Best Campgrounds near Kankakee, IL

Just outside Kankakee, Illinois, you'll find several good camping options within a reasonable drive. Four Star Campground has big sites with newer bathhouses and hookups for those who need them. About an hour away, Starved Rock State Park has both tent and RV camping near its well-known sandstone canyons and trail system. Illini State Park sits along the Illinois River with campsites that work for both tents and campers. If you head toward Lake Michigan, Dunewood Campground puts you close to the Indiana Dunes and the shoreline. Many people who want to hike the nature trails choose Starved Rock Campground as their base. The roads to all these places are in good shape, so you won't need special vehicles to reach them. You'll find toilets and drinking water at most sites in the area. If you want electricity or showers, some places have those too, but not all of them. Some campgrounds give you more space between neighbors than others. Trees cover many of the sites, which helps when it gets hot in summer. Weather around Kankakee can be pretty humid in summer and quite cold with snow in winter. Many locals say May-June or September-October are the best times to camp here. It's always smart to call ahead about road conditions and to check if sites are available, especially on weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Kankakee, Illinois (60)

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Recent Reviews near Kankakee, IL

235 Reviews of 60 Kankakee Campgrounds



Guide to Kankakee

Camping near Kankakee, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Starved Rock Campground — Starved Rock State Park. “The park's unique geological formations, lush landscapes, and abundant recreational activities make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike,” shared a visitor.
  • Beach Access: Visit Indiana Dunes State Park Campground for a day at the beach. “It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times,” noted a happy camper.
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the water at Great Falls Campground — Illini State Park. “The campground has a small pond and some trails,” one reviewer mentioned, highlighting the outdoor activities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park said, “The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. A reviewer at Starved Rock Campground mentioned, “Very friendly host at the gate! Just what my wife and I were looking for.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the natural beauty surrounding the campgrounds. “The campground was thickly wooded and beautiful,” shared a guest at Dunewood Campground.

What you should know:

  • Bug Spray is Essential: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at Dunewood Campground. One camper warned, “The mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on.”
  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds, like Starved Rock Campground, may have sites that are close together. A visitor noted, “Our spot wasn’t very closed off from other sites, and you’re not likely to get much privacy here.”
  • Noise Levels: Be aware of potential noise from nearby roads or trains. A camper at Great Falls Campground mentioned, “There must be a small airport nearby because there was nearly constant small planes buzzing around throughout the day.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Pleasant Creek Campground that offer activities for kids. A reviewer said, “There was a lot for my kids to do.”
  • Plan for Amenities: Make sure the campground has facilities like showers and restrooms. A family at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground appreciated the “year-round heated bathroom with shower.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. A camper at Sand Creek Campground mentioned, “The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in,” which sets a positive tone for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Big Rock Campground noted, “50/30 amps hookups. Water hookups as well.”
  • Arrive Early for Best Spots: Since many campgrounds are first-come, first-served, arriving early can help you snag a good site. A reviewer at Camp Bullfrog Lake mentioned, “The campsite overall is beautiful and the land is well kept.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lakeshore Camp Resort said, “The park was entirely too crowded. They packed these spots in like sardines.”

Camping around Kankakee, Illinois, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Kankakee, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kankakee, IL is Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.

What parks are near Kankakee, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Kankakee, IL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.