Nelson Dewey State Park RV & Campground Guide

No fishing is available within the park's boundaries. However, Riverside Park in Cassville is about 2 miles to the south and is a popular fishing spot. Common catches are catfish, walleye, and bass.

The park participates in a geocaching program in partnership with the Wisconsin Geocaching Association, which means that there is always a cache to find in this outdoor recreation area. You can use your smartphone or GPS device to find it. Once you do, you can take a souvenir and sign the logbook. However, don't forget to bring a family-friendly item to leave in the container for the next geocacher.

Hike along the Mount Point Trail, and you'll find some benches that offer the perfect spot to sit and observe nature. They offer a place to relax if you are trying to capture a unique photo of animals in the Wildlife Observation Area.

The park is located relatively far from any major cities, making the skies dark enough to enjoy some excellent stargazing, particularly on clear nights. You can set up a telescope at a picnic table or ascend one of the trails to get the best view of the heavens.

You'll find lush woods, gently rolling grasslands, and open prairies as you explore the park. Several types of grasses abound in the prairie, including June grass, needle grass, butterfly weed, and Indian grass. Of course, since the park is set on the bluffs above the river, you'll also enjoy stunning views of the valleys below. Many migratory birds pass through the park, including raptors and golden eagles. Other avian species you might spot include Bell's vireo, Louisiana waterthrush, red-shouldered hawks, Kentucky warblers, and Acadian flycatchers. You may also spot deer, groundhogs, and chipmunks.

There are five hiking trails you can explore during your visit to the park. The trails at Nelson Dewey State Park mostly follow along the bluffs above the Mississippi River, offering some fantastic views. Most of these clifftop trails do not have guard rails or barricades, so take precautions when hiking. The Mound Point Trail is a relatively flat out-and-back trail with several overlook points where you can stop to admire the view of the river down below. The Oakwood Trail is accessible in a wheelchair. All of the trails can be combined to form one loop hike if you prefer a longer outing.

Even though the park is alongside the river, there is no boating access within Nelson Dewey State Park. There's a boat launch available nearby, however, at Riverside Park in the city of Cassville.