Kankakee River State Park forms the centerpiece of camping opportunities near Bourbonnais, Illinois, spanning 4,000 acres of wooded terrain along a 10-mile stretch of the Kankakee River. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Camping sites near Bourbonnais range from primitive tent-only locations to full-service RV parks, with most open from April through October.
What to do
Riverside trails for exercise: Chippewa Campground at Kankakee River State Park offers access to approximately 7 miles of paved riverside trails. A camper noted, "Many miles of riverside paved trail for jogging, walking, or biking adjacent to campsite." The trails run alongside the Kankakee River, providing scenic views throughout all seasons.
Fishing spots: Mac Finn's Landing provides direct access to prime fishing locations. A visitor remarked, "One of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River! Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers." The area is known for smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike.
River activities: Lake Alexander RV Park offers water recreation on the Kankakee River. According to a camper, "There's a river that's a 5 min walk from the campground that we swam in and it kept us cool from the heat." Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming options exist at multiple access points along the river, though swimming is prohibited in some areas.
What campers like
Fall foliage viewing: Chippewa Campground shines during autumn months with its colorful displays. A camper shared, "We stayed in the Chippewa Campground in early October. Large trees provided a high shade canopy and an open feel. Great fall colors." The campground's layout with mature trees creates ideal conditions for enjoying seasonal colors.
Privacy between sites: Potowatomi Campground features natural barriers between many sites. One camper described, "Spacious sites with lush jungle-like greenery grown in between, which provides perfect privacy. Easy access to water pump." The vegetation creates secluded camping spots despite the proximity of neighboring campers.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Kankakee South KOA offers scheduled activities for families. A reviewer mentioned, "We always go in October on one of their Halloween weekends and just have a blast. They provide scheduled activities, nightly movies, haunted hay rack rides and the owners even offer up a free dinner!" The campground hosts themed weekends throughout their April-October season.
What you should know
Campsite availability challenges: Reservations are highly recommended for camping locations near Bourbonnais. At Davis Creek Campground, a camper advised, "The sites are really limited around here so I recommend reserving weeks earlier or just come early." Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holiday periods.
Site layouts vary significantly: Potowatomi Campground sites differ in size and features. A camper explained, "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." Site maps rarely indicate these differences.
Water access considerations: Some camping locations near Bourbonnais have limited potable water. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a visitor cautioned, "The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go." Water availability varies seasonally at many campgrounds in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Reptile encounters: Camp Bullfrog Lake offers wildlife viewing opportunities for children. One family noted, "We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk." The diverse ecosystems support varied wildlife observation possibilities throughout the seasons.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature playgrounds, though sun exposure can be an issue. A family camping at Potowatomi Campground reported, "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had. 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!" Indoor alternatives exist for extremely hot or cold days.
Site selection for tent camping: When camping with children in tents, specific sites offer better experiences. A family recommended, "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. 16&17 were amazing for tents!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade." Researching individual sites before booking improves family camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service considerations: Enchanted Shores RV Park offers full hookup options for RVs. A camper mentioned, "This is a small, bare-bones operation, but it's safe and friendly; a great stop-over for passing through Chicagoland or Joliet. Level sites, full hook-ups." The campground provides both 30 and 50-amp service, though site availability is limited.
Shower facilities: RV campers without onboard showers should note facility conditions. At Kankakee River State Park, a visitor observed, "The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy (the toilet paper was completely out when I stopped by and it looked like some kids had a water balloon fight in there) but the team came out to clean up promptly." Shower house maintenance varies by campground and usage levels.
RV site privacy: Campsite layouts affect RV camping experiences throughout the Bourbonnais area. At Potowatomi Campground, an RVer noted, "The sites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite." In contrast, at other campgrounds, sites may be positioned with doors facing neighboring campers.
