Lake trip · Cook County, Illinois
Where to stay at Tampier Lake
Tampier Lake covers - in Cook County and carries a water-quality grade of D (Nutrient-rich). Compare cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals below. The grade measures nutrients and algae — it is not a stay-or-skip rating. Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
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Places to stay near Tampier Lake
Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Tampier Lake in Cook County, Illinois — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.
Top-rated places to stay near Tampier Lake
Prices for Sep 11–13, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
About the water
Tampier Lake grades D for nutrients and algae — Nutrient-rich. Nutrients and algae run higher than average — check local advisories before swimming, and skip the water if you see scum. Water clarity is about 1.7 ft of visibility. Algae (chlorophyll-a) measures 29.7 µg/L. The letter is not a reason to skip cabins and rentals around the lake.
Best time to visit
Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Check the National Weather Service forecast for Tampier Lake →
About Tampier Lake
Fishing & license
Illinois fishing license
Anglers under 16 years of age (resident and non-resident) may fish without a license. Blind or disabled Illinois residents (with proof such as a state disabled person ID card) and Illinois residents on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces are also exempt. Seniors 65-74 qualify for a reduced-fee Senior Fishing License ($7.75), and residents 75+ qualify for the Super Senior Fishing License ($1.50). · Fishing is open year-round in Illinois; licenses run on a license year that goes on sale March 1 and expires March 31 of the following year (2026 licenses valid through March 31, 2027). Designated stocked trout waters are the exception: the 2026 spring trout season opened April 4 (catch-and-release from March 21) and a fall trout season begins in October.
Prices as published by Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 2026.
Camping & RV near Tampier Lake
Search public campgrounds and RV sites near Tampier Lake on Recreation.gov, then compare cabins, resorts, and rentals on the map above.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Tampier Lake in Cook County, Illinois are on the map above with live availability and nightly prices. Waterfront rentals put you on the dock; lodging in the nearest town is usually cheaper with more choice.
Tampier Lake has a water quality grade of D (Nutrient-rich). Nutrients and algae run higher than average — check local advisories before swimming, and skip the water if you see scum. Always check local health-department advisories before swimming.
Late spring through early fall, with June through August the peak season for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Explore Tampier Lake
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LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)
Free trip-planning guide for Tampier Lake: how to pick a clean lake, the water-quality signals that matter, best swimming and fishing windows, and where to stay.
Lodging availability and prices are provided by Stay22 and its booking partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia); LakeQuality may earn a commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Water-quality grades are independent of lodging listings. Always check current health-department advisories and managing-agency conditions before you travel.