Kankakee River State Park's Equestrian Campground offers primitive camping facilities for horseback riders in Bourbonnais, Illinois, approximately 50 miles from Munster. The campground provides access to designated bridle trails through the park's wooded terrain. Basic amenities include drinking water, shower facilities, toilets, and trash disposal. Sites accommodate vehicles with horse trailers, though no electric or water hookups are available at the equestrian sites. The campground remains separated from the park's standard camping areas to maintain a dedicated space for horses and their owners. The Potowatomi Campground in the same park offers more developed camping options with electric hookups and additional amenities for visitors without horses.
Trail access connects directly to the park's multi-use path system where horses are permitted. The Kankakee River runs through the park, providing water access points along designated routes. Horse owners must bring their own containment systems as no permanent corrals are provided at the campsites. Sites remain clean with regular maintenance, though shower facilities require a short drive from the equestrian camping area. Riders can explore several miles of trails through forested areas and along the river's edge. During peak seasons, particularly weekends, availability becomes limited and advance planning is recommended. While the equestrian campground offers fewer amenities than the main campground, its location provides convenient trail access and natural surroundings suited for horse camping 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."
"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.
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.
GuideCan get a little crowded ar times
Kankakee River State Park's Equestrian Campground provides horseback riders with dedicated camping facilities located approximately 50 miles from Munster, Indiana. This primitive camping area accommodates riders with their horses and trailers on unpaved sites designed specifically for equestrian access. The campground connects directly to the park's extensive bridle trail system that winds through oak-hickory forests and along the Kankakee River corridor.
Trail riding access: Riders can explore multiple miles of designated equestrian trails throughout Kankakee River State Park. "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," notes Andrea F. of Kankakee River State Park.
Riverside exploration: The Kankakee River provides scenic stops along trail routes with designated water access points. "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. Additionally, there are Indian caves through the creek where you can still find arrowheads," shares one visitor.
Multi-use recreational options: When not riding, campers can utilize the park's fishing spots, hiking paths, and nature center. "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.
Natural surroundings: The equestrian camping area offers a more secluded experience than the main campgrounds. "We loved riding our bikes along the river and just being away from the hustle and bustle. Not many amenities other than showers, toilets and hookups, but it just adds to the appeal here. A great spot to get away and experience some silence and solitude," writes Jacqueline F. about Kankakee River State Park.
Site spacing: The campground layout provides adequate room for horse trailers and camping equipment. "The campsites are very spread out and you will have a very private quiet campsite," says Phillip L., adding that "This site is near a small cemetery that has tombstones that are hundreds of years old."
Year-round accessibility: Unlike some seasonal facilities, the park's equestrian camping remains open throughout the year, allowing for different trail riding experiences across seasons. "It's great during all times of the year," notes one regular visitor.
Basic facilities only: The equestrian camping area provides minimal amenities compared to the park's main campgrounds. "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," explains Linda N. about Kankakee River State Park Equestrian Campground.
Water considerations: Potable water is available but limited to designated spigots, not individual site hookups. "There is no running water at the site so bring plenty," advises one camper.
Reservation timing: During peak riding seasons, especially weekends, equestrian sites fill quickly. "The sites are really limited around here so I recommend reserving weeks earlier or just come early," suggests a regular visitor.
Playground options: The main park areas offer recreational facilities for children when not riding. "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," notes Linda N. of Potowatomi Campground.
Spacing for groups: For family equestrian outings requiring multiple sites, certain areas provide better connectivity. "16&17 Osage loop also open to 9&10 on Hickory loop. With a lot of space between so no site setup is on top of each other," explains Shannon H.
Camp host assistance: The park staff provides support for horse camping families. "The camp hosts were really fantastic and made it feel like family," reports one visitor.
Limited hookups: RVs in the equestrian area must be self-contained as no electrical or water connections are available at sites. "Biggest spaces. Can add that 13, 6, 5, 4 Osage are good RV but not good tent," advises Shannon H. about Leisure Lake Resort.
Sanitation logistics: While vault toilets are within walking distance of equestrian sites, the shower facilities require driving to the main campground area. "The shower house was good. We went during July 4th so it was busy but the team came out to clean up promptly," shares one camper.
Alternate camping options: For those seeking more amenities, the park's main campgrounds offer full hookups. "This is a reasonably priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors," notes Ray S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Munster, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Munster, 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 Munster, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Munster, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
