Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground provides primitive facilities for riders exploring the 4,000-acre park located approximately 60 miles south of Alsip, Illinois. The campground accommodates drive-in access with basic amenities including drinking water, toilets, showers, and trash service. Trail riders can connect directly to the park's extensive trail system from their campsites, allowing for varied terrain exploration along the Kankakee River.
What to do
Explore river trails: At Kankakee River State Park, hikers and nature enthusiasts can discover diverse landscapes. "There are Indian caves through the creek where you can still find arrowheads. Exploring the area is pretty cool and the park is quite expansive and impressive for this state," notes reviewer Andrea F.
Go biking: The park offers wide, maintained paths perfect for cycling. "Bike path/hike path is long and wide and very nice," reports Shannon H. Many trails run along the Kankakee River providing scenic views throughout your ride.
Visit the nature center: Families with children will appreciate the educational opportunities. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares Linda N., highlighting interactive wildlife experiences available to visitors.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the separation from traditional camping areas. At Paul Wolff Campground, "The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs," says David W.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access various spots along the Kankakee River. Leisure Lake Resort also provides fishing options with one reviewer noting, "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities."
Evening quiet: Campers at Big Rock Campground appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. "Nice, quiet little place. Campsites are flat," reports Rodney D., highlighting the tranquil setting that many equestrian campers seek when traveling with horses.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Be prepared with additional water for horses and personal consumption. At Leisure Lake Resort, one camper reported, "Water quality has been very bad... The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we've had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable."
Facility maintenance varies: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. "The restrooms were really dirty and had a lot of insects flying around. There is no running water at the site so bring plenty," notes phillip L. about certain areas of Kankakee River State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Several horse campgrounds near Alsip close during winter months. Paul Wolff Campground operates from "May 1 to October 31," making advance planning essential for equestrian campers traveling in shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Look for interactive nature programs: Children enjoy educational opportunities at the parks. "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!" shares a reviewer about their experience at Potowatomi Campground.
Choose sites with play space: Some campgrounds offer better options for families with children. "Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around," reports Linda N., describing their experience at Kankakee River State Park.
Pack extra water: With limited water access at some sites and potential quality issues, families should bring additional supplies. "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers," notes one camper about Paul Wolff Campground.
Tips from RVers
Bring extra hose lengths: At Big Rock Forest Preserve, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K., noting that "Water + 50amp hookups" are available but may require additional equipment to reach.
Check site dimensions: RV sites vary considerably in size throughout equestrian campgrounds near Alsip, Illinois. "Smaller, mainly RVs. Friendly staff and friendly people staying on the grounds," reports Kaitlin M. about one location, while another notes, "The spaces are pretty level. The trees will be terrific in about 20 years."
Plan for limited shade: Many RV sites lack adequate tree coverage. "No Shade, and no showers. This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago," reports Joel R., highlighting the need for awnings and other shade solutions when camping with horses in the summer months.
Ranger
