Best Campgrounds near Bourbonnais, IL
Kankakee River State Park anchors the camping landscape around Bourbonnais, Illinois, with multiple campgrounds spread across its 4,000 acres. The park features Potowatomi and Chippewa Campgrounds offering both tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. Several developed campgrounds accommodate diverse camping preferences, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with a few offering cabin accommodations. Kankakee South KOA, located in Chebanse about 15 miles south of Bourbonnais, provides additional options including cabins, yurts, and glamping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the area maintain proximity to the Kankakee River, which serves as a central recreational feature for the region.
Campgrounds in the area operate with varied seasonal schedules, with some like Potowatomi Campground open year-round while others such as Kankakee South KOA only operate from April through October. A visitor noted, "Potowatomi Campground and Chippewa Campground are not opened for the entire 2016. The sites are really limited around here so I recommend reserving weeks earlier or just come early." Many sites require advance reservations through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reservation system or directly with private campgrounds. Summer weekends often reach capacity quickly, especially at waterfront locations. Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with state park locations offering basic amenities like vault toilets and water pumps, while the KOA provides full hookups, showers, and recreational amenities including a pool.
The Kankakee River provides a scenic backdrop for many camping experiences in the area, with miles of paved riverside trails accessible from several campgrounds. A camper wrote, "There are many miles of riverside paved trail for jogging, walking, or biking adjacent to campsite." Site privacy varies considerably across the region's campgrounds. Potowatomi Campground features sites with natural vegetation barriers creating more secluded camping spots, while Chippewa Campground has a more open layout with less privacy between sites. Several reviews mention the fishing opportunities along the Kankakee River as a highlight, with Mac Finn's Landing specifically noted for its excellent fishing access and kayak-friendly launch points. Winter camping options are limited but available at select locations, with Potowatomi Campground among the few offering year-round accessibility.
