10 SPOTS TO SLEEP UNDER THE STARS

10Spots to sleep

Camping options abound, especially near the lakes

By Chris Walker

here’s no need to drive far for your stay — within and nearby

Chain O’ Lakes State Park is a handful of excellent options. Now all you need is a tent and some s’mores!

WITHIN CHAIN O’ LAKES STATE PARK 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove Within the park are six camping areas, which feature a pair of loops with electric and three loops of nonelectric for a total of more than 200 sites. In addition, the park also features a youth group area that includes space for up to 150. Showers, toilets, electric hookups and more are available at or near the various campground sites, and don’t worry — your (quiet) canine family members are allowed, too. n Honey Suckle Hollow is conveniently located close to a boat launch and just east of Turner Lake. This prime location has 86 premium cabin, tent and RV sites. Up to six guests allowed per site. n Fox Den offers 40 tent, RV and trailer camping sites in a loop within Chain O’ Lakes Park. It is beautifully located in the center of the state’s largest group of lakes. Up to four guests allowed per site. n Turner Lake South provides camping options just footsteps away from the lake. Those

who want to wake and bait do not have to wander far from their sleeping bag — bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye and more are ready and waiting for the great anglers in your party. n Prairie View is near a volleyball court, offering recreational opportunities in the great outdoors.

This campsite features 31 premium sites south of

Turner Lake. Up to four guests allowed per site. n Mud Lake East is the smallest campground area within the park and offers tranquility within its 12 sites. n Mud Lake West is a special camp area for kids and can accommodate up to 150. Note that no alcohol is permitted on the park’s campgrounds.

OUTSIDE THE STATE PARK n Fish Lake Beach

Camping Resort

32223 N. US Highway 12, Volo www.fishlakebeach.com

One of the largest, privately owned campgrounds in Illinois, according to its website, this sprawling property can accommodate hundreds of adventurers with 580 seasonal campsites and 60 overnight campsites. Fishing, swimming, boating and more highlight a lengthy list of on-site activities. n Fox River Recreation

Campground

27884 W. Route 173, Antioch www.foxriverrecreation.com

Situated on 25 acres of beautiful wooded property, this campground borders the shores of the Fox River.

While designed for weekend

RV camping, rental trailers also are available, and those looking to pitch a tent will find plenty of space here to do so. n Grass Lake Marina

and RV Park

26250 W. Heart O’ Lakes Blvd.

Antioch | grasslakemarina.co

This seasonal campground (April 1-Oct. 31) sits on 52 acres. You’ll find more than 120 RV sites and a boat launch leading directly to Grass Lake. n Spring Grove Camp

(Prairie Club)

3716 N. US Highway 12

Spring Grove www.theprairieclub.org

Tent, trailer and motor home camping are offered upon acres of open and wooded land. A pond for fishing as well as swimming is also available.

Features a clubhouse with seven rooms for overnight stays and additional space for activities.