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.
Are you dreaming of hitting the open road, seeking adventure, and discovering a piece of American history? Then pack your bags and set your GPS for Kankakee South KOA Holiday—because you're not just booking a campsite; you're securing a spot at the very beginning of the legendary Route 66!
For generations, Route 66—America's "Mother Road"—has symbolized freedom, exploration, and the classic American road trip. It stretches over 2,400 miles, connecting Chicago to Santa Monica, and your journey starts right here at Kankakee South KOA Holiday.
Staying with us puts you in the perfect position to fuel up, get your camera ready, and roll onto that famous asphalt.
Historic Significance: We are located mere minutes from the official starting point of Route 66. You can literally wake up, have your coffee, and be on the legendary route before lunchtime!
The Perfect Launchpad: Before you head west, take advantage of our amenities. Whether you need to fill your RV's water tank, do a load of laundry, or just get a great night's sleep in a quiet, natural setting, we have you covered for a smooth launch. With Kankakee South KOA as your base camp, you'll avoid the hassle of tollways, traffic congestion, and backtracking as you get your kicks on Route 66.
The best part of starting your adventure here is how quickly you can dive into the fun! Your first day on the road will be packed with iconic, must-see Americana.
The Gemini Giant (Wilmington, IL): Just a short drive from the starting point, you'll find one of the famous "Muffler Men" of Route 66. This towering, 30-foot astronaut holding a rocket is the perfect photo-op to signal the beginning of your epic road trip!
The Polk-a-Dot Drive-In (Braidwood, IL): Pull up to this classic retro diner for a malt and a photo with the life-sized statues of icons like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Chicago's own Blues Brothers that guard the entrance.
The Murals and Hall of Fame (Pontiac, IL): Further down the road, immerse yourself in Route 66 culture. Pontiac is known for its vibrant downtown murals, including the world's largest Route 66 shield. While you're there, be sure to visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum for a deep dive into the Mother Road's history.
We know you have many choices, but for the true Route 66 enthusiast, our location is unbeatable:
Route 66 isn't just a highway; it's a living museum of classic Americana. It's about neon signs, quirky roadside attractions, classic diners, and the spirit of adventure.
When you book your stay at Kankakee South KOA Holiday, you're not just planning a vacation—you're preparing to write the first chapter of your own unforgettable Route 66 story.
Book your spot today and ensure your Route 66 journey starts on the right tire!
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.
