How much does it cost to camp at Wildcat Den State Park Campground?

Camping at Wildcat Den State Park Campground can cost between $10.00 and $25.00 depending on the site.

Does Wildcat Den State Park Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wildcat Den State Park Campground has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Wildcat Den State Park Campground?

Wildcat Den State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 80 feet.

Are fires allowed at Wildcat Den State Park Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Wildcat Den State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Wildcat Den State Park Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Wildcat Den State Park Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Wildcat Den State Park Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is available.

Photos
About
Location
Site Types
Features
Reviews

$10 - $25 / night

Check Availability

Camper submitted image from Wildcat Den State Park Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Wildcat Den State Park Campground - 2

Nature

Camper submitted image from Wildcat Den State Park Campground - 3

Signs & Maps

Camper submitted image from Wildcat Den State Park Campground - 4

Roads

Camper submitted image from Wildcat Den State Park Campground - 5

People

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Wildcat Den State Park Campground

9 Reviews

Wildcat Den State Park Campground, near Muscatine, Iowa, is a charming location that offers a rustic camping experience surrounded by nature. With non-electric sites featuring picnic tables and fire pits, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground is known for its beautiful trails, including the Wildcat Den Trail Loop, which showcases stunning sandstone cliffs and vibrant wildflowers in the spring. Visitors have praised the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “This was the perfect peaceful site,” making it an ideal retreat for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle.

You’ll find well-maintained restrooms and a water station, but keep in mind that amenities are basic, which adds to the campground's charm. The nearby Pine Creek Grist Mill and historical sites provide a glimpse into the area’s past, making it a great spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

While some campers mentioned the lack of privacy between sites, the overall vibe is friendly and relaxed, making it a great choice for families and solo adventurers. Whether you’re hiking the trails or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, Wildcat Den State Park Campground offers a refreshing break from everyday life.

Description

DNR - Parks

Wildcat Den State Park

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.

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Wildcat Den State Park Campground is located in Iowa

Directions

On Highway 22 go 12 miles east of Muscatine then turn north on Wildcat Den Ave. and go 1 mile to the park entrance.

Address

1884 Wildcat Den Road
Muscatine, IA 52761

Coordinates

41.46976524 N
90.88301767 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Available
Verizon
Poor
AT&T
Poor
T-Mobile
Available

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Reservable
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
30 Amp Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

27 min from Davenport
51 min from Iowa City
1 hr 6 min from Cedar Rapids
1 hr 29 min from Dubuque

Angelika M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2024

Lovely hidden space

Found by hiking at the Wildcat Den State Park. Lovely little campside with 19 places, rustical without electricity, dump etc. But got one waterstation and toilets. Every space with picknicktable and fireplace, surrounded by trees. Places are gras. Sorry for my english, Camp from Germany :-)

Site19

Month of VisitJuly

James M.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2023

Nice State Park, Good Trails

Campground offers primitive sites with open grass sites, fire rings, tables, some shaded sites along perimeter . RR on sit, a trailhead , overflow parking across entry. Park offers historical gristmill and schoolhouse.

Month of VisitSeptember

(12) View All

Sarah B.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2023

Open space but empty campground

Small campground and very affordable. Absolutely NO privacy between sites as it's basically a grassy field of sites surrounded by an outer loop of more grass. Saving grace was that on a random Thursday in June I was the only camper. Lots of gnats and other flying bugs, so bring spray. Sites have picnic tables and fire pits with multi-level grates on top

Site13

Month of VisitJune

James M.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 3, 2022

Cool State Park with great trails

Park has historical sites, Pine Creek running through, wooded/ limestone cliff trails, shelters, and campsites. Main CG has primitive sites with tables, fire rings, reserved sites, restroom, CG Trailhead. There is a youth group campsite too across road from main CG.

Sitetent

Month of VisitNovember

(16) View All

Dave M.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 23, 2022

Beautiful Park

Campground is non electric. Many trails and a limestone bluff. Beautiful state park

Month of VisitOctober

brigitte T.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2022

Wonderful Hike and Peaceful campground

Really loved this campground. Been traveling from Chicago and this was the perfect peaceful site. Price is great $9 it’s reservable and walk ins. The forest walk is incredible. Love the park.

Site8

Month of VisitJuly

James M.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

Excellent hiking and wildflowers

Small campground with access to great hiking to Devils Punch bowl and more. Excellent spring wildflowers, historical grist mill and schoolhouse. .

Sitetent sites

Month of VisitJuly

(23) View All

Dorothy H.

Guide

Reviewed May. 17, 2018

Loved the Trails

Beautiful area with lots of hiking trails. We keep coming back to this one.

Jessica H.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 9, 2018

Wildcat Den State Park

Wildcat Den State Park is somewhat of an unknown gem. Surrounded by cornfields, rolling hills and the Mississippi River, this park is tucked neatly away in Southeast Iowa. We've been here in all four seasons and each one provides a different landscape.

The park offers non-electrical campsites with pit toilets located in the campground area. A portion of the sites are available on a first come first serve basis. The remaining sites have to be reserved. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. There is well water available. There is also a large shelter across the road from the campground area. The bottom portion of the park, where the Pine Creek Grist Mill is located has modern restroom facilities as well as another shelter.

Hiking the Wildcat Den Trail Loop is a must. Looming sandstone cliffs, tall pines, and rock formations are all part of the park's landscape. This is also a great place to view spring wildflowers. There's several spots of interest you'll want to be sure to take in while there, including the Devil's Punch Bowl, Steamboat Rock, The Pine Creek Grist Mill built in the 1800's, the Melpine School, and most recently, a renovated log cabin. The Mill offers tours during the warmer months and it's worth the time to take the tour.

While the trails at the Den are very scenic, they're not well-marked. This is perhaps the only downside of the park. The park is dog-friendly, but they must be on leash at all times.

This is one of my favorite "hidden" parks in Iowa.

Month of VisitMay

(13) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Wildcat Den State Park Campground?
Camping at Wildcat Den State Park Campground can cost between $10.00 and $25.00 depending on the site.
Does Wildcat Den State Park Campground have RV hookups?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wildcat Den State Park Campground has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.
What is the max vehicle length at Wildcat Den State Park Campground?
Wildcat Den State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 80 feet.
Are fires allowed at Wildcat Den State Park Campground?
Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Wildcat Den State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.
Does Wildcat Den State Park Campground have wifi?
No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Wildcat Den State Park Campground does not have wifi.
Is there cell phone reception at Wildcat Den State Park Campground?
According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is available.

Keep Exploring