Lowden State Park Campground

Open

The campground is open for the season. Reservations accepted via ExploreMoreIL from May 1 through October 31. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) require a 2-night minimum stay. Maximum stay is 14 nights within any 30-day period. The Black Hawk statue is currently undergoing restoration but camping operations are unaffected.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 1:48PM CDT until July 3 at 12:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

1:48 PM — July 3rd, 12:00 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 degrees. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. * WHEN...Until midnight CDT tonight. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

About

Lowden State Park Campground occupies a wooded stretch of the Rock River valley in Ogle County, offering a mix of developed and primitive camping options. The 80 Class A sites provide electricity, access to a shower building, and use of an on-site dump station. For those who prefer a middle ground, 38 Class B/S sites include shower access without electrical hookups. Backpackers can reserve one of 8 Class D primitive hike-in sites for a more rustic experience. The park's signature feature is the 50-foot concrete statue known as the "Eternal Indian," designed by sculptor Lorado Taft and completed in 1911. The statue overlooks the Rock River from a bluff and is currently undergoing restoration work. Beyond camping, the park offers boating, fishing, hiking trails, and picnic areas with drinking water, tables, and outdoor toilets. A seasonal refreshment stand sells ice, firewood, and drinks during summer months. The campground is best accessed via IL Route 2, which runs along the river and provides views of the statue and surrounding bluffs. Most sites are reservable from May 1 through October 31 via ExploreMoreIL, with a $5 reservation fee plus the full camping rate due at booking.

Directions

Located just north of Oregon, Illinois along the Rock River. Address is 1411 North River Road, Oregon, IL 61061. Best viewed and accessed from IL Route 2.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store Yes
Price $10 - $45

Vehicle

Max RV Length 40ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email DNR.Parksadmin@illinois.gov
Phone +1 (815) 732-6828

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

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