Earlier this spring, we packed up the circus (a.k.a. our family) and headed to Kankakee River State Park for a few days of camping. And honestly? We’d go back in a heartbeat.

The Campground Vibes

We camped midweek in May, which meant blessed peace and quiet. No generators humming, no kids shrieking at dawn (other than our own), and no neighbors breathing down your neck. The campsites are tucked back into the trees, and ours dipped just far enough into the woods to give us some privacy without feeling like we were starring in a survival show.

The park has vault toilets scattered around if you’re feeling rustic, but there’s also a modern shower house with flush toilets and nice showers; perfect for washing off layers of bug spray, dirt, and marshmallow goo.

There are plenty of bathrooms spread throughout the campground, which makes them easy to reach if you have mobility issues or just don’t want a long trek every time nature calls. The shower house also has a handicap stall and a handicap-accessible shower, which is a big plus for accessibility.

Bonus points to the mowed paths that run between campsites. You’re not wading through knee-high weeds every time someone inevitably needs the bathroom right after you sit down with your coffee.

It was also really nice to have those little wooded pockets between campsites, where the kids could explore and adventure without straying too far.

Scenery & The Big Beautiful River

The park stretches along 11 miles of the Kankakee River, and the views really are stunning. It’s perfect for photos, quiet walks, or just sitting there soaking it all in. There are great spots for fishing, though they don’t recommend swimming, so it’s better to stay dry and enjoy the scenery.

I was able to use my camp chair to find a comfortable spot to sit in the shade, watch the view and the river go by, and see my kids play. It was one of those simple moments that makes camping feel so worth it.

Altogether, Kankakee River State Park has around 30 miles of trails, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snowmobile routes. Plenty to keep any adventurer busy.

My kids loved hanging out near the river, tossing rocks into the water and poking around with sticks, convinced they’d discover hidden treasures or mysterious creatures. It’s the kind of simple fun that makes these trips so worth it.

Unfortunately, because of the rain, we didn’t get out to walk any of the trails this time. Not only is hiking in the rain not exactly a barrel of laughs, but wet weather also makes my arthritis flare up, so hiking was off the table for me on this trip. We definitely want to go back another time so we can explore more of what the park has to offer on foot.

Another helpful detail: you can drive close to the river in several areas, so even if a long walk isn’t possible, it’s still easy to get out and enjoy the beautiful river views right from your vehicle or with just a short stroll.

Rainy-Day Shenanigans & Handy Shopping

One rainy day, we decided to go exploring in Joliet, which isn’t too far away. The kids got absolutely hyped driving past the old haunted prison. They spent the whole ride inventing dramatic ghost stories and deciding who’d survive longest inside.

And for the practical folks: there’s a Walmart nearby, because no camping trip goes by without forgetting at least five essential things. Batteries? S’mores sticks? A random toy your toddler suddenly cannot live without? Covered.

Campfires, Firewood & Psychedelic Flames

Because of a tree disease, we couldn’t bring our own firewood and had to buy it from the park. The bundles were kind of puny and cost $8 each , (not my favorite price point) but we made it work.

One thing to note: the campsites don’t have traditional campfire rings. Instead, there’s a grill that sits up off the ground on a little concrete pad. It does the job for a fire and has an attached grate for cooking, but it doesn’t quite have the same cozy vibe as a classic fire ring where you can sit around the flames on all sides.

Still, we managed enough fires for cooking, and one epic evening where we tossed in color-changing packets and got a campfire glowing blue and green like something out of a wizard movie. Worth every penny.

Kid Adventures & Tiny Friendships

My son Channing and my nephew Silas spent half the trip skateboarding around the park near our campsite. Thankfully, no one complained. Sometimes skateboarders get the side-eye at campgrounds, but this time, everyone was cool.

Royce also made friends with some little girls who were camping nearby. It was sweet watching them run around together and share their own little campground adventures. Those spontaneous friendships are one of my favorite things about camping trips.

And if your family’s looking for a bit more speed, there were electric bikes available for rent right at the campground. Perfect for covering ground or tiring out kids who “aren’t tired” at bedtime.

Accessibility Notes

Kankakee River State Park is fairly accessible for folks with mobility concerns. The plentiful bathrooms make it easy to find one close by, and the modern shower house includes a handicap stall and a handicap-accessible shower.

And as mentioned, you can drive close to the river in several areas, making it possible to enjoy beautiful river views even if you’re not up for a long hike.

Final Take

So here’s the verdict: If you’re craving peaceful camping, gorgeous scenery, and enough amenities to keep everyone comfy (without feeling like you’re at a resort), Kankakee River State Park is absolutely worth it. Go during the week for ultimate tranquility; it’ll feel like your own private little forest.

🌿❤️ Mimi