Kankakee South KOA Holiday Blog
Your home base for exploring Chicago and Route 66. Now booking for 2026!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Plan ahead to avoid major headaches later. GPS is great, but often sends drivers on routes not equipped for tow vehicles. To avoid gravel roads and rural areas not suited for trailers, see below.
From Champaign, Chicago, and Illinois points North or South:
- Stay on I-57 until Exit 308.
- Turn South onto US 45/52.
- Follow US 45/52 South for 3 miles to 6000S Rd.
- You will see our sign on the Left. Turn Left onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile.
From Michigan, Elkhart, and points Northeast:
- Stay on I-80 until Exit 12.
- Take the exit onto I-65 South.
- Stay on I-65 until Exit 230.
- Turn West onto IN-10. This will become IL-114 then merge with IL-17. Stay on IL-17 to I-57.
- Take I-57 South until Exit 308.
- Follow US 45/52 South for 3 miles to 6000S Rd.
- You will see our sign on the Left. Turn Left onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile.
From I-55, West I-80 and Iowa points West:
- Stay on I-80 until Exit 112.
- Turn South onto IL-47.
- From IL-47, turn East onto IL-113.
- Take I-57 South until Exit 308.
- Follow US 45/52 South for 3 miles to 6000S Rd.
- You will see our sign on the Left. Turn Left onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile.
From the Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and points Southeast:
- Stay on I-65 North until Exit 201 (NOT EXIT 220). (Depending on where you are coming from, you may be approaching from US-41. If so, skip to the next step.)
- Turn West onto US-24. This will merge with US-45/52. Stay on US-45/52.
- Turn Right onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile. You will see our large entrance sign on the Left.
Best for: Serious eaters, culinary travelers, and those who want to eat like a local.
Morning (The Ritual): Start your day at Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s.
Local Tip: Deep-dish takes 45 minutes to bake. Put your order in the moment you sit down! If you want the "original" buttercrust experience, Lou’s is the go-to.
Lunch (The Classic): Head to Portillo’s or Al’s Beef. You are here for the Chicago-Style Hot Dog and the Italian Beef.
How to order Beef: Ask for it "Dipped" (submerged in gravy) and "With Hot" (giardiniera peppers).
Afternoon (The Sweet Finish): Walk over to Garrett Popcorn Shops for a "Garrett Mix" (Caramel and Cheese mixed together—trust us). Then, head to Margie’s Candies for a historic sundae or The Nut & Candy House.
The Cardinal Sin: In Chicago, putting ketchup on a hot dog is considered a crime against humanity. A true Chicago dog is "dragged through the garden": yellow mustard, neon green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt on a poppy seed bun. Historically, ketchup was used to hide the taste of poor-quality or spoiled meat, which is not an issue with the high-quality, all-beef sausages used in Chicago. Leave the red stuff for the fries!
Basecamp Tip: Tired of the city crowds? Come home to a Trash Panda Pizza. We might not be "Deep Dish," but our pizza is the local Kankakee favorite for a reason!
Best for: First-time visitors, families with kids, and photo-seekers.
Morning (The Loop): Start at the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). Head to the 103rd floor to step out on The Ledge—glass balconies extending 4 feet out from the facade for a bird's-eye view of the city.
Lunch: Walk or take a short Uber to the West Loop for some famous Chicago deep-dish pizza or explore the food stalls at the French Market.
Afternoon (The Lakefront): Spend your afternoon at Navy Pier. Ride the Centennial Wheel for lake views, explore the Chicago Children's Museum, or catch an IMAX movie. If you stay late enough on a summer Wednesday or Saturday, you can catch the fireworks over the lake.
Basecamp Tip: Long days on the Pier mean tired feet. Remind the kids that once you get back to the KOA, the Trash Panda Kitchen has cold drinks and lots of snacks waiting for a "pajama-style" late dinner at the picnic table.
Best for: Nature lovers and families who want to see the wild side of the city.
Option A: The Urban Jungle (Lincoln Park Zoo): Located right in the city with the skyline as a backdrop, this zoo is free! Walk through the Nature Boardwalk and visit the Regenstein Center for African Apes. It’s easily paired with a walk to North Avenue Beach.
Option B: The Suburban Safari (Brookfield Zoo): A massive, world-renowned park located just west of the city. Don't miss the Tropic World primate exhibit or the Seven Seas Dolphin Discovery. It’s spread out, so consider renting a wagon for the little ones!
Lunch: Both zoos have extensive food courts, but a picnic at Lincoln Park’s South Pond is a great "low-cost" way to enjoy the city views.
Basecamp Tip: After a day of walking the zoo, you're the "Late Night Snack Crew." Grab a Trash Panda Youth Tee in the Camp Store when you get back—it's the perfect souvenir to remember your "wild" day in Illinois.
Best for: Essential sightseeing, luxury shopping, and the 'must-have' Chicago photos.
Morning (Millennium Park): Start your morning at Cloud Gate (affectionately known as "The Bean") for that iconic distorted skyline reflection. Walk just a few blocks south to see Buckingham Fountain, one of the largest fountains in the world.
Local Tip: The fountain has a spectacular water display every hour on the hour!
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at a cafe along Michigan Avenue or head toward the Chicago River for a view with your meal.
Afternoon (The Magnificent Mile): Head north across the DuSable Bridge to the Magnificent Mile. This stretch of Michigan Avenue is world-famous for high-end shopping, the historic Chicago Water Tower, and the massive Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Basecamp Tip: After a day of big-city shopping and walking, your feet will need a break. Pull up a chair by the camp fire with some hand-dipped ice cream from the Trash Panda Kitchen and share your "Bean" selfies with us!
Best for: Die-hard fans and sports history lovers.
Morning (The North Side): Head straight to Wrigley Field. Even if there isn't a game, the Wrigleyville area is iconic. Take a stadium tour or grab a photo with the red marquee.
Lunch: Grab a Chicago-style hot dog (no ketchup!) at a local stand near Clark and Addison.
Afternoon (The Lakefront): Drive south to Soldier Field and the nearby United Center to see the Michael Jordan statue. If it’s baseball season, swing by Guaranteed Rate Field (Sox Park) on the way back south.
Basecamp Tip: You've had the stadium food; now have the "Winner's Circle" Pizza! Call or text the Trash Panda Kitchen when you pass Peotone so your fresh pizza is ready the moment you pull back into the park.
Best for: Storytellers, students of history, and culture seekers.
Morning (The Museums): Start at the Field Museum. Say hello to SUE the T. Rex and explore the ancient Egyptian tombs.
Lunch: Visit the 11th-floor cafeteria at the Art Institute or a historic deli in the Loop.
Afternoon (The Skyline): Head to the Chicago River for a First Lady Architecture Foundation River Cruise. It is widely considered the best way to see and understand the city’s history. Finish the afternoon at the DuSable Black History Museum in Hyde Park to learn about the city's deep cultural roots.
Basecamp Tip: History buffs love a good story. Stop by the camp store when you return to grab a Route 66 Retro Magnet—a perfect souvenir for someone following the historic Mother Road.
Best for: Families, tech-enthusiasts, and curious minds.
Morning (The South Side): Start early at the Museum of Science & Industry (MSI). It’s the only building left from the 1893 World’s Fair and features a full U-505 Submarine.
Lunch: Quick bite at the MSI Cafe or a picnic at Jackson Park.
Afternoon (The Museum Campus): Head to the lakefront for a double-feature: The Shedd Aquarium (see the beluga whales) and the Adler Planetarium for the best view of the Chicago skyline at sunset.
Basecamp Tip: Science is exhausting! When you get back to the KOA, treat the kids (and yourself) to Hand-Dipped Ice Cream at the Trash Panda Kitchen. It’s the perfect "sweet ending" to a day of discovery.
Book in Advance: Most major Chicago attractions (The Skydeck, Shedd Aquarium, MSI) now use timed entry tickets. Check their websites and book at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot and avoid waiting in sometimes hours-long lines just to purchase tickets. Planning to hit multiple sites? Check sites like CityPass Chicago or Groupon for special deals on tickets and experiences.
Metra Electric Line Commuter Train (Best Option): Drive 20 minutes to the University Park Metra Station. It’s a stress-free way to get downtown without worrying about $50 parking fees. Plus, the Metra parking lot is much better suited for larger vehicles like pickup trucks compared to the tight, low-clearance parking garages found in the city!
The Traffic Window: If you plan to drive into the city, we advise you leave the park by 8:00 AM or after 10:00 AM to avoid the worst of the I-57 / I-94 "mush." Apps like SpotHero can help you plan ahead and find a parking spot before you hit the road.
The Festival Warning: During large events like Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, and Taste of Chicago, city traffic will be extra heavy near the lakefront due to the festivities—stick to public transportation as much as possible during these big events!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
