CHAIN O LAKES
2355 EAST 75 SOUTH
ALBION  IN  46701

http://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/

Chain O lakes Campground is located in Albion, Indiana – just a bit northwest of Fort Wayne. The campground is open year round. There are 331 electric sites, 82 non-electric, and 18 cabins.  The cabins are reasonably prices, starting at $70 per night for a two room cabin. None of the campsites are full hookup.  There are 10 handicap accessible sites. The rate was very reasonable per night -$19 for electric. However, there is a Indiana park fee not included in the campground rates.  ($7, non-resident, $5 resident per day, annual – $60 non-resident, $44 resident) Check out is at 2:00 except for Sundays and Holidays when the check out time is 5:00pm.  This was a very nice surprise for our visit and we were able to take our time breaking down on Sunday before leaving.

The campstore was very well stocked with toiletries, medicine, camp supplies, food, and souvenirs.  The firewood was $5 per bundle and was larger than most state parks.  The wood burned well, and was stored in a covered shed.

Appearance:

There are paved roads and grassy/dirt sites.  All sites have fire pits, and some sites have a fire ring with attached side grill. The sites were good-sized, although many were un-level.  The park was well-maintained and had many different types of mature trees (many maple and oak).  There were also various flower beds throughout, adding to the beauty of the park. There was only one trash/recycling area, located near the main entrance.  For a campground this size, we felt this was a big inconvenience.

Rating (1-5 lanterns, with 5 being the highest rating):

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Restrooms:

The restrooms were disappointing.  There are 5 shower houses and 6 pit toilets in the park. Although there were flush toilets and showers in each comfort station, they were outdated and not very clean. The shower temperature was not very hot and they were on a push button system that only lasted about 7 seconds.  There were soap dispensers and hand dryers.

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Activities:

There are 14 miles of hiking trails. Be sure to wear bug spray – we were practically eaten alive! Many of the trails run next to water. All of the trails were well-blazed and fairly wide which made for easy walking. The trails we walked were moderately easy.

Other activities include:

• Ball Field
• Boat Dock
• Boat Ramp
• Boating
• Canoe Rental
• Fish Cleaning Station
• Fishing
• Horseshoe Pits
• Interpretive Center
• Nature Center
• Picnic Area
• Picnic Pavilion
• Picnic Shelter
• Pier, Fishing
• Playground
• Recreation Programs
• Rentals, Boats, Canoe
• Rentals, Boats, Jon(Paddle)
• Rentals, Boats, Kayaks
• Rentals, Boats, Pedal
• Swimming, Park Lake
• Volleyball

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Pet/Family Friendly:

During our visit in June 2014, there were several families camping.  Children enjoyed riding bikes on the paved roads, and playing in the playground.  There is one large playground located in the center of the campground.  There is no pool but there is a swimming area at the lake/beach.

Many families were camping with pets.  We would routinely see dogs walking with owners throughout the park.  Dogs are allowed on the trails, provided they are on a leash.  There is no fenced in dog park or run to allow pets to be unleashed. None of the cabins are pet-friendly.

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Overall:

We would return to this park.  It is a state park, so it does not have some of the flashy features that a private campground would have, but the spacious campsites, paved roads, and access to nature, made for a nice camping weekend.

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