Know Before You Go: Avoiding the GPS Trap, Big-Rig Routes

Getting to the campground should be the start of your relaxation—not a test of your driving nerves!

If you’ve traveled in a large motorhome or towed a long fifth wheel, you know that They often prioritize the shortest route, which can lead you down narrow residential streets, under low-hanging branches, or into tight 90-degree turns that weren't built for a 40-foot rig. To ensure you arrive safely and stress-free, we’ve put together these "Official Big Rig Routes" to Kankakee South KOA Holiday.

The "Shortest Route" Isn't Always the Best

Depending on which direction you are coming from, your GPS might suggest turning onto Highway 14 in Indiana. This route takes you down back roads that can be dangerous for large vehicles and were not intended for heavy RV traffic.

Our Official Big-Rig Friendly Routes

For the smoothest entry into our park, we recommend staying on the main truck routes as long as possible. Here is the step-by-step "Stress-Free" path:

• From Champaign, Chicago, and Illinois points North or South: (an easy in/easy out approach)

1. Main Route: Stay on I-57 until Exit 308.
2. Turns: Turn South onto US 45/52. Follow US 45/52 South for 3 miles to 6000S Rd. 
3. Final Approach: You will see our sign on the Left. Turn Left onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile.

• From Michigan, Elkhart, and points Northeast: (avoids tolls, narrow roads, and MAJOR traffic jams at the IL/IN state line)

1. Main Route: Stay on I-80 until Exit 12. Take the exit onto I-65 South. Stay on I-65 until Exit 230.
2. Turns: 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. 
3. Final Approach: 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: (avoids heavy traffic congestion, poor road quality, and construction)

1. Main Route: Stay on I-80 until Exit 112.
2. Turns: Turn South onto IL-47. From IL-47, turn East onto IL-113. Take I-57 South until Exit 308.
3. Final Approach: 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: (avoids unfit roads, backtracking)

1. Main Route: Stay on I-65 North until Exit 201 (). (Depending on where you are coming from, you may be approaching from US-41 North. If so, skip to the next step.)
2. Turns: Turn West onto US-24. This will merge with US-45/52. Stay on US-45/52.
3. Final Approach: Turn Right onto 6000S Rd for 1 mile. You will see our large entrance sign on the Left.

Our entrance is designed with a wide swing radius to accommodate even the largest rigs!

Pro-Tips for a Smooth Arrival

• Devices like Garmin RV or apps like RV LIFE Trip Wizard allow you to enter your rig’s height and length to automatically avoid low bridges and restricted roads.

• If it’s your first time visiting us, we always recommend arriving during daylight hours to make navigating the turns and backing into your site as easy as possible.

• Take a screenshot of these directions with your phone so that you are not scrambling to find them later. You never know when cell service will be spotty, so it's best to have these directions handy before you get lost and tempers start to flare.

We’ll Have the Pizza Waiting!

Once you’ve successfully pulled into your site and unhooked, remember that you don't have to worry about cooking. Our Trash Panda Kitchen delivers pizza, wings, and ice cream directly to your rig!

Safe travels, and we’ll see you at the park!