Custom sign sizes, shapes, and colors are available, so use your imagination. Custom signage will enhance your park, camp, streetscape, business, and vehicle. Do it all with custom creations from Pilot Rock Signs, a division of R. J. Thomas Mfg.
Over 65 Years of Service to the Business of Recreation!
R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Inc. has been designing and manufacturing Pilot Rock® park equipment to be your best value in park, street, and campsite furnishings since 1959 in Cherokee, Iowa. We celebrated our 65th anniversary in 2024. We've combined innovative design, top quality construction, and competitive prices into an unbeatable combination that the park user, the park manager, and the landscape designer will appreciate and enjoy. Our commercial duty equipment is designed to withstand both use and abuse by man and nature.
Pilot Rock® park, street, and campsite products have also been designed for safety, comfort, and convenience to make the outdoor experience more enjoyable for the facility manager and user. You will find Pilot Rock® in use by city, county, state, and federal parks; public and private campgrounds; amusement parks; recreational areas; military MWR operations; businesses; homeowner associations; schools; churches; private individuals throughout the U.S.; and in many other countries.
Our attention to detail and dedication to quality sets Pilot Rock® Park, Street, and Camp Site Products apart. We give extraordinary consideration to the needs of the facility manager. Durable materials and quality craftsmanship ensure long-lasting products capable of withstanding hard use and vandalism. Structural details and connecting assemblies are precision engineered for easy assembly and theft prevention. All materials are treated or finished to provide easy maintenance and to resist the elements. A full complement of designs and options are offered to allow customized tailoring of equipment to specific needs, locations, and designs.
Accessories
Many of our Pilot Rock products are available with accessories and add-ons that may enhance their usefulness for you. Accessories such as armrests for benches, umbrellas for round and square picnic tables, custom plaques or engraving for benches and picnic tables, extra features for charcoal grills, and more.
Questions? Contact our Customer Service Dept. for assistance. Call 800-762-5002 or e-mail Customer Service.
Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959.
Bear-Resistant Products
Keep wildlife out and protect your parks, campgrounds, and trails with bear resistant products from Pilot Rock. Our bear proof trash cans and bear resistant food storage containers and lockers are designed and tested to meet the toughest standards for wildlife safety.
The BPRT Series bear resistant trash cans and recycling receptacles help keep bears out of your garbage and maintain a clean, safe outdoor environment. The BPFL Series bear proof food containers provide secure storage for campers' food and supplies, keeping both wildlife and people safe.
All Pilot Rock bear resistant containers are certified by the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC) using the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) protocol. These durable steel units are built to withstand the strength of determined wildlife.
Whether you're outfitting a national park, campground or public space, Pilot Rock has the bear proof storage boxes, bins and receptacles you need to protect your property and the environment.
Benches
Pilot Rock park benches by RJ Thomas Mfg. Co. offer comfort and style in a wide range of designs and materials to suit any setting. From sophisticated athletic field benches, streetscape and mall benches to rustic campsite, trailside, and parks, Pilot Rock has a bench for every space.
Our outdoor flat or contour benches are crafted from durable materials like steel, recycled plastic, and wood, available in a variety of colors with powder-coated or thermoplastic-coated finishes. Each bench can be customized with features to meet your specific needs.
Proudly made in the USA by RJ Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959, these benches are a trusted part of the complete Pilot Rock park, camp, and streetscape product line.
Benches - Frame Kits Only
Most Pilot Rock park benches are available as a Frame Kit only. You provide the seat and backrest, we provide the frame, all braces (as each design requires), and all fasteners to attach the seat and backrest.
By purchasing just the bench kit, you reduce freight costs by providing your own lumber. All our metal bench frames include assembly instructions and hole drilling patterns for the seat and backrest.
Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959.
Bike Racks
Park ‘em! You can Enjoy the Outdoors riding along a bike trail, or to school or work. We've got the perfect bike rack to park at your destination.
From simple to stylish, and traditional to modern. Single-sided to double-sided parking. We have bike rack designs to park from 1 to 20 bikes.
Choose your style, color and installation method … and Pilot Rock has a bike rack to fit your parking needs.
Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959
Campfire Rings
The campfire! A camping tradition since… well, forever.
No matter what you call it -a camp fire ring, a fire pit, a firering grill, a ground grill - the Pilot Rock campfire ring lets you enjoy the campfire plus the ability to cook over the open fire. Heavy gauge rolled steel with a top flange adds strength against the campfire heat. The cooking grate on each fire ring is double welded solid steel bars, designed to withstand the abuse of the campfire and the public in the parks and campgrounds. Our FS Series campfire rings feature a single-level cooking grate while our FA Series campfire rings the original infinitely adjustable cooking grate.
Fire rings come in sizes for smaller tent camping sites, large group areas and wheelchair accessible sites.
Don't need the cooking grate? Then you need one of our FX Series campfire rings. They are the same rolled and flanged steel ring, but do not include a cooking grate.
Pilot Rock campfire rings are a great way to Enjoy the Outdoors! Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959.
We offer instructions on how to season the cooking grate and care for your Pilot Rock campfire ring.
Preparing for burn bans or fire season? Keep your campsite safe with our FLC Steel Camp Fire Ring Lockout Safety Cover. It's the easy, effective solution for securing your fire ring during seasonal restrictions.
Charcoal Grills
Pilot Rock offers a wide variety of sizes and styles of permanent charcoal barbecue grills, ranging from single picnic sites to large group shelter house areas. We also offer an ADA-compliant accessible charcoal BBQ grill with a swivel grate. A selection of base post installation options makes our permanent mount park grills adaptable to your site. We also offer barbecue grill accessories for our products including grill stations, high heat hot coal bins, adjustable barbecue cooking grates, and more.
Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959, our charcoal park grills are a popular part of the total Pilot Rock park and camp equipment product line.
Dog Park Products
Furnishing a dog park? Pilot Rock offers a wide range of dog park equipment and dog park agility equipment to keep dogs active and entertained. Our products include dog playground equipment like steel jump hurdles, arched stepping climbs, tunnels and hoops to create a complete dog play area.
To help keep your park clean, we offer pet waste station products such as dog waste bag dispensers, trash cans and signs.
We didn't forget about the humans either! While dogs are enjoying the dog play equipment, their owners can relax on benches and picnic tables customized with dog paw graphics.
With Pilot Rock, you can design a functional, fun and clean space for both dogs and their companions.
Lantern Poles
Pilot Rock Lantern Poles are designed to safely hang one or more camping lanterns, providing strong, reliable support at campsites. These durable exterior lamp posts are fabricated from 2-3/8" OD heavy-gauge steel pipe and feature a 1/2" solid steel bar hook, with all-welded construction for long-lasting performance. When installed into a concrete footing, these lantern poles offer vandal-resistant support, ensuring dependable outdoor lighting for campers.
The maintenance-free hot dip galvanized finish is standard, or you can choose an optional powder coat finish in your preferred color to match your outdoor lighting setup.
For added functionality, Pilot Rock offers a variety of optional accessories to enhance your lantern poles:
Rules Plate for posting park regulations.
Utility Shelf that bolts onto the pole, creating additional workspace beneath the lantern.
Welded Wheelchair Accessible Arm and Hook (must be ordered with a new pole).
Bolt-on Wheelchair Accessible Arm and Hook (can be retrofitted to existing poles).
These accessories help make the lantern poles even more versatile and practical for use in outdoor settings, ensuring reliable exterior lamp posts for campsites, parks, and recreation areas.
Enjoy the Outdoors even at night with a Pilot Rock Lantern Pole. Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are a staple for outdoor spaces, providing a comfortable seat and table and a durable place to gather. Pilot Rock offers a wide selection of weather resistant outdoor picnic tables, including wooden picnic benches, plastic picnic tables, and metal picnic tables, all built to withstand public and commercial use. Whether you need a composite picnic table for low-maintenance durability, a park picnic table for municipal spaces, or a lightweight aluminum picnic table for easy mobility, we have the perfect option.
Designed and manufactured in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959, Pilot Rock picnic tables come in round, square, and rectangular designs with portable or stationary models. Many options are also wheelchair accessible or built for extreme load capacity. Find the right picnic table to enhance your park, school, business, or backyard and enjoy the outdoors with Pilot Rock.
Pilot Rock also offers ADA-accessible picnic tables and snow load/extreme load picnic tables.
Picnic Tables - Accessible
Ensuring accessibility in public spaces is essential, and ADA-accessible picnic tables from Pilot Rock make it easy for everyone to enjoy outdoor gatherings. Designed to accommodate wheelchair users, these tables meet ADA guidelines for knee and toe clearance, allowing for comfortable and inclusive seating. Whether for parks, campgrounds, schools, patios, or other public spaces, our wheelchair-accessible picnic tables ensure that no one is left out.
Pilot Rock offers handicap-accessible picnic tables in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and aluminum. Choose from portable or stationary designs, with rectangular, round, or square configurations to fit your landscape or commercial setting. Built for durability and long-term use, these tables provide reliable and inclusive seating for outdoor and indoor spaces.
Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959, our accessibility-focused picnic tables are a key part of the Pilot Rock product line.
Picnic Tables - Frame Kits Only
Most Pilot Rock park picnic table kits are available as picnic table frames only, providing a cost-effective and customizable solution. You supply the top and seats, while we provide the heavy-duty steel frame picnic table structure, complete with all necessary braces (specific to each design) and fasteners for easy attachment.
By choosing a picnic table kit, you can lower freight costs by sourcing your own lumber while still benefiting from a sturdy, long-lasting metal picnic table frame. Our picnic table frames are built from durable materials, ensuring strength and stability for both adult and kids' picnic tables.
Each kit includes:
A heavy-duty steel frame picnic table structure for long-term outdoor use.
Pre-drilled holes and clear assembly instructions for accurate tabletop and seat placement.
A cost-saving option that allows you to customize the seating and tabletop material to match your needs.
With a metal picnic table frame from Pilot Rock, you get the durability and quality of a professional park picnic table while maintaining flexibility and affordability.
Picnic Tables - Snow Load Rated
These Pilot Rock brand picnic tables have been designed to withstand high elevation snow loads as well as other extreme weight loads. They have been tested by an independent lab and by a state university. The testing results prove these steel frame tables are capable of withstanding weight loads up to 1420 lbs. per square foot. In order to achieve this weight rating, these steel frame tables must be equipped with our V-Type expanded steel or H-Type perforated steel top and seat structures.
We also have a recycled plastic A-frame style picnic table, with steel bracing, that has been load tested to over 500 lbs. per sq. foot without failure.
Maybe it doesn't snow where you are? Just think how well these tables will withstand the public exposure in your parks, campgrounds, recreation centers and on the school campus!
Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959.
For Information on standard Picnic Tables click here.
For information on Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Tables click here.
Site Amenities
The major landscape components … picnic tables, park benches, charcoal grills, campfire rings and trash receptacles … may be the primary focus and use in your park or campground. But there are often some finishing touches needed to complete the project.
These site amenities include landscape elements from the functional such as traffic control barriers and car stops to planters which add color and beauty to the site. These, and more, are all part of the Pilot Rock park and camp equipment product line from R. J. Thomas Mfg.
Made in the USA by R. J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959.
Stonegate Certified Products
Are you a DIYer or landscaping professional? The FPI Series fireplace insert makes it easy to build your own outdoor fireplace using Keystone Stonegate blocks. These steel fireplace inserts and outdoor fireplace accessories are perfect for creating a durable, custom outdoor gas fireplace or outdoor propane fireplace for backyards, patios and outdoor living spaces.
Each fireplace insert is manufactured in the USA and designed to work seamlessly with Keystone Hardscapes' Stonegate block system.
Please note: FPI kits include steel components only. Blocks and gas burner components must be purchased separately from Keystone Hardscapes.
Trash & Recycling - Lids, Liners, Mounts, Decals
Collecting trash … and recyclables … doesn't have to be ugly.
We offer a complete line of trash receptacle lids and recycling lids, garbage cans and receptacle liners, and mounting systems to complete your collection system.
Plastic and steel lids come in a rainbow of colors to match or contrast with the receptacle color. Lids can be flat or dome shapes and provide a variety of opening sizes to handle what you want to collect. Specific decals can instruct your customers what to deposit through each lid.
The right lid and accessories for your trash and recycling containers will help make your program a success. And with a clean facility, everyone can Enjoy the Outdoors.
NOTE: For all dome and flat lids please confirm the Inside Diameter of the lid (I.D.) will fit the Outside Diameter (O.D.) of your receptacle. Some lids may fit more closely than others.
Trash & Recycling Receptacles
Collecting trash ... and recyclables ... doesn't have to be ugly.
Our Pilot Rock trash and recycling receptacles come in several sizes, and a wide variety of materials and colors – including wood, coated steel and recycled plastic. We have trash and recycling receptacles designed for rustic campsites and trails, public parks, playgrounds, streetscapes, schools, pools, businesses... anywhere people spend time outside. If you've got people, then they've got trash, and you need durable and attractive receptacles to hold it.
Trash? Recyclables? You want specific lids to fit your collection needs. We offer a wide variety of lids to work with your programs. Complete your trash or recycling receptacle with liners, decals and mounts.
You can also match receptacle designs to benches and picnic tables for a coordinated look to your landscape.
Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959.
Utility Table
Utility Tables and grill tables are a popular enhancement to picnic areas and camp sites. They provide a work area so the nearby picnic table can be kept clean and used for other activities. Pilot Rock Utility Tables and grill tables are available in a variety of designs, sizes and materials.
The ULT Series is an all steel, easy to maintain work table. It is popular for individual campsites, especially in hunting and fishing areas. Our other Utility Tables ... the APTX Series, the XTX Series and the T700 Series are designed to coordinate with similar picnic tables. These Utility Tables provide a work area and prep area large enough for several people at the same time. Perfect for group areas and shelter houses.
Made in the USA by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959.
Custom Signs, Banners, and Plaques
Custom sign sizes, shapes, and colors are available, so use your imagination. Custom signage will enhance your park, camp, streetscape, business, and vehicle. Do it all with custom creations from Pilot Rock Signs, a division of R. J. Thomas Mfg.
Custom Metal Fabrication
R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Inc. is the 3rd generation family-owned manufacturer of Pilot Rock brand park, street and camp site equipment.
In our ongoing effort to improve and expand our own product line through continuous production process upgrades and added efficiencies, R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Inc. has the production capacity to accept additional custom fabrication and welding jobs upon request. We have the ability to take on your job or idea and turn it into a finished product no matter what step of the process you are in whether it be design, cutting, fabricating, welding, or finishing. Please contact us if you have a need in any of the areas listed below.
Product Design
Our engineering and design departments use the latest versions of AutoCad and Inventor drafting software.
We are regularly taking classes to keep up to date and take advantage of new design software advancements.
Materials
Through decades of manufacturing our OEM products we have been able to leverage our material volume to negotiate excellent pricing from our suppliers on a large variety of materials. We
are able to use this pricing to offer reduced costs to our customers.
Fiber Laser Cutting
Our 10KW Bystronic fiber laser has the capability to process 5'x10' sheets in thicknesses up to 1 inch.
Our 3KW Trumpf Laser/Punch Combo machine has similar capabilities to our Bystronic laser, but adds the abilities of a punching machine as well.
The 3KW Lasertube BLM-LT7 fiber laser will cut round and square tubing.
All these machines are fully automated to easily process large runs with huge cost savings to our customers.
Deburring
Our deburring machine has the capability to debur and edge round both the top and bottom of your part at the same time. This is a huge advantage for anything with a finish coating! Paints and powders do not like sharp edges, and even your unburred edges still have a straight 90 degree edge. Edge rounding is essential for any finished product on top and bottom.
Our Fladder deburring machine adds the ability to deoxidize thicker material.
CNC Sheet Metal Forming
We have both automated and manual CNC Press brakes that can handle large and small parts. The Bystronic XPERT80 press brake will enhance small parts forming.
Our Bystronic Press Brake with gantry robot includes a Laser Angle Measurement System (LAMS) that measures the bend thousands of times per second to adjust for different tensile strengths across the sheet.
CNC Rod Forming
Our CNC rod former will take rod straight from the coil, then straighten, form, and cut all in one step. Large runs of even complex formed rods can be done with minimal labor costs.
Available in ¼", 3/8", ½", and 5/8" thicknesses.
CNC Tube Bending
The BLM ELECT102 Bending Machine allows complex forming of tubes up to 4.0" (102MM) in diameter with multiple radii using stacked tooling and flexibility in right OR left hand bend direction.
Manual & Robotic Welding
We have several Pulse Mig Welders and an excellent welding staff to operate them.
We have over a dozen robotic welders for large run welding jobs.
Powder Coating
Our powder coat system includes a 3-stage wash and is easily customizable to fit your needs.
You can choose from any of our OEM colors with custom colors available on larger runs.
Thermoplastic Coating
We run a unique dip style thermoplastic coating process that allows us to achieve 30-40 mil thicknesses vs the standard 3-4. This makes for an unbelievably durable finish. Thicker or thinner coatings available upon request.
We are regularly upgrading and expanding both our production space and our production capacity. New machines and capabilities are currently on the way with more being added every year. If you have a need that is not listed, don't hesitate to ask! Our design, fabrication and finishing capabilities can reduce your costs and shorten your lead times.
Contact us today for a free estimate on your custom metal fabrication project:
