Tent camping near Kankakee, Illinois centers around river ecosystems and forest preserves within a largely agricultural region. The area features an elevation range of 600-650 feet above sea level, with camping options spread across several waterways including the Kankakee, Des Plaines, and Illinois rivers. Most tent sites in this region experience moderate temperature fluctuations, with summer highs averaging 85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access: Kayak Morris provides direct water access from most campsites. One camper noted there's "a confluence across the river which is great to float on," and the campground offers equipment rentals "if you don't have your own." The site's location at a river junction creates unique paddling opportunities.
Fishing expeditions: Mac Finn's Landing serves as an excellent base for anglers targeting multiple waterways. According to one reviewer, "Between me and my buddies we caught over 50 striper. I don't know if its the river convergence or the lake but they bite here hard!" The site provides access to both the Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers.
Cycling the canal trail: Channahon State Park Campground sits directly along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. A visitor described it as "a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock. The trail is crushed gravel and is a beautiful ride." Cyclists frequently use this campground as a waypoint during longer journeys.
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot native birds and animals, particularly in early morning hours. Look for great blue herons, owls, and white-tailed deer in wooded areas. The Des Plaines River corridor serves as an important migratory bird pathway during spring and fall seasons.
What campers like
Spacious site layout: McKinley Woods offers unusually large camping areas. A camper observed that "all sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs" and fire rings that are "3' across, the steel rim is a foot above the ground." This provides ample space for group activities.
Overnight cycling stops: The proximity to established bike trails makes several campgrounds ideal for bicycle tourists. One visitor to Channahon State Park found it "perfect for cyclists along the canal trail" and appreciated that "you can stop for a rest or stay the night" while traveling the route between Chicago and Starved Rock.
Beginner-friendly options: Camp Shabbona Woods is designed with novice campers in mind. A reviewer noted it's "set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," though they also mentioned "the campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
Water recreation variety: The junction of multiple waterways creates diverse paddling experiences. At Kayak Morris, one visitor enjoyed their "first experience of a lit up kayak tour for fireworks," while another appreciated that "the river here is so calm its awesome."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some sites experience water issues during heavy rain. A McKinley Woods camper reported, "Our night went from on and off light rain to three hours of down pour rain. With that said our site was flooded once we woke up. We had three inches up the the fire pit."
Early park closures: Several preserves have surprisingly early closing times that may affect access. Check specific hours before planning activities, as some parks lock entrance gates as early as 8 PM in summer and earlier in off-season months.
Urban proximity effects: While appearing remote, some campgrounds retain their suburban character. At Camp Shabbona Woods, a camper mentioned "definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background" and noted "they close the gates after 10pm was weird."
Limited facilities: Many sites offer only basic amenities. At McKinley Woods, a visitor mentioned "water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy. There's only one pit toilet," highlighting the primitive nature of some facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Water depth considerations: When camping with children at riverside locations, be aware of current strength and water depth. Some sites at Kayak Morris have safer, shallow areas, while others connect directly to deeper river channels with stronger currents.
Accessibility options: For families with mobility concerns, McKinley Woods provides specifically designed accommodations. A camper noted "two of the four sites are paved" and explained that "the sites are ADA accessible" with specially designed picnic tables and properly surfaced paths.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer interpretive signage about canal history, native plants, and wildlife. These sites provide opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems and historic transportation routes that shaped the region's development.
Morning noise factors: At water-adjacent sites, early boat traffic can disrupt sleep. As one McKinley Woods camper observed, "at night, you can hear owls and distant trains, but motorboats and jet-skis begin around 6:AM," which may affect families with light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Equipment limitations: Most camping areas near Kankakee restrict vehicle access and provide few amenities for larger rigs. One Camp Shabbona Woods visitor noted "no electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite," making most locations impractical for standard RV camping.
Alternative camping styles: Some locations offer unique accommodations beyond traditional camping. Kayak Morris features "glampouts" which one reviewer enjoyed, mentioning "morning breakfast after the glampout night provided by the staff, good food and quite environment."
