Tower Rock
Open for the 2026 season. Operates May 1 through December 15 on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Camping is free with a 14-day stay limit. The area is prone to flooding when Ohio River levels fluctuate.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 1:40PM CDT until July 3 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with daily heat index values peaking up to around 110 degrees. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged extreme heat and high humidity events.
Lane reduction on bridge near IL Iron Furnace
Big Creek BridgeBig Creek Bridge, which carries County Road 12 over Big Creek, near the Iron Furnace recreation site in Hardin County, is reduced to a single central lane due to deteriorating bridge conditions. Motorists should slow down when approaching and traveling over the bridge. For your…
Trigg Tower temporarily closed
Trigg Tower on the Shawnee National Forest will temporarily close this month for necessary repairs. Weather permitting, contractors will begin work May 11, temporarily closing the tower and parking area to visitors. Repairs are expected to take approximately one month, no more than 90 days.Repairs…
About
Tower Rock Campground is a free primitive camping area nestled along the banks of the Ohio River in Shawnee National Forest, Hardin County, Illinois. The campground provides a rustic outdoor experience with basic amenities including a vault toilet, though campers must bring their own potable water and pack out all trash. The site offers excellent access to outdoor recreation with a boat launch for fishing and boating enthusiasts, plus a 1/4 mile hiking trail accessible near the launch area. The scenic Ohio River setting makes this an appealing destination for those seeking solitude and natural beauty without fees or reservations. Campers should be aware that this area is prone to flooding when river levels fluctuate. The campground operates seasonally from May 1 through December 15 and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed at all times. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
Directions
From the intersection of Illinois State Highway 34 and Illinois State Highway 146, go east on Highway 146 approximately 8 miles, turn right onto Tower Rock Road and head east for 3 miles to Forest Road #575, then turn right and travel 0.5 mile to Tower Rock Campground. Directional signs are posted from State Highway 146.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (618) 658-2111 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Tower Rock Campground |
Photos
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