I've been making an effort to experience my home state of Indiana a little more these days. From state parks to roadside attractions to smalltown diners, I've been trying to simply slow down and enjoy Indiana. Chain O' Lakes State Park is one of Indiana's state parks. Located in Albion, a small city of under 2,400 in northeast Indiana's Noble County (think Kendallville), Chain O' Lakes State Park has as its main feature, you guessed it, a chain of lakes. The park has a chain of nine "kettle" lakes (13 lakes total, 9 connected). Kettle lakes are glacial lakes that were formed out of melting ice blocks. Chain O' Lakes offers small boating, 23 miles of forested trails for hiking, a hillside family cabin, a Nature Center, campground, swimming beach, picnic shelters, and the historic Stanley Schoolhouse - a historic one-room schoolhouse. Chain O' Lakes has 426 campsites, 18 cabins, waterfalls, great fishing spots, and you can rent watercraft. This is far enough from Indy that I kind of recommend making it a weekend trip rather than a day trip. There's much to do in Noble County (which also has a decent-sized Amish community). You can canoe a great five-mile path through the park's nine connected lakes (This used to be an official "challenge," though I don't know if it is anymore). There are even canoe camping sites (more isolated than the traditional camping sites). Chain O' Lakes is one of Indiana's under-appreciated gems. It's definitely less accessible than some of the parks, though it has improved somewhat over the years. It's more rustic and natural. It emphasizes outdoor experiences and its just over 2,700 acres feel like you could just get lost in them. The park is only 19 miles northwest of Fort Wayne (Indiana's second largest city), however, it feels like a world away. As someone who typically goes to Fort Ben State Park, I have a major love for these parks where you get there and forget there's a world outside the gates. If you're not the camping type, I'd probably head to Kendallville rather than Albion for the overnight. However, Chain O' Lakes has everything from primitive to more comfortable camping. So, it's easy to find something that works. I hadn't been to Chain O' Lakes in a while. Returning, I was reminded just how much I enjoy the place and how relaxing it is. A few other basics - This is a state park, so there's a fee to enter unless you've gotten the State Park pass (which I recommend for Indiana's 24 state parks). Also, fishing requires the state license and it is enforced. Finally, a couple semi-fun facts. There's a "re-entry center" located directly in the state park with a capacity of 140 incarcerated individuals. It offers educational and treatment programs designed to help people transition into the community - it also helps maintain this park, Pokagon, and the surrounding communities. It's been here since 1967 (and yes, it is safe.). Chain O' Lakes State Park also hosts The HUFF 50k Trail Run/Relay, the 12th largest ultramarathon in North America. Doesn't all this make you want to visit? I'll admit that I tend to stick in the 4-5 star range for most state parks. I love them. In terms of accessibility, I'd go 4-star for Chain O' Lakes. Because it offers so much and is really under-appreciated (in my opinion), I'm bumping it up to 5-stars. The trails, occasionally accessible, really do require someone with mobility issues to have assistance and some simply wouldn't work. Word of caution, as well, with so much water you had best plan for mosquitoes. They can be really serious around here! read more

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Great camping spot! It's always quiet and beautiful. The boat rental closes at 4 ( I couldn't find the hours) and we didn't know that and got there at 4:05 :( only downside. The trails are good and the Dairy Queen in town is always a nice backup if the hot dogs aren't enough for your hunger read more

Chain O' Lakes - One of the main lakes, connected to the boat rental - Parks Near Me - Albion, Indiana

Chain o lakes is one of my favorite campgrounds. I enjoy the wooded areas and camp store. They have lots of trails to walk and lakes to boat. I wish the lake was a little better and not so full of algae though. read more

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I found myself here at the Chain O Lakes State Park on the last Saturday in April 2024, dressed in my marathon gear. I guess it was time to do another one. Here we go! First off, the Chain O Lakes state park is a beautiful area that spans acres of endless vegetation and natural wetlands, as well as beautiful vistas that includes small and large lakes. There is plenty of nature to go around and plenty of opportunities to things in the wild, so to speak. Not sure I'd want to go swimming in the lake(s), since you don't know what's really swimming in there. I was here to participate in a 12 hour ultra running endurance event. Chain O Lakes State Park has that National Park vibe, since you drive in and then there's a check in station / pay booth. After paying fees, you drive maybe 2 or more miles more to reach a parking area. For myself though, the beauty and scenery that encompasses the lake and its surrounding areas were a gift enough. I was traveling from HI to this place and the greenery really astounded me. There are facilities here, including restroom and shower facilities in the main parking lot, although I don't know if there are multiple entrances to the said park, but then again, this place is huge. Miles and miles of trails and open spaces for anyone and everyone to enjoy. For myself though, running and walking thru muddy trails after a morning rain storm was very interesting for me. Definitely a moment to remember here at the Chain O Lakes state park in NE Indiana. The overall experience here at the Chain O Lake state park here in Albion, Indiana was amazing and beautiful. I mostly enjoyed the beauty of the lake shore and how it must be heaven to come here day after day for the local people. I didn't realize that the trails can get so muddy that you'd have to go very slowly to avoid falling, which was the case with me. It was pretty ridiculous in some spots along the trails. Regardless of that, the park itself was very nice and felt like an oasis in between Chicago and Detroit. Definitely a place to be when you want to be with yourself or in my case, a couple hundred like minded runners. Although I've only been to one piece of the park, I'm sure that the other parts of the park are as equally or more beautiful. It's a place where you can let go of your stress and just be one with nature. If you are traveling through the area and need a place to stretch your legs, consider coming into the park for a nice break from the driving. Definitely the hidden jewel of the Indiana park system for sure. Recommended if you are in the area. I love everything about it and it was definitely worth the travel. Chain O Lakes state park is located in Albion, Indiana, about an hour or so from Fort Wayne Indiana and Warsaw, give or take. I believe this park system charges admission, although I don't know for sure. Best bet would be to carry around $20 cash, unless they accept credit cards at the entrance gate. To be sure, if you are a frequent visitor to consider paying for an annual pass, if they have it. It's truly a great place to be, almost like Heaven. There was bugs out there when I was there and they were annoying. Very annoying. As far as parking goes, best bet would be to have your own private car or rent one. I'm not sure if Uber or Lyft would come out this far, but then again, who knows. Had friends who were doing the aforementioned event with me, so I got a ride to and from Chain O Lakes state park. There is a generous parking lot for all users of the park. Must be one of the main entrances that we used since it was next to the restrooms and showers. All in all, it was a beautiful day to spend at a park. Nature beauty at its best. Come on over and you'll feel fantastic. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Support local! A+ read more

Nice camping park with best lake kayaking in Indiana. Sites are nicely sized and 9 lake challenge is 6 hours and 10 miles of kayaking. Very nice place, no cell on Verizon except at school house. read more

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I love this park because of the many opportunities to hike along the lakes, which double as picturesque points of interest and cool down zones for pets. If you're wondering if this is worth the day trip, my vote is yes. read more

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It's definitely a good place to go fro the summer ! Unlike other sites , they allow tents and campers both. The park rangers are always very helpful and informative, not to mention friendly! I will always almost always recommend Chain O Lakes campground to anyone. It's one of the finest in this region ! Always a must every summer ! read more

Nice park to enjoy with friends and family. You can spend a whole day paddling in the lakes without getting bored.

While we were having fun being guys. A lifeguard charged us and yelled at us to leave the park. When we left they never even gave us a refund. read more

We have been canoeing here for the last few years. But this weekend we went to canoe and kayak with our kids and grandchild. We paid to go 3 hours & then barley left shore and our daughter decided her daughter was too little and we went back. Our receipt from the time we paid to the time of return was 7 min. I asked if we could do a refund, they refused. For 7 min of water "fun" we paid 70 dollars total and got nothing back. They have ZERO "no refund" signs no policy around. You think they would at least charge us an hour and refund the other 2. Money Hungry. read more

Best hiking in northern in. Lots of trail options and the cabin camping is amazing too.

A completely unacceptable situation occurred today at Chain O Lakes State Park. There is a significant issue with the employee who was working at the entrance today at 12:20 pm. Their card machine would not properly connect to the internet and the system not allowing us to pay to enter. The employee was entirely inept in even understanding how this basic machine functioned. Then in a very inhuman way just kind of stood there without anything to say. No procedure to follow when their machine will not work but to stand there and stare at you? Unless the attendant at the entrance this afternoon experienced a medical event, someone needs to supervise this situation. Completely unacceptable from a business perspective or a human one. read more

We always stay at state parks this is one of the nicest and great location. Loved they have boating on site and golf courses within a short distance. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. At the end of our stay?? Pulling up to dump station we were happily surprised they had a small trash can for gloves, as most parks do not. Area was dirty and thought well the last person sure left a mess, then when we went to clean our dump hose we understood. The park did not have a small hose that worked to clean out big dump hose they just had a big stream of uncontrolled water that splashed everywhere. No wonder other people's toilet paper was all over the ground. Come on guys step it up fix the water at the dump station. read more

Decided to hike a few of the trails on a mild winter day and glad we did. Even tho some of the trails were covered in ice they were still fairly easy to trek across. Did trails 8 and 9. 9 is a bit rugged but it is worth it to see the cool beaver dam and lots of evidence of beavers in the area. read more

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I had never heard of this state park, until we were researching for a new place to go camping. I am so glad we decided to try this park out. It is soo beautiful and full of wildlife.They have over 10 lakes inside the park, a nature center, a large beach, and rental of kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, nu canoes, and bicycles. They also have what appeared to be very nice cabins. Some of the campsites are pretty small and some are in the direct sun all day, so do your research before booking. If you're looking for things to do outside the park, Shipshewana and Ft. Wayne are about 45 min away, and there is an awesome animal sanctuary called Black Pine in Albion. Driving through Ligonier is also fun, they have a lot of neat murals painted on the buildings and really cool moss covered fountain. Annie Oakley's factory is also located in Ligonier. read more

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You might as well call me Yogi the Bear because after this camping trip I want to move here permanently! But really- Chain O' Lakes is the best Indiana State Park that I have been to. We decided to go camping here for the 4th of July holiday. The campground is massive- with a good variety of RV hookups, primitive sites, cabins, and special large group camping sites. We went for the primitive site ($15 a night)- which is set off to the side of the main campground. It was a huge bonus because the area is smaller (meaning your view was of the woods, not of other campsites) plus you didn't have the roar of generators in your ear. In the primitive site there are only pit toilets (fancy porta potties) but we did stop by the main campsite full restrooms/showers a few times. As another review stated (and I'm glad I read!) the actual showers down at the beach are nicer/cleaner than the campsite showers- so after a hot day of hiking we drove over to the beach site to shower. The water activities were a blast! The beach/swimming area itself was packed full of kids, so we opted for kayaking- $5 an hour is a great price! We actually ended up being gone for a hour and 45 minutes and they still only charged us for an hour. The wood-lined views from the Kayaks were gorgeous while traversing through the channels connecting the lakes. As for the hiking options- even the moderate trails are wide and have smooth footing, making any direction the right one. For more in depth trail info- Here is my take: Trail 1- Easy to connect from the campsite for a short hike- All tree covered- View is pretty much just woods- not able to see the lakes except for 2 bridge crossings. Mostly hiking at a mild incline. Trail 8- Gorgeous views! Short- but worth it. All Tree covered, but it takes you down to the actual water lake level. Trail 6 to10- (Northern 1/2 near campgrounds) Mostly sunny- There is a big open field that would be great for a pickup game. Trail 9- HAZARDOUS! The first portion is the butterfly garden that is full sun and filled with bees- the portion around the lake is a traditional narrow (foot wide) game/hiking trail that has Poison Ivy crawling all over the place- needless to say we turned around rather quickly. read more

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Have frequented this park since I was a child and I love it. I always came to canoe, and it has always been an epic adventure. Started hiking here later in life and love some of the trails just as much as canoeing! There aren't waterfalls or panoramic views of things but the beaver here totally make up for it. Beautiful wildflowers and lots of redbuds! Had friends that were locals and always came here to camp too. read more

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Beautiful park with a variety of landscapes and activities. They have several lakes and ponds, a butterfly sanctuary, an old schoolhouse, and a beach! The picnic areas are spread throughout the park and have nice landscapes. The boat and bike rentals are $5 for the hour and $20 for the day. The general store in the campground has a variety of supplies and the beachside has a great shower area and refreshment station. The campground showers are a bit lacking. Not the greatest. read more

Visited here last weekend. Family member rented a cabin & a few of us went for an over night get away , just to get in some fishing. Although the weather didn't exactly cooperate, we enjoyed ourselves. Each of us got 2 fish & that made us happy,lol. The scenery was absolutely beautiful,cabin was clean & cumfy. The staff was polite & informative . Wish we could have stayed longer ( we checked to see if anyone had canceled, just incase ) . There were children playing throughout the park & campsites. WILL definitely be back next year for a longer stay. read more

Hiking, canoeing, biking, camping and picnicking. Take a hike around Sand Lake, or a shorter loop around Bowen, or string several trails together to make a several hour or full day of it. Rent a canoe (or bring your own) and spend several hours exploring the chained lakes. I am noticing some spots of invasive milfoil which I hope they take care of before it takes over. Biking is limited to the roads, but the hills (yes, the hills) make it an enjoyable trip around the park. I prefer the campsites that have no improvements over the campground area where people pull in their campers. But each to their own. Drop a blanket on a grassy area and enjoy lunch this weekend at the park. Or wait until fall when the trees start to turn. It is beautiful. read more

We tried this place for the first time last week while traveling from the Detroit area. The site was easy to book online, that's always a plus. The campground is quite a distance from the front of the Park itself, which I think is a good thing. No riff raff hanging around etc. The sites are no really excessively private, people are located pretty close. Our site was extremely uneven and we had to re-park a couple times to try and find the most level setting. It was easy in and out. This is a good park, with lots of nice features....boating, fishing, and a lot of tree cover. read more

Great place to camp or visit. Lots of things to do swim, fishing,kayaking/canoeing, hiking or just spend leisurely day enjoying the peacefulness of nature far away from hustle and bustle. Nature center available Nice hot showers in the campground. Beautiful scenery all around. Nice camp store with lot of variety read more

This place, this tiny Valhalla in Indiana, is a great place for camping and canoeing. For a nominal fee you can rent a canoe or a kayak and go and spend all day meandering around the 8 interconnecting lakes that make this park so great. In some places you will be out on open water, the sun beating down, the wind blowing across the surface of the lake, and it is nice to stop and take a look around. Other times you'll find yourself in a sort of 'fern gulley' where the lakes are connected by a narrow chute, laden with foliage and greenery, with overhanging boughs almost burdened by an abundance of blooming flowers and draping fronds. When you're not on the water, the park has a good amount of trails for some hiking and nature walks. The campsites are of a pretty nice size and since you can reserve them online, you can pick one as close to or as far away from any amenities as you choose. read more

Many option including hiking, swimming and fishing. Clean park, nice trails and the camping environment is welcoming. Nice get away.

I've been to several state parks across Indiana and this is mine and my sons favorite one. This park had so much too do! Like all state parks they have hiking trails, this one has several good ones that take you along the lakes that are within the park. Warning though, put on your big spray before going hiking, the mosquitoes are really bad. Our favorite thing to do here is to kayak up one of the channels and into the lakes. We've also stay at the campground on several occasions. It is very clean and well kept. I would highly recommend this park to anyone. read more