Deer Creek Lake in peak fall color with brilliant autumn foliage reflecting on perfectly still water at Deer Creek Recreation Club in Plainfield, Illinois
The Grounds

Our Facilities

Something for every member of the family, every season of the year

100+ Acres of Private Land

The Grounds

Over 100 acres of private land including two stocked lakes with 33 acres of water, 40+ acres of managed woodland, 85 campsites, a private sandy beach, a clubhouse, two pavilions, five club-maintained waterfowl blinds, and Lilly Cache Creek winding through the property — all just 35 miles from Chicago.

Aerial drone view of Deer Creek Recreation Club showing the clubhouse, sandy beach, and lake shoreline in Plainfield Illinois Golden winter sunset over Deer Creek Lake with a dock silhouetted in the foreground in Illinois
Tree-lined private entrance drive to Deer Creek Recreation Club in Plainfield Illinois Canada geese family walking along the shore of Deer Creek Lake at golden hour Golden orange sunset through a large oak tree at the Deer Creek Recreation Club campground lakeside
On the Water

Fishing

With two private lakes totaling 33 acres and an aggressive stocking program, Deer Creek is a true angler's paradise. Our managed fishery is loaded with large bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, perch, trout, and more — making every outing memorable whether you're an experienced angler or taking your kids out for the first time.

Fishing contests for adults and kids run throughout the season, and kayak and canoe access lets you explore every corner of both lakes.

Lilly Cache Creek, which runs through the club's property, provides additional fishing opportunities beyond the two lakes — adding even more variety to an already exceptional angling experience.

  • Two private lakes totaling 33 acres
  • Aggressive managed stocking program
  • Kayak, canoe, and boat access
  • Seasonal fishing contests for all ages
  • Lilly Cache Creek running through the property
  • Bird watching and scenic lake sunsets
  • Boat docks available throughout the property
  • Ice fishing available once waterfowl hunting has concluded, weather and ice conditions permitting
Aerial view of Deer Creek Recreation Club members fishing and relaxing on a grassy peninsula between two lakes
Young girl proudly holding her first bluegill catch while fishing at Deer Creek Recreation Club Young girl on a boat holding a large trophy bass caught on Deer Creek Lake in Illinois Deer Creek member holding a crappie caught from the dock at sunset on the lake Deer Creek Recreation Club member on a boat holding a catfish caught on the lake Club member holding a large trophy smallmouth bass caught on Deer Creek Lake in Plainfield Illinois Club member holding a trophy crappie catch on Deer Creek Lake in Plainfield Illinois Club member kayak fishing on Deer Creek Lake holding a bass catch Two Deer Creek members fishing from a bass boat on the lake in Plainfield Illinois Two Deer Creek Recreation Club members holding an enormous flathead catfish caught during night fishing Club member holding a yellow perch caught ice fishing on a frozen Deer Creek Lake in winter
Female Deer Creek member in camo bibs holding a bass caught ice fishing on a frozen lake in Illinois
Deer Creek Recreation Club member holding a large flathead catfish caught night fishing from the dock
Pink fishing rod extended over Deer Creek Lake at sunset in Plainfield Illinois Largemouth bass held up at sunset on the dock at Deer Creek Lake
Great egret standing on the shore of Deer Creek Lake with a fish in its beak Great egret in flight over Deer Creek Lake with wooded shoreline in background
Wooden boat dock with fishing boat moored on Deer Creek Lake with wooded island in background
Under the Stars

Camping

We offer camping at its best. Whether you pull in with a motor home, a trailer, or set up a tent on a shaded or open-air site — you're going to love it here. Most sites have 30-amp electrical hookups with water outlets throughout the grounds and an on-property dump station for convenience.

After long days of fishing, boating, and swimming at the beach, life stories are swapped nightly around the campfires. The kids run free while the adults enjoy good meals and the company of camping neighbors who become lifelong friends.

  • 85 seasonal and primitive campsites
  • 30-amp electric hookups on most sites
  • Multiple water outlets across the grounds
  • On-property dump station
  • Primitive camping available
  • Boat docks available throughout the property
Aerial drone view of Deer Creek Lake with campground, boat docks, and RV sites along the shoreline in Plainfield Illinois
Tent campsite on the lakeside at Deer Creek Recreation Club in Plainfield Illinois RV campsite decorated with an American flag at Deer Creek Recreation Club in Plainfield Illinois Campfire glowing on the beach at dusk beside Deer Creek Lake in Plainfield Illinois Deer Creek Recreation Club members eating and relaxing at a shaded campsite in summer Young girl roasting marshmallows over a campfire at her RV site at Deer Creek Recreation Club Deer Creek Recreation Club members gathered around a campfire circle at night
Sun & Sand

Beach

Deer Creek Lake — the larger of our two lakes — is highlighted by a private sandy beach open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located next to the clubhouse and one of our pavilions, it's the perfect spot to spend a summer afternoon with family.

Beach parties are popular with our members, with dances, live bands, and friendly bag tournaments springing up throughout the season.

  • Private sandy beach on Deer Creek Lake
  • Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
  • Playground area for children
  • Clubhouse with showers, changing areas & restrooms
  • Adjacent pavilion for gatherings & events
  • Beach parties, live music, and seasonal events

⚠️ Beach Safety Rule

Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at ALL TIMES while at the beach.

Deer Creek Recreation Club private sandy beach with playground equipment and swimming area on a clear summer day
Wide view of the Deer Creek Recreation Club private sandy beach and lake on a sunny day Four kids playing and burying themselves in the sand on the private beach at Deer Creek Recreation Club Children playing and swimming at the Deer Creek Recreation Club private lake beach in Plainfield Illinois Pink and orange sunset sky reflected over the private beach at Deer Creek Lake in Plainfield Illinois Campfire burning on the sandy beach at Deer Creek Lake during a vivid sunset
Shooting Sports

Hunting & Shooting

For the marksmen and markswomen, Deer Creek offers safe, organized shoots in a natural setting. In-season waterfowl hunting is available to qualifying members, and deer hunting — both bow and slug — is available for those who complete qualification on the club's 40-plus wooded acres.

Even our younger members take advantage of the archery range, making it a great skill-building activity for the whole family.

  • In-season waterfowl hunting
  • Deer hunting — bow and slug
  • Club trap shooting events
  • 3D Archery course in wooded acreage
  • Youth archery range
  • Safe, organized shoots for all skill levels
Three hunters with harvested waterfowl and a hunting dog after a successful hunt at Deer Creek Recreation Club
Waterfowl decoys on Deer Creek Lake surrounded by fall foliage reflection and lily pads in Illinois Mallard ducks swimming on Deer Creek Lake framed by autumn foliage and reeds in Illinois Ducks and geese gathered on Deer Creek Lake with vibrant fall foliage on the island in Plainfield Illinois Mallard ducks seen through lakeside reeds at dusk on Deer Creek Lake in Illinois Deer Creek Recreation Club member in full camo gear sitting in a reed blind for waterfowl hunting Hunter in camouflage standing in a duck blind among reeds at Deer Creek Recreation Club
Hunter setting up goose decoys by headlamp at dawn on a Deer Creek Recreation Club field hunt Canada goose taking flight from the surface of Deer Creek Lake in Plainfield Illinois Deer Creek Recreation Club member posing with a harvested trophy whitetail buck in the Illinois woodland Large whitetail buck with full rack standing in the woodland at Deer Creek Recreation Club in Plainfield, Illinois
Community

Social Events

Three major social events each season bring the entire club community together. Live bands, great food, and the kind of camaraderie that turns neighbors into lifelong friends.

From the Independence Day cookout to fall harvest gatherings, our events are one of the most beloved parts of Deer Creek membership.

  • 3 major social events per season
  • Live bands at the beach pavilion
  • Member cookouts and seasonal celebrations
  • Bag tournaments and lawn games
  • Family-friendly atmosphere throughout
Members enjoying a live band performance at the Deer Creek beach pavilion during a summer social event
Band performing on stage at the Deer Creek Recreation Club pavilion during a social event Members performing karaoke at the Deer Creek beach pavilion during a club event Deer Creek Recreation Club members celebrating the Fourth of July together at the club Steaks grilling over an open campfire at a Deer Creek Recreation Club social cookout event Bounce castle set up under the pavilion at a Deer Creek Recreation Club family event The Deer Creek Recreation Club pavilion with picnic tables and a view over the lake in Plainfield Illinois
Large group of Deer Creek members in elaborate Halloween costumes at the annual pavilion party
Common Questions

About Our Facilities

What fish species are in Deer Creek Recreation Club lakes? +

Deer Creek Recreation Club's two private stocked lakes contain largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and trout. The lakes total 33 acres and are open for fishing year-round, including ice fishing in winter.

Is there camping at Deer Creek Recreation Club? +

Yes. Deer Creek Recreation Club has 85 campsites with 30-amp electrical hookups, available from April 1 through October 31. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs. The campground runs along the lake and woodland, with access to all club amenities.

Does Deer Creek Recreation Club have a beach? +

Yes. Deer Creek Recreation Club has a private sandy beach open to members from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach features a swimming area, playground equipment, and pavilion access. Beach-only memberships are available for $125 per year.

Can you hunt at Deer Creek Recreation Club? +

Yes. Full Members may hunt deer (bow and slug) and waterfowl (duck and goose) on the club's 40+ acres of managed woodland. The club maintains five permanent waterfowl blinds on the lakes. Trap shooting and a 3D archery course are also available to members.

Is there ice fishing at Deer Creek Recreation Club? +

Yes. Members fish year-round including ice fishing on both lakes during winter. Bass, perch, and crappie are among the species caught during the ice fishing season.

What is Lilly Cache Creek? +

Lilly Cache Creek is a natural creek that runs through the Deer Creek Recreation Club property in Plainfield, Illinois, adding to the club's diverse fishing and wildlife habitat.

Are there events and activities at Deer Creek Recreation Club? +

Yes. Deer Creek Recreation Club hosts a full calendar of social events for members including fishing contests for adults and children, Fourth of July celebrations, Halloween costume parties, karaoke nights, live music at the beach pavilion, cookouts, and holiday gatherings.

See It All In Person

Tours by Appointment Only

Contact us to schedule your visit and see the grounds for yourself.