Searching for the best camping near Kankakee, IL? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Kankakee, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite. This site is near a small cemetery that has tombstones that are hundreds of years old."
"The campground manager was very friendly and helpful and our site was clean with a nice fire pit with built-in grill and very clean. Lots of shower stalls in the shower house."
"We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year. Check out their information on their website."
"Playground was nice and geared toward smaller kids. Staff was friendly and very nice. Firewood, ice, etc. could be ordered via text and delivered. Trash pick up daily."
$20 - $138 / night
"We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.
There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad."
"The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc)."
$55 - $160 / night
"Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever!"
"Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
"Full hook-ups available, large sites, tents, RVs, groups, Pavilion available for rent"
$12 - $55 / night
"We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking."
"Spent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade."
$35 - $250 / night
"Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."
"As stated, there is electric hookup but no water at the site. However, staff was more than happy to meet us at the bathrooms to allow us to fill our tanks before we set up camp."
$35 - $200 / night
"It was still big enough for our tent and a table and pit. We had to park in a nearby parking space because our site was surrounded by other sites and common area."
"We stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. Theres a playground as well."
"Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."
$37 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
RangerAnd about an hour and a half from central Chicago is Illini State Park, a comfortable slice of wilderness. Offering RV sites with electric and water hook-ups, as well as drive-in tent camping, the camp portion is divided into two different areas, with the Whitetail partially abutting a lock and dam. Each individual site features at least one picnic table and iron grill (fires only allowed in the grill)
For $10 a night I got a semi-secluded spot for my tent (the RV sites by the Army Corp of Engineers lock and dam was much more crowded), and for $6 a bundle at the nearby ice cream store I got firewood.
After reserving the site with the camp host (cash or check only) and picking up my wood (cash or card), I settled in for the night, enjoying the beginning of fall, which lots of color on the ground, the cicadas singing their last, and squads of migrating geese bedding down for the night. Also a little traffic noise from the nearby highway, but c'est la vie.
GuideWent tent camping here and reserved our spot in advance. We bought fire wood from a locals front lawn at the entrance to the state park. Put 5$ in the bin and take a bundle. Its 30 mins away from Starved Rock and Matthiesson State Park. Good hiking. The river spots are all booked by large RVs and the tent spots have grills over the fire pits and picnic tables. lots of tree cover which came in handy when it rained in the morning. Otherwise great weather and not buggy. Dogs allowed.
TravelerWe stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.
There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.
There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.
Overall it was pretty quiet.
The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.
ScoutFrom the start you feel welcomed. My site was small compared to other campsites. It was still big enough for our tent and a table and pit. We had to park in a nearby parking space because our site was surrounded by other sites and common area. There is no electric in "tent city" either, but it is near the roundhouse and showers. There is an outdoor shower as well. That was awesome. The events were great forLabor Day weekend. This was our first time at and adult only resort or clothing optional. The people were friendly and helpful to others. This convinced us that this is how we will camp from now on.
GuideI visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc). There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold. The central bathrooms are clean, heated and offer showers. The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go. The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk. I will definitely be back!
TravelerSpent a couple nights here (site 3) for Vintage Illinois at a nearby park. Quiet, fairly level, gravel sites. Electric worn but fully functional. Lots of trees and shade. From map it looked like site 3 was isolated at end of loop - weeellll, it IS at the end of a loop - right across from camp host and adjacent to maintenance area for lock & dam - not very picturesque. Didn’t use bathhouse so can’t comment on that. Drink vending machines by bathhouse. Local guy across from entrance to park sells firewood. Site had fire ring and picnic table. One thing to note - trees drop some kinda “nuts” and when you drive over them they pop and it sounds just like you are dragging low hanging branches. I started to backing and swore I was hitting branches (even though I’d looked and knew it was clear) and DW said we were clear....
LegendHad a great time this weekend camping with my wife and two boys. We camp in an Hybrid trailer and really appreciated the price point with full hookups. Sites were decent size and had fire pits at each location. They had plastic picnic tables which where light to move and easy to clean. Decently quiet camp site with a pool for the kids to cool off made for an enjoyable weekend. Close to Kankakee and some of the other towns in the area for things to do. I would definitely come again to kayak on the Kankakee river. Unfortunately the water levels where too high for this trip as warnings had been issued
TravelerLocated right on the river. There are many tent sites available and at a great price. The bathrooms located near the electrical sites have showers and running water. The bathrooms that are in the tent site only area are more like port-o-potty style. So in the heat of summer there are a lot of flies and you should have something to wash your hands ie no running water. I’d stay there again and the hosts were very sweet.
LegendI was able to get here right before the state closed the parks. It was empty but the dog and I we doing some hiking at Starved Rock so I figured why not. Sites were nice...nothing special. We got an electric site so I was able to use my teardrop which made it nice. Picnic table...fire ring...vault toilet...I don’t need much more than that. It does have some nice hiking along the river and wasn’t busy which is a huge bonus compared to other locations that are near. I would highly recommend this campground for those looking to avoid the crowds.
Cabin camping near Kankakee, Illinois, offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, making it an ideal getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are included in the cabins at Kankakee River State Park?
Cabins at Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park typically include basic furnishings like beds, tables, and seating areas. For comparison, nearby Camp Bullfrog Lake offers cabins with varying amenities - some have heating and private bathrooms. Kankakee cabins generally include picnic tables and fire rings outside. Most cabins have electricity, but you should verify water availability as this can vary by season. Campers typically need to bring their own bedding, cooking equipment, and food supplies. The park offers access to shared facilities like restrooms and showers located in the main campground areas.
How much do cabin rentals cost at Kankakee River State Park?
Cabin rental costs at Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park typically range from $50-90 per night, depending on cabin size, amenities, and the season. For comparison, nearby Sun Aura offers alternative accommodations at different price points. Most Kankakee cabins require a minimum two-night stay on weekends during peak season. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles or guests beyond the standard occupancy. Illinois residents often receive a small discount compared to out-of-state visitors. Reservation fees are typically non-refundable, and cancellation policies vary depending on how far in advance you cancel.
Are there cabins available at Kankakee River State Park?
Yes, cabins are available at Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park. For a nearby alternative with confirmed cabin options, Illini State Park offers camping facilities about 30 minutes from popular hiking destinations. Cabin availability at Kankakee River State Park is typically seasonal, with peak demand during summer months. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays, as cabins tend to book up quickly. The reservation window opens several months in advance, so planning ahead is essential to secure a cabin, particularly for holidays and summer weekends.
Can I rent an RV or camper for my Kankakee camping trip?
While Kankakee River State Park doesn't offer on-site RV rentals, there are several options nearby. Kankakee South KOA may provide RV rental information or referrals to local rental companies. Area dealerships and specialty rental businesses offer various RV and camper options, from small teardrop trailers to full-sized motorhomes. Rentals typically range from $100-300 per night depending on size and features, plus additional fees for mileage, generator use, and insurance. Most rentals require a security deposit and minimum rental period (often 3-7 days). Book well in advance for peak camping seasons, as availability is limited in the Kankakee area.
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