THE GREATER KANKAKEE JAMBOREE
For the first time, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is hosting a large National event in your region, and it’s an event that you will want to attend!
The Greater Kankakee Jamboree is an outdoor celebration of wild spaces. This family-friendly event brings together seasoned and new hunters, anglers, and conservationists from across the country for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy outdoor seminars, hands-on demos from industry professionals, games, raffles, and prizes, and of course, incredible food—including the crowd-favorite Wild Game Cookoff Competition! We will also have local topic experts to educate the audience on the Grand Kankakee Marsh
Join our new BHA CEO Ryan Callaghan, BHA Staff, and several dedicated BHA Leaders representing nearby state chapters at Stoney Run County Park for a family-friendly weekend full of outdoor education, public land advocacy, and celebrating our outdoor traditions! Best of all, this event replicates that communal bonfire that founded BHA and has empowered our members for over twenty years! This event will have something for everyone, including those four-legged members!
When: August 21-22, 2026
Where: Stoney Run County Park – Hebron, IN (30 minutes south of Chicago and Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan)
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Speakers and Panelists
More Presentation Info to come!
Storytellers
Hear epic tales from the field about wild hunts, mishaps, and adventures on public lands from our badass lineup of storytellers.
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Ryan Callaghan, BHA President & CEO
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Brandon Butler, Dritfwood Outdoors
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Ron Boehme, Hunting Dog Podcast
Family-Friendly Activities
- NASP Trailer- the National Archery in Schools Program will be on site with the Indiana DNR to offer instruction to new archers
- 2+ Miles of Hiking Trails
- Large park playground and open space for games
- More to Come
Outdoor Vendor Village
Attendees will have an opportunity to check out and engage with numerous vendors from several outdoor sectors. A Vendor List To Be Announced in the near future.
Wild Game
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Welcome Party & Potluck- Bring a dish to share as we kick off Jamboree on Friday, 8/21 starting at 6pm.
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The Wild Game Cookoff Competition - Do you have that special recipe to win??
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Sausage Making w/ Chris Kyer, The Honest Omnivor
Games, Auctions, and Raffles
- Auctions: Bid on some fantastic experiences and items!
- Raffles: From guns, optics, and gear to coolers, clothing, food, we have thousands of dollars worth in prizes with something for everyone thanks to our local and national partners!
Accomodations
There will be plenty of primitive campsites available at the facility at a first come first serve basis. Limited sites for small RV’s and Campers. Camping questions, please contact Jameson Hibbs at hibbs@backcountryhunters.org.
You can also find full service camping nearby at:
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes State Park (adjacent to National Park)
Fair Oaks Campground – this is at Fair Oaks Farm which is a cool family destination. Also near Kankakee Sands and their Bison Herd!
There are plenty of hotels and Air BnB’s in the area too.
Ticket Options
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Individual Saturday Ticket- $20 (Access to all Saturday Activities)
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Individual Weekend Ticket- $35 (Acess to Friday Welcome Party, All Saturday Activities, Friday Door Prize Entry)
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Conservation Support Ticket- $100 (All Event Access, Special Raffle Ticket, 2 drink Tickets, & Tent Camping)
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Kids 15 & under: FREE! Please indicate the number of youth attending below when purchasing tickets.
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Camping -
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$20/tent - unlimited number and first come first serve basis. Price covers one or two nights. Campers will receive follow up correspondence with camping rules/regs prior to the event.
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$25/RV Spot - Limited to just 12 located in parking areas; limited to 30' units and smaller; no utility hookups; first come first serve; Campers will receive follow up correspondence with camping rules/regs prior to the event.
Want to Get Involved?
Why It Matters
This event is open to both BHA members and non-members, and proceeds directly support BHA’s work for public lands, access, stewardship, and education across Indiana and beyond. Funds raised at the The Greater Kankakee Jamboree help fuel BHA’s mission to keep public lands and waters in public hands, strengthen access, and support conservation efforts across the Midwest and the nation.
