Rock Cut State Park Campground

We camp here at least 5 times a year. It’s only 8 miles from our home. Many trails and not to expensive. They have sites with electric and sites just for tents. The only negative is no drinkable water. Tons of trails, fishing and even a swimming pond.

A perfect spot for a weekend trip. We stayed in the White Oak area and used our tent. This location was close to the shower house (which could have been a little bit cleaner but still usable). There are plenty of scenic photo opportunities especially during the fall season.

For whatever reason you find yourself up here in northern Illinois, whether just entering the Land of Lincoln or fleeing to the 'nation of cheese curds' to the north (a.k.a. Wisconsin) – only 10 minutes from this natural outcrop by the way – be sure to stop by this multi-campus nature preserve camping outpost. With more than 3,000 acres of wetlands, tall grasses and protected forest preserves, Rock Cut SP packs a punch from a camping perspective as it offers up so much in such a concise area of land that has Pierce Lake perfectly placed in its center. 

The biggest problem you are likely to encounter here is exactly which of the 7 (yes, I just said 7!) campgrounds to stay at: Staghorn, Prairie View, Plum Grove, Hickory Hills, White Oak, Equestrian or Youth Group. And if 7 campgrounds aren’t enough, there’s also a single rustic cabin with electricity (mind you, no running water or even a bathroom) you can rent as well as 3 other smaller, really intimate primitive camping spots (that are actually my favorite) with the following names: Hawk, Crow and Owl, which sit along the same lane opposite the Youth Group campground on this eastern stretch just due north of the lake.  Over here, you'll also see the boat launch area.

For this particular review, I will focus my efforts on detailing Staghorn, which is the second campground (with the first campground you pass by being Prairie View) you will come across after entering Rock Cut SP from its northernmost entrance, with Highway 173 to the west and Harlem Road to the east. Once you enter the park, you will follow the long winding nicely paved roadway until you begin seeing the signs highlighting where to go for the various campgrounds. Once you access this road, you’ll come across a small building with a smiling SP ranger inside where you will register, after which, you will pass by a designated dump station before coming around a small bend where you will take your second right (careful: taking that first right will have you driving into Staghorn the wrong way!). 

The sites begin with #300 and as you circumnavigate the simple circular loop, you will pass by about 2 dozen or so slots that are nice flat paved slots perfect for just about any RV or 5th Wheel. You will note that the odd numbered sites are on the exterior while the even numbered sites are located on the interior of the loop. There are two his / her restrooms located at Staghorn with the first being placed behind the campground host sites (#302 and#304) at the beginning of the loop, while the second is strategically placed towards the end of the loop behinds sites #324 and #326. At the end of the loop there is also a designated trash area just past site #331. To access the shower, you will need to go back to the main road and hike it down the road with your towel and toiletries, which makes the latter sites (#318+) more attractive for their convenient location to the bathhouse (if that’s important to you). 

As far as amenities go, Rock Cut SP offers up an awful lot (if the 7 campgrounds weren’t enough to help you arrive at that conclusion). In addition to all of the camping options, of course, one of the greatest assets here is the very massive Pierce Lake, which is great for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming. In the Staghorn campground specifically, in addition to restroom and waste disposal, you’ll also have access to running water spigots at each site along with running electric. A single amphitheater is located centrally just past the camp store and before reaching the Hickory Hills campground. While I'm at it, this camp store in the middle of Rock Cut SP is just decent (not amazing) and offers up ice, firewood, ice cream, snacks, games, limited groceries and a number of other sundries you might need while camping. In all, there are 5 shelters that have electricity, water and restrooms nearby, with each shelter available by reserving them well in advance. Two of the shelters (Red Oak and Puri Crest) also have children’s playgrounds nearby. To launch your watercraft, you’ll have to head south to Hickory Hills campground where on the eastern side of this area you’ll be able to find the boat launch. To make a reservation either to camp or rent out a shelter, you’ll have to visit the ExporeMoreIL site to make a reservation. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites here in Staghorn are those that are positioned on the exterior of the loop and located furthest from the main road, for the obvious reasons being less traffic, less noise and more privacy. As such, odd-numbered sites from #301 to #319 are the best spots as they deliver peace & quiet, privacy and thus an intimate nature experience; (2) Once you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your onboard RV fridge, fret not, and just head out of the park where you will find a handful of dining options, including: Tom& Jerry’s, Fresh Start Café, Waffle Shop, Golden Chopsticks Buffet, Sunrise Family Restaurant, Beef-A-Roo (in fact, there’s like 4 of these that the park is surrounded by, so apparently they are very popular), but one of my absolute favorites is Pig Minds Brewery Company, which is, surprisingly, a Vegan joint, but one nonetheless that you can grab a number of seriously astonishingly awesome brews; (3) If you are on the prowl to see some of the most amazing animals that call northern Illinois their home, then you’ve hit the wild animal jackpot with easy viewing of white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, woodchucks and beavers; (4) But because there are so many wild animals out here, be sure to keep your domesticated pets on a leash (as its a requirement here at Rock Cut SP); and (5) If you would like to experience a bit of Illinois history, you could go for a nice long drive to the northwest corner of Illinois where you can experience Galena or if you don’t have enough time for that, then just head south of Rock Cut SP to check out Midway Village Museum. 

Happy Camping!

Pretty Good size camp site.

Campsite 201- spot was nice with plenty of space behind us along the woods. Camp store just 100 ft away. Park was very nice. Lake was great. Rented kayak for $20/hr. Has a dump station and water hookup just inside the entrance past the office. Area construction didn’t affect experience for camping, but did not allow you to hike around the entire lake. Overall, nice campground for a relaxing weekend.

Our first trip out with our pop up was to the local state park. We were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was. Bathrooms were meh. Some sites had good shade, but many had very little. Our site was okay, but friends across the road had no shade.

This is a great state park not too far from Chicago. Has a lot of rv sites and dedicated tent site close to the lake.

First time camping at Rock Cut State Park. Sites are spaced out well enough to provide privacy. Close to biking and hiking trails. Add bonus for EV owners, electricity is included in most sites so bring the travel charger.

The sites were separated pretty well.

Our site was not very level, the gravel area (pad) was washed away and needed some repairs.

Decent bathrooms, about 100yds from site.

Awesome place for camping!!No highway noise, nice trail for walking…We will be back!

The campsite were secluded from each other. It was cosy and surrounded by trees. The staff was friendly and attentive. Since we came in late and left early we unfortanly didn’t get to explore the surroundings.

I have camped in the tent section and also used the 30 amp service with our Class B van.  Plenty of sites to choose from during the week but tends to get crowded on weekends.  There are some sites out in the open and some that are totally private and secluded.  It pays to drive through the camp ground and note a couple sites that you are interested in and then book your site at the entrance during walk in days.  Once you have a couple favorites you can then book in advance online.

It does get congested and noisy on the weekends and holidays but can be a very peaceful and relaxing campground during the non-busy days.  There is obviously the lake, hiking and biking paths throughout the park, 2 camp stores, showers and plenty of restrooms scattered around the park.

Pet friendly.

I may have had high expectations here and so was let down. The site was great, private and for being so heavily wooded the mosquitoes were not bad at all. But you can hear I90 as well as the Rockford Speedway which was a bummer. The small camp store was nice, good selection but the restaurant at Pierce lake was not run well. We waited almost 40m for a bagel.
Boat rentals were great, the husband and youngest took out a pedal boat and enjoyed a cruise around the water.
Trails were overgrown with the exception of the one paved trail just off the water but that one was very busy.

It’s close to home so that’s a perk but it’s not a favorite for me

Sites were nearly unusable, covered in poison ivy, mud, and gravel. People walking through constantly due to some unmarked bike path. No privacy from your neighbors. Will not be back.

Will likely not be back to camp here again. Very crowded with loud and obnoxious campers, dogs off leash, music and lights on late at night, etc. No privacy between sites down in Hickory Hills and no personal space. Did i mention basically every tent site down here is on an incline?? Just not my kind of scene.

Did have decent TMobile service and the showers and pit toilets were clean and useable. Albeit rundown.

We stayed here overnight on our way to Michigan, with our site in the White Oak loop. Most sites here were secluded and level. Beware of the Plum Grove loops - most sites there looked small and close together, and many were not very level. Shower buildings were clean enough, but very old with bad shower heads. Lots of good hiking trails and a pretty lake. The beach area is closed, so no swimming is available. Also our cell service (AT&T) was very spotty throughout the park.

We LOVE site 20 as does everyone else who books this one up quick. Literally the only downside is that you have no flat spots anywhere on the site, which killed our backs sleeping in tents.

Pros - lake view, but a safe distance down the hill so no worries about the kids at the campsite.

On the end with tons of privacy, full row of trees and a ton of space until the next site. It’s like your own mini oasis.

Lake is also fabulous. We decided to rent instead of hauling our own kayak and they were clean, affordable and quick process.

Cons - lol that hill is no joke. Pit toilets I wouldn’t touch with a 10ft pole, but that’s pretty typical.

I walked around the campsite a few weeks before my visit, and I sort of got a sense that it would be just that area. And I was a bit disappointed at how close the sites were to one another without any divider or anything for privacy. But during my visit I got to do some hiking and fishing and I tell you the water, plants and animals, were so beautiful! I didn't even care that my tent was close to other people, because I was out on the trails all day and I didn't even get through a third of what there is to see at this huge park. I will definitely be goi ng back. Next time I'm bringing my bike and swimwear, and hopefully the beach will be done with construction.

Close by so I can still take care of my client yet still have camping time and this year I get my Serior discount! Close by stores, medical clinics, Local Racetrack, within one mile of camp ! Big hardware store in case you forgot something. Check out the concession on the lake they have most things, and great food too, water big wheels , canoes and kayaks and paddle boards available for rental come and have a great time.

Big state park up in the north end of the state. Campground is fun but if you're looking for privacy you won't find it here. This place is packed with campsites on top of each other. It's like a mini city of tent camping. The RV sites were on top of each other too. Facilities were gross. Lot of litter. The hiking trails were nice. Not labeled too well but they were decent. Has a camp store.

We arrived 9/13/21. We had site 17 reserved but Betsy at the camp check-in told us there were some other sites available and a bit more secluded, although it was not busy at all. We opted for the sites close to the boat launch, but regretted it as it was very dusty and dry. Campsite offered a fire pit and table. Bathroom/shower room was nothing glamorous but got the job done. It could definitely use a remodel. Hot water took about 3-4 minutes to get there. The concession store on the other side offers a few amenities/snacks. You can rent paddle boards or a boat, although we didn’t. We saw a huge wild turkey group and 3-4 deer.

The volunteer who was there to sign us in was wonderful. She was very helpful and very friendly. They had 2 shower houses and I have to say they were not in the greatest shape. One was newer but both of them were pretty dirty and not that appealing. There were lots of camp sites and most of them seemed spaced out, but some were pretty open with not to much shade. Others had lots of shade and were hidden from others to give you privacy. We only stayed one night but it was still and enjoyable time.

Overall a lovely park with a variety to go do. We rented a kayak and canoe for reasonable rates. Our dog was able to enjoy the canoe ride. White Oak has wooded campsites that are semi-private with some more open than others. There are decent pit toilets scattered throughout the campground. There is one shower house with mediocre showers and flush toilets. All employees we interacted with were exceptionally kind and helpful.

The staff was friendly and helpful allowed me to drive in and look around to pick a site. The grounds were clean and you would never know you were in the city

Rock Cut St. Park is in the middle of an urban area, but you would not know it. The park is very large(the largest in northern Illinois) and has multiple campgrounds. I stayed in the Prairie View campground. Trees all around, plenty of shade. There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilets throughout the park. Sites have electrical hookup, but water is from a hydrant or there is a dump station and water supply near the campground entrance. There are bike trails, hiking, and equestrian trails. You can swim in the lake at the east end of the park. Paddle boats, canoes and kayaks for rent as well as two boat ramps on the big lake in the middle of the park. The Plum Grove campground is more open between sites and sites are closer. Staghorn, White Oak, and Prairie View are father apart and have more under growth between sites. Hickory hills campgrounds is all tent sites and most are on the lake. Also there are AOA sites.

Rock Cut St. Park is in the middle of an urban area, but you would not know it.  The park is very large and has multiple campgrounds.  I stayed in the Plum Grove campground.  Trees were not really leafed out and some sites would have shade later in the year.  Site along the edge of the campground had ample shade.  There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilet.  Sites have an electrical hookup, but water is from a hydrant.  There is a dump station and water supply near the park entrance.  There are bike trails, hiking, and equestrian trails.  I also believe that you can swim and boat here.

Had a great time last weekend at Rock Cut. The camp grounds and roads were well maintained, and the larger park as a whole was very clean and spacious. Toilet facilities are about the average for a state park, but hopefully you will spend most of your time outside of them enjoying nature. We spotted turtles along the lakeshore, very healthy (well fed) chipmunks, and a large variety of birds which made beautiful background sounds. Plenty of mixed use trails for hikers, joggers, and cyclists. The lakes were gorgeous and it looked like fishing folks were having a good time. The sheer variety of sites and styles make this a campground worth returning to again and again. Tent, RV, Cabin, all looked enjoyable. Looking forward to going back in warmer months!

This was our first time to Rock Cut State Park and it was amazing. The park itself is quite large with really nice hiking trails. We took our new tent out for the 1st time and had a great site. The only negative is that the sites are very close so not a lot of room between them. We took a walk on the trail down by the lake and just overall had a great time. We look forward to returning to explore more of what this park has to offer!

We live less than five minutes from Rock Cut and wanted to test out our pop up camper. It's off season so the showers were not open yet but there were open toilets. Wasn't too many other campers so it was nice and quiet. Hiking trail is right next to the campground which was nice. You can hear the highway at night which kinda takes away from the nature vibes but overall I was very happy with our one night stay.

I spent most of 2020 here. Close to everything you’ll ever need while camping. Only negative are the same everywhere you bag go. Other campers not respecting the earth or other people. Love this place.