Chain O’ Lakes State Park — Attraction in Avilla

Really enjoyed camping there! Our site was along a tree line, so we were fairly secluded. There were a lot of people but that's to be expected at a state park on the weekend. We picked a beautiful weekend, warm days and cool nights, so I feel like we were able to fully enjoy it. The bathrooms we were near were kept fairly clean for a campground. I can't speak to the quality of the showers too much as I didn't use them. The general store was very well stocked, pretty much anything you could think of or need, and the people running it were very friendly. Everyone we had the pleasure of interacting with was exceedingly friendly and helpful. One day we were there we had the pleasure of attending a "step back in time" program at the old schoolhouse which was very informative about the history of the park. There were also activities including candle making, paper making, writing with a quill. All of the volunteers were in good spirits, the program was quite lovely! We also had the pleasure of renting a paddle boat to spend some time out on Sand Lake. They also have kayaks, canoes, and rowboats for rent for a reasonable price. There is a 9 lake challenge you can complete by boating through all of the, well, chain of lakes, and completing tasks along the way. From one end to the other is 5 miles. Plenty of fishing opportunities as well, only small watercraft or those with electric trolling motors are allowed on the lakes. There is a beach for swimming as well but unfortunately we were a little late as it's closed after labor day. Miles and miles of hiking trails run through the park as well but we didn't get around to checking any out. Overall I would highly recommend the park, whether for camping or just for checking...

Overall our trip was good, but we had a few minor inconveniences, the biggest one being the car situation. Only allowing us to have one car caused some issues when trying to plan activities. Everytime my friends and I wanted to do something like go to the beach, kayak, hike, or run to town my husband had to drive us to my car. Unfortunately this often happened when he was fishing, relaxing, or doing something he enjoyed. Our site had more than enough room for a second car, but we were told no. In addition, the lady at the FIRST gate (the one to enter the park not the actual campground) was VERY unfriendly. The first interaction we had upon arrival was rude and unwelcoming. We had to leave one night to get gas and she was so rude telling us that we may not be able to re-enter without a pink tag THAT YOU CAN ONLY GET FOR ONE CAR! We showed her the yellow tag indicating that we were in our second car that has to remain in the overflow lot, but that was not good enough for her. She was once again rude and unhelpful.

The girls at the gate to the actual campground were awesome!!! 5 stars to them!!! The bathrooms were clean and the showers were hot! The atmosphere inside was great. The trails and kayaks were a lot of fun. The beach was a little smaller than we would have liked (the water only came to our hips at best) but it was great for kids! Lots of places to sit and hang out. Again...

Spent the weekend there and had a mixed experience. Everything under my control was great. Food, fun and friends. The problem we had was with overzealous rangers. Sitting around Friday night we had an extra car and had already planned (and paid) to park the extra car at the boat launch. A ranger stopped by and challenged us asking if anyone was going home, then after we told him we had it covered based on their rules he asked for proof. The next night, he's back. One of our friends was going to leave that night to go home. About 9:15 he rolls by and tells us visiting hours are over at 9 and the guy needs to decide to stay, or leave now. Let's ignore the party happening three plots down. With people parked illegally in an empty plot across the way. Also two police cars parked on the road running for an hour. We inquire to make sure everything is ok because there are cops there and the ranger let's us know that cops are all over and live locally, and so does he. He clearly didn't want us there and he wanted to find a reason to ask us to leave. Put plainly the guy was a jerk. The following morning we noticed beer bottles sitting on people's tables. Alcohol is not allowed. If you aren't part of whatever secret society they have going on, you clearly will be harassed. We won't...