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$15 - $25 / night

$15 - $25 / night

Camper submitted image from Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve - 1

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Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve

7 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve, near Rockford, Illinois, is a peaceful spot that offers a nice escape into nature with a variety of camping options. The campground features sites for both tents and RVs, complete with electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for different types of campers.

Visitors rave about the well-maintained facilities, including clean pit toilets and ample picnic tables. Many appreciate the quiet atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. One camper noted, “This place is awesome! The trails and views here, along with the quiet, is my fave.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area boasts hiking and biking trails, along with a picturesque creek and scenic bluffs. It’s a great base for day trips, whether you’re exploring the nearby Pecatonica River or venturing into other forest preserves.

While the campground is off the beaten path, it’s well worth the visit for those seeking a tranquil experience. Just remember to make reservations ahead of time, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot in this lovely location.

Reservation Info

All 47 sites at Seward Bluffs may be reserved online. Online reservations MUST be made 7 days in advance.

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Location

Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

12 miles west of Rockford on Highway 20 to Pecatonica Road, south 1 mile to Comly Road, west 1½ miles.

Address

16999 Comly Road
Seward, IL 61063

Coordinates

42.27600029 N
89.36800027 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Detours Nearby

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Lena KOA

23 min away

Cedar Hills Campground - Clothing Optional

Cedar Hills Campground - Clothing Optional

1 hr 32 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

J
Reviewed Mar. 20, 2022

Hidden Gem

This is a hidden gem of Winnebago County. Beautiful, quite and clean park with hiking trails and horse trails.

Siteelectric
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Jeff C., March 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Jeff C., March 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Jeff C., March 20, 2022
  • (7) View All
S
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Quiet, off the beaten path

Outside Rockford ILL. I didnt stay, was just scouting. Hardly anyone here. Sites are close together. Has electric. $13 residents, $23 non reaidents. Pit toilets. Water.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Syndy Z., July 8, 2021
Penny R.
Reviewed May. 17, 2021

One of my all time local faves

This place is awesome! The whole winnebago county system is wonderful, but the trails and views here, along with the quiet is my fave. Clean vault toilets, clean garbage bins, water ect. Electric sites available with dump stations.

Site22
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Penny R., May 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Penny R., May 17, 2021
Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2020

prett and well maintai ned campground

 Off the beaten path, most people who come to this area will likely go to the much larger and better known Rock Cut State Park. This is a small forest preserve with lovely picnic areas, a picturesque creek and an outcropping of bluffs ( about 3 storeys tall).
 The campground is well maintained, with the cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen. (also ADA accessible).
 There are about 40 sites, ranging from primitive tent to full size pull-through RV.  30 and 50 amp elec available. Prices based on what you choose. Reservations are recommended a week ahead through the Winnebago County Forest preserve website. There is a small fee for non-residents, but it's worth it.
 we went in November, so I can't say what it's like during peak season. But sites are well spaced, though they are all open to each other visually.
 Nearby are bike trails and the Pecatonica river, with other forest preserves for day trips out of the camp.
 This is one of three campgrounds run by the county. We have stayed at another, Sugar River, and enjoyed it as well.

Site26, under a stand of pine trees
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Brian O., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Brian O., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Brian O., November 12, 2020
  • (8) View All
Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2019

Great campground near a rails-to-trails type of path

This is a nice campground that winds around through some light woods. Campsites have electric hookups. There are certainly lots of picnic tables. We saw more than one per site. With only a few people camping here, there was plenty of space between campers. There is no separating vegetation though. 

A bike path in Pecatonica which is just down the road. Camp here and day trip on the bike path or use this as a stop for your long distance bike tour. 

This is a great campground to get away near a nice small town.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Art S., August 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Art S., August 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve by Art S., August 4, 2019
  • (10) View All
S
Reviewed Apr. 2, 2017

Not for out of County residents

First, I brought my children here for 20 years, and we have many fond memories. However, a few years ago the Winnebago County Forest Preserves decided to up the rates, AND charge an additional $10 for out of county campers. That brings the fee to $31 for pit toilets. There are better amenities available for that price.

Bran P.
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2016

Peaceful!

Off the beaten path campground. Quiet. Nice place for solitude. Good hiking trails, pit toilets; no shower facilities.

Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Seward Bluffs campground?

Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve offers electric hookups at campsites, clean vault toilets (no shower facilities), and access to water. The campground is well-maintained with multiple picnic tables at many sites. There's a dump station available for RVs. The preserve features hiking trails, horse trails, and picturesque natural areas including a creek and the namesake bluffs. Garbage bins are regularly maintained, making this a comfortable yet rustic camping experience with basic amenities but without luxuries like showers or full hookups.

How do I get to Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve?

Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve is located near Rockford, Illinois, in Winnebago County. The preserve is considered somewhat off the beaten path and less trafficked than nearby alternatives like Rock Cut State Park. For specific directions, it's best to use GPS navigation or contact the Winnebago County Forest Preserves directly. The secluded location contributes to the preserve's quiet atmosphere and sense of solitude.

Is camping allowed at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve?

Yes, camping is definitely allowed at Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve. The campground offers electric sites that wind through light woods. Fees vary based on residency status, with Winnebago County residents paying less than non-residents. The campground provides a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with sites that can accommodate various camping setups. While sites may be relatively close together, the preserve is typically not crowded, allowing for a sense of privacy and solitude during your stay.

What other camping options exist in Winnebago County besides Seward Bluffs?

Winnebago County offers several camping alternatives besides Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve. Rock Cut State Park is a larger, more well-known option in the area with more extensive facilities. The Winnebago County Forest Preserve system manages multiple preserves that may offer camping opportunities. Sugar River Forest Preserve is another option within the county system. These alternatives vary in size, amenities, and popularity, with Rock Cut generally being more developed and busier than the forest preserves. Each location has its own character, with the county forest preserve system being noted for its well-maintained facilities and natural beauty.

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