What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

RJ Thomas Mfg.

Name: RJ Thomas Mfg.
Address: 5648 US Highway 59, Cherokee, IA, 51012, US
Telephone: (712) 225-5115

Home
United States
Cherokee, IA
RJ Thomas Mfg.

Call Directions Website Contact the business

We design and manufacture park, street, and camp site products in the USA since 1959. Pilot Rock Sig

10/22/2026

Built for years, not just the next season!

Outdoor furnishings face a lot over time—sun, rain, changing temperatures and everyday use.

That's why materials and construction matter. From our durable thermoplastic-coated seating and tables to grills and campfire rings protected by specially formulated heat-resistant enamel, Pilot Rock® products are designed for years of outdoor service.

Because long-term value is about more than the initial purchase price.

Explore our materials and finishes: https://www.pilotrock.com/material-options/

10/20/2026

Some of the best ideas are shared around a campfire! 🔥

The Campground Solutions Summit West kicks off today in Reno, Nevada, bringing together campground owners, operators, and industry professionals for three days of learning, networking, and sharing ideas. From educational sessions to conversations with fellow outdoor hospitality professionals, events like this help strengthen the industry and inspire new ways to improve the camping experience.

We're proud to be part of the event and especially enjoy seeing a Pilot Rock fire ring helping bring people together at the Summit's Campfire Theater!

Here's to great conversations, fresh ideas, and a successful week in Reno!

10/16/2026

Good bosses. Great people. A whole lot of manufacturing experience!

October is Manufacturing Month, and today we're giving a special shoutout to three guys who help keep things running around here!

Happy National Boss's Day to Steve, Adam, and Andy!

Since 1959, R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. has been building quality products right here in northwest Iowa. Now in our third generation of family ownership, we're proud of the people, the products, and the traditions that have brought us this far.

These three play a big part in keeping that tradition going — and we're pretty lucky to have them! Thanks for all you do, gentlemen.

10/14/2026

📚 **Back to school with Pilot Rock!**

Yesterday, Kristen and Justin visited Mr. Todd's 4th grade classroom as part of the Partners in Education program, coordinated by the Cherokee IA Chamber of Commerce!

We shared a little history about R.J. Thomas Manufacturing, introduced the students to the many products we make right here in Cherokee, and talked about the different people, skills, and technology it takes to bring Pilot Rock products to life.

Each student received a special Pilot Rock product workbook, and since our visit happened to fall on National M&M Day, we brought along a sweet treat, too!

We're looking forward to welcoming these students to our manufacturing facility in December, where they'll get an up-close look at how our products are made!

Thanks to Mr. Todd and his students for having us, and to the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce for continuing to connect local businesses with our schools through this great program!

10/07/2026

A local landmark. A piece of Cherokee history. And the namesake of our brand.
We’re proud to celebrate the recent listing of the Pilot Rock landmark on the National Register of Historic Places!

Located here in Cherokee County, Pilot Rock has served as a landmark for generations. Its connection to our company runs especially deep — the landmark provided the inspiration for the Pilot Rock® name carried by our outdoor products today.

R.J. Thomas Manufacturing, the property owner, was also proud to submit the successful nomination to have Pilot Rock added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A dedication was recently held at the Pilot Rock Lookout Area as part of Cherokee History Week, where a new National Register plaque and interpretive display recognizing the landmark and its history were unveiled.

For a company that has called Cherokee home since 1959, we're proud to play a part in preserving a piece of local history that has become such an important part of our own.

10/05/2026

Park Ranger Pete needs your vote! 🌲

Our National Park Service-inspired entry is officially in the Cherokee Chamber Scarecrow Contest, and voting is underway!
Find Park Ranger Pete / R.J. Thomas Manufacturing in the original post below and give his photo a like, comment or share — each one counts as a vote.

Pete will be on duty in front of the historic Lewis Hotel on West Main Street throughout October. Thanks for supporting our crew’s creation!

10/02/2026

Happy National Manufacturing Day from Pilot Rock! 🛠️

Today we celebrate the people, skills and hard work behind American manufacturing — including the team right here at R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. in Cherokee, Iowa.
Since 1959, generations of employees have helped build Pilot Rock® products made for parks, campgrounds and outdoor spaces across the country.
We’re proud of what we make, where we make it, and especially the people who make it possible.

09/29/2026

2 shows. 2 cities. 1 busy week for Pilot Rock!

We’re hitting the road in two directions this week, with the Pilot Rock team exhibiting at two shows at the same time!

📍 NRPA Annual Conference — Philadelphia, PA
Booth #418
📍 The Glamping Show USA — Aurora, CO
Booth #234

Both shows kick off today! If you’re attending either event, stop by, say hello and see what Pilot Rock has to offer.

It’s going to be a busy couple of days!

09/25/2026

Great outdoor stays start with great outdoor spaces.
Next week, Pilot Rock is headed to Aurora, Colorado for The Glamping Show USA!

From gathering around the campfire to enjoying a meal outdoors, the spaces between the accommodations are an important part of the guest experience. Pilot Rock manufactures commercial-duty picnic tables, benches, grills, campfire rings and other outdoor site furnishings built for those spaces.

If you're attending The Glamping Show USA, stop by and talk with us about what you're planning for your property.
📍 Aurora, Colorado
📅 September 29–30
📌 Booth #234

See you in Colorado!

09/24/2026

Meet Park Ranger Pete! 🌲

Pete has officially reported for duty on West Main Street in downtown Cherokee as our entry in the Cherokee IA Chamber of Commerce Scarecrow Contest!

This year's theme was an easy one for us. In honor of the National Park Service's 110th anniversary, we built our own friendly park ranger — with a little Pilot Rock ingenuity, of course. Pete's body started life as one of our TRH round trash receptacles before our crew gave him everything he needed to patrol downtown Cherokee.

You'll find Ranger Pete stationed in front of the historic Lewis Hotel Building. Stop by, say howdy and take a closer look!

Happy 110th Birthday to the National Park Service — from a company that's proud to have spent more than 65 years building products for the places people gather outdoors.

Address

5648 US Highway 59
Cherokee, IA
51012

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

(712) 225-5115

Website

https://www.pilotrock.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RJ Thomas Mfg. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to RJ Thomas Mfg.:

Want your business to be the top-listed equipment service in Cherokee?