Kankakee River State Park

In Kankakee County, about 5 miles west of Bourbonnais, Kankakee River State Park covers about 3,664 acres.

Overnight options include 2 camping areas, with tent sites. The park says there are no showers.

Trails The park's trail system stretches for miles along both sides of the Kankakee River. Hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails are on the river's north side, while horse and snowmobile trails can be found on the south. A 3-mile route along Rock Creek lets hikers take in the beauty of limestone canyons and a frothy waterfall. A bicycle trail begins at the Davis Creek Area and travels 10.5 miles along the river and loops in the west end of the park. A 12-mile equestrian trail is located in the wildlife management area along Route 113 and is open April 1 through October 31. In mid-January when hunting season ends and when there's snow cover of 4 inches or more, the park is open from sunrise to sunset for snowmobiling. Directional signs for trails are posted at Area 4, and maps are available at the park office.

Canoeing The river's shallow water and rocks are no problem for canoeists. Bring your canoe or rent locally and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Fishing The Kankakee is a clean river, great for landing smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and northern pike. Rock Creek also is a good angling spot. The park has two boat ramps: a launch at the Warner Bridge Day Use Area and a launch at the Area 9 parking lot on the south side of the river. Both launches are for launching craft with motors of 10 horsepower or less. Boating can be hazardous because the river is shallow and rocky.

A state fishing license is usually required.

​Accessibility at Kankakee River: • Parking - All parking lots are asphalt with accessible parking spaces throughout the main park, office, and shelter areas. The cement sidewalks are adjacent to the parking lots. • Trails - The Riverwalk Trail is a 1/4-mile-long cement accessible trail with parking and a shelter with wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and grills. The trail connects to the 10 1/2-mile multi-use trail. • Fishing - An accessible fishing pier is located on the accessible trail near the shelter and parking area. • Restrooms - Accessible vault toilets are located throughout the park. • Camping - Both campgrounds have ADA-accessible campsites. These campsites can be reserved through ExploreMoreIL™ • Visitor Center - The visitor center has a paved parking lot with accessible parking spaces. There are benches available inside to sit. The park offers a 1 1/2-mile guided hike over a flat trail surface with no steps. Hikes take approximately one hour. • Hunting - A disabled deer archery hunt is offered each year from November 1st to 15th. For more information, please call the park office at 815-933-1383.