Chain O' Lakes State Park provides diverse tent and RV camping options across several campgrounds, with Turner Lake South and Fox Den offering different experiences. The park sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with clay soil that drains moderately well after rain. While horseback trail riding is available through rental services, most campgrounds don't have dedicated equestrian facilities for overnight campers with their own horses.
What to do
Kayaking on interconnected lakes: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers paddling opportunities on a small lake that connects to the broader Chain O' Lakes system. "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," notes Christin D.
Horseback riding on designated trails: For horseback riding enthusiasts looking for equestrian camping near Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Rock Cut State Park has options. "It has a large lake with almost 40 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian trails and an equestrian campground," explains Matt S. The park allows riders to bring their own horses and camp overnight, unlike Chain O' Lakes.
Hiking through pine forests: Pinewoods Campground offers excellent hiking options. "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," shares Art S.
Swimming at Ottawa Lake: Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit features water recreation options. "There's a lake with a swimming area if that's what you're looking for, not to mention a dock with great fishing. We saw a guy with a catfish the size of my forearm," notes Kelsey H.
What campers like
Private, wooded tent sites: Turner Lake South provides secluded camping spots. "The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East. The campsites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South, I feel, but both have campsites circled by woods with a level place to pitch a tent," explains Marisa A.
Electrical hookup convenience: Fox Den Campground offers reliable electrical connections. "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," notes Debra M.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintenance at Paul Wolff Campground. "We liked the staff patrolling the grounds. The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers," reports David W.
Fire pits and cooking options: Turner Lake South provides well-designed fire areas. "All the campsites have raised firepits and a picnic table," says Marisa A., while another camper noted, "Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill."
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary by park: Different campgrounds have different rules about alcohol. At Paul Wolff Campground, "ALL Illinois State Parks are now enforcing a no alcohol policy even if you are on your own site," warns Jeanne M.
Shower availability differs: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. At Paul Wolff Campground, "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers," reports David W.
Wildlife encounters: Big Foot Beach State Park has some limitations. "Dogs aren't allowed in large swaths of the park nor on the (tiny tiny, bordered by loud highway) beach," writes Alexandria P.
Reservation recommendations: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This IL state campground fills up quickly on the weekends over the summer... it seems like a lot of people go early on Thursday or even Wednesday to secure their sites for the weekends," advises Marisa A.
Tips for camping with families
Choose quiet camping loops: Some campgrounds offer designated quiet areas. At Kettle Moraine, "We liked this site because it was on the 'quiet loop.' No radios or pets allowed. I'm not sure about children! The sites are fairly close together and the trees are sparse, but it was a beautiful site and wonderfully quiet," shares Wendy Z.
Consider tent-specific areas: For family tent camping, specific areas work better. "The sites in Turner Lake South are pretty worn, with not much privacy. We stayed in T10, but would consider T9 if we returned to this loop for a different reserved site. The prairie loop looked a bit newer with bigger, less worn sites," advises Claire S.
Look for family-friendly amenities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort caters to families. "The camp store sells treats and pizza, very convenient and makes for a more relaxing camping experience when traveling with young kids! We're going back this summer. This is not private or rustic camping but still very fun and relaxing," says Chloe N.
Budget-friendly options exist: Some campgrounds offer 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," notes Addison G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Fox Den offers better privacy than other nearby options. "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," shares Ian C.
Electric hookup locations: Pay attention to where hookups are positioned. "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," advises Debra M.
Sanitary services: Dump station locations are convenient at some campgrounds. "Electric is easily accessible, and water/sanitary is easy to get in and out of," notes Ian C.
Consider seasonal camping options: Some campgrounds allow longer stays. "This is a very popular campground. Lots of big rigs who seem to be staying for quite a while. Our relatives recommended this one since some of their friends use it for 'the summer,'" explains MalibuDave42 L.
