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.
Taking your first camping trip is an exciting adventure! Setting up a tent and enjoying the outdoors with the comforts of nearby amenities is the perfect way to start. Having the right gear can make the difference between a frustrating night and a memorable, relaxing getaway.
To help you get started on the right foot, here are 10 essential items that every first-time camper should pack for a stay at our developed campsites.
The Tent: Choose one that’s rated for one person more than will be sleeping in it (e.g., a 3-person tent for two people). Make sure you know how to set it up before you leave home!
Ground Tarp/Footprint: This goes under your tent. It protects the tent floor from rocks and roots, and keeps ground moisture from soaking through.
Tent Stakes/Mallet: While tents come with stakes, a rubber mallet or small hammer makes driving them into hard ground much easier.
Sleeping Bag: The most important factor here is the temperature rating. Check the forecasted nighttime lows for your trip and choose a bag rated for that temperature or slightly lower.
Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress: Don't skip this! It's not just about comfort; it provides a crucial layer of insulation between you and the cold ground. A good night's sleep is key to a great trip.
Headlamp: This is a game-changer. Wearing it keeps your hands free for cooking, setting up the tent in the dark, or navigating the path to the restroom. Don't forget extra batteries!
Lantern: Great for ambient light inside the tent or around the picnic table at night.
Portable Camp Stove (and fuel): Even if you plan to use our fire rings, a small gas stove is helpful for quickly boiling water or making a morning cup of coffee.
Cooler and Ice/Ice Packs: Essential for keeping perishables and drinks safe and cold.
Basic Cookware: A pot, a pan, simple utensils, plates/bowls, and a can opener. Keep it simple!
Fire Ring Cooking Gear: If you want to grill or cook over your campfire, bring a grate to place over the fire ring or a tripod for hanging pots. This ensures stable, clean cooking. Don't forget a lighter or matches!
Camp Chairs: You'll want comfortable seating around the fire ring or picnic table.
Tablecloth/Cover: Our picnic tables are wonderful, but a vinyl or plastic tablecloth makes cleanup much easier and provides a fresh surface.
First-Aid Kit: A comprehensive kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any personal medications.
Multi-Tool/Knife: Incredibly useful for everything from opening packages to making minor repairs.
Dress in Layers: This is essential for Spring and Fall camping when temperatures fluctuate. Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer (like fleece), and a waterproof/windproof outer layer.
Summer Caveat: Our summer campouts are very hot and humid. Focus on lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothes instead of heavy layers during this season.
Extra Socks: Wet feet are miserable feet. Always pack a pair more than you think you'll need.
Insect Repellent: Depending on the season, mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be a nuisance. Bring an effective spray or lotion.
Bug-free Dining: Consider a screen tent or pop-up mesh cover to protect your food when eating outdoors. Citronella candles are helpful, too.
Toiletries Bag: Bring all your regular shower necessities (shampoo, soap, etc.) and a quick-dry towel for using our bathhouse facilities.
Shower Shoes (Flip-flops): Essential for walking to and using public bathhouses.
Hand Sanitizer: Great for quick cleanups before meals.
Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause a bad burn that ruins the rest of your trip.
Hat and Sunglasses: Protection for your eyes and face.
Before you head out, do a "dry run" of setting up your tent in your backyard or living room. You don't want to be fumbling with instructions when you arrive!
Ready to start your camping adventure? We've got the perfect spot waiting for you!
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.
