Equestrian camping opportunities near Waukegan, Illinois are limited according to available facilities. While Chain O' Lakes State Park spans over 6,500 acres with trails available for horseback riding, the campgrounds don't offer dedicated equestrian campsites with horse corrals. The park maintains separate horseback riding trails with trailer parking at designated trailheads rather than individual campsites. Trail access may be restricted during spring when conditions become muddy.
What to do
Kayaking on connected lakes: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers kayaking opportunities across multiple connected lakes. A visitor at Turner Lake South noted, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer fishing access with varying levels of privacy. At Turner Lake South, one camper mentioned, "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."
Hiking on diverse terrain: Trails range from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes. A visitor at Pinewoods Campground reported, "We asked the ranger about hiking and she gave us a map to a trail system that connects to this campground between the group sites and loop 3. We enjoyed a 4 mile hike from camp to the observation trail."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the sense of seclusion at certain campgrounds. A reviewer at Fox Den Campground noted, "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post. Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees."
Proximity to urban amenities: Several campgrounds offer wilderness experiences without complete isolation from conveniences. A camper at Fox Den Campground said, "It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. And within 5 miles of the campground, you have the amenities that you need in case you forgot something along the way."
Affordability for budget campers: Cost-conscious visitors have options for lower-priced camping. At Turner Lake South, a camper shared, "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."
What you should know
No alcohol policy: Several Illinois state parks enforce strict alcohol prohibitions. A Fox Den camper warned, "The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season. The other thing is ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site."
Bathroom and shower conditions vary: Facilities receive mixed reviews across locations. A visitor at Big Foot Beach State Park mentioned, "Clean bathrooms. Quiet," while another camper at Paul Wolff noted, "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees."
No dispersed camping options: Despite some listings, true dispersed camping isn't available. A Fox Den camper clarified, "I've camped here in the cabin option, which was fine and relatively quiet a few years ago, but wanted to find a place more secluded to do dispersed camping and saw this listed on thedyrt.com under dispersed camping. I called to verify and they do NOT allow any dispersed camping unless if you have a group of 40 or more people for boy scouts/girl scouts."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play facilities for children. At Paul Wolff Campground, a visitor noted, "There is a playground right next to them as well," when describing the facilities near the shower areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Family-friendly nature observation exists at several locations. A Turner Lake South camper shared, "We saw some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car. The lake was very nice."
Swimming options: Several parks offer water recreation areas for families. A camper at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort reported, "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms (no hot water in the showers) right there. The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: RV campers should research specific loops and sites. One camper at Fox Den advised, "Sites in Honeysuckle have electric posts to far from parking pad. 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."
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies by location and site. A visitor at Turner Lake South noted, "There was electricity, however those sites are $25/night," highlighting the price difference between primitive and serviced sites.
Off-season availability: Seasonal timing affects both availability and experience. A Fox Den camper shared, "Great for the times that we have to work weekends and still want to go camping. We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. The only big minus is the full hook ups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season."
