Chain O'Lakes State Park in Illinois, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-11. Check linked official notices before travel.

Chain O' Lakes State Park near Spring Grove, Illinois, gives boaters access to the Fox River and the connected lakes. Turner Lake, inside the park, is a separate option for paddling or electric-motor boats. During the fall hunting closure, only the designated boat launches remain open to ordinary visitors.

The Fox River chain and Turner Lake

The park borders Grass, Marie and Nippersink lakes and the Fox River, which links the broader chain. For a smaller outing, launch a kayak on 44-acre Turner Lake. The kayak launch parking is at the entrance to Turner Lake South campground.

Check what is open before setting out

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Check river restrictions and bring safety gear

Read the DNR river notices and check the Fox Waterway Agency’s current status for no-wake restrictions before launching. Bring the required boat safety equipment.

Follow the rules for each area

Turner Lake allows only electric trolling motors. Keep pets leashed and clean up after them. In the campground, leave firewood in place and keep alcohol out of campsites. Hunting requires registration.

Reserve camping, shelters and group outings

Use the booking link on the Illinois DNR campground page or call 866-716-6550 for campsite and shelter reservations. Illinois DNR has paused 2027 camping reservations through December 31, 2026. Check the unit calendar for the posted March reopening and available sites. For the electrical work, the park lists Fox Den as walk-in until its upgrades end. Honeysuckle accepts reservations until its work starts. Check the campground page for the current status of either loop. Call the park office for youth group sites. Shelters cost $50 USD and require a reservation. Picnic groups of 20 or more need advance written permission. Camping is limited to 14 nights in 30 days. Every camper must have a permit. A responsible adult age 18 or older must set up the camping shelter at registration.

Find the Spring Grove entrance

Use 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL 60081 for the main entrance. It is on the east side of Wilmot Road, south of IL 173 and north of US 12. Oak Point’s boat launch has separate access off IL 173 at the Fox River.

Nearby parks

• Volo Bog State Natural Area is on Brandenburg Road in Ingleside. Its boardwalk reaches the open water at the center of the bog.
• Moraine Hills State Park is on South River Road near McHenry. Check its separate firearm deer season closures before traveling.

Launch a boat or explore the trails

Choose a fishing pier or bring a boat, since much of the shoreline is marshy. Anglers age 16 or older generally need an Illinois sport fishing license. Check the state fishing rules for exemptions and limits on your chosen waters. On land, start Nature’s Way at Oak Grove Picnic Area. Four surfaced trails offer about six miles of cycling, and the equestrian route has three loops. See the park activity guide for the trail and launch options.

Picnic areas and accessible trail access

Picnic areas have tables, grills and toilets. Pike Marsh North has a quarter-mile accessible trail, and the campground lists six accessible Class A sites. Illinois DNR ties the return of watercraft rentals to dock and concession upgrades. Call the park before planning to rent a boat.

A park built around the lakes

State park land and the CCC

Illinois bought the first park acreage in 1945. A former Civilian Conservation Corps camp had become the Chain O’ Lakes Conservation Area and joined the state park in 1957.

Marshy shorelines and lake fish

Marshes border much of the shoreline. The connected lakes support fish including bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike.

Contact the Spring Grove park office

Call 847-587-5512 or visit the Illinois DNR page for Chain O' Lakes for park information and current notices.