Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground sits approximately 40 miles south of Berwyn, Illinois on the Kankakee River. The terrain features limestone bluffs, oak-hickory forests, and prairie remnants typical of northeastern Illinois. Horse trails remain usable from April through October, though spring conditions often include muddy sections requiring careful navigation.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Access approximately 12 miles of designated equestrian trails at Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground, connecting riders to scenic river views and forested areas. The park trail system accommodates various skill levels.
Fishing access: Cast for smallmouth bass, northern pike and catfish in the river systems. At Fox Den Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to water recreation: "We chose Chain O Lakes because we enjoy kayaking and with 7 lakes connected by small tributaries this fit the bill... Rangers were helpful and delivered firewood to our site daily" (Aida K.).
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide optimal wildlife viewing along horse trails. At Paul Wolff Campground, one visitor notes the natural abundance: "We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies. Hard to believe that there is hiking trails like those in such a densely populated area just outside Elgin, IL" (Tricia E.).
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: The equestrian campground keeps facilities clean despite its primitive designation. At Potowatomi Campground, visitors note the attentive staff: "The camp hosts were really fantastic and made it feel like family. 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" (Linda N.).
Privacy between sites: Many riders appreciate the spacious layout that prevents crowding among horse trailers. According to a camper at Turner Lake South: "The best sites for those hoping for privacy are in Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East. The campsites are a little bigger in Turner Lake South, I feel, but both have campsites circled by woods with a level place to pitch a tent" (Marisa A.).
Proximity to urban areas: The equestrian facilities offer rural camping experiences without long travel times. At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, one reviewer highlighted: "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water" (Leo V.).
What you should know
Limited horse facilities: The equestrian camping area lacks permanent corrals or hitching posts. Riders must bring portable corrals, highlines, or other containment systems. Remember to pack adequate water containers for horses.
Seasonal conditions: Spring and fall provide the most comfortable riding temperatures. At Big Rock Campground, a visitor noted weather-related challenges: "No Shade, and no showers. This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago. But, no shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable" (Joel R.).
Noise considerations: The equestrian area occasionally experiences train noise during evening hours. One camper at Turner Lake South observed: "The campsites are kinda small but not on top of each other. Had some raccoons at night even after we locked up everything in the car" (Julia B.).
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The nature center near the main campground offers reptile encounters and wildlife programs. As one visitor to Kankakee River State Park shared: "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!" (Linda N.).
Safety precautions: Keep children away from horses that aren't their own, as not all animals may be accustomed to young visitors. Supervise water activities closely as the Kankakee River current can be strong in certain areas.
Alternative lodging: For families uncomfortable with primitive camping, consider Leisure Lake Resort which offers more amenities: "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities" (Karel M.).
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites with adequate turning radius for trucks with horse trailers. Space between sites varies significantly. At Fox Den Campground, a visitor observed: "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers" (Ian C.).
Water access: Bring extension hoses as water sources are centralized rather than at individual sites. In the equestrian area, fill portable tanks before setting up camp as hookups aren't available directly in the horse camping section.
Electrical considerations: The equestrian area doesn't provide electrical hookups, so prepare accordingly with alternative power sources or plan for dry camping. Generator use restrictions apply throughout Kankakee River State Park.
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