Wildcat Den State Park

1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine IA 52761
Muscatine, IA 52761

WATER SHUT OFF

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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)

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.

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. 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.

Camp site features

Across 21 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 21 sites
Group sites: 1 of 21 sites
Longest RV: 32 ft
Largest party: 25 people

Fees

Non-Peak Primitive Site $10.00 Non-Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00 Non-Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00 Non-Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00 Peak Primitive Site $10-$12 Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00-$24.00 Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00-$21.00 Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00-$23.00

Rules

Concessions Located in the mill at the park. Items for sale include soft drinks, candy and a variety of mill-related souvenirs. Questions can also be addressed to Tom Hanifan at tomhanifan@yahoo.com

Directions

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

Stay Limit

Check in from 4 PM, check out by 3 PM.

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Availability

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Nearby Campgrounds

Fairport State Recreation Area

3.4 miles away

43 camp sites

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