Wildcat Den State Park

4.31

34 reviews

1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, United States

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

715 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

715 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wildcat Den State Park

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee is $12 per night for primitive camping with no electrical hookups.

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 34 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"User reviews of Wildcat Den State Park highlight its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and affordability, but also mention limited privacy, a lack of modern amenities, and occasional cleanliness issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, United States

Wildcat Den State Park

1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, United States

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

Access is fairly direct via major highways. Highway 22 provides paved road access, and the route to Wildcat Den Ave is accessible year-round.

Nearby places

Muscatine, Iowa (10 miles west, ~15 minutes)

Davenport, Iowa (15 miles east, ~25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: fuel, ATM, church, fish hatchery, golfing, motel, town. Grocery store and hospital are more than 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Wildcat Den State Park

Each season paints Wildcat Den in distinctly different colors. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland where frozen waterfalls cling to ancient cliffs, though temperatures can be quite cold for camping. Summer brings lush green canopies and warm, humid days perfect for early morning hikes. However, the true magic happens during spring and fall, when comfortable temperatures combine with either blooming wildflowers or brilliant autumn foliage to create ideal camping conditions. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore every corner of the park.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Good trails and views in summer but bugs and crowding on peak weekends noted.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall colors and scenic vistas from cliffs make autumn notably attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers trails and water features; likely muddy and variable but scenic.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 9% in IA

Winter transforms park with frozen waterfalls and cliffs, offering striking scenery though cold.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round for camping; peak seasons and holidays may see higher occupancy.

About Wildcat Den State Park

Step back in time at Wildcat Den State Park, where ancient sandstone cliffs carved by millennia of wind and water create a dramatic backdrop for your outdoor adventure. This hidden gem seamlessly weaves together 300-million-year-old geological wonders with beautifully preserved 19th-century landmarks, including the historic Pine Creek Grist Mill and charming Melpine Schoolhouse. Whether you're seeking primitive camping beneath towering rock formations or exploring winding trails through this natural wonderland, Wildcat Den promises an unforgettable escape into Iowa's wild heart.

The campground provides a primitive camping experience, catering primarily to tent campers or those with small vehicles or campers. There are no modern facilities or RV-specific hookups, and the sites are small and close together.

Historical SignificanceJourney through living history at the meticulously preserved Pine Creek Grist Mill, a testament to Iowa's pioneering spirit that has stood since 1848. This National Register of Historic Places landmark once powered the dreams of early settlers, grinding grain that fed growing communities. Just steps away, the quaint Melpine one-room schoolhouse echoes with the whispers of countless lessons taught to frontier children. Together, these authentic structures transport visitors to an era when life moved at the pace of water wheels and horse-drawn wagons, offering a tangible connection to the generations who shaped this land.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Wildcat Den in distinctly different colors. Winter transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland where frozen waterfalls cling to ancient cliffs, though temperatures can be quite cold for camping. Summer brings lush green canopies and warm, humid days perfect for early morning hikes. However, the true magic happens during spring and fall, when comfortable temperatures combine with either blooming wildflowers or brilliant autumn foliage to create ideal camping conditions. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore every corner of the park.

ElevationNestled within the gently rolling terrain characteristic of eastern Iowa, the park's elevation creates just enough topographical interest to reward hikers with scenic overlooks while remaining accessible to visitors of varying fitness levels. The subtle changes in elevation throughout the park contribute to diverse microclimates and ecosystems.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering sandstone cliffs rise like ancient sentinels above a tapestry of dense hardwood forests, creating a landscape that feels more like a hidden canyon than typical Iowa terrain. Follow meandering trails through cathedral-like woodlands to discover the park's crown jewels: the imposing Steamboat Rock, jutting out like the prow of a prehistoric ship, and the mysterious Devil's Punch Bowl, where nature has carved a perfect rocky amphitheater. In spring, carpets of wildflowers paint the forest floor in delicate pastels, while sharp-eyed visitors might spot deer, wild turkeys, or even the occasional fox moving through the shadows. Sun-dappled picnic areas offer peaceful respites where the only sounds are birdsong and the whisper of wind through ancient trees.

Geological RegionWildcat Den showcases one of Iowa's most remarkable geological treasures—a rare window into deep time where 300-million-year-old Pennsylvanian sandstone tells the story of ancient seas and shifting continents. This eastern Iowa sanctuary preserves dramatic cliff faces and fantastical rock formations that seem almost out of place in the prairie state. The park's signature features, including the ship-like Steamboat Rock and the circular depression known as Devil's Punch Bowl, were sculpted over eons by the patient work of water, ice, and wind. These weathered sandstone monuments stand as natural sculptures, inviting visitors to touch the same stone surfaces that existed when the first forests were taking root on Earth.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay durations unspecified but primitive camping is typically short-term.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unspecified guest limit
likely standard for primitive campsites.

Groups

Group sites are not mentioned as part of the campground's offerings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSmall primitive campground with sites closely spaced. Trails intersect the campground area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations unavailable; sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; expect high demand during holidays and good weather weekends.

Cancellation PolicyNo details provided on cancellation policies.

AccessibilityThe campground has basic handicap accessibility features as indicated within the facility listing, but specific details or user feedback on accessibility are limited.

Site SizeSites are small, suitable for tents, cars, or small campers. One user stated they fit a 22-foot camper and SUV with limited space to spare.

PrivacyPrivacy is minimal as sites are close together. One reviewer explicitly noted, 'You have zero privacy, so you can hear all your neighbors' conversations.

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites like #4 to avoid the bright bathroom light. Consider tent or van camping over large RVs due to site size constraints.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at Wildcat Den State Park focus on the natural and historical features of the area. Highlights include hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical structures like the Pine Creek Grist Mill.

HikingHiking is a major draw at Wildcat Den, with trails leading to sandstone cliffs and unique formations such as 'Steamboat Rock' and 'Devil's Punch Bowl.' Trails vary in difficulty and are known for their scenic beauty. One reviewer recommended bringing a map to avoid getting lost as the trails are extensive.

FishingFishing is available within the park, though specific details about the types of fish or quality of fishing are not provided.

BikingBiking is mentioned as an activity, with one reviewer stating, 'Great place to ride your bikes to and camp.' Detailed descriptions of biking trails are not available.

BoatingKayaking is listed as a facility within the park. Other boating details, such as docking facilities or boat rentals, are not mentioned.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a key activity, with opportunities for bird watching and observing local fauna. One reviewer noted hearing coyotes at night.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers historical and educational experiences through its Pine Creek Grist Mill and the Melpine one-room schoolhouse. These structures provide insight into 19th-century life and are supported by active friends groups.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCoyote activity has been noted by users; bring precautions for food storage. Glass shards have also been reported at campsites, requiring caution when walking barefoot. Biting bugs are common.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted within designated fire rings, as noted by users.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Although unspecified, user reviews suggest quiet hours are generally observed.

Emergency ServicesMedical clinic within 10 miles; nearest hospital is more than 10 miles away in Muscatine. Police services available in Muscatine. Ranger station contact: 5632634337.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility. Recycling options are not mentioned, and no specific pickup schedules or locations are detailed.

Water FeaturesTrails lead to nearby streams; no direct access to lakes or large water bodies.

Camp HostRanger station available for assistance.

Weather at Wildcat Den State Park

Reviews

4.3

34 reviews

Recommended

Wildcat Den State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Wildcat Den State Park highlight its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and affordability, but also mention limited privacy, a lack of modern amenities, and occasional cleanliness issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the park's beautiful trails, affordable pricing ($12 per night), and quiet, natural setting. Many appreciated the clean vault toilets and the park's historical attractions.

Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the lack of privacy, with sites described as 'very close together,' and the high usage of restroom facilities, which sometimes run out of supplies. Some reviewers also noted the...

Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring toilet paper as supplies may run out. A map or GPS is recommended for navigating the trails. Avoid camping near the bright bathroom light, with site #4 recommended as an alternative. Be...

Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is generally well-received year-round, but peak times such as holiday weekends may result in overcrowding. Bugs are more problematic during warmer months, and privacy concerns are constant.

Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The trails went in every direction. So make sure to bring a map or phone GPS for just in case you get lost.' - Thyme Hendricks 2. 'The price ($12) is excellent, and the facilities quite nice, but...

Based on 34 reviews