Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground offers specialized horse camping facilities approximately 20 miles from Beecher, Illinois. The primitive campground sits on the northern edge of the 4,000-acre state park, providing direct access to the park's extensive bridle path system. Trail riders can access miles of routes through oak-hickory forests and prairie landscapes alongside the Kankakee River, with most trails rated for beginner to intermediate skill levels.
What to do
Explore riverside trails: Potowatomi Campground at Kankakee River State Park provides access to extensive hiking paths along the river. "There are some rock cliffs that are suspended over the Kankakee river and also over a creek that feeds it. These are great for climbing and scaling. Additionally, there are Indian caves through the creek where you can still find arrowheads," notes Andrea F.
Fishing opportunities: The Kankakee River offers multiple fishing spots accessible from the equestrian trails. While swimming isn't permitted in the river due to currents, anglers can find success from shore. "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)," explains Linda N.
Nature education programs: Kankakee River State Park offers ranger-led programs at their nature center, particularly appealing for families with children. "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 one visitor.
What campers like
Trail access: Equestrian campers appreciate the direct connection to the trail system from the campground. "Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup," notes Nicole K. about the trail system, which accommodates both riders and hikers.
Site privacy: Many campsites throughout the park system offer good separation between neighbors. "The sites are straightforward and vary quite a bit: some are huge with open green space and others I feel like just for a car and a tent. Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around," explains Linda N.
Clean facilities: Leisure Lake Resort receives positive feedback for its family-friendly environment near the equestrian trails. "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities," writes Karel M., highlighting amenities that complement a horse camping trip.
What you should know
Varying site sizes: The equestrian campground accommodates horse trailers, but site dimensions vary significantly. "We had four sites on Osage loop for tent camping. Two were very small (14&15), and little grass for tent setup, fine for RV or trailer campers. They were private with brush between sites. 16&17 were amazing for tents!" explains Shannon H.
Basic amenities: The campground provides essential services rather than luxury accommodations. "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!" notes Jacqueline F.
Weekend noise levels: Some campers report that quiet hours aren't consistently enforced on weekends. "The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night," reports Ray S.
Tips for camping with families
Bring water containers: Water access points exist but aren't available at every site. "There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers," shares Emma H.
Reserve early: Potowatomi Campground sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. "The sites are really limited around here so I recommend reserving weeks earlier or just come early," advises Phillip L.
Pack for weather changes: The Kankakee River area experiences variable conditions, particularly in spring and fall. "We had rain Saturday but we all just hang out and manage just fine," notes Shannon H., suggesting preparation for precipitation.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Electric sites are available in certain campground loops but not in the equestrian area. "There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top," explains Emma H. about standard electric sites at nearby loops.
Site selection strategy: When booking an RV site near the equestrian area, research specific site dimensions. "Biggest spaces. Can add that 13, 6, 5, 4 Osage are good RV but not good tent," advises a camper who evaluated multiple sites.
Firewood availability: Campground hosts sell firewood on-site, eliminating the need to transport your own. "When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app)," notes Emma H., while another camper adds, "We did not have to collect firewood because there is a man walking around with a wheel barrow selling it which was really convenient."
Legend
