Chain O' Lakes State Park offers diverse yurt camping options near Wilmot, Wisconsin, including locations at Turner Lake South and Fox Den. Sites are spread throughout the 3,230-acre park with most facilities open from April through October. The terrain features moraines and kettles formed by glacial activity, creating the interconnected waterways and varied elevation that characterizes the region.
What to do
Kayaking through nature areas: Fox Den Campground provides excellent access to seven connected lakes perfect for paddling. "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill," shares one visitor at Fox Den Campground. The waterways are particularly good for wildlife spotting, with another paddler noting, "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."
Hiking the trails: Multiple hiking options exist throughout the area, with trails suitable for beginners and more experienced hikers. At Turner Lake South, one reviewer notes, "Goldfinch trail is the shortest loop and the most diverse in terms of flora." For a unique experience at nearby Ottawa Lake Campground, "hiking to see the natural springs is the coolest! Drank fresh spring water!"
Visit local attractions: The area provides easy access to unique local experiences. One camper at Turner Lake South mentions, "We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm & Orchard because they have an orchard and vegetable market." For those seeking yurt camping near Wilmot, Wisconsin with interesting side trips, another notes that "Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove" is close enough that "you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Affordable yurt and primitive camping sites are available throughout the area. A camper at Turner Lake South emphasized the value: "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly." Even the electric sites remain reasonable at "$25/night."
Privacy between sites: Fox Den Campground gets high marks for site spacing compared to other options. One reviewer explains: "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." Another camper reports that at Thomas Woods Campground, "We did our first (family of 5) camping trip at Thomas Woods. We were at site 4 which is electric hookup and it was a huge area! The kids had so much space to run around and explore."
Accessible location: Many visitors appreciate the strategic location close to urban areas yet feeling remote. "This is our favorite place to camp. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything," writes one Fox Den visitor. For those seeking yurt camping options around Wilmot, a Thomas Woods camper adds, "I've been here two other weekends. Generally quiet and many of the tent spots are spaced out enough to provide privacy and quiet... Love this spot for proximity to my home."
What you should know
Wildlife considerations: Campers should prepare for regular wildlife encounters. A Turner Lake South visitor cautions: "We had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car." At Honeysuckle Hollow, a reviewer warns more explicitly: "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks... they literally fall out of the trees into people!" This same camper advises: "Also - the raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging."
Facility variations: Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds. One camper notes about Turner Lake South: "Bathrooms could've been cleaner but we were grateful for the facility which doubled as a storm shelter." A visitor to Fox Den observes: "Bathhouse could use to be cleaned a bit more regularly but overall a pleasant experience for the price."
Booking considerations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. As one Turner Lake South camper explains: "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." At Thomas Woods, a visitor notes: "Limited to weekend camping, but spread out private-like tent sites."
Tips for camping with families
Choose kid-friendly activities: The park system offers numerous structured options for children. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, a visitor reports, "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake... Child Friendly Campground." Another guest adds it's "staying here while visiting family in the area. The staff is very friendly the grounds are beautiful and well maintained... Great for kids lots of activities and space to play But very quiet and relaxing by nighttime."
Consider campsite location carefully: When booking with children, location within the campground matters. A Honeysuckle Hollow camper advises: "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms... avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best." They also suggest practical preparations: "Plan for toddlers and babies to have a contained covered screen house and have them wear hats or a wagon shade on walks."
Look for beach access: Water features are popular with families. A visitor to Fish Lake Beach notes: "The lake is beautiful and surprisingly picturesque as it is all nature preserve on the opposite side. The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there." They add that "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 spacing varies significantly: RV campers should research specific loops before booking. At Big Foot Beach State Park, a visitor notes: "Spaces are not consistent, some very large and shaded and some smaller and crowded." Another adds: "More of a yard style, open camping. No privacy. Lots of kids everywhere."
Electrical hookup placement matters: Many campgrounds have specific electrical limitations. A Fox Den camper points out the advantage: "This campground is within a couple hours of Chicago so it makes a nice getaway for the weekend... The campsites are a nice size and have electric hookups." However, at Honeysuckle Hollow, someone notes: "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad... We originally booked 96 but could not extend our slide because of large trees on either side of the pad and then the electric was about 50 feet away."
