Chicagoland & Collar Counties
Antioch · Lake County · Chain O' Lakes
Community type: A manufactured-home or park-model land-lease community, often 55+/active-adult, that accommodates tiny living.
The Island (Island On the Chain, Inc.) is a verified seasonal park-model community on Goat Island in Fox Lake—about an hour north of downtown Chicago on the Chain O' Lakes. Private ~50′×100′ waterfront lots each include a pier and boat slip; residents bring their own park model or buy new or used inventory on site. Seasonal waterfront counterpart to Illinois's year-round RV anchors—not year-round tiny-home residency.
Site requirements
Park specs & operating terms
Park requirements and operating rules for tiny homes and small cottages at this community. Prefabricated.co profiles are kept current; confirm any detail flagged below with the park before you apply.
Quick-glance park specs
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Infrastructure | Private utility pedestal per waterfront lot; 30A vs 50A amperage not published on operator site—confirm with office. |
| Waste & Sewer System | Weekly septic and sewer service included in season lot fee; municipal water May 1–Oct 31 (shut off Nov–Apr off-season). |
| Build Certifications | Park-model RV units only; used park models must be approved by management before placement. RVIA/ANSI certification not separately stated—confirm with office. |
| Pet Constraints | Pets welcome—must be leashed, never left unattended, waste cleaned immediately, current tags and shots required. Breed/count limits not published—confirm with office. |
Financials & leasing terms
Monthly benchmarks and lease terms—rates and inclusions change, so confirm current pricing before you apply.
Lot rent & monthly fees
Season lot fee from
$8,550
for Apr 1–Oct 31 (2026)—~7-month season rate, not monthly rent
Season lot fee from for Apr 1 Oct 31 ~7 month season rate, not monthly rent. Confirm current waterfront tier pricing with office.
Utility inclusions
Season fee includes water (May–Oct), garbage, weekly septic/sewer service, and weekly grass/grounds care. Electric billed separately—metering and rate not published.
Lease mechanics
Yearly seasonal contract (Apr 1–Oct 31); lessee-of-record occupancy rules enforced. Deposit, application fee, and background-check policy not published. confirm with office.
Home specifications & placement rules
Dimensional thresholds
Waterfront lots approximately 50′×100′. Park models are single-chassis RV units; maximum unit length/width not published—confirm with office.
Aesthetic controls & covenants
Decks limited to ≤250 sq ft with Lake County permit; sheds must be manufactured ≤8′×10′ (no homemade wood) with county permit and park approval; all lot improvements and plantings require management approval; downward-facing white outdoor lighting only. Swimming pools and hot tubs prohibited on lots.
Sustainability & permaculture allowances
If you are planning gardens, composting, or solar, confirm what is allowed under park rules—not just municipal code.
Alternative waste systems
Septic/sewer service standard; composting or incinerating toilets not addressed—confirm with office.
Off-grid adaptations
Grid-tied waterfront sites; solar/battery policy not published—confirm with office.
Site edibles & gardens
No community garden program stated; lot plantings require park-management approval.
Media & site documentation
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Use pinch or zoom controls to explore
Planning land you own in Lake County?
The Island is a seasonal park-model lease on Chain O' Lakes—not the same as owning a Lake County parcel with a permitted backyard ADU. Route into pathway tools if you are comparing models.
Pads & tenancy snapshot
Park-model waterfront lots (~50′×100′) with private pier and boat slip on both sides. Season fee includes weekly septic/sewer service, garbage, grounds care, and water during the active season. Used park models require management approval before placement.
Seasonal occupancy Apr 1–Oct 31 (water May 1–Oct 31). Season lot fees from $8,550 for the 2026 season—contact office for open waterfront lots and resale inventory.
How you can live here
Key amenities
Amenities reflect what this community offers today. Pet rules, pools, docks, and similar features can change—confirm current policies with the community before you apply.
- Lakefront
- Waterfront / marina
- Pet-friendly
- Gated
- Ownership path
- Clubhouse
- Dock / marina access
- RV-style hookups
- Laundry
Stewardship disclosures
Seasonal occupancy Apr 1–Oct 31 only—not year-round residency. Water available May 1–Oct 31; off-season winterizing services offered but human occupancy is seasonal. Operator markets park models; THOW-on-wheels acceptance not documented—confirm with office (847-395-9398) before transport. Only lessees on record may occupy a lot.
Operators update rules frequently. Confirm recorded covenants, county zoning, HOA restrictions, occupancy rules, and insurance requirements for your home type before you move.