Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground serves as a primary destination for horse camping near Lockport, Illinois. The facility sits along the Kankakee River, approximately 32 miles southwest of Lockport. Temperatures in this region range from winter lows around 14°F to summer highs near 84°F, creating varied seasonal riding conditions for equestrians.
What to do
Trail riding and exploration: The campground connects to an extensive trail network with routes suitable for various experience levels. One visitor noted, "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" at Potowatomi Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access the Kankakee River from multiple points near the equestrian campground. According to a camper at Leisure Lake Resort, their facility offers "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities" - similar fishing experiences can be found throughout the region's waterways.
Hiking combined with camping: For those who prefer foot travel, many local preserves offer extensive hiking options. A visitor to Paul Wolff Campground shared, "The highlight of our experience is the hiking. There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails" - similar trail experiences exist near most equestrian facilities.
What campers like
Spacious campsite layouts: Horse campers appreciate room to spread out with their trailers and equipment. At Paul Wolff Campground, a camper noted, "The sites are clean and very well maintained. We loved the staff patrolling the grounds. The trail system is great for walking the dogs."
Natural terrain features: The region offers varied landscapes for riders. A visitor to Potowatomi Campground observed, "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!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade."
Wildlife viewing: Local equestrian campgrounds provide opportunities to spot native species. One camper at Big Rock Campground mentioned, "Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails, but the lack of trees and privacy isn't my preference. Still great option not far from Chicago."
What you should know
Seasonal weather considerations: The area experiences significant temperature variations. A camper at Paul Wolff noted, "As a Troop we would rent one of the cabins for late season campouts. Clean facilities but the nice part is the scenic hiking for being close to town. Gentle hills and beautiful color. Always see turkey and other small game."
Varied bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies across campgrounds and seasons. At Big Rock Forest Preserve, a visitor reported, "The flush toilet building was very clean, but there was no TP in the ladies' room. And I have to wonder why you would build a new campground without showers?"
Limited shade at some locations: Several equestrian camping areas have minimal tree cover. One camper observed, "This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade" when visiting Big Rock Campground.
Water availability concerns: Some campgrounds have inconsistent water quality or access. A recent visitor to Leisure Lake Resort noted, "Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Many horse camping facilities include play areas for children. A camper at Potowatomi Campground — 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!"
Site selection for family activities: Choose sites with adequate space for both horses and children. One visitor advised, "We had site 37 and enjoyed our stay. There are vault toilets but the large number of big RVs meant they were not used often leaving them almost like our private restrooms."
Weather preparation: Plan for variable conditions, especially during summer months. A camper at Kankakee River State Park noted, "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: While equestrian camping areas may have limited services, nearby RV-friendly campgrounds offer alternatives. At Big Rock Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!"
Level sites available: Many local campgrounds provide stable parking for horse trailers and RVs. One camper at Big Rock noted, "Nice campground with big, level sites. Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability."
Facility access planning: Research dump station and water availability before arrival. A visitor cautioned, "The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern" at Leisure Lake Resort.
