Nelson Dewey State Park spans 223 acres of wooded bluff terrain 3 miles north of Cassville, Wisconsin, approximately 25 miles from Elkader, Iowa. The park sits atop limestone bluffs with elevations reaching 500 feet above the Mississippi River. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with temperatures between 45-75°F.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Nelson Dewey State Park offers several hiking trails suitable for beginners and moderate hikers. "Clean restrooms, park and trails. Good views of the Mississippi while hiking. Trails are good for beginners and moderate hikers," notes a visitor at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks in the area provide fishing access. At Swiss Valley County Park, "Fishing seemed popular in catfish creek about 50 feet away from our sight." The park is located about 40 miles from Elkader and offers trout fishing in a stocked stream.
Paddling and water activities: The nearby Wapsipinicon River at Pinicon Ridge Park allows for water recreation. "The water is great for fishing, swimming and boating. Central City also has everything you need within minutes of your site. There is boat rentals and the new showers are amazing," explains a camper who enjoyed the water activities.
What campers like
Campsite privacy and spacing: Many visitors appreciate the thoughtful layout at certain campgrounds. At Nelson Dewey State Park, "Most campsites have privacy and are quiet due to being a smaller park. Bathrooms and showers are modern and clean." This creates a more peaceful camping experience compared to crowded facilities.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high on campers' priority lists. A visitor at Bailey Ford Delaware County Park remarked, "Bailey's Ford has everything you need for a night or a week. It's clean and beautiful. Trout stream, trails, river access, showers and a playground. I recommend!"
Free amenities: Several parks offer complimentary services that add value. At Waukon City Park, campers enjoy "$15 tents. Includes electric and water and showers and firewood. Best value I have found yet. They have a bunch o pavilions and facilities. Pool, tennis, lake."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds in the region sit near active railroad tracks. At Grant River Recreation Area, "A railroad mainline ran along the campground. Our site was about 100 ft from rail and campground was where train would blow their whistle. Until midnight, trains went by about every 1/2 hour. After midnight about every other hour."
Tent pad conditions: Some sites have challenging terrain for tent setup. At Nelson Dewey State Park, "Our tent pad was quite rocky so I would recommend sleeping pads or you will be very uncomfortable. Our site was also extremely dusty which wasn't a problem at all just be prepared to be a little dirty."
Seasonal considerations: Flooding can affect camping conditions in certain areas. Boulder Creek Campground experiences occasional issues as one camper noted, "Can flood with a good downpour. Nice cabins. Close to railroad tracks so you will hear the trains go by."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Children particularly enjoy the recreation facilities at certain parks. At Delaware County Coffins Grove Park, "Nice, smaller campground! No designated spots, so great for groups to circle up and camp together. Newer playground that my kids love, sand so that's an extra play optional. Small creek runs through the park (on the edge of the campground) and a fun place for kids to explore and play in."
Tent site selection: When yurt camping near Elkader isn't available, choose tent sites strategically. A Nelson Dewey visitor advised, "The walk-in, non electric campsites are small and only accommodated our one (6 person) tent which was not a problem for us as we knew this ahead of time."
Transportation help: Some parks offer assistance with gear. At Nelson Dewey State Park, "A highlight is that the park provided cart to use to haul all your stuff to the walk to sites. There is 1 designated parking spot per walk to site as well."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: RVers appreciate properly prepared parking pads. Swiss Valley County Park offers "Meticulously maintain with good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby. This county park is very nice and sits in a very quiet valley."
Hookup options: Most parks in the region offer various utility connections. At Pinicon Ridge Park, campers enjoy "Nice clean and generally spacious sites with water and electric hookups, dump station near by. Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites, fire pit and picnic table."
Dump station access: Convenient waste disposal facilities make longer stays practical. At Swiss Valley, "Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables."
