Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground provides primitive camping options for horse owners approximately 45 miles from Merrillville, Indiana. The campground serves as an alternative to standard camping facilities in the region, offering specialized accommodations for those traveling with horses. Trail access remains the primary attraction with routes spanning varied terrain throughout the 4,000-acre park property.
What to do
Bike the trails: The paved trail system at Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park extends for several miles along the river, providing excellent riding opportunities. "We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle," notes Jacqueline F., who appreciated the accessibility of the trails.
Explore rock formations: Several areas within the park feature unique geological formations worth exploring. Andrea F. mentions, "There are some rock cliffs that are suspended over the Kankakee river and also over a creek that feeds it. These are great for climbing and scaling."
Historical exploration: The area contains significant historical sites including Native American artifacts. "There are Indian caves through the creek where you can still find arrowheads," reports Andrea F., highlighting the archaeological interest for visitors interested in the region's past.
Miniature golf: For families seeking structured recreation beyond trail riding, Leisure Lake Resort offers additional activities. Karel M. notes the resort has "miniature golf, fishing lake, activities" that complement the camping experience.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The layout at many campgrounds near Merrillville provides good separation between camping areas. Yang L. describes Kankakee River State Park as having "Spacious sites with lush jungle-like greenery grown in between, which provides perfect privacy."
Camp host hospitality: Several campgrounds feature attentive staff who enhance the experience. One camper reported, "The camp hosts were amazing! Very friendly and helpful!" which demonstrates the value of good management for equestrian campers seeking assistance with their specialized needs.
Year-round access: The versatility of camping options throughout different seasons appeals to many visitors. Andrea F. notes that Kankakee River State Park is "great during all times of the year," making it suitable for equestrian camping near Merrillville regardless of season.
Affordable rates: Cost-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable fees at some locations. Phillip L. mentions, "The site costed me about 8 dollars to reserve which was really cheap," referring to his experience at Davis Creek within the park system.
What you should know
Water availability: Access to clean water varies between campgrounds. At some locations, campers report: "There is no running water at the site so bring plenty," as Phillip L. cautions about certain areas at Kankakee River State Park.
Site variations: Campsite quality and size can differ significantly even within the same campground. Shannon H. from Potowatomi Campground notes, "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."
Mosquito preparation: Some areas experience significant insect activity, particularly during warmer months. Rob H. cautions that Tippecanoe River State Park can be the "Worst place for mosquitoes," suggesting equestrian campers should bring appropriate repellents.
Weather considerations: The terrain can become challenging after rainfall. Phillip L. recommends reservation planning: "The sites are really limited around here so I recommend reserving weeks earlier or just come early."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Choose sites strategically based on your family's needs. At Potato Creek State Park Campground, Frank M. recommends "securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust."
Extension cord preparation: Electrical access may require additional equipment at certain sites. Frank M. advises to "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up" when staying at Potato Creek State Park.
Playground accessibility: For families with younger children, certain areas offer better playground access. Shannon H. notes, "We had kids under age 8" and found certain loops worked well for their family setup.
Park programming: Check for special events that can enhance a family stay. Monica C. shared, "Did participate in a star gazing event being held that weekend and it is still something my husband and I talk about regularly."
Tips from RVers
Cell service considerations: Mobile connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Monica C. from Tippecanoe River State Park Campground reports, "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service," highlighting the importance of carrier differences.
Site leveling: When bringing an RV or horse trailer, check site conditions beforehand. Shannon H. specifically notes that certain sites like "13, 6, 5, 4 Osage are good RV but not good tent," helping equestrian campers identify appropriate spots for larger vehicles.
Drive time awareness: Consider internal park travel times when planning activities. Frank M. cautions, "Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind," which is particularly relevant for equestrian campers who may need to transport supplies or access trailheads.
Water filtration needs: Water quality varies between facilities. One long-term camper at Leisure Lake Resort reported installing "a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable," suggesting equestrian campers might want to bring water for both themselves and their horses.
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