Discover Camping Near You: Chain O’ Lakes Campground in Albion, IN

Chain O’ Lakes Campground Introduce

Looking for "camping near me" in the Albion, Indiana area? Chain O’ Lakes Campground, located in Albion, IN 46701, USA, offers a unique camping experience centered around its namesake chain of nine lakes. Based on recent customer reviews, this campground presents a mix of appealing natural features and areas for potential improvement, providing a nuanced picture for prospective visitors.

One of the significant draws of Chain O’ Lakes Campground is its access to the interconnected lakes, which provides opportunities for various water activities, most notably kayaking. One reviewer highlighted the "9 Lake Challenge," which can be undertaken with personal or rented kayaks. While this challenge is described as "DIFFICULT to do with only one vehicle," the availability of kayak rentals at a "reasonably priced" rate makes exploring the waterways accessible. However, potential kayakers should be aware of reports of "major algae beds that smelled like sewage" in some areas, which might impact the experience on certain lakes.

The campground offers a variety of campsites, and experiences can differ based on the specific site. One reviewer who stayed at site 220 noted several advantages, including "great shade and shelter from the rain," its location on a "quiet loop" with minimal traffic, "nice privacy from neighbors on one side because of trees," and convenient proximity to the bathrooms and potable water. These are significant positives for those prioritizing a peaceful and convenient camping setup.

However, this same reviewer also pointed out some drawbacks of site 220, mentioning it was "a bit awkward for a tent location" leading to pitching on gravel and muddy conditions when it rained. Additionally, they noted that the site wasn't ideal for hammocks due to unsuitable trees and lacked ample sunlight, which could be a con during colder weather. Another tent camper experienced a sloped site that would pool water but was accommodated with a switch to a "bigger lot nearby with lots more shade with less slope" by the "extremely accommodating" front gate staff. This suggests that while some sites might have limitations, the staff is helpful in resolving issues when possible.

The facilities at Chain O’ Lakes Campground received mixed reviews. The bathrooms were a point of concern for one reviewer, who described them as needing better maintenance and design. Specific issues mentioned included difficult-to-open doors, a malfunctioning feminine hygiene box, a single soap dispenser, and frequently clogged toilets. The absence of a handicap stall or changing table was also noted. Another reviewer found the bathrooms "clean (for being a campground)," indicating that experiences may vary.

The showers also had varied feedback. The women's showers were described as having individual stalls with small changing areas, hot water with a "very sulfuric in smell," and no shower curtain. The men's showers were characterized as more of a locker room style with limited storage and curtains, with the changing/towel area being outside the shower in a common space. These details are important for campers who rely on the campground's shower facilities.

Despite some of these concerns, the campground does offer some appreciated services. A camp store is available with "lots of necessities and treats at a fair price," and firewood is sold at a "reasonable cost." These amenities add convenience for campers who might need supplies or prefer to have campfires.

For those interested in hiking, one reviewer mentioned "lovely signs on the trails so you don't get lost," suggesting that there are trails within or around the campground that are well-maintained and easy to navigate.

It's also important to note that there is a $5 tag fee for each non-motorized watercraft brought into the park.

Considering the "camping near me" category, Chain O’ Lakes Campground offers a lakeside camping experience with opportunities for kayaking and potentially other water activities. The environment includes both shaded and more open campsites, though the suitability for tent camping can vary by site. While some reviewers encountered issues with the bathroom and shower facilities, the positive aspects include helpful staff, a well-stocked camp store, and marked hiking trails. The quiet loops in some areas of the park can also contribute to a more peaceful stay.

For local users, Chain O’ Lakes Campground provides a chance to engage with a unique chain of lakes, particularly appealing to kayakers who might be interested in the 9 Lake Challenge. Families might appreciate the availability of different campsite types and the general natural beauty of the area. However, it's advisable to be aware of the potential downsides related to the facilities and the varying quality of individual campsites. If you are a tent camper, it might be beneficial to inquire about site suitability when booking. Similarly, if well-maintained and modern bathroom facilities are a high priority, this might be a consideration.

In summary, Chain O’ Lakes Campground offers a camping experience centered around a beautiful chain of lakes, with kayaking being a primary activity. While some aspects like certain campsites and the bathhouse facilities have received mixed feedback, the accommodating staff, convenient camp store, and well-marked trails are positives. If you're looking for "camping near me" that combines lake access with a natural setting, and you are prepared for potentially rustic bathroom facilities, Chain O’ Lakes Campground in Albion, IN, could be a viable option. Contact them at (260) 636-2654 or +1 260-636-2654 for more information or to make a reservation.

Chain O’ Lakes Campground Photos

Chain O’ Lakes Campground Location

Chain O’ Lakes Campground

Campground, Albion, IN 46701, USA

Chain O’ Lakes Campground

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Chain O’ Lakes Campground Reviews

We had an enjoyable time at site 220 at the campground!Pros:Great shade and shelter from the rain.On a quiet loop in the park. Few cars were driving by.Nice privacy from neighbors on one side because of treesClose to the bathrooms without being annoyingly codeThe site nextdoor has the closest potable water.Cons:Our site was a bit awkward for a tent location so we put it on the gravel and had a lot of mud around when it rained.Not very good hammock treesNot a lot of sun if it is cold (but great if it's hot! There is a break in the trees but not too big).I wish the bathrooms were maintained and designed better. The doors made it hard to get out of the restrooms, feminine hygiene box fell out and onto the floor on me, only one soap dispenser, and there was always at least one of the four toilets plugged or full of paper. There is also no handicap stall or changing table. I understand that most campers these days have restrooms in their motorhomes, but as a tent camper I had expected more.The showers were okay. The women's had 4 stalls with little rooms with doors that closed that had a small changing area with a bench, 3 hooks, and a shower with about 3" to place your shower items. The water was nice and hot but very sulfuric in smell. There was no curtain to the shower. The men's were more locker room style with next to no storage and curtains (the changing area/towel hanging area is outside the shower in a common area).We also did the 9 Lake Challenge while here with our own kayaks. You can rent as well. Let me tell you, this is DIFFICULT to do with only one vehicle. We ended up doing one half (to Miller from Sand) and then took trail 4/5 back (almost 3 miles) to where we parked at Sand, and finally drove to Dock Lake and Long Lake to finish the challenge. It would be an incredible service if the park offered shuttles from the end of the lakes (I would have paid a fee) to allow people to do this more easily. Also, Mud Lake does truly feel like you're paddling through mud.I don't know if I'd camp here again, but I would recommend the site due to its privacy and convenience if you don't mind having your tent on gravel. I also highly recommend the 9 Lake Challenge if you have two vehicles to move your own/rental boats. They also have lovely signs on the trails so you don't get lost.You will need a $5 tag per non motorized watercraft if you bring your own.
Jun 30, 2024 · Kaiti Marie
Tent camped here for the first time in September. It’s a nice campground. The site we booked wasn’t very conducive for tents as it was sloped in the middle where water would pool. We saw a site nearby that was unoccupied and decided to ask the front gate staff if there was any possibility of switching. They were extremely accommodating and allowed us to switch to a bigger lot nearby with lots more shade with less slope. Camp store was nice, had lots of necessities and treats at a fair price. They sell wood at a reasonable cost. Bathrooms were clean (for being a campground). Didn’t shower here so I can’t confirm that. We kayaked a few of the lakes but had to turn around a few times as we ran into major algae beds that smelled like sewage. But kayak rentals were reasonably priced. Very nice place! Will come back.
Oct 10, 2023 · Kyle Bell
2024 camping at site 342 for a week. The weekend was busy ‼️ Restrooms and showers need a refreshing. Mosquito we friendly. We had a good time with friends and family. We will return.We camped 5 nights on site 346. It's a good site because it faces the woods. There is no grass. It is shady most of the day. The site is more than "a little uneven".The campground was full Friday and Saturday nights.
Aug 02, 2024 · Reginald Smith
Chain O'Lakes State Park, in Albion, Indiana is a large DNR Park with several amenities to help you enjoy your leisure time and camping experience. As one of the larger State Parks of Indiana, you can be sure to find the perfect site for you. They have primitive sites, electrical sites, full hookup sites, & Handicap sites. There are trails for hiking, a beach for swimming, plus boat rentals for canoes, Kayaks, and rowboats. The lake is for electrical motors or paddlers. But the lake connects to another lake and so on to form the chain. So if you're an adventurous boater or fisherman you'll have a wonderful trek to enjoy each day of your trip.The downside of this Park is the site size. Many sites are long enough for the longer bigger campers, but their width is lacking giving you that stacked feeling. As well as low privacy. Visit during the week when attendance is lower and you won't find this a problem. We were also fortunate to get a corner site that had a bit more room to it. Most corner sites there did seem to be a bit roomier. I would like to see them upgrade their two Septic Claiming Stations as they only allow for 2 campers to dump at each station at a time. A Park the size of COL needs bigger dumping facilities.
Sep 02, 2023 · Annette Jarvis
I love staying here, but I let my son go with his friends family, and he forgot his blanket, so I brought it to him, and I got treated so disrespectful. I understand like I told the lady, you have cut off for visitors, but I didn't know what time, and it was cold, and no one is ever going to keep my son from me. Either or I tried apologizing, and I was ignored, while she was yelling at my sons friends parent. I got accused of revving up my engin, I tried to explain it is a manual, I don't purposely try to cause trouble, but she threatened to call cops, I said I would wait, because she was being way too disrespectful to the other parents and me. After a while of trying to talk to her I seen she was not going to call cops so I apologize to the other parents and once more to the lady who just keeps going on, now she could hear my stereo from the front gate, I will not lie, I am guilty of playing it louder than normal, but I turned it down when I got by the beachEither or I have been coming to channel lake since I was 6 and I missed last couple yrs of camping. I don't think I will go back with someone in charge like that lady. She was way too high strung I don't need the drama
Apr 06, 2025 · Bruc Heat