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.
Welcome to the RV lifestyle! Traveling in a recreational vehicle offers incredible freedom and comfort. While RVs come equipped with many home comforts, there are a few essential accessories and tools you need to manage the utilities and set up your site smoothly.
To ensure your first RV trip is smooth sailing (or driving!), here are 10 essential items every first-time RV camper should have on hand.
Surge Protector/Electrical Management System (EMS): This is non-negotiable! Shore power at campgrounds can sometimes be unstable no matter what precautions have been taken by the Camp Host. A good surge protector plugs into the campsite pedestal first and protects your RV's entire electrical system from dangerous power spikes or low voltage.
Adapter Pigtails: You may need a 30-amp to 50-amp adapter (or vice versa) depending on your RV and the campsite's pedestal setup.
Drinking Water Hose (White): You must use a hose specifically rated for drinking water (it will usually be white or blue). Never use a standard green garden hose for drinking/cooking.
Water Pressure Regulator: Campground water pressure can vary wildly. This device connects to the faucet and protects your RV's internal plumbing from being damaged by excessively high pressure. Our campground uses well water, so a regulator is not necessary while you stay with us but it is a wise choice for parks running on city water systems.
Sewer Hose Kit: This includes the heavy-duty flexible hose and the clear elbow/adapter that fits into the campground’s sewer port.
Disposable Gloves: Always use disposable gloves when handling the sewer hose.
Leveling Blocks: Campsites are rarely perfectly level. Leveling blocks (often interlocking plastic pads) go under your tires and/or jacks to keep your RV level, which is necessary for the refrigerator and a good night's sleep.
Wheel Chocks: These wedge tightly against the tires and are crucial for securing the RV, especially on a slope.
Camp Chairs & Outdoor Rug: Since your RV is your home base, you need comfortable seating and an outdoor rug (often polypropylene) to define your living space and keep dirt out of the coach.
Campsite Lighting: String lights or small patio lanterns help create a warm atmosphere under the awning after dark.
Basic Tools: Include a screwdriver set, adjustable wrench, duct tape, electrical tape, and zip ties. RVs always need minor adjustments!
Multi-Purpose Lubricant (WD-40): Great for slides, steps, and hinges that stick.
Small Vacuum/Dust Buster: RVs can get surprisingly dusty. A compact handheld vacuum is essential for quick cleanups.
RV-Safe Toilet Paper & Toilet Treatment: RV toilets require special single-ply toilet paper designed to quickly dissolve to prevent clogs in your black tank. Black tank water treatment chemicals (like Camco TST) are an essential step in controlling odors and facilitating the breakdown of waste and tissue. These treatments are typically sold in the form of a drop-in pod or in small individual bottles, which means no measuring on your part!
RV GPS or App: Standard car GPS doesn't know about low bridges, weight limits, or steep grades. Use an RV-specific navigation app (like RVLife or Garmin RV) that takes your vehicle's height and weight into account. Before you hit the road, check your KOA's website to look for RV-friendly driving directions (found at the very bottom of the home screen) to get you to your campsite with fewer headaches.
Checklist: Use a detailed written checklist for setup and, more importantly, Departure. Don't forget to close roof vents, bring the awning in, or close the slide before driving! Have a tow vehicle? Take it out of park before you leave. We could tell you stories that would curl your hair!
First-Aid Kit & Fire Extinguisher: Ensure your RV's factory-supplied fire extinguisher is accessible and you have a comprehensive first-aid kit.
Roadside Safety Kit: Flares, reflective triangles, and a high-visibility vest.
Storage Totes/Bins: RV storage compartments (bays) work best when items are organized in clear, weather-resistant totes.
Hose/Cord Storage: Keep your power cords, water hoses, and sewer hoses separated in clearly labeled bins to maintain hygiene.
Before your first trip, watch videos on how to dump your black and gray tanks (sewage and dirty water). Knowing the process beforehand will save you time and stress at the dump station! Our best advice for first-timers: make sure your first trip is not on a holiday weekend and stay close to home. You'll need that first practice run to work out all the kinks before you take that great American cross-country vacation road trip.
Ready to hit the road in your new home-on-wheels? We have plenty of pull-through spots perfect for RV setups!
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.
