Best Campgrounds near Kankakee, IL
Kankakee, Illinois camping areas blend developed campgrounds with natural river settings. Potowatomi Campground in Kankakee River State Park serves as a primary camping destination with multiple loops offering electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grates, and shower facilities. The area also includes Kankakee South KOA, which provides full-hookup RV sites, cabins, tent camping, and even glamping options approximately 10 miles south of downtown Kankakee. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access to the Kankakee River system, with fishing opportunities and water recreation serving as central attractions.
Most developed campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Potowatomi Campground divides into four distinct loops (Oak, Hickory, Osage, and Walnut) with varying site sizes and privacy levels. The crushed gravel bike path connecting the campground to recreation areas provides easy access to picnic areas and playgrounds. Water levels on the Kankakee River fluctuate seasonally and can affect fishing and boating activities. A camper noted, "The sites are not huge and not super private, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a campground!"
Campers consistently praise the wooded, private sites at Potowatomi Campground, where lush vegetation between campsites creates a secluded atmosphere despite proximity to neighbors. Several visitors mentioned the well-maintained bike trails along the river as a highlight of their stay. Site selection varies significantly across the campground loops, with some offering spacious grassy areas ideal for tent camping and others better suited for RVs or trailers. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Spacious sites with lush jungle-like greenery grown in between, which provides perfect privacy." Weekday camping generally offers a quieter experience compared to weekends when the campgrounds tend to fill with more active groups. The Davis Creek area provides a more primitive camping experience for those seeking tent-only options with fewer amenities but greater seclusion.
