Calm lake with campground

Fox Lake Vacation Rentals

Feel the open lake breeze and boat with your family from the welcoming docks at Ben Watts Marina in Illinois.

Connected to Something Bigger

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Why Rent On Fox Lake

Fox Lake is part of Illinois’ spectacular Chain O’ Lakes, a 7,100-acre network of 15 lakes and 45 miles of river. Located just an hour from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Rockford, this beautiful destination is easy to reach and hard to leave. A waterfront vacation rental here gives your family direct access to some of the best freshwater recreation in the Midwest.

Lakehouses Built for Groups

Whether you need a cozy two-bedroom cabin for a small family or a luxury lakehouse that sleeps 12 or more guests, Fox Lake has options to match. Many rentals include private docks, hot tubs, and full kitchens with lake views. Pet-friendly properties are easy to find, so the whole family can come along.

On the Water from Morning to Night

Boating, fishing, kayaking, and waterskiing are the main draws here. Ben Watts Marina is a popular launch point, and the connected waterway means you can explore lake after lake in a single afternoon. Families come back every summer because the water activities never get old.

Trails, Parks, and Local Events

The Nippersink Trail is great for cycling, and Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve offers miles of walking through wetlands and oak groves. Annual events like the Fox Lake Farmers Market, the Celebrate Fox Lake Independence Day Celebration, and the Fox Lake Festival of Lights give your trip extra character.

Skip the Hotel, Stay on the Lake

A lakeside rental in Fox Lake means your kids are swimming before breakfast and watching sunsets from the dock after dinner. You share meals in a real kitchen, gather in a real living room, and make memories that a hotel stay simply cannot create. This is the way families are meant to travel.

Best time to go
The enchanting embrace of late spring, particularly May through early June, invites visitors to Fox Lake. Revel in tranquil afternoons filled with boating, fishing, and picnics by the shimmering waters, all under a sun-drenched sky—perfect for escaping the summer crowds.
Water Quality
Fox Lake in Illinois exhibits a water color ranging from aquamarine to jade, indicative of its eutrophic to hyper-eutrophic state. The water clarity is generally murky to cloudy, with transparency often reduced due to elevated nutrient levels and algal blooms.
Surface area (mi)
15.99
Max depth (ft)
18.01
Elevation (ft)
734.91
Shoreline length (mi)
487.96

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
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Marinas on Fox Lake

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Fox Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, swimming is not allowed in Fox Lake unless permitted by the Village. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas and with village approval.

  • Fox Lake is a popular destination because it offers extensive water activities and natural scenery. It connects 15 lakes and 45 miles of rivers, making it a haven for aquatic enthusiasts. The area also features various trails for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, as well as unique events like the Fox Lake Farmers Market and annual celebrations.

  • In Fox Chain O’Lakes, Illinois, the daily catch limits and minimum length requirements are as follows: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass have a 6 fish daily limit with a 14″ minimum length, but no more than 3 can be Smallmouth Bass, which must be released between April 1 to June 15. Walleye have a 4 fish daily limit with a 14″ to 18″ protected slot limit, allowing only one fish over 24″. Muskie have a 1 fish daily limit with a 48″ minimum length, Northern Pike have a 3 fish daily limit with a 24″ minimum length, and Flathead catfish have a 3 fish daily limit with one fish over 28″ and two under 28″.

  • The best beach for families at Fox Lake is Lakefront Park. It has a vibrant playground with climbing, swinging, and sliding areas, and it is open all year round. This makes it a perfect place to make new memories with your family.

  • Towns near Fox Lake, Illinois, include Round Lake Beach, Antioch, Grayslake, and Mundelein. These towns are all located in Lake County, Illinois, and are within a short distance from Fox Lake. McHenry, Illinois, is also nearby, located to the southwest.