Nelson Dewey State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- dnr.wisconsin.gov(608) 725-5374
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 745 acres, Nelson Dewey State Park lies in Grant County, about 6 miles southeast of Guttenberg.
Popular activities here are canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, fishing, and hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. | — |
| Daily | 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. The park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. During the offseason, the main gate is closed, but visitors may park at the entrance and walk into the park.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Pets
Pets allowed on a physical leash no longer than 8 feet at all times and under control; loose pets may be seized. Property-specific pet areas/restrictions appear on park pages.
Statewide rule from Wisconsin's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
Per vehicle, resident vs nonresident pricing: a vehicle admission pass is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas (daily $13 WI / $16 out-of-state; annual $28 / $50; rates effective Aug. 19, 2025). State trails use a per-person trail pass for certain uses. Heritage Hill SP charges a per-person admission instead.
Statewide fee rule from Wisconsin's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Wisconsin park passes
- 12-month vehicle admission pass (Wisconsin plates) — $28. All Wisconsin state parks, forests and recreation areas for 12 months Details
- 12-month vehicle admission pass (out-of-state plates) — $50. Same, nonresident vehicles Details
- 12-month pass, Wisconsin residents 65+ — $13. Resident senior vehicles Details
- 12-month reduced-rate pass (additional household vehicle) — $15.50 resident / $32.50 nonresident. Additional vehicles at the same household address; bought with a full-price pass Details
- Daily vehicle admission pass — $13 resident / $3 resident 65+ / $16 nonresident Details
From the Wisconsin state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Wisconsin State Park System reservations (Camis 'Going to Camp')
- Phone
- 1-888-947-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family campground The family campground has 45 individual sites, 18 of which are electric. Four of the sites, featuring an excellent view of the Mississippi River high atop the bluff, are walk-to only. Flush toilets and showers are located near site 23. The sites are wooded and secluded, making this campground the perfect getaway. | — | Electric (some sites)Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Nelson Dewey State Park has campsites for individuals, families, small and large groups. Groceries, camping supplies and a laundromat are available in Cassville, about two miles south of the park.
Family campground: The family campground has 45 individual sites, 18 of which are electric. Four of the sites, featuring an excellent view of the Mississippi River high atop the bluff, are walk-to only. Flush toilets and showers are located near site 23. The sites are wooded and secluded, making this campground the perfect getaway.
Group camp: A group camping area can accommodate up to 40 people on three separate sites for a total of 120 people. Each site has a large camping area, picnic tables and a large fire ring. A shelter, vault toilets and water are available in the group camp. All group sites at Nelson Dewey are electric.
- Outdoor group camp fees
Firewood: Firewood is available in the village of Cassville, about two miles from the park. Firewood can also be purchased at the park from the campground hosts in season.
Don't move firewood!
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
BoatingCanoeing and kayakingCampingFishingHikingHuntingPicnicking
Trails
Hiking: Nelson Dewey State Park offers over two miles of hiking trails. Trails may vary in difficulty. Use caution when on steep bluffs or near a cliff. Stay well away from cliffs, which are not protected by a barricade or barrier.
Nelson Dewey’s five trails are all less than a mile but offer a variety of scenery. Several trails in the park offer great views of the Mississippi River valley.
Cedar trail (0.2 miles)
A trail along the bluff with excellent views of the Mississippi River and Stonefield Village Historic Site.
Prairie trail (0.2 miles)
This trail goes through native prairie with a nice view of the Mississippi River.
Mound Point trail (0.6 miles)
This trail offers views of the Mississippi River and passes near Indian mounds. Benches are at the wildlife observation area.
Oakwood trail (0.4 miles)
A short, heavily wooded trail with an easy, gentle slope.
Woodbine Nature trail (0.3 miles)
This self-guided nature trail winds through woods, openings and near the prairie.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
Camping
- Tent camping
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 12190 Cty Hwy VV
Cassville, WI 53806 - Nearest town
- Guttenberg — about 6 mi southeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 42.7316, -91.0175
- Phone
- (608) 725-5374
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Get directions.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Wisconsin State Park System — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- Wisconsin DNR 'Find a Park' directory (server-rendered Drupal view, ?page=0..5), filtered to /topic/parks/ property pages
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology