Pistakee Lake
Part of the Chain O'Lakes. Rent a boat or jet ski nearby and explore 15 connected lakes.
McHenry, Illinois · Chain O'Lakes
Your own private lake,
an hour from Chicago.
A roomy four-bedroom cabin with a heated pool, hot tub, dock and canoe. Built for big families, reunions and long summer weekends.
- 4 bedrooms
- 4.5 baths
- 12 guests
- 9.4/10 guest rating
The house
Room to spread out, water on every side
Tucked into a quiet corner of McHenry, this lakefront cabin gives a big group space to be together and space to get away. The heated outdoor pool and hot tub are the heart of summer here. Just past the pool, a path leads down to a dock on a small private lake where you can fish from the pier or paddle out in the canoe.
Inside, warm cabin decor with a playful bear theme, a full kitchen plus a kitchenette, a separate dining room, an office for anyone who has to log in, and a downstairs bar for evenings in. Every bedroom has easy access to a bathroom, so mornings with twelve people stay calm.
Pistakee Lake and the Chain O'Lakes are a three-minute walk away for boating, and the shops, beaches and restaurants of McHenry and Fox Lake are a short drive.
Photos
Take a look around
Amenities
Everything for a full house
Water & outdoors
- Heated outdoor pool
- Hot tub
- Private lake access with dock
- Canoe and fishing from the pier
- Deck, porch, lakeside gazebo and fire pit
- Garden and big backyard
- Outdoor dining area
Inside
- Full kitchen plus kitchenette
- Separate dining room
- Downstairs bar, game tables and arcade
- Home office
- Loft lounge with fitness corner
- Jetted bathtub
Practical
- Free on-site parking
- Dog-friendly (2 dogs, up to 50 lb)
- Sleeps 12 in 4 bedrooms
- Check-in 4 PM · Check-out 10 AM
- Fox Lake Metra station 7 min away
Availability
Find your dates
Pick a check-in day, then a check-out day, and we'll carry them into your request.
Available
Booked
Your stay
No dates selected.
Reviews
What guests remember
9.4/10
Exceptional · 15 verified VRBO reviews
Summarized from verified guest reviews on VRBO.
About the area
Lakes, bogs, classic cars and coasters
McHenry sits on the Fox River at the edge of the Chain O'Lakes, one of the busiest boating areas in the Midwest. Summer means pontoon days, sandbars and fireworks over the water. In the off-season it's nature trails, small-town diners and the antique shops along the river.
Volo Bog State Natural Area
A rare quaking bog with a floating boardwalk trail. Great for an easy family walk.
Volo Museum
Hundreds of classic and movie cars, plus antique malls. A good rainy-day pick.
Petersen Park Beach
McHenry's city beach and park on McCullom Lake, with a swimming beach and playgrounds.
Riverside Chocolate Factory
Sweet shop on the river in downtown McHenry, close to restaurants and bars.
Gurnee Mills
One of the Midwest's largest outlet malls, with dining and entertainment.
Six Flags Great America
Roller coasters and the Hurricane Harbor water park for the thrill-seekers.
Lake Geneva, WI
Lakeshore path, mansion boat tours and a lively downtown just over the state line.
How to get there
Getting to the lake
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD)About 50 miles · around 1 hour via I-90 W and IL-31 N, or I-94 and IL-120 W. Directions ↗
- Downtown ChicagoAbout 60 miles · 1 hr 15 min via I-90/94 and I-94 N to IL-120 W. Directions ↗
- Milwaukee, WIAbout 60 miles · 1 hr 10 min via I-94 S and WI-50 / US-12. Directions ↗
- By trainMetra's Milwaukee District North line runs from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake, about 7 minutes from the house by car. From the station ↗
The map shows the neighborhood. The exact street address and arrival instructions are sent after booking.
House rules
Good to know before you arrive
- Check-inAfter 4:00 PM
- Check-outBy 10:00 AM
- GuestsUp to 12. Please keep the group to the number on your booking.
- PetsUp to 2 dogs, 50 lb each or less. Please let us know when you book.
- SmokingNot allowed inside the house.
- Quiet hoursPlease keep it down after 10 PM out of respect for the neighbors.
- EventsPlanning a party or celebration? Ask first so we can confirm it works.
Important information
Safety and the water
- Children must be supervised by an adult at the pool, hot tub, dock and lake at all times. There is no lifeguard.
- The pool is heated for the summer season. Ask us about exact opening and closing dates for your trip.
- Canoe use is at your own risk. Please wear life jackets on the water.
- Boats for Pistakee Lake and the Chain O'Lakes can be rented from local marinas nearby.
- On-site parking is included. Please don't block neighbors' driveways.
- The exact address, door code and Wi-Fi details are shared before arrival.
FAQ
Questions guests ask
Is the pool heated, and when is it open?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated. It's a seasonal outdoor pool, generally open late spring through early fall depending on weather. Send us your dates and we'll confirm.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes. Up to two dogs are welcome, each 50 lb or less. Please mention them in your request.
Is the house on the water?
The property has its own access and dock on a small private lake just past the pool, with a canoe and fishing from the pier. The larger Pistakee Lake and the Chain O'Lakes are about a 3-minute walk.
Can we bring or rent a boat?
Several marinas around Pistakee Lake rent pontoons and other boats by the day. Guests regularly rent one for a day on the Chain.
Is it good for families and groups?
That's who it's built for. Four bedrooms, a futon, four and a half baths, two kitchens and a big backyard give a group of up to 12 room to spread out.
How do I book?
Book instantly on VRBO, or send a request below and we'll reply with a quote and any questions.
Is there somewhere to work?
Yes, there's a dedicated office space in the house.
Request dates
Plan your lake getaway
Tell us when you'd like to come and who's coming. We usually answer within a day with a quote and anything else you need to know.
Prefer to book right away?
Book instantly on VRBO ↗