Camping sites near Beaverville, Illinois present several options for outdoor enthusiasts within the rural Kankakee County region. The area sits at approximately 650 feet above sea level and features a mix of prairie terrain and wooded riverfront environments. Summer nighttime temperatures typically drop to 60-65°F, creating comfortable sleeping conditions for tent campers despite the daytime heat and humidity.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Mac Finn's Landing, campers can take advantage of prime fishing locations. "One of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River imo! Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers," notes one visitor who particularly recommends the spot for kayak anglers.
Swimming opportunities: Oak Lake RV Resort offers a swimming pond with an obstacle course that's popular with families. According to a camper, "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!"
Hiking and biking: The trail system at Kankakee River State Park provides extensive recreation options. A camper shares, "We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle. Not many amenities other than showers, toilets and hookups, but it just adds to the appeal here. A great spot to get away and experience some silence and solitude!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many camping areas near Beaverville offer good separation between campsites. At Potowatomi Campground, visitors appreciate the natural screening: "Spacious sites with lush jungle-like greenery grown in between, which provides perfect privacy. Easy access to water pump. Have to drive to get to the toilet/shower station though."
Clean facilities: Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area maintains well-kept camping facilities despite its rustic setting. A reviewer mentions, "Nice campground. If full the sites would be a little tight, but the night we came in late October it was pretty much empty. Clean campground, clean bathrooms (no showers) and a nice lake. Sites do not have any utilities, but there is water available and a dump station."
Helpful staff: The personnel at many campgrounds provide exceptional assistance. One camper at Oak Lake RV Resort recounts, "From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??"
What you should know
Tight spacing at some locations: Several campgrounds can feel cramped during peak season. A camper at Kankakee South KOA noted, "The sights are very close together. Management is not over bearing and very friendly. Dog friendly lots of dogs this weekend nice size dog park! Overall great weekend."
Weather impacts: The Kankakee River's water levels fluctuate significantly with rainfall, affecting recreation options. One visitor mentioned, "I would definitely come again to kayak on the Kankakee river. Unfortunately the water levels where too high for this trip as warnings had been issued."
Variable amenities: Facilities differ dramatically between campgrounds. At Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area, a camper observed: "Nice place, some sites are not level so you have to pay attention. It's $12 a nite and it's all primitive so you can have a generator. So because of that some people use noisy ones. But the gun range is awesome and good hunting spots as well."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When camping with children, select sites near play areas for convenience. A visitor to Oak Lake noted, "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
Wildlife education opportunities: Lake Alexander RV Park provides nature exploration opportunities on its 120-acre property. According to reviews, "The camp is 120 acres of natural beauty on the banks of the Kankakee River. The wooded habitat abounds with fish, wildlife, and native plants, and they offer many amenities for recreation and relaxation."
Swimming safety: Be aware that swimming is restricted in the Kankakee River itself. A parent camping at Potowatomi Campground shared, "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Kankakee South KOA provides complete services for RVs. A reviewer mentioned, "We camp in an Hybrid trailer and really appreciated the price point with full hookups. Sites were decent size and had fire pits at each location. They had plastic picnic tables which where light to move and easy to clean."
Site selection for size: When traveling with larger RVs, carefully check site dimensions. According to a camper at Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area, "Week night so not another soul around but the sites are tight! If there were other campers I don't think it would be enjoyable at all."
Off-season advantages: For RV campers seeking more space and quiet, consider visiting outside peak months. One camper noted, "At $12 a night it is hard to beat. We are just passing through on a cross country trip, but would stay here again and wish there were more like this on our trip."
