LOWER PICNIC AREA WATER: The water for the Lower Picnic Area will remain off until necessary repairs can be made to the systems. Water in the Campground and Mill Area is still on and ready for use. (Posted 5/8/2026)
Trail Closure: The Cave Trail, from the Lower Picnic Area to the crossing at State Park Rd., will be closed until further notice, and repairs can be made.
If you have any questions, please call the Park Office at 563-263-4337. All other Trails are open for use at this time. (Updated 9/16/2025)
WATER SHUT OFF: As of October 15th, 2026, water has been turned off and the modern restroom facilities are closed for the season. Water will be turned back on late April to the beginning of May 2027. The Vault Toilets, in the campground and near the Upper Picnic Area Shelter, remain open year round. (Posted 10/15/2026)
Campground Operations: This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations year round until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
Book a Campsite at Wildcat Den State Park, IA
Overview
Description
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most unique parks in Iowa, combining natural beauty and solitude, unique trails and preservation of historical structures.
Historical Attractions
Two historical attractions both have active friends groups. One is the "turn of the century" Melpine one-room schoolhouse, which is located in the park and offers visitors a glimpse of Iowa's past.
The other historical attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which was built in 1848. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers. He also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The mill is one of the finest examples of mid-19th century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is being restored to its original condition. Great strides have been made at the mill and it is now grinding corn for the first time in more than 75 years.
Recreation:
Trails
One of the major features of Wildcat Den State Park is the trail system. Trails wind through a variety of terrain and lead to such fascinating sites as "Steamboat Rock", "Devil's Punch Bowl" and "Fat Man's Squeeze". The majestic cliffs are composed of 300 million year-old sandstone and provide spectacular views for hikers.
Facilities:
Picnicking/Shelters
Wildcat Den offers a variety of picnic areas ideal for family gatherings or a pleasant outdoor cookout. There are two open shelters that can be reserved.
Camping
Wildcat Den is a great place for a family to "get away from it all" for a weekend or a family vacation. Campsites can be reserved in the non-modern campground which has water and vault toilets. There are no showers and there is no electrical service to the campsites.
Nearby Attractions:
Nearby Towns
Muscatine, Iowa is located 10 miles west of Wildcat Den. Davenport, the third largest city in Iowa, is located 15 miles east of the park.
Booking Window
Shelters
Fri Nov 06 2026 - Sat Oct 30 2027Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Non-Electric
Fri Oct 30 2026 - Sat Jan 30 2027Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Youth Group Only
Fri Oct 30 2026 - Sat Jan 30 2027Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Season Dates
Wildcat Den Shelters:
Reservable: May 1 - September 30
Wildcat Den Campground:
Off Peak: January 1 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Off Peak: October 16 - December 31
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Off Peak
Fri Oct 16 2026
Wed Mar 31 2027
Off Peak
Thu Apr 01 2027
Fri Apr 30 2027
Peak
Sat May 01 2027
Fri Oct 15 2027
Off Peak
Sat Oct 16 2027
Sun Apr 30 2028
Services and Amenities
Within Park
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Interpretive Programs
- Kayaking
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- River/Stream
- Toilet, Pit/Vault
- Trash Dumpster
- Walking
- Water Hydrants
- Wildflower Viewing
- Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Church
- Fish Hatchery
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Golfing
- Medical Clinic
- Motel
- Town
Greater Than 10 Miles
- Grocery Store
- Hospital
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Click here to view the cancellation policy.
Facility Rates*
Park Season
Site Type
Nightly/Daily Rates
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2026 -
Mar 31 2027
Oct 16 2026 -
Mar 31 2027
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Shelters
$35.00
Off Peak Season
Apr 01 2027 -
Apr 30 2027
Apr 01 2027 -
Apr 30 2027
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Shelters
$35.00
Peak Season
May 01 2027 -
Oct 15 2027
May 01 2027 -
Oct 15 2027
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$14.00
Shelters
$35.00
Off Peak Season
Oct 16 2027 -
Apr 30 2028
Oct 16 2027 -
Apr 30 2028
Youth Group Only
$25.00
Standard Non-Electric
$10.00
Shelters
$35.00
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.46778, -90.88111
41°28'4"N, 90°52'52"W
On Highway 22 go 12 miles east of Muscatine then turn north on Wildcat Den Ave. and go 1 mile to the park entrance.
41.46778, -90.88111
41°28'4"N, 90°52'52"W
On Highway 22 go 12 miles east of Muscatine then turn north on Wildcat Den Ave. and go 1 mile to the park entrance.
Nearby Parks
[3.37 miles*]
[42.67 miles*]
[44.35 miles*]
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