Camping spots near St. Anne, Illinois cluster around the flat prairie landscape of eastern Illinois and western Indiana. Located approximately 70 miles south of Chicago, the area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 85°F and cold winters that can drop below 20°F. The region's waterways, particularly the Kankakee River which cuts through limestone formations, create diverse habitats for wildlife observation and fishing opportunities throughout the camping season.
What to do
Fishing at multiple spots: The Willow Slough Fish & Wildlife Area offers extensive fishing opportunities with one visitor noting, "There are monster bass in this lake, I have got a 19-inch largemouth in 2017." The 9,000-acre property includes both river access and a 1,200-acre lake.
River exploration: Paddlers can access the Kankakee River from several campgrounds including Mac Finn's Landing, where one camper described it as "One of the best no wake zones and fishing banks on the Kankakee River imo! Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroqouis Rivers. Kayak launch friendly!"
Cycling on paved trails: Bring bikes to enjoy the wide, paved trails around many campgrounds. A visitor at Kankakee River State Park noted, "Bike path/hike path is long and wide and very nice. We had kids under age 8."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent bird watching and animal spotting opportunities. Multiple campgrounds border conservation areas, providing chances to see deer, waterfowl, and other native species in their natural habitat.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between camping spots. At Potowatomi Campground, one visitor highlighted "Spacious sites with lush jungle-like greenery grown in between, which provides perfect privacy. Easy access to water pump."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation beyond fishing. At Oak Lake RV Resort, families enjoy "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories."
Helpful staff: Camp hosts receive consistent praise across multiple locations. One camper at Potowatomi Campground stated, "First off the camp hosts were amazing! Very friendly and helpful!" while another noted the campground "had a very easy going vibe. The camp hosts were really fantastic and made it feel like family."
Large sites for tent camping: Tent campers specifically mention the generous site sizes at many campgrounds. A visitor to Pioneer Family Campground commented, "We tent camped with 8 small kiddos. One of the largest tent sites I've been on."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have reported issues with drinking water. At Willow Slough, a camper advised, "Do remember to bring power source for your phone such as a power bank and water to drink, the water there tastes funny."
Limited shower facilities: While most campgrounds offer toilets, shower availability varies significantly. At Pioneer Family Campground, a visitor noted, "Their two flushing toilets and two showers (free) are very outdated with some rusty nails sticking out, and we didn't see anyone clean anything in the bathrooms."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near St. Anne operate from mid-April through mid-October. Oak Lake RV Resort runs from April 15 to October 15, while some camping areas like Willow Slough remain open year-round but with limited services in winter.
Site differences: Site quality and terrain can vary within the same campground. One camper at Potowatomi noted, "We had four sites on Osage loop for tent camping. Two were very small (14&15), and little grass for tent setup, fine for RV or trailer campers... 16&17 were amazing for tents!! Open, tall trees for our tight rope and hammocks and shade."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Lake Alexander RV Park mentioned, "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."
Swimming alternatives: During hot summer months, look for campgrounds with water access. Oak Lake RV Resort provides a swimming pond with features specifically for children, while the Kankakee River offers shallow areas at certain access points.
Nearby attractions: Plan day trips to supplement your camping experience. A camper at Pioneer Family Campground suggested, "Near the campground is an awesome playground (Lincoln Township Park), as well as an adorable family owned Ice Cream shop (Sycamore Drive-In)."
Heat preparation: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F with high humidity. Bring portable fans for tent camping, cooling towels, and plenty of hydration options as heat can be intense from June through August.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require additional preparation for RVs. A visitor to Willow Slough noted, "Some sites are not level so you have to pay attention. It's $12 a nite and it's all primitive so you can have a generator."
Reservation timing: Weekend reservations at Kankakee South KOA and other popular RV parks should be made well in advance during peak season. One camper mentioned, "Had a great time this weekend camping with my wife and two boys. We camp in a Hybrid trailer and really appreciated the price point with full hookups."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at state parks but more common at private campgrounds. A KOA visitor noted, "We enjoyed our stay here, but I expect a KOA site to be a little cleaner. Not terrible, but there was trash at our site... Bathrooms were clean and had nice showers."
