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Located 10 miles northeast of Rockford, Rock Cut State Park is a 3,100-acre recreation area that encompasses two natural grasslands, a natural creek area, a nature preserve and 162-acre Pierce Lake. The area was designated a state park in 1957 as a way of preserving a local polititian’s favorite fishing hole. Prior to this, the park and wider area has a long history of Native American residence, including the Mascouten, the Winnegabo, and the Chippewa. With abundant water and preserved natural areas, the park now supports a thriving habitat for local birds, fish and wildlife. And with year-round camping and outdoor activities, you can experience the many seasonal sides the park has to offer.
The campground at Rock Cut provides 270 sites that can accommodate tent campers, as well as RV and trailer campers up to 40 feet. Back-in sites are mostly grassy and equipped with picnic tables, cooking grills and electrical hookups. The campground provides water faucets, restrooms, showers, and a dump station; the water and dump station are not available November through April. One of the park’s multiuse trails runs right through the campground, and provides access to the larger trail network. Most of the campground’s facilities are ADA accessible. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed; alcohol is not permitted.
For recreating in temperate seasons, more than 40 miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails allow you to explore the park’s woodlands and prairies. These are ideal ways to observe some of the local birds, animals, and wildflowers. For fun on the water, paddle around in a canoe or kayak, take a dip at Olsen Beach, or go fishing for some of the lake’s largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, pike and walleye. Several picnic areas throughout the park are ideal for group or family gatherings. In the snowy season, many of the park’s trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with gear rentals available. For more family fun in the area, check out the nearby Volcano Falls Adventure Park.
For those who want to include an overnight stay in their visit to Rock Cut, the campgrounds provide electricity at the site, water hydrants at the beginning of each camping loop, sanitary dump stations, showers, toilets, a boat launch and playground equipment. There are 210 Class A Premium sites and 60 Class B/S Premium sites. There is also a primitive cabin (it has electricity, but does not have water or plumbing facilities).
From November - April, only electricity is available; there is no access to water or dump station.
Equestrian camping is restricted to a site on Hart Road, is only available on a first-come, first-served basis and the Ranger will collect the fee at your site in the evening.
Rock Cut is an alcohol-free park and campground, and this rule is strictly enforced.
From November - April, only electricity is available; there is no access to water or dump station.
Equestrian camping is restricted to a site on Hart Road, is only available on a first-come, first-served basis and the Ranger will collect the fee at your site in the evening.
Rock Cut is an alcohol-free park and campground, and this rule is strictly enforced.
The park itself is very clean and organized. There's an abundance of toilet facilities to use and some with showers. We had a fantastic time on the kayaks on the water! Hiking trails available are pretty sweet.
HOWEVER, be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time, we almost didn't get a spot when we got there 😰. Overall we had a great time and will totally be back! The wildlife we saw was amazing as well!
There are a lot of trails to explore should you choose. There are also paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and row boats that you can rent. Near the boat launch there is a concession stand that has a nice menu for mid hike snacks or lunch.
Before starting a trail be sure to check the signage. There are a ton of trails, so before you start make sure to plan a route and stick to it. If you do get lost, most trails intersect roads where you can better orient yourself.
A nice place to spend the day in the stateline.
Beautiful camping park. Wide open. A big lake. Hiking trails. I just wish the tent spots only would have more trees making it more private. I recommend staying 2 to 3 nights to soak it in
This is a very large, beautiful state park. We visited on a Friday when the weather was cool and overcast. The lake is much bigger than what I remember as a young Boy Scout when we camped out here in the park. I recommend visiting this park if you are in the Rockford/Loves Park area.
A must place to visit as you are exploring Rockford. The lake view is superb on a sunny afternoon. Lots of trails and are there. It also offers campground and pier for fishing. A drive through the park is worth it too.
