Rib Mountain State Park

4.54

41 reviews

Family FriendlyGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Wisconsin Hiking Camping Wisconsin

Quick Facts

1,762 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

1,762 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Wisconsin DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Rib Mountain State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A vehicle admission sticker is required. Specific site or facility fees not listed on provided material.

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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Provider

+1-715-842-2522

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 41 reviews

2082 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshiking

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the park's extensive hiking trails, spectacular views from the observation tower, picnic areas, and proximity to Granite Peak for winter sports. Visitors describe the park as family-friendly and well worth a day visit."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Rib Mountain State Park

44.9205, -89.6831

Best Time to Camp at Rib Mountain State Park

Rib Mountain welcomes visitors throughout the year, transforming with each season to offer new adventures. Spring through fall bring ideal conditions for hiking the summit trails and enjoying leisurely picnics with a view, while winter blankets the mountain in snow, awakening Granite Peak Ski Area for downhill skiing and snowboarding. A word to the wise: trails can become slippery during wet weather, when covered with autumn leaves, or after snowfall, so come prepared with appropriate footwear and take your time navigating the terrain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers ideal hiking, picnicking and summit exploration per overview and reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Strong fall foliage mentions and viewpoints: reviewers recommend visiting for tree colors.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers trail access and changing seasons, but trails can be slippery/muddy per criticisms.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in WI

Open year-round; Granite Peak Ski Area provides winter sports and draws visitors in winter.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; park hours 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

About Rib Mountain State Park

Discover Rib Mountain State Park, where a billion-year-old quartzite giant rises above the Wausau landscape, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Wisconsin River valley. This beloved day-use destination combines scenic hiking trails, welcoming picnic areas, and year-round adventure—from summer trail exploration to winter thrills at Granite Peak Ski Area on the mountain's north face.

Rib Mountain is described as a premier day-use property with reservable facilities; reviewers explicitly note there is no camping at this park.

Historical SignificanceThe site is geologically significant as a very old quartzite hill (described as a billion-year-old formation). Specific historical or cultural facilities beyond recreational structures are not detailed in the provided material.

Weather and SeasonsRib Mountain welcomes visitors throughout the year, transforming with each season to offer new adventures. Spring through fall bring ideal conditions for hiking the summit trails and enjoying leisurely picnics with a view, while winter blankets the mountain in snow, awakening Granite Peak Ski Area for downhill skiing and snowboarding. A word to the wise: trails can become slippery during wet weather, when covered with autumn leaves, or after snowfall, so come prepared with appropriate footwear and take your time navigating the terrain.

Natural Features and SceneryStanding atop one of Wisconsin's oldest geological treasures, you'll find yourself surrounded by ancient quartzite formations that have weathered a billion years of history. The forested trails wind through unique rocky habitats and lead to stunning vistas that stretch for miles across the Wausau area. A classic wooden observation tower crowns the summit, while throughout the park you'll discover inviting picnic areas, cozy shelters, an amphitheater for gatherings, and indoor spaces perfect for group events. The dramatic north face hosts Granite Peak Ski Area, where the mountain's natural terrain creates ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.

Geological RegionBillion-year-old quartzite hill; one of the oldest geological formations on earth.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Activities you can enjoy

Primarily a day-use property offering extensive hiking trails, picnicking, an observation tower with panoramic views, seasonal events at the amphitheater, and downhill skiing/snowboarding activities on the mountain via Granite Peak Ski Area.

HikingExtensive color-coded trail network (examples referenced: Yellow, Red, Gray, Blue) ranging from paved walking loops to rocky, steep and challenging sections; some trails can be slippery with leaves or snow and vary in difficulty.

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTrails may be rocky, steep, and can become slippery with leaves, snow, or ice. The observation tower may be seasonally closed. Active timber harvest (Dec. 8, 2025 for about three weeks) will close portions of the Yellow Trail.

Weather at Rib Mountain State Park

Reviews

4.5

41 reviews

Top-Rated

Rib Mountain State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the park's extensive hiking trails, spectacular views from the observation tower, picnic areas, and proximity to Granite Peak for winter sports. Visitors describe the park as family-friendly and well worth a day visit.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic vistas and panoramic views from the observation tower; varied hiking trails from paved walks to challenging rocky loops; plentiful parking; picnic shelters and amphitheater; access to Granite...

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Not a true mountain (under 2,000 feet); observation tower often closed; ski hill development diminishes some scenic beauty; trails slippery with leaves, rocks, snow.[1]

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sturdy footwear for rocky or steep trails and for sections that can be slippery; purchase a day or annual vehicle admission sticker; pack out trash; combine a visit with Granite Peak for skiing...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of my favorite state parks." "Wonderful views, nicely kept trails, plenty of parking and clean bathrooms."

Based on 41 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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