WATER SHUT OFF: Water has been shut off and bathroom facilities have been winterized and closed. Water will be turned back on sometime around the beginning of May 2025. (posted 10/21/2024)
Book a Campsite at Wildcat Den State Park, IA
23 site(s) found
Footnotes: (applicable only where specifically marked above)
*** Some sites may be available only from the campground on a first-come-first-served basis.
*** Some sites may be available only from the campground on a first-come-first-served basis.
Overview
Description
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most unique parks in Iowa, combining natural beauty and solitude, unique trails and preservation of historical structures.
Historical Attractions
Two historical attractions both have active friends groups. One is the "turn of the century" Melpine one-room schoolhouse, which is located in the park and offers visitors a glimpse of Iowa's past.
The other historical attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which was built in 1848. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers. He also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The mill is one of the finest examples of mid-19th century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is being restored to its original condition. Great strides have been made at the mill and it is now grinding corn for the first time in more than 75 years.
Recreation:
Trails
One of the major features of Wildcat Den State Park is the trail system. Trails wind through a variety of terrain and lead to such fascinating sites as "Steamboat Rock", "Devil's Punch Bowl" and "Fat Man's Squeeze". The majestic cliffs are composed of 300 million year-old sandstone and provide spectacular views for hikers.
Facilities:
Picnicking/Shelters
Wildcat Den offers a variety of picnic areas ideal for family gatherings or a pleasant outdoor cookout. There are two open shelters that can be reserved.
Camping
Wildcat Den is a great place for a family to "get away from it all" for a weekend or a family vacation. Campsites can be reserved in the non-modern campground which has water and vault toilets. There are no showers and there is no electrical service to the campsites.
Nearby Attractions:
Nearby Towns
Muscatine, Iowa is located 10 miles west of Wildcat Den. Davenport, the third largest city in Iowa, is located 15 miles east of the park.
Booking Window
Shelters
Sun Apr 27 2025 - Mon Apr 20 2026Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Non-Electric
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Youth Group Only
Tue Apr 22 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Season Dates
Wildcat Den Shelters:
Reservable: May 1 - September 30
Wildcat Den Campground:
Closed: January 1 - March 15
Walk In: March 16 - March 31
Off Peak: April 1 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Off Peak: October 16 - October 31
Walk In: November 1 - 15
Closed: November 16 -December 31
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Off Peak
Tue Apr 01 2025
Wed Apr 30 2025
Peak
Thu May 01 2025
Wed Oct 15 2025
Off Peak
Thu Oct 16 2025
Fri Oct 31 2025
Walk In
Sat Nov 01 2025
Tue Mar 31 2026
Off Peak
Wed Apr 01 2026
Thu Apr 30 2026
Services and Amenities
Within Park
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Interpretive Programs
- Kayaking
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- River/Stream
- Toilet, Pit/Vault
- Trash Dumpster
- Walking
- Water Hydrants
- Wildflower Viewing
- Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Church
- Fish Hatchery
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Golfing
- Medical Clinic
- Motel
- Town
Greater Than 10 Miles
- Grocery Store
- Hospital
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Facility Rates*
Park Season
Site Type
Nightly/Daily Rates
Off Peak Season
Apr 01 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
Apr 01 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
Peak Season
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$12.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2025 -
Oct 31 2025
Oct 16 2025 -
Oct 31 2025
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
Walk In Season
Nov 01 2025 -
Mar 31 2026
Nov 01 2025 -
Mar 31 2026
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
Off Peak Season
Apr 01 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
Apr 01 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Shelters
$25.00-$35.00
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.46778, -90.88111
41°28'4"N, 90°52'52"W
On Highway 22 go 12 miles east of Muscatine then turn north on Wildcat Den Ave. and go 1 mile to the park entrance.
41.46778, -90.88111
41°28'4"N, 90°52'52"W
On Highway 22 go 12 miles east of Muscatine then turn north on Wildcat Den Ave. and go 1 mile to the park entrance.
Nearby Parks
[3.37 miles*]
[42.67 miles*]
[44.35 miles*]
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