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.
McClure Road Closed
McClure Road (Forest Service Road 772) is closed at the low-water crossing approximately 0.1 mile past the Forest Service boundary (0.8 mile from Little Kinkaid Road). We apologize for the inconvenience, but the road will remain closed to all vehicular traffic until a culvert can be replaced. …
Road Conditions
Current area road conditions can be found at the Illinois Department of Transportation.Roads Open to Motor VehiclesDownload our Motor Vehicle Use Maps for a list of which roads are open to motor vehicle access on the Shawnee National Forest.
Reporting Trail Conditions
Call (618) 658-1312 to report trail conditions, give feedback about the trails, and ask questions about the forest trail system.
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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