Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Merrick State Park is located on the beautiful backwaters of the Mississippi River. All island campground sites and some sites in the south campground have river access for mooring watercraft or fishing directly from the sites. There are 3 miles of hiking trails, and two boat landings provide easy launching for boats of all sizes.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Merrick State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, boating & paddling in June–September and ice fishing in January–February.
What can you do at Merrick State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and nature centers. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, hunting and nature centers. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, boating & paddling, fishing, nature centers and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, hunting, nature centers and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Merrick State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Merrick State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Merrick State Park in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. The DNR's pages for this property don't list winter camping.
What state parks and trails are near Merrick State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Perrot State Park (17 mi), Great River State Trail (24 mi) and Buffalo River State Trail (41 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Nature centers
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: S2965 State Rd 35 Fountain City, WI 54629
- Phone: 608-687-4936
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Adaptive equipment: Adaptive kayak, Universal kayak launch
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Perrot State Park (17 mi)
- Great River State Trail (24 mi)
- Buffalo River State Trail (41 mi)
- Chippewa River State Trail (41 mi)
- Coulee State Forest (42 mi)
Closures and alerts for Merrick State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.