Gate closure policy: The park enforces strict gate hours. "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 Brian O. Plan day trips accordingly to ensure you return before closure.
Reservation requirements: The reservation system can sometimes present challenges. At Mud Lake East, campers note that "no online reservations were allowed and their phone systems were down but we only found a few sites that were available." During peak season, booking well in advance is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Beach and swimming options: For families with water-loving dogs and children, the park offers several swimming areas. "There is a bait shop and place to rent both a paddle boat and one with a small motor," mentions Tyler at Mud Lake East, providing alternatives for families who don't bring their own watercraft.
Choosing the right loop: Each camping area offers different advantages for families. "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. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees," advises Debra M.
Seasonal activities: Sunset Campground at Richard Bong State Recreation Area offers additional family-friendly options nearby. "If you enjoy bird watching or rabbit spotting, this is a great place to go...I have seldom seen as many rabbits as we saw. There were relatively few campers during the week and just about every other campsite had at least a bunny or two," shares Tim H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: When camping with RVs, site selection becomes crucial. "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," advises Debra M. about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Nearby amenities: For RVers needing supplies, several options exist close to the park. "Spring Grove is a tiny town nearby with a little corner bar called 'The Grove'. They serve amazing food with great service. Very clean! I recommend checking it out if you're looking for some good food," suggests GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Hook-up limitations: Not all loops provide full hookups for RVs. "We had 50 amp, but no water/sewer, although there was a water spigot next to our site that we could use to fill up jugs of water. 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," notes Tina about her experience at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Legend
