(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Kankakee River State Park’s Chippewa campground will once again welcome visitors — just in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The site closed in 2015 after a pump that provided clean drinking water broke. Construction of a new water treatment site was delayed due to a state budget impasse, but it wrapped up in August 2022.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said all 98 campsites will be open to the public beginning Aug. 28.
“Reopening this campground has been a long time coming, and I am thrilled that we’ve reached this moment,” said DNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.
Illinois State Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), whose district includes Kankakee River State Park, said they still need campground hosts to make the reopening successful. Those interested in serving as campground hosts were encouraged to reach out to Joyce’s office.
DNR officials said more than 1 million people visit the Kankakee River State Park each year.
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