Wildcat Den State Park
Open — 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.
Special Weather Statement issued January 18 at 11:57PM CST by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Strong northwest winds gusting to 40 to 45 mph and sporadically higher will continue over eastern Iowa through 3 A.M. before gradually easing. Use caution if traveling, especially for those in high profile vehicles.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 18 at 8:47PM CST until January 19 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 20 to 30 below expected. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Illinois and east central and southeast Iowa. * WHEN...From 3 AM to noon CST Monday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!