Kankakee River State Park offers equestrian camping options 60 miles south of Chicago in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The park spans 4,000 acres along 11 miles of the Kankakee River, with terrain varying from rocky bluffs to wooded bottomlands. Horse owners can access over 12 miles of marked equestrian trails through the park's diverse landscapes, which connect to additional multi-use pathways throughout the region.
What to do
Fishing access: Chain O' Lakes State Park provides multiple lake entry points for anglers, with Turner Lake South offering convenient shoreline fishing. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," notes Julia B. about Turner Lake South.
Hiking trails: Paul Wolff Campground offers extensive trail networks suitable for all skill levels. "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. There are a lot of loops giving you options. When we left we still hadn't hiked all of them," shares Art S. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Horseback facilities: For riders seeking additional equestrian options beyond Kankakee River State Park, Chain O' Lakes State Park features designated horse trails. "Chain O'Lakes State Park in IL has two electric campgrounds, 2 non-electric campgrounds and one group site. There are hiking trails and this campground is the closest to the boat dock and concession which serves as the camp store," explains Debra M. about Fox Den Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Big Rock Campground offers level sites with ample room between camping areas. "As someone who normally camps in state parks with only electricity hookups, this site was a welcome treat. Wide, open spaces for kids to ride bikes and explore wildflowers. Duck viewing. Quiet. Almost 100 improved sites," comments Amanda K. about Big Rock Campground.
Lake activities: Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort provides multiple water recreation options just outside Chicago. "We kayaked in the lake and it's small but nice. Great for kids lots of activities and space to play. But very quiet and relaxing by nighttime," shares Christin D. about Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.
Natural privacy: Many horse campgrounds near Chicago feature vegetation that creates separation between sites. "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 (our site was protected on 3 sides by some fairly dens foliage and trees)," notes Ian C. about Fox Den Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Rain can impact trail conditions at many equestrian campgrounds in the Chicago region. "Trail conditions remain well-maintained throughout most of the season, though some areas may become muddy after heavy rainfall," according to park rangers.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advanced booking, while others operate on first-come systems. "Even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability. Lovely grasslands, ponds, hiking trails, but the lack of trees and privacy isn't my preference. Still great option not far from Chicago," explains Melissa C. about Big Rock Campground.
Facility limitations: Not all horse campgrounds offer comprehensive amenities. "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building but no showers. They don't advertise showers, but this is the newest and nicest campsite I have seen without showers. There is some shade, but you have to search for it," writes David W. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several equestrian campgrounds near Chicago offer additional recreational options. "This campground is in a populated area but the nature preserve is big. We rarely saw traffic once here. A train goes by a couple times but it was always during the day," notes Art S. about Paul Wolff Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Plan early morning or evening walks for best animal sightings. "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," shares Tricia E.
Accessible water play: Some parks provide designated swimming areas apart from equestrian zones. "The tent 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. 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. about Potowatomi Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Check electric and water hookup locations before setting up at equestrian campgrounds. "The water hookups are kind of far from the individual sites (make sure you have extra hose)," advises Rodney D. about Big Rock Campground.
Site selection: Choose sites based on shade and privacy needs. "Turner Lake South and Mud Lake East most private. 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," recommends Marisa A. about Turner Lake South.
Generator rules: Most equestrian campgrounds have specific power regulations. "Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise," notes Marisa A. about Paul Wolff Campground, which is an important consideration when camping near horses.
