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Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground serves horse owners in the Bourbonnais area with dedicated facilities for horse camping, including drinking water, toilets, showers, and trash disposal. Trail riders can access the campground through drive-in entry, making it suitable for horse trailers. While the campground does not feature electric hookups, water hookups, or sewer connections, it does allow pets and campfires. The spacious sites with lush vegetation provide privacy between neighboring campers, and the campground follows a strictly enforced rule prohibiting alcohol.
The equestrian trail system connects directly to the campground, offering extensive riding opportunities along the Kankakee River. Riders can follow the crushed gravel trail that extends through wooded areas and connects to scenic viewpoints. Horse owners need to bring their own feed and water buckets as dedicated horse corrals are not provided at the facility. The campground operates seasonally, with most equestrian visitors coming during spring through fall. Campground hosts are typically available to assist with check-in procedures and provide information about trail conditions. During busy summer weekends, reservations are recommended as the limited number of horse-suitable campsites fill quickly. The park's main office can provide updated information on bridle trail access and seasonal closures.
"Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint."
"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
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ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
ScoutJJust ok. Facilities were disappointing
TravelerI had a private, large spot in one of their "neighborhoods " Host was knowledgeable, friendly and I was a walk in. Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup.
TravelerThis was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. 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.
TravelerMy fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. 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. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!
It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.
Travelercame in without a reservation and got a nice spot for a camper, showers were decent and hosts were nice!!
GuideThis campground was easy to access, clean, and had a very easy going vibe. 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. Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around.
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. There are vault toilets, water, and trash cans in each loop.
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). 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!
Very solid, basic campground.
ScoutWe’ve been staying at this resort for several months now, and wanted to share some feedback based on our experience.
The pool only opened mid-summer.
Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we’ve had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable.
We’ve also noticed that rules aren’t enforced consistently, and it sometimes feels like certain guests are treated unfairly. For example, while we were told that personal kiddie pools aren’t allowed, we’ve counted at least six others set up around the park.
Package delivery is only permitted under special circumstances, and only if pre-approved by staff.
Had an incident where a staff member criticized my swimsuit at the pool, despite it being modest and similar to what others were wearing. I wore this swimsuit to many pools for many years. Additionally, the beach area is often closed even during posted open hours, and pool hours or updates aren’t clearly communicated—you have to inquire to get any information.
The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern.
We’ve also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it’s been broken for a while. Many of the park’s facilities and amenities are showing their age and could benefit from updates and maintenance.
That said, there are aspects we’ve truly enjoyed, and they’re the main reasons we’ve continued our stay: the spacious layout of the RV park, a nice lake, beach, pool, gym, and a dog park.
GuideCan get a little crowded ar times
Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground provides specialized facilities for horse owners in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The campground sits on terrain characterized by wooded areas and proximity to the Kankakee River, with elevations ranging between 580-600 feet above sea level. Weather conditions vary seasonally with humid summers averaging 85°F and winters dropping to below freezing temperatures, affecting trail conditions and camping comfort.
Trail riding adventures: Riders can access an extensive network of bridle paths beyond what connects directly to the campground. "The area is well kept, clean, and well managed. I have frequented this park because it offers a lot of activities from primitive camping, RV parking, fishing, hiking, biking, backpacking, etc," reports Andrea F. about Kankakee River State Park.
Historical exploration: Visit the small cemetery near the regular camping areas with centuries-old tombstones. According to phillip L., "This site is near a small cemetery that has tombstones that are hundreds of years old... There is a short hike that crosses a bridge and it goes along the river."
Biking opportunities: The paved trail system provides excellent biking options for when you're not on horseback. Shannon H. confirms, "Bike path/hike path is long and wide and very nice. We had kids under age 8. River is fast, tried to fish."
Privacy between sites: The regular campground features good separation between sites that horse campers can also enjoy during their stay. "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite," notes phillip L., who stayed at Davis Creek area.
Clean facilities: The park maintains its amenities well, which is important for equestrian campers. "Bathrooms inclu vault were cleanest I've seen," reports Shannon H. This attention to cleanliness extends throughout the park's facilities.
Nature immersion: The park offers genuine wilderness experiences despite being relatively close to urban areas. Jacqueline F. appreciates this aspect: "We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle... A great spot to get away and experience some silence and solitude!"
Reservation requirements: During peak times, securing a spot ahead of time is essential. Ray S. notes about Kankakee River State Park: "This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors."
Water availability: Water sources are limited in some camping areas, so planning ahead is important. Phillip L. advises, "The restrooms were really dirty and had a lot of insects flying around. There is no running water at the site so bring plenty."
Site variations: Some sites are better suited for certain equipment types than others. Shannon H. explains, "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... Wish we knew more about individual site layout."
Wildlife encounters: The park offers educational opportunities with local fauna. Linda N. shares about Potowatomi Campground: "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!"
River safety awareness: The river provides scenic views but requires caution with children. "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)," notes Linda N.
Weather preparedness: Temperature extremes affect comfort, especially with children. Emma H. recounts, "It rained a ton during our trip so we didn't explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity."
Hookup availability: Electric services are limited in the equestrian area compared to main campgrounds. Maya L. mentions about regular camping: "came in without a reservation and got a nice spot for a camper, showers were decent and hosts were nice!!"
Campground host assistance: Staff can provide valuable information about current conditions. Linda N. appreciates this aspect: "The camp hosts were really fantastic and made it feel like family."
Noise considerations: Equestrian camping near Bourbonnais may experience varying noise levels depending on the day. Ray S. notes, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bourbonnais, IL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bourbonnais, IL is Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bourbonnais, IL?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Bourbonnais, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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