Kankakee River State Park spans 4,000 acres along the Kankakee River, with Potowatomi Campground serving as one of its primary camping areas. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this established campground operates year-round and divides into four distinct loops: Osage, Hickory, Oak, and Davis Creek. The forested setting provides natural separation between sites, though campers should expect rough access roads, particularly after rain.
Site sizes vary considerably across the loops. Shannon H. found that "two were very small (14&15), and little grass for tent setup, fine for RV or trailer campers" while others offered "open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade." RVs up to 35 feet can access electric and water hookups, though some sites work better for different camping styles. The campground accommodates both drive-in and walk-in camping, with a central shower house serving all loops.
Water access draws many visitors to the Kankakee River, though swimming is prohibited. Families wade in knee-deep sections while anglers try their luck along the banks. A crushed gravel bike path winds through the trees, connecting to picnic areas and playground equipment. Rock Creek Nature Trail crosses the main road near the ranger office, offering additional hiking opportunities. The nature center provides educational programs where children can interact with reptiles.
Camp hosts check in visitors and sell firewood bundles for $8. Art S. notes they provide "the signal in case we drive out of camp" for easy re-entry. Vault toilets and water pumps serve each loop, with trash collection at loop entrances. Noise levels can increase on weekends, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons when availability becomes limited.
For additional camping options in the region, consider campgrounds around Kankakee River State Park. The park's multiple campground areas provide alternatives when Potowatomi fills to capacity.
Description
Our Class-A Premium campground is located in the main park with shower facilities, flush toilets, and all sites have electricity. Water is available by pump at designated locations throughout the campground and at the sanitary dump station. This is a very wooded area with 4 loops-Oak, Hawthorne, Osage & Hickory. Pit toilets are also located near each loop. Alcohol is prohibited and credit cards are not accepted at the site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPotowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park is located in Illinois
Directions
5314 W. Rt. 102, Bourbonnais IL 60914
Address
5314 West Rt 102
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Coordinates
41.18930063 N
87.96270075 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/21/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/21/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 3/21/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/21/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 14 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 2 min from Chicago, IL
- 1 hr 20 min from Bloomington, IL
- 1 hr 25 min from Michigan City, IN


































