Campgrounds near Tower Lakes
Tower Lakes sits in Lake County, Illinois, about an hour northwest of Chicago and within easy reach of the Chain O' Lakes region, the heart of Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes. RV travelers use the area as a base for boating, fishing, and paddling on interconnected lakes and the Fox River, with several private resorts and one large state park within a short drive.
The closest full-service RV option is Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, a family-friendly park in Volo, Illinois, tucked into Lake County about 45 minutes north of Chicago on the shores of Fish Lake. Nearby, Chain O' Lakes State Park spans McHenry and Lake counties in the northeastern corner of Illinois, roughly 60 miles northwest of Chicago and 4 miles south of the Wisconsin border, and includes the Turner Lake South campground.
Additional options along the Fox River chain include Grass Lake Marina and RV Park and Fox River Recreation. Just across the state line, the Kenosha County Fair Association grounds in southeastern Wisconsin serve as a periodic event-linked camping site.
Things to do near Tower Lakes
Water recreation drives most trip planning here. The Fox River connects the ten lakes that make up the Chain, including Grass, Marie, Nippersink, Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, Catherine, and Redhead, giving boaters a large connected waterway to explore. Anglers target bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, catfish, and yellow and white bass.
On land, Chain O' Lakes State Park offers seven picnic areas, four trail systems, and an archery range, with trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Boat, canoe, and kayak rentals run seasonally through the park concessionaire, Gill's on the Chain. The park's concession stand is generally open April through mid-October and stocks food, ice, firewood, and camper supplies.
Guests at Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort have access to a private beach on Fish Lake, a heated pool and hot tub, playgrounds, a dog park, and a full activity calendar.
When to visit Tower Lakes
March - May
55° / 37°F 90 mm
Cool and wet; parks reopen and fishing picks up
June - August
81° / 61°F 100 mm
Warm, humid, peak bookings; reserve weekends well ahead
September - November
57° / 39°F 75 mm
Mild days, cool nights; state park closes for hunting in November
December - February
34° / 18°F 50 mm
Cold and snowy; state park open, most private resorts closed
The active RV season runs late spring through mid-fall. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort operates from May 1st through October 15th for overnight camping, and most private lakeside resorts follow a similar window. Chain O' Lakes State Park stays open year-round except Christmas, though camping demand and services peak from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Summer brings warm, humid weather and the busiest boating traffic on the Chain. Wooded state park sites at Turner Lake South and other loops fill fastest on holiday weekends. Spring and early fall offer cooler nights, thinner crowds, and strong fishing, with hardwood foliage typically peaking in October.
Late fall and winter change the character of the area significantly. Summer park hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. take effect April 1st and end the last weekend in October, when hunting begins and the entire park is closed to other activities. Hunting, ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing are offered in the fall and winter months.
How to book campgrounds near Tower Lakes
State park sites and private resorts use separate systems. For Chain O' Lakes State Park, including Turner Lake South, camping reservations are handled through the ExploreMoreIL portal at camp.exploremoreil.com. The maximum stay at campsites is 14 nights in a 30-day period, and a responsible adult 18 or older acquiring the permit must have a camp shelter and set it up at the time of registration.
Private resorts such as Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort book directly through the property, with both overnight and seasonal site options. Grass Lake Marina and RV Park and Fox River Recreation take reservations through their own websites or by phone. Book summer weekends and holidays weeks in advance, as popular loops sell out quickly.
What to expect
Sites vary widely in service level. Private resorts near Tower Lakes typically offer water and electric with 30- and 50-amp service, sewer hookups on many sites, and pull-through options for larger rigs, plus laundry, showers, and Wi-Fi. State park loops at Chain O' Lakes lean more rustic: the Class A-Premium areas (Honeysuckle Hollow and Fox Den) have electric sites, while Class B-Premium loops including Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Mud Lake East are primitive.
Regulations differ from federal parks. All campers must have a permit and bring their own firewood, as no one is allowed to gather wood in the park. A user fee is required for all boats using the Chain O' Lakes, charged by the Fox Waterway Agency, with stickers sold at the park concession stand.
Expect wooded, level sites, mosquitoes and ticks in warm months, and busy weekends on the water.