Kankakee River State Park offers dedicated equestrian camping facilities within a 4,000-acre natural area located 31 miles northeast of Frankfort, Illinois. The park sits along the Kankakee River at approximately 600 feet elevation, with terrain characterized by limestone outcroppings and oak-hickory forests. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer camping season brings humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F.
What to do
Trail riding access: At Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park, riders can explore multiple terrain types. "There are miles of trails. On one hike we were on paved, sifted gravel, grass and single trek trails," notes Art S., adding that "there are a lot of loops giving you options."
Indian cave exploration: The park offers geological features beyond standard trails. As Andrea F. reports, "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."
Rock climbing opportunities: For those seeking more adventure, "There are some rock cliffs that are suspended over the Kankakee river and also over a creek that feeds it. These are great for climbing and scaling," according to Andrea F.
Fishing access: The Kankakee River provides fishing opportunities year-round, though swimming is prohibited. "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)," mentions Linda N.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Big Rock Campground offers generous camping areas. Melissa C. notes it has "big, level sites" and "even though they don't take reservations, there is plenty of space and availability." Amanda K. adds, "Wide, open spaces for kids to ride bikes and explore wildflowers."
Clean facilities: Facilities are well-maintained at Paul Wolff Campground. "The vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees. There is one very clean flush toilet building," writes David W., while another camper notes it's "a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff."
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings provide wildlife observation opportunities. Marisa A. reports seeing "lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels" at Paul Wolff Campground.
Camp host support: Staff enhance the camping experience. Linda N. states that at Potowatomi Campground, "The camp hosts were really fantastic and made it feel like family," while Maya L. simply notes "hosts were nice!!"
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Water issues may affect some camping locations. At Leisure Lake Resort, Iryna R. reports, "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."
Hookup logistics: Water access points may require planning. Amanda K. advises at Big Rock Campground to "bring extensions!" because "water hookup is far behind camping pad." Jeff G. similarly notes, "I saw where some campers hooked about 150' of hose to spigots behind the loops to run to their campers."
Seasonal challenges: Hot weather affects facility comfort. David W. reports at Paul Wolff Campground that "vault toilets are clean but smell like vault toilets at 95 degrees," while shower availability varies by location with Tara M. noting, "Hard to pay that much when you can't shower or clean up."
Site privacy variations: Site layout affects privacy levels. At Kankakee River State Park, Shannon H. explains, "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!!"
Tips for camping with families
Nature center activities: Kankakee River State Park offers educational programs for children. Linda N. shares, "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!"
Playground considerations: Heat can impact outdoor play areas. Linda N. cautions, "Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had."
Bathroom facilities: Emma H. recommends, "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!"
Noise management: Enforce quiet hours for family comfort. Ray S. notes, "The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quiet time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Big Rock Forest Preserve, Joel R. observes, "There was water and electric And a dump stations at the entrance/exit. There were paved roads and the sites looked large and level." MalibuDave42 L. adds, "Though a commercial-style, it does not feel like it. Sites are well spaced."
Electrical hookups: Electrical connections vary by site. Amanda K. appreciates "Water + 50amp hookups" at Big Rock Campground, while Marisa A. notes that "Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise."
Shade considerations: Tree cover varies significantly. David W. explains, "There is some shade, but you have to search for it," while MalibuDave42 L. notes, "Full trees around the perimeter, but not a lot for shade over the campsites."
Ranger
