Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Nelson Dewey State Park overlooks the Mississippi River from a 500-foot bluff. At this park combine your interest in history with your enjoyment of the outdoors. Camp, hike or picnic high above the Mighty Mississippi. Named for Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey, the park offers a rich history, featuring the Dewey home and the nearby Stonefield Historic site.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Nelson Dewey 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 cross-country skiing in January–February.
What can you do at Nelson Dewey State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, history & mounds and hunting. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, boating & paddling, fishing, history & mounds and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, history & mounds, hunting and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Nelson Dewey State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Nelson Dewey 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 Nelson Dewey 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 Nelson Dewey State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Wyalusing State Park (18 mi), Fenley State Recreation Area (22 mi) and Mound View State Trail (31 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History & mounds
- Hunting
- 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: 12190 Cty Hwy VV Cassville, WI 53806
- Phone: 608-725-5374
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Wyalusing State Park (18 mi)
- Fenley State Recreation Area (22 mi)
- Mound View State Trail (31 mi)
- Belmont Mound State Park (34 mi)
- Pecatonica State Trail (39 mi)
Closures and alerts for Nelson Dewey 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.