Nelson Dewey State Park

Star4.23
92 reviews
Nelson Dewey State Park
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Nelson Dewey State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 92 reviews

315 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanshowers

Some mention

noisebugsmosquitoes

"Visitors consistently praise the bluff‑top Mississippi River views, quiet/serene atmosphere, well‑spaced wooded sites, and clean restrooms/showers. Common negatives are buggy, humid summers, gravel‑heavy tent pads, occasional train noise, and limited on‑site activities or water access."

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Campground Map

Nelson Dewey State Park

Nelson Dewey State Park

42.7316, -91.0175

Access via local roads to Cassville; reviewers note some narrow campground roads and low branches that may require caution for longer RVs or Class A/fifth-wheel units.
Nearby supplies
Town of Cassville (supplies, dining, amenities)

Best Time to Camp at Nelson Dewey State Park

Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, though you'll want to pack bug spray for mosquitoes and other insects. The elevated location means thunderstorms roll through with impressive displays of lightning and rumbling thunder that echo across the valley—nature's own dramatic performance from your front-row seat on the bluff.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm days ideal for hiking and wildlife watching; note: buggy, humid summers reported.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Hardwood bluffs likely offer strong fall color with sweeping valley vistas (inferred from forest type).

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in WI

Spring birding and wildlife (river birds, eagles) and emerging foliage make spring attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter programming noted; cold season likely limits activities and services.

Planning Tips

    About Nelson Dewey State Park

    Perched high above the Mississippi River, Nelson Dewey State Park is a hidden gem where tranquility meets breathtaking views. This intimate campground offers well-spaced sites tucked among the trees, including four premium walk-in spots right on the bluff's edge—where you'll wake up to sweeping river valley panoramas that stretch for miles.
    A mix of drive‑in campsites (about 40–45 sites, many with electricity) and a few coveted walk‑in/cart‑in bluff tent sites (A–D) that sit on the bluff edge and offer prime river views.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Primary activities are hiking to multiple Mississippi River bluff overlooks and scenic viewing; wildlife viewing (river birds, bald eagles) is commonly noted. The park is small with a short trail network and few built recreational amenities.
    HikingShort hiking trails totaling roughly 2–2.5 miles with multiple scenic overlooks, moderate hills and stairs, and one paved accessible short loop.
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsTimber rattlesnakes are reported in the bluff region—hikers are advised to stay on trails and use caution. Train noise from tracks near Cassville is audible at times. Some sites can flood or pond in heavy rain, especially where gravel pads alter drainage.

    Weather at Nelson Dewey State Park

    Reviews

    4.2
    92 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Nelson Dewey State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitors consistently praise the bluff‑top Mississippi River views, quiet/serene atmosphere, well‑spaced wooded sites, and clean restrooms/showers. Common negatives are buggy, humid summers, gravel‑heavy tent pads, occasional train noise, and limited on‑site activities or water access.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 92 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Spectacular bluff views and sunsets from the walk‑in sites; clean, well‑maintained restrooms and showers; quiet, lightly used campground with well‑spaced, private sites.
    Based on 92 reviews

    Common Concerns

    • **Gravel‑covered tent sites**: Recent tent campers report that many sites now have heavy gravel, making it hard to pitch multiple tents and uncomfortable without pads; in rain, water can pool on...
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    Based on 92 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve one of the four walk‑in bluff sites early; bring thick sleeping pads or footprints for rocky/rocky tent pads and extra tent stakes for gravel sites; pack insect repellent; plan other nearby...
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    Based on 92 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “The real secret here is campsites A, B, C, and D… They are literally situated on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.”; “Beautiful views… Showers are clean and work.”
    Based on 92 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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