Rib Mountain State Park
4.5441 reviewsRib Mountain State Park
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Going To Camp
Provider+1-715-842-2522
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."
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.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
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Campsite details
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; park hours 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://wisconsin.goingtocamp.com)
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.
Hiking
Extensive 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.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsTrails 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
-9
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 12 mph
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsSome trails are steep, rocky, and can be slippery; trail signage can be inconsistent; restrooms' cleanliness is variable according to different reviewers; some visitors note dog owners leaving bagged waste in the woods.
Campground Map
Rib Mountain State Park
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
41 reviews
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsPro 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 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"One of my favorite state parks." "Wonderful views, nicely kept trails, plenty of parking and clean bathrooms."
Based on 41 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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