Davis Creek Campground

Introduction / Overview

Tucked away near the beautiful Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais, Illinois, Davis Creek Campground offers a unique and well-loved camping experience, specifically designed for chaperoned youth and church groups. This isn't a typical public campground, but rather a dedicated, tranquil space where organizations can enjoy the great outdoors in a safe and clean environment. The campground is known for its spacious and well-maintained grounds, providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable group outing, as confirmed by one happy parent who "had a blast" with their son at a Cub Scout Camp Out.

Davis Creek Campground provides a primitive, tent-only experience, encouraging campers to get back to basics and connect with nature. Its clear, wide-open fields and forested surroundings offer a serene atmosphere, while the close proximity to the Kankakee River and its trail system provides endless opportunities for adventure. The campground is a fantastic destination for building teamwork and creating lasting memories for young people in a structured and supportive setting.

Location and Accessibility

Davis Creek Campground is located on County Rd N 224 W, in Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USA. Its prime location places it directly within the sprawling and popular Kankakee River State Park, one of Illinois’s most beloved natural attractions. The campground is conveniently located just a short drive from I-57, making it an accessible destination for groups traveling from Chicago and other nearby cities. The well-marked trails and clear signage make finding the campground and its facilities straightforward upon arrival.

The campground is designed to be as accessible as possible for its specific user base. It features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which helps accommodate individuals with mobility needs. As a walk-in, tent-only campground, campers must park their vehicles in the designated on-site parking lot and then walk to their campsites. This feature helps preserve the natural tranquility of the camping areas and provides a more genuine primitive camping experience. The campground is well-suited for group trips, offering plenty of parking space for multiple vehicles.

Services Offered

Davis Creek Campground provides essential amenities that are perfect for a primitive group camping experience, ensuring that basic needs are met without taking away from the outdoor adventure.

• Tent Sites: The campground is exclusively for tent camping. It offers a large number of tent sites, providing ample space for youth and church groups of various sizes.
• Public Toilets: Clean public toilets and restrooms are available, which are essential for a comfortable and hygienic stay in a primitive camping environment.
• Barbecue Grills and Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a barbecue grill and picnic tables, offering a designated area for cooking and group dining.
• Access to Water: The campground provides access to water, which is crucial for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The proximity to the Kankakee River also offers opportunities for water-based activities.
• Permit System: Groups are required to obtain a camping permit from the park office, and those with 25 or more people need to get a free activity permit as well. This system ensures the campground remains organized and well-managed, preventing overcrowding.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Davis Creek Campground are deeply intertwined with its natural setting and the recreational opportunities available in the surrounding area.

• Scenic Location: The campground is a beautiful setting with forested surroundings and an open field, offering a mix of shade and open space.
• Access to the Kankakee River Trail: The campground is the starting point for a 10.5-mile bicycle trail that runs along the river. This provides a fantastic activity for groups who enjoy cycling and exploring.
• Hiking Opportunities: The area offers a variety of hiking trails, including kid-friendly hikes that are perfect for younger campers and Scouts. The trails provide a great way to explore the park’s natural beauty.
• Picnic Areas: The campground is a popular tourist attraction for picnics, with plenty of space and picnic tables available for group gatherings and meals.
• Spacious and Clean: Reviews consistently highlight the spaciousness and cleanliness of the campground, which is a major draw for group leaders.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground allows dogs, which is a great feature for groups who may have members with well-behaved pets.

Contact Information

Davis Creek Campground is managed by the Kankakee River State Park. For questions regarding permits, availability, or to make a reservation, you can contact the park office.

Address: County Rd N 224 W, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USA

Phone: (815) 933-1383 (Kankakee River State Park office)

What is worth choosing

Choosing Davis Creek Campground is an excellent choice for a youth or church group trip in Illinois. The key reason to choose this spot is its exclusive dedication to group camping, which ensures a safe, controlled, and focused environment. As one reviewer mentioned, their Cub Scout Camp Out was a "blast," and they appreciated how "very clean and very spacious" the campground was. This feedback highlights the campground's suitability for a positive and successful group experience. The abundance of open space and access to water and trails provides a perfect setting for a variety of activities, from fishing to hiking.

The campground’s connection to the larger Kankakee River State Park is a significant advantage. It allows groups to enjoy a primitive camping experience while still having access to a huge network of trails and recreational opportunities. The fact that the campground is a tourist attraction for picnics and provides access to miles of trail starting from its parking lot makes it more than just a place to sleep; it’s a destination for fun and exploration. While it may not be suitable for general public camping, for a Cub Scout troop, a church youth group, or any other recognized youth organization, Davis Creek Campground offers a well-maintained, spacious, and beautiful setting for a memorable outdoor adventure. Its focus on providing a high-quality experience for young people makes it an ideal and highly recommended choice in the Illinois area.

Davis Creek Campground

County Rd N 224 W, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USA