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    Chain O' Lakes State Park

    3.3 (77 reviews)

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    Canoe view.
    Jickles H.

    Chain 'O' Lakes State Park is a nice, convenient state park to escape to if you live in the northern-ish burbs of Chicago. It borders the famous Chain 'O' Lakes (hence its name) and is definitely geared to those who want to boat and fish. We camped mostly at Mud Lake campground. We didn't have any mud issues but I think a new name might not be a bad idea. Our campsites were always clean and seemingly nicely maintained. No issues with bathrooms or facilities in general. I love to hike but never really got to check out the trails - one visit was on the most humid July afternoon ever and hiking was not an option anyone wanted to consider. Another visit was with young folks who wanted to canoe so that is what we did. Be careful - the canoes are rented out of a little inlet and when you leave the inlet in your canoe, the lake, Grass Lake I believe, can be very choppy depending on the wind. Boats also are in the area so it can be a challenge if you are a novice canoer. This is a nice state park to spend a night or two at. Close enough to us so it is not a huge expedition. We did camp through a huge electrical storm on that humid July night. Most of the campers broke camp and left, but we stayed. Overall worth a visit if you love to camp in northeastern Illinois.

    Map of campground
    Becky H.

    Note- this review is for the campground not the state park... In terms of appearance this is a beautiful state park and the setting was very pleasant. There's a few lakes/ponds/marshes which all have different wildlife. Very nice hiking and bike friendly for those who like to explore! The sites in Fox Den are for the most part a little more spaced out with some privacy. Unlike the other circles of sites closer to the entrance of the state park. The website to book the campground was not very user friendly. Nowhere does it show where bathrooms are in relationship to the campsites. That is a problem for me who has little boys and tend to book sites near the facilities. I was able to call and get through to someone at the campground and they told me where the restrooms were. That was good. We were told Fox Den sites opened on May 1 and those were the more "premier" sites. So we waited until 3 days before our trip to book one of the premier sites. Here's where you see why my review is only 3 stars... 1- the vault toilet near our site was gross. If the campground just opened today, why is this facility so gross?? It looked like it hadn't been emptied in over a year and definitely not swept. 2- there was 1/4 roll of toilet paper in the vault toilets. Again, why if you opened today is there not 2 fresh rolls of TP?? So I called the campground office. He was very nice, apologetic, told me where another restroom was (which was 2 circles over) and said he'd send some down. Guess what? Over the 3 days we camped, there was no toilet paper... hmmm... 3-the shower house/bathrooms were also gross. I am used to camping at state parks and I really don't have huge standards as far as the bathroom, but these didn't appear to be cleaned at all. I never once saw any type of park employees anywhere to be checking on things... 4- make sure you understand that you can exit at all hours, but there is no re-entry after 11:30 pm. So if you have to leave for let's say an emergency, you won't be able to get back in to your campsite. Just know this. Overall though, it was a very pretty state park.

    david L.

    I've been camping at Chain O Lakes state park at least 6 times in the past few years. It's only an hour from Chicago and the campsites are great. Most tent camp sites in the PRARIE View and Turner loops are pretty private and wooded shade. There are a few bath rooms located within a short walk from most sites as well. The lake is big, plenty of boats on the lake and decent fishing on the shoreline too. This is one of my local camp spots. I recommend this location for camping year round.

    Fox Den has electric sites and is pretty quiet.
    Tiffany C.

    Have never been camping here before or even seen the park. So went on reserveamerica.com to figure out how to reserve a spot to go camping. I was a little nervous about doing this online and site unseen but it works out perfectly. We have 3 dogs and wanted to take them with us but we're staying in a tent. Opted to use a spot with electric because yes I still want to be able to stay charged and had a small fan that came in handy for my geriatric dogs comfort. Picked a site that was a minute walk to the 'bathroom' which was a very clean hole in the ground with toilet seat and toilet paper and its lighted with locked doors. It didn't smell and was nicely kept up. Stayed in the Fox Den campsite and was very happy about that. Since it did have electric there were about 80% RV's and campers but the sites were laid out nice and not too on top of each other plus very quiet. The other site with electric hook up is called Honey Suckle and is on the lake and seems to be set up perfectly more for groups of people or families camping together and has a more 'party' atmosphere. There is a shower equipped bathroom about a five minute walk from where we camped. It had regular flushing toilets and 4 showers with latching doors and a little bench to put your things on. Be advised its not a hotel shower and no water temperature control. The water is a bit chilly but hey, it's a shower and you are camping for $25 a day, not complaining bout that!!!! All kinds of trails to hike on, boat rentals and you can rent a horse and go on a guided trail ride. Very close to Chicago so it's easily accessible for a couple day get away. Bring bug spray and enjoy the time away from your normal gig. The camp site is super clean and maintained to keep everything natural looking. You don't have to be an expert camper or have a million dollar RV to enjoy this place. Highly recommend it!

    Brent W.

    I love camping.not glamping a lot and try to go at least few times a year. I had not been here before but when my next door neighbor suggested it (he and his wife grew up in Antioch) I was on it and excited to check it out. It's a State Park so you kind of know what to expect in terms of safety, cleanliness, cost, and amenities...that is to say, completely fine and respectable. There were a total of seven of us and we chose Prarie View - non-electric, much to my chagrin but ended up being fine (I like electric for a few good reasons imo, putting air in air mattresses, cooking w an electric griddle, string lights, cell phone charging, etc....all things that make camping enjoyable yet not glamping but also not having to go completely off the grid...with kids and g/f's/spouses, I find it just makes sense. Any rate, apart from a slight hiccup upon checking in, they gave us the wrong camp site initially and only mentioned it to us *after* we had unloaded both vehicles, uggh! everything was more than ok. The Prarie View site is excellent IMO, with lot's of privacy as each site is tucked away in between heavily forested, mature trees. No concrete slabs here, thankfully and the area of each site is very spacious. The only bad thing at the site is they don't have a fire pit, which is a pretty big deal for me, seriously, you *have* to have a fire pit, this is kinda ridiculous and almost has me docking an extra star to three! We kayaked, hiked, and rode horses. I wanted to bring my bike but our cars were full and I don't have a bike rack, inconceivable but I don't :/ the areas is HUGE and exceedingly beautiful with, you guessed it, tons of lakes around everywhere. Fox Lake is not too far, maybe a 15 minute drive for when you need to step away from the site for whatever reason, which we did once. We also drove up to Walworth, Wisconsin (about 30 minutes North) for their County Fair that was happening and it was totally "worth" it, totally fit in with the theme of our Labor day weekend getaway. Check in/out is 3pm but they let you check in early if the site is avail, which we did. Really helpful and nice staff.

    Beautiful park offices.
    Jamie M.

    Great camping on mostly secluded lots. Plenty of sites with and without electricity. Great programming by the state park office, including Ranger Dave's discussion of woolly mammoth's and other prehistoric animals that once roamed the park

    Peppers loving the outdoors.
    Stephanie E.

    Visited 4th of July weekend 2015. Family of 2 and a boxer. We camped at Honeysuckle Hollow. Mostly a family crowd. Lots of kids riding bikes, playing. Pros 1. Friendly staff, we were not harassed or treated poorly. We were not bothered about our dog and our tents weren't approached by rangers or ransacked, like other reviews have mentioned. 2. Park is clean. Huge garbage bins are scarce which is nice because it deters critters. 3. They have a nice amount of water pumps distributed throughout the camp. Convenient. 4. We did not take alcohol; however, our camp neighbors had a couple of twelve packs, they concealed their drinks and maintained their composure, although they had music and a big crowd, they were not approached by rangers. 5. Every spot includes a grill and picnic table. Things to consider: 1. The park gates close at 11:30pm. The bathrooms shut down at 11-11:30ish. 2. The bathrooms are not the best. Honeysuckle Hollow had one bathroom with about 5 stalls and 3 showers, in the Women's washroom, not enough for the capacity of campers. They reopen the bathrooms about 5:30 am but do not replenish supplies until later. This is not good in a women's washroom. Long lines and bring your own handsoap, something I forgot. 3. Campsites are a nice size for a family of four. Although if you're stationed next to a camper/RV it could get tight, as we learned. The designated spots are right next to each other. This is not privacy type camping. 4. Although the instructions allow quiet dogs, there were two dogs that barked non-stop, frustrating when you're trying to sleep. The quarters are so close there is nothing you can do. 5. There is a little lake in Honeysuckle Hollow, however, it's not a lake to swim in, nor would you want to swim in the water. There is a shakey dock that leads out to the lake for fishing, however, the platform is small. Not many ppl could visit at once. 6. No fireworks allowed, understandable, but you also cannot see the Fox Lake fireworks unless you drive outside the camp site near the entrance or leave the grounds. 7. Clean up at night. We accidentally left the dog food out and the critters ran off with the food. To be expected, our mistake.

    Lydia I.

    Wonderful campsite! Plenty of options for all kinds of campers. Nice showers-- although the toilets need an upgrade. Privacy at most of the sites and many activities available for the whole family-- strongly suggest here if you love long walks and horseback riding! The Campsite Hosts are very nice and offered us help when we needed it. They keep the place clean and ready for all the campers.

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    Love this area has so much to see. They have water access along with camping and log cabins to rent.

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    Great Public Piet easy to tie up, brand new park and great fishing! Fireworks in the Summer too! Great addition to the area

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Can you swim at the Chain O Lakes State Park?

    I have not seen a public area where one can swim. Perhaps private lakeside property can. But no, so far I have not seen a designated area for swimming.

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    Review Highlights - Chain O' Lakes State Park

    The park is 6000 acres of beautiful hiking, biking and horse riding trails.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archaeological Site - Walking up to the lookout area near the parking lot. There is seating along this area.

    Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archaeological Site

    3.5(2 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    Review Six-Hundy! Since I'm happiest outdoors & we enjoy exploring various parks & nature preserves…read moreI'm glad the timing worked out to make one of those a milestone review for me. Nestled up in McHenry County on Elizabeth Lake this nature preserve has 2 miles of trails with views of the surrounding 345 acres. I took a photo of the map but their website also has a nice one posted there as well. I wish the trails went all the way around the lake but due to the makeup of the ground/marshy area, preservation efforts, etc. the trails are all on one side of the preserve. It's a lovely setting with a large variety of wildflowers, prairie grasses, plants & trees to take in and the songbirds were in full effect on our visit. There are no restroom facilities here so plan accordingly. The trails are a mowed path with a few footbridges so if it has rained recently the paths could be wet/muddy, especially in the shady areas. We had to turn back twice due to areas that were too wet/muddy to get through in the footwear we had on but would have been doable with hiking footwear. We still enjoyed most of the trail with me in my sandals. There is seating near the parking lot at the overlook/entrance area but no other benches along the trails...but with just 2 miles of trails not really necessary for most.

    Wonderful trail to walk your dog, wonderful addition to Twin Lakes considering there are no…read moresidewalks on Lake Shore Dr. I just wish they would connect it with the trail system at the south end of Lake Elizabeth to have a longer trail. Beware of ticks in the warmer months. The grasses usually prevent it from getting too muddy. The trail is pretty well maintained and the map is available at the beginning of the trail so you can choose your loop.

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    Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archaeological Site - Lookout area near the parking lot.

    Lookout area near the parking lot.

    Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archaeological Site - Map of the nature preserve & 2 miles of trails.

    Map of the nature preserve & 2 miles of trails.

    Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve Varga Archaeological Site - Very interesting info about the Floating Calcareous Mat at this nature preserve.

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    Very interesting info about the Floating Calcareous Mat at this nature preserve.

    Kenosha Silver Lake County Park - Beautiful crisp sunny day.  Fall colors starting to dot the landscape.

    Kenosha Silver Lake County Park

    3.8(6 reviews)
    7.8 mi

    Ah, the Winey Mary--a concoction that dares to ask, "Why be ordinary when you can be a cheeky…read morecunt?" This sassy cousin of the Bloody Mary trades in its vodka for a rich, full-bodied stale sake wine, and oh, what a trade it is! From the first sip, you're greeted with the robust warmth of the sake, which pairs oh so harmoniously with the traditional tomato juice base. But don't be fooled; this isn't just a Bloody Mary in a fancy dress. No, the Winey Mary has a personality all its own--bold, slightly rebellious, yet undeniably charming that you'd think it's asking you "Hey, do you come here often?" To which I won't! And let's not forget the garnish. Whether it's a classic celery stalk, a twist of lemon, or a few olives bobbing playfully on the surface, each adds its own layer of whimsy to the classic Bloody Mary. But the Whiney Mary? It's as if the sliver of lime at the bottom of the glass is winking at you, mocking you by what a horrendous choice you've made. So, raise your glass to the Winey Mary--a drink that's not just a cocktail, but an experience. It's the perfect companion for those who like their beach days with a side of alcoholism and regret. Cheers! WORST. PRETZELS. EVER. !!!!

    I love this lake and park…read more. Our church has been coming here for their annual picnic/baptism ceremony, the past several years.. I have been along the past three years and have really enjoyed hanging out here each time. The park is beautiful and maintained very well, the amenties are generous for being a public park. there is a small charge of course, but it is worth it. The beach is clean, the lake is beautiful, and the swimming area is very safe, albeit a bit shallow, but great for toddlers and pre-teens to play and cool off on a hot summer day. Hungry?? the field house offers snacks and light food, such as hot dogs, chips, soda, ice cream. Or, you can bring along a BBQ grill or use the grills provided and whip up something you toted along. Grab a spot by one of the many picnic tables and relax. There are some real nice walking paths for those of you that enjoy soaking up nature and hiking thru the prairie. Great place to snap some nature pics or give the kids a nature tour. I would give this place five stars if they put the volleyball nets back up.. but that is just me just feeling a bit disappointed we were unable to play beach volleyball..

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    Kenosha Silver Lake County Park
    Kenosha Silver Lake County Park - ICEHOUSE TRAIL Only around a mile, but quite visually stunning! Bridge over a swampy inlet

    ICEHOUSE TRAIL Only around a mile, but quite visually stunning! Bridge over a swampy inlet

    Kenosha Silver Lake County Park - Could'nt get enough of these GOLDEN BEAUTIES! Best time of year to travel to my hometown each year from California.

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    Could'nt get enough of these GOLDEN BEAUTIES! Best time of year to travel to my hometown each year from California.

    Lake Geneva - 7/26/23 Another brewery

    Lake Geneva

    3.8(11 reviews)
    14.5 mi

    Pretty good place! Went on a day trip with family and hubby…read moreto celebrate birthday. Cute town! We walked around the downtown, beach, the little shops. Very nice! Had lunch at Oak Fire which was great and some good old fashioned ice cream at Kilwins. Lake was very peaceful. Clean, well maintained area. Has a number of restaurants, many shops, very quaint. Parking is a challenge though. It was hard to find and apparently very closely monitored so watch out for tickets! The apps make it easy to extend time as needed. They also have a Safari experience (we weren't able to make it to the drive through Safari due to ticket unavailability) but seems like a good place to see. They have boat tours as well and boats to rent (although pretty pricey). Overall would recommend!

    Quality/Quantity - Hottest day here in a while, the locals…read moretell me. Huge lake and of course we end up in one of the most popular areas. Crazy busy. Limited paid parking; then we found the free parking lots a few blocks away. The area we hung out at had a small sandy beach. Boat rides, tours, rentals, etc. Some shops on the pier with public bathrooms. Other things to do in town: Events, shopping, arts & entertainment, golf courses, hiking, biking, lake activities, museums, orchards & farms, parks, petting zoo, horseback riding, spas & salons, water parks, camps, retreats, fall & winter activities, theater, etc. And of course my favorite places - Breweries, wineries, distillers, etc. Atmosphere - See above. Open 7 days a week, year round. Service - Good, from the shopping experience for my wife to the eating & drinking experience for my daughter and I. Price - Depends on what you buy, eat, or drink. Owner Comment - Great job making this a very good place to visit. Something for everyone.

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    Lake Geneva
    Lake Geneva - 7/27/23 FYI

    7/27/23 FYI

    Lake Geneva - 7/27/23 FYI

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    7/27/23 FYI

    Chain O' Lakes State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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