1 campground with availability next weekend
Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground offers dedicated facilities for riders approximately 70 miles from Crown Point, Indiana. The campground provides primitive camping with access to drinking water, toilet facilities, and showers. Located near the Kankakee River, the equestrian area features vault toilets and trash disposal, though it lacks electric hookups or water connections. Campground access is drive-in, making it convenient for horse trailers and equipment transport. Nearby Potawatomi Campground within the same park accommodates tent and RV camping with more amenities including electric hookups and water access, though this area is not specifically designated for horses. The campground connects to an extensive network of trails through forested terrain. Campsites are very spread out, offering private, quiet camping experiences.
The trail system at Kankakee River State Park includes crushed gravel bike paths that can be used by riders to access various areas of the park. The 14-mile trail system follows the Kankakee River, providing scenic riding opportunities through wooded areas. While no dedicated horse corrals are present, the equestrian campground is designed with horse owners in mind, allowing for appropriate containment systems brought by campers. The park remains open year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally. Tippecanoe River State Park, located further east, offers an alternative horse-friendly option with more developed amenities including electric hookups and sewer connections. Both locations require proper cleanup and management of horse waste. The parks enforce quiet hours after 10pm, though these rules are not always strictly maintained during busy weekends.
"Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint."
"Right at the start of Osage is an entrance to the crushed gravel bike path. It gave us a great hike through the trees. You can find picnic areas and playground equipment by following the bike path."
"There was a horse camp available as well as youth tenting and cabins to rent. This is a great State Park with more things to offer in addition to the ones mentioned above."
"Trails and the river close by. Bathrooms are phenomenal!! Enjoy!"
Available next weekend
from $14 - $55 / night
"Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities"
from $37 / night
ScoutNice, clean, quiet, simple state park set up. Many miles of paved and crushed limestone trails. The actual Kankakee River access is sort of outside of the campground- that would be my only complaint. You have to walk or bike a little distance to be near the river. Seemed very well maintained and we loved it!
ScoutJJust ok. Facilities were disappointing
TravelerI had a private, large spot in one of their "neighborhoods " Host was knowledgeable, friendly and I was a walk in. Beautiful stroll along the river with my pup.
TravelerThis was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.
TravelerMy fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!
It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.
Travelercame in without a reservation and got a nice spot for a camper, showers were decent and hosts were nice!!
GuideThis campground was easy to access, clean, and had a very easy going vibe. The camp hosts were really fantastic and made it feel like family.
The sites are straightforward and vary quite a bit: some are huge with open green space and others I feel like just for a car and a tent. Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around.
The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy (the toilet paper was completely out when I stopped by and it looked like some kids had a water balloon fight in there) but the team came out to clean up promptly. There are vault toilets, water, and trash cans in each loop.
The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river). Playgrounds are unfortunately exposed so it was not suitable for the 100 degree days we had.
We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!
Very solid, basic campground.
GuideI've not camped here, just gone for hikes but the hikes are okay. They aren't really anything special and aren't really well marked either.
There is a firetower, which is fun for the kids and the hike to get there is short.
ScoutWe’ve been staying at this resort for several months now, and wanted to share some feedback based on our experience.
The pool only opened mid-summer.
Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we’ve had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable.
We’ve also noticed that rules aren’t enforced consistently, and it sometimes feels like certain guests are treated unfairly. For example, while we were told that personal kiddie pools aren’t allowed, we’ve counted at least six others set up around the park.
Package delivery is only permitted under special circumstances, and only if pre-approved by staff.
Had an incident where a staff member criticized my swimsuit at the pool, despite it being modest and similar to what others were wearing. I wore this swimsuit to many pools for many years. Additionally, the beach area is often closed even during posted open hours, and pool hours or updates aren’t clearly communicated—you have to inquire to get any information.
The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern.
We’ve also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it’s been broken for a while. Many of the park’s facilities and amenities are showing their age and could benefit from updates and maintenance.
That said, there are aspects we’ve truly enjoyed, and they’re the main reasons we’ve continued our stay: the spacious layout of the RV park, a nice lake, beach, pool, gym, and a dog park.
Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground provides accommodations for riders traveling with horses approximately 70 miles from Crown Point, Indiana. Located near the Kankakee River, this specialized camping area features primitive sites with access to basic amenities including vault toilets and trash disposal. The equestrian facilities connect to a 14-mile trail system through varied terrain, with crushed gravel paths that follow the river corridor and wind through wooded sections of the park.
Trail riding along the Kankakee River: The extensive trail system provides scenic riding routes through forested areas with river views. "The area is well kept, clean, and well managed. I have frequented this park because it offers a lot of activities from primitive camping, RV parking, fishing, hiking, biking, backpacking, etc," writes Andrea F. about Kankakee River State Park.
Explore Indian caves and historic areas: Several archaeological and historical points of interest exist within riding distance. Andrea F. notes, "There are Indian caves through the creek where you can still find arrowheads. Exploring the area is pretty cool and the park is quite expansive and impressive for this state."
Visit the nature center: When not riding, equestrian campers can access educational opportunities. Linda N. mentions at Potowatomi Campground, "We did have a really awesome time at the main office/nature center, where my kiddos got to feed and hold a variety of reptiles!"
Spacious, private camping: Equestrian sites are designed to accommodate trailers and provide adequate space for horses. "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite," confirms phillip L. about Kankakee River State Park.
Clean facilities despite heavy use: The shower facilities receive regular maintenance. "The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy (the toilet paper was completely out when I stopped by and it looked like some kids had a water balloon fight in there) but the team came out to clean up promptly," shares Linda N.
Natural setting with riverside access: The proximity to the Kankakee River adds recreational value. "I loved this spot! We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle," reports Jacqueline F. about Kankakee River State Park.
Site selection matters for equipment needs: Not all sites accommodate larger trailers equally. Shannon H. advises about Kankakee River, "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... Wish we knew more about individual site layout."
Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions: Weather impacts riding conditions significantly. "It rained a ton during our trip so we didn't explore much," notes Emma H., while Andrea F. adds, "It's great during all times of the year."
Alternative equestrian options available: Tippecanoe River State Park offers another horseman's campground within reasonable distance. "This is a well established campground& has nice shade trees in all the sites," reports Cynthia K., though warning, "The mosquitos get bad in the summer, so come prepared."
Check playground proximity: For families balancing riding with children's activities, some campgrounds offer convenient playground access. Cynthia K. advises, "For the playground, sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground& you can watch your children from your site."
River safety awareness: The Kankakee River permits limited water activities but requires caution. Linda N. warns, "The river was nice to visit and we were able to take the kids to some knee deep water to play (swimming is NOT allowed in the river)."
Educational programs enhance stays: Leisure Lake Resort offers additional family-friendly amenities beyond equestrian facilities. Karel M. notes the "Quiet, family orientated, fishing lake, miniature golf, activities" available.
Water access varies between campgrounds: While the equestrian area offers limited hookups, nearby campgrounds provide more services. Ray S. notes about Kankakee River State Park, "This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition."
Leveling and site selection: The terrain varies throughout the area, affecting setup. Emma H. shares, "My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup...There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top."
Noise levels fluctuate by day and location: Weekends bring increased activity. Ray S. notes, "The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crown Point, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crown Point, IN is Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crown Point, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Crown Point, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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