Photo: Wisconsin DNR
Located on a ridge rising steeply above the Kickapoo River, Wildcat Mountain State Park offers camping for families, groups and horseback riders. Established in 1948 and one of Wisconsin’s oldest state parks, visitors to Wildcat Mountain can explore twenty-one miles of scenic hiking, nature and equestrian trails that meander through the park. An observation point and picnic areas overlook the Kickapoo Valley. The Kickapoo River is popular for paddling and rentals are available in the village of Ontario.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Wildcat Mountain 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 horseback riding in June and September–October.
What can you do at Wildcat Mountain State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, stargazing and nature centers. Spring (March–May): hiking, fishing, stargazing, hunting and nature centers. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, boating & paddling, fishing, horseback riding, stargazing, nature centers and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, horseback riding, stargazing, hunting, nature centers and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Wildcat Mountain State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Wildcat Mountain 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 Wildcat Mountain State Park in winter?
Camping here is seasonal, generally May–October. The horse campground is open May 1 to Nov.
What state parks and trails are near Wildcat Mountain State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Elroy-Sparta State Trail (9 mi), Hillsboro State Trail (14 mi) and 400 State Trail (21 mi).
Good for
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Nature centers
- Picnics & shelters
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Stargazing
- 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: E13660 State Hwy 33 Ontario, WI 54651
- Phone: 608-337-4775
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
- Elroy-Sparta State Trail (9 mi)
- Hillsboro State Trail (14 mi)
- 400 State Trail (21 mi)
- Mill Bluff State Park (22 mi)
- La Crosse River State Trail (25 mi)
Closures and alerts for Wildcat Mountain 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.