Nestled just outside of Rockford, Rock Cut State Park is a 3,092-acre outdoor playground with something for every season. From summer kayaking and fishing to winter cross-country skiing and ice fishing, it’s a favorite for Illinois locals and travelers alike. We stayed here over the 4th of July holiday and spent a full week soaking it all in—well, almost all of it.
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Location
Rock Cut State Park
7318 Harlem Road
Loves Park, IL 61111
Directions:
Take I-90 West to Rockford. Exit at Highway 173, then head west for ½ mile to the park entrance.
Campground Details
The campground features:
- 210 Class A Premium sites (partial hookup: electricity)
- 60 Class B/S Premium sites (tent or smaller RV sites)
- 1 Primitive cabin (with electricity but no plumbing)
💡 Important Note: Rock Cut is a strictly alcohol-free park and campground—this rule is actively enforced.
Rates:
- Class B/S Premium (Tent): Starting at $12/night
- Class A Premium (Partial Hook-up): $25/night
- Free dump station available on-site
Reservations:
Reserve up to 180 days in advance at Illinois Campground Reservations
Our Honest Review
We stayed from July 1–8, 2019 on Site 324. While the natural beauty of the park is top-notch—with dense forest, tranquil lakes, and lots of wildlife—the campground maintenance was a letdown.
👍 What We Liked
- Pierce and Olson Lakes: Plenty of water access for fishing, kayaking, and even rentals.
- Scenic Trails: Great for hiking and wildlife photography.
- Playgrounds and Picnic Areas: Well-spaced and shaded, perfect for families.
- Affordable Rates: Especially compared to nearby private campgrounds.
- Proximity to Rockford and Chicago: Easy day trips for urban adventures.
👎 What Needs Work
Restroom and Shower Cleanliness:
The facilities were never cleaned during our stay. Trash piled up, bugs on the sinks, and worst of all—hair-covered, smelly showers. No staff ever serviced the area during our week-long visit.
Thankfully, our rig can go a week without needing hookups, but if you’re not self-contained, it might be a dealbreaker.
Site Conditions:
Many sites were supposed to be gravel, but several had so little left that mud was an issue, especially after rain. Ours wasn’t terrible, but others looked rough.
Park Amenities
Boat Ramps
- Camp Store & Concessions
- Canoe & Kayak Rentals
- Dump Station
- Fishing Piers
- Hiking, Walking & Horseback Riding Trails
- Off-Leash Dog Area
- Ranger Station
- Shower Buildings & Toilets (caution advised)
Nearby Attractions
If you’re staying at Rock Cut, here are a few nearby spots worth checking out:
- Anderson Japanese Gardens – A tranquil, must-see botanical garden in Rockford
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Waterpark fun, about 40 minutes away
- Rockford Speedway – If you like some high-octane action
- Chicago – About 1.5 hours away and makes a great day trip
👉 Related Post: RVing for Beginners – Tips for Hitting the Road
👉Click here for more things to do around Chicago
Final Thoughts
Rock Cut State Park is a beautiful spot with a ton of recreational value—just don’t come expecting sparkling clean restrooms or pristine sites. It’s ideal for self-contained RVers who can enjoy the natural setting without relying on public facilities.
We’d absolutely return—but only if we’re boondocking or staying just a few nights. For lake fun, trails, and peace in the woods, Rock Cut delivers.
Have You Been to Rock Cut?
What was your experience like? Did we just catch the restrooms on a bad week? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts.
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As far as the shower facility I would say they were filthy. As of July 2021, guess they don’t care even in today’s epidemic.
I’m shocked to read this about my favorite park from my childhood days. I used to ride my bike there and have many happy memories about Rock Cut State Park. I hope the negative comments found here will positively motivate them to hire a permanent cleaning staff for the bathroom and shower facilities.
Thanks for your comments, Thomas. It’s been a couple of years since we visited Rock Cut State Park. Hopefully, they have cleaned up a bit around there.