Camping – Biking – Canoeing

Weekend of June 19-21

Chain of Lakes State Park

The campground is HoneySuckle Hollow and you can make reservations by calling the Park Office at 847-587-5512 and giving them a one night deposit plus $5 service fee. They will ask your date of birth because there is a senior discount Sunday through Thursday. The sites between 23 – 46 are the ones to ask for. Mention you are with the Four Winds Ski Club and they will try to put you there. Mail-in applications are also accepted but sites go fast here so do call. There are also 3 rustic cabins available for rent.

Bring a bike because we will bike park trails on Saturday, very easy and only about 7 or 10 miles. They also rent horses there for you riders. Those of you not into bikes or horses, may choose to hike the trails or go down to the river and fish? Yes, licenses are required. If anyone wants to bring a boat, there is a free boat launch there but you do need a Chain of Lakes sticker.

On Sunday, those of us with canoes or kayaks can start in Wilmont and canoe back to the park. The park does rent canoes and they will take them up to Oak Point state park in Antioch for a fee. There might be several of you who wish to do this or else you can rent a canoe and just canoe out to the chain of lakes. Sorry, they do not rent kayaks. Let’s talk about this later. The phone number for the boating concession is 847-587-7165 and if you are serious about renting, you might want to call ahead to reserve. $12 for 2 hours and $14 for 4 hours.

Sunday there will be a barbeque down by the marina/ concessions in a pavilion that has been reserved for us. Information on the park can be found at the website: dnr.state.il.us. This park is roughly 60 miles from Itasca and is a great close-in get away.

We can do more planning and details but if interested, do make a reservation soon.

If you have questions you can contact Rick or Christy Burke 847-682-7456 or send an email to RickBCampen@aol.com

Directions to Chain of Lakes: From Chicago - North on I-94 to Rt. 173 exit; west Rt. 173 15 miles to Wilmot Rd; south 1 ½ miles to entrance; park entrance on east side.

Rt. 12 from West Suburbs - West on Rt. 12 thru town of Fox Lake to Wilmot Rd.; North Wilmot Rd. 2 miles to entrance; park entrance on east side.

Park address: 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL 60081