Wildcat Den State Park
The campground is currently operating on a first-come, first-served basis through December 31, 2025, then closes for the winter season. All campsites require reservations and the campground is 100% reservable when open.
Frost Advisory issued May 1 at 2:33PM CDT until May 2 at 8:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as the lower 30s will result in frost formation. * WHERE...Portions of northwest Illinois, east central, northeast, and southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 8 AM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
About
Wildcat Den State Park is one of Iowa's most photographed state parks, offering both natural beauty and historical treasures. The campground features 28 primitive, non-electric campsites and one youth group site, all requiring advance reservations through the Iowa State Parks system. Situated within a scenic pine forest, the campground provides vault toilets and potable water but no electrical hookups or shower facilities. The park's extensive trail system winds through varied terrain, leading visitors past striking geological formations along sandstone bluffs. Notable features include Steamboat Rock, the Devil's Punch Bowl, and Fat Man's Squeeze. Trails are particularly stunning during summer and fall when seasonal colors illuminate the landscape. History enthusiasts can explore the Pine Creek Grist Mill, built by Benjamin Nye in 1848 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill operates as a living history site, offering tours Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from noon to 5:00 PM, May through early October. The park also preserves the turn-of-the-century Melpine one-room schoolhouse. Two reservable picnic shelters, including the ADA-accessible Mill Shelter, provide additional gathering spaces for visitors.
Directions
From Muscatine, Iowa, travel east on Highway 22 for approximately 12 miles. Turn north onto Wildcat Den Avenue and continue for about 1 mile to reach the park entrance.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Wildcat_Den@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (563) 263-4337 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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