1 campground with availability next weekend
Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground provides designated sites for campers with horses near Bourbonnais, Illinois, approximately 45 minutes from Lowell, Indiana. The campground features drinking water, showers, toilets, and trash collection for equestrian campers. Campsites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space. The equestrian campground allows fires and permits pets, though alcohol is prohibited. Vault toilets are maintained throughout the camping season. The facilities include direct drive-in access suitable for horse trailers of various sizes. Campgrounds are typically clean and well-maintained with extensive grounds for riders to explore.
Connected to the campground are multiple trail systems ideal for day rides through wooded terrain along the Kankakee River. The park encompasses over 4,000 acres with trails that follow the river and pass through diverse ecosystems. Riders can access several miles of bridle trails directly from the campground without needing to trailer horses to separate trailheads. The riding trails feature varied terrain including riverside paths, wooded sections, and occasional rocky areas. Water access points along the river provide natural watering opportunities for horses during rides. Trail conditions remain relatively consistent through spring and fall, though summer months bring increased mosquito activity that affects both horses and riders. Winter camping is possible when weather permits, allowing year-round access to the trail system for equestrians seeking seasonal riding experiences.
"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 this 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 offers dedicated facilities for horseback riders approximately 45 minutes from Lowell, Indiana. The campground supports direct trailer access with adequate space for horse trailers of various sizes. Vault toilets remain accessible throughout the camping season, while water sources are available at designated points within the camping area. Trail riding opportunities extend through diverse terrain alongside the Kankakee River.
Trail exploration beyond bridle paths: Tippecanoe River State Park offers additional recreational options when not riding. "This is a North Central State Park in Indiana. Not one of the better units, but it has some charms. The mosquitos get bad in the summer, so come prepared," notes Cynthia K. Several trails connect directly to the campground areas.
Climb the fire tower: Families visiting the equestrian areas can incorporate other park activities. "There is a firetower, which is fun for the kids and the hike to get there is short," shares Kaley A. about Tippecanoe River State Park. The tower provides panoramic views of surrounding terrain.
Wildlife observation: The diverse ecosystems surrounding equestrian camps support various wildlife viewing opportunities. "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!" reports Linda N. about her stay at Kankakee River State Park.
Private camping spaces: Equestrian campsites typically offer more space than standard sites. "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite," says Phillip L. Sites designed for horse trailers provide additional separation between neighboring campers.
Access to varied terrain: Riders appreciate the diverse trail conditions. "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.," explains Andrea F. about her experiences at Kankakee River State Park.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives positive feedback from equestrian campers. "The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly," notes Linda N. Most equestrian campgrounds maintain regular cleaning schedules for toilet and shower facilities.
Seasonal variations affect trail conditions: Spring and fall typically provide optimal riding conditions. "Spring and late fall would be a good time to visit," advises Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River State Park, noting that "The mosquitos get bad in the summer."
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in some equestrian camping areas. "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service," reports Monica C. about her camping experience.
Alcohol restrictions: Policies vary between parks. Kankakee River State Park prohibits alcohol in all camping areas including equestrian sites, while Tippecanoe River State Park permits alcohol for responsible adult campers.
Choose sites near amenities: Families with children should consider proximity to facilities. "For the playground, sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground and you can watch your children from your site," recommends Cynthia K. at Tippecanoe River State Park.
Plan for river safety: Water access requires supervision when camping with children. "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)," cautions Linda N. about Kankakee River.
Bring entertainment options: Weather changes can affect riding plans. "It rained a ton during our trip so we didn't explore much," shares Emma H. about her experience at Kankakee River State Park. Pack indoor activities for rainy periods.
Select appropriate sites: Not all equestrian camping areas accommodate larger RVs. "Handicap accessible sites are 109/110/111/112," notes Cynthia K. about camping options at Tippecanoe River State Park, adding that "The sites are typical state park. No privacy for most. There's gravel for your camper pad. Not dirt."
Water access considerations: RVers should plan for water access limitations. "Get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse. There's 2 sides at the dump station," advises Cynthia K. Most equestrian campsites have water available at central locations rather than at individual sites.
Prepare for varying site sizes: "Our site was perfect with trees to hang a hammock on and for the kids to run around," shares Linda N., but warns that some sites "are huge with open green space and others I feel like just for a car and a tent."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lowell, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lowell, 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 Lowell, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Lowell, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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