Kankakee River State Park

Update: Chippewa campground has reopened for camping effective Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. All campsites must be reserved online at https://exploremoreil.com.

On land treasured for centuries - first by Native Americans, later by traders and farmers, and as early as the 1890s by recreation seekers - Kankakee River State Park offers visitors its proud heritage in an unspoiled setting. Anglers, canoeists, hunters, campers, hikers, bicyclers and other outdoor enthusiasts find the park's recreational opportunities unsurpassed.

The naturally channeled Kankakee River, listed on the Federal Clean Streams Register, is the focus of the park's popularity.

Enveloping both sides of the Kankakee River for 11 miles, in an area 6 miles northwest of Kankakee, the park consists of approximately 4,000 acres. Illinois Rt. 102 on the north and Illinois Rt. 113 on the south frame the park, with I-55 and I-57 both providing convenient access.

Fishing the Kankakee River is great for landing smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and Northern pike. Rock Creek also is a good angling spot. The park has boat ramps at the Warner Bridge Day Use Area and the Area 9 parking lot on the south side of the river.

Seasonal hunting programs include archery deer, waterfowl, and upland game hunting.

For camping enthusiasts, Kankakee River State Park'​s popular campgrounds offer more than 200 campsites, with reservations available online to ExploreMoreIL™. Group and equestrian campgrounds are also available.​​​​​