Group Campground

For Wisconsin residents planning a large gathering, a scout troop outing, or a memorable family reunion, finding the right camping spot can be a challenge. That's where the Group Campground at Nelson Dewey State Park in Cassville truly shines. This dedicated camping area offers a fantastic solution for groups of up to 40 people per site, providing the space and essential amenities needed to comfortably accommodate larger parties. While some older campgrounds might have smaller individual sites, this group area is specifically designed to facilitate communal experiences, making it an ideal choice for fostering camaraderie and creating lasting memories in the heart of Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Area.

Nelson Dewey State Park itself is a gem, offering breathtaking views from its bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River. The Group Campground provides a convenient base from which to explore this historic and naturally beautiful park. It's a place where the convenience of dedicated group facilities meets the tranquility of a Wisconsin state park, ensuring a rewarding experience for every member of your party. If you're looking to bring your "tribe" together for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, the Group Campground in Cassville offers the perfect backdrop.

The Group Campground is located within Nelson Dewey State Park, at 12190 County Highway VV, Cassville, WI 53806, USA. This prime location places it high atop the bluffs overlooking the majestic Mississippi River, offering stunning panoramic views that are truly characteristic of Wisconsin's southwestern landscape.

For Wisconsin locals, accessing this campground is straightforward. Cassville is situated along the scenic Great River Road, making for a picturesque drive. From major population centers, the travel times are reasonable: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Madison, and around 3 hours from Milwaukee. The park roads are generally well-maintained, allowing for easy navigation for vehicles and larger camping units. While Nelson Dewey State Park does not have direct river access from within the park itself, a public boat landing is conveniently located in the village of Cassville at Riverside Park, just a couple of miles south of the park. This makes it easy for groups to combine their bluff-top camping experience with river activities.

The Group Campground within Nelson Dewey State Park is equipped with specific services tailored to accommodate larger parties, ensuring a comfortable and functional camping experience.

• Electric Sites: All group sites at Nelson Dewey State Park are equipped with electricity, providing essential power for lights, charging devices, and other camping needs.
• Large Camping Areas: Each group site offers a substantial camping area designed to comfortably accommodate multiple tents or RVs and up to 40 people per site.
• Picnic Tables: Ample picnic tables are provided at each group site, facilitating communal meals and gatherings.
• Large Fire Rings: Each site includes a large fire ring, perfect for campfires, cooking, and enjoying evenings under the stars.
• Shelter: A shelter is available in the group camp area, providing protection from sun or rain, and a central gathering spot.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and functional vault toilets are available within the group camp area.
• Water Access: Water spigots are provided within the group camp, ensuring easy access to potable water.
• Flush Toilets & Showers (Nearby): While the group camp has vault toilets, flush toilets and showers are also available in the family campground area of Nelson Dewey State Park, typically located near site 23, for those who prefer them.
• RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is available within the state park for convenient waste disposal.
• Firewood Sales (Seasonal): Firewood can often be purchased from campground hosts during the peak season or in the nearby village of Cassville.

The Group Campground at Nelson Dewey State Park offers several unique features and highlights that make it an excellent choice for group camping in Wisconsin.

• Dedicated Group Area: This is a primary highlight, as the campground is specifically designed to host groups of up to 40 people per site, with three separate sites potentially accommodating a total of 120 people. This provides a focused and private environment for large gatherings.
• Scenic Blufftop Views: The campground's location on the bluffs of the Mississippi River offers spectacular, expansive views of the river and surrounding landscape, creating a memorable backdrop for your stay.
• Hiking Trails: Nelson Dewey State Park features over two miles of hiking trails, ranging in difficulty, allowing groups to explore the wooded terrain, admire rock outcrops, and enjoy bird watching.
• Historical Significance: The park is named after Wisconsin's first governor, Nelson Dewey, and visitors can combine their outdoor enjoyment with an interest in history by exploring the Dewey home and the nearby Stonefield Historic Site.
• Bird Watching Opportunities: The park's diverse habitats make it an excellent spot for bird watching, especially during migration seasons.
• Picnic Areas: In addition to the group camp shelter, the park offers several other picnic areas like Mound Point, Dewey Heights, and Cedar Point, with tables and grills.
• Proximity to Cassville Village: The charming village of Cassville is just about two miles away, offering access to groceries, camping supplies, a laundromat, and local attractions like Riverside Park (with boat launch) and the Cassville Car Ferry.
• Spacious Sites within Group Area: Despite one review mentioning general "small sites" in older campgrounds, the group sites themselves are noted to be large, providing ample room for various group activities and setups.
• Accessibility: The park features accessible picnic shelters and restrooms in some areas, and the group sites themselves are electric, enhancing usability.

As a Wisconsin State Park facility, the Group Campground at Nelson Dewey State Park operates under the Wisconsin DNR's standard fee structure rather than offering frequent, dynamic promotions like private campgrounds. However, its affordability and the specific pricing for groups can be considered a value proposition.

• Affordable Group Fees: The pricing structure for group camps is designed to be cost-effective for large gatherings. Specific rates would be available through the Wisconsin DNR's reservation system.
• Vehicle Admission Sticker: A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required for entry, which can be purchased annually or daily. While a fee, an annual sticker offers significant value for locals planning multiple state park visits throughout the year.
• Advanced Reservations: While not a "promotion," the ability to reserve group campsites up to 11 months in advance is a significant benefit, especially for popular times, ensuring your group can secure a spot.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and how to make a reservation, it is essential to consult the Wisconsin DNR website for Nelson Dewey State Park or use their centralized camping reservation system. They handle all bookings for state park campgrounds.

For reservations and detailed information about the Group Campground within Nelson Dewey State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 12190 Cty Hwy VV, Cassville, WI 53806, USA (This is the address for Nelson Dewey State Park, where the Group Campground is located).

Phone for Nelson Dewey State Park: (608) 725-5374

Wisconsin State Park System Reservations: 1-888-947-2757 (This is the statewide booking number for all Wisconsin State Park campsites, including group sites).

Email: Contact details are often managed through the Wisconsin DNR website for state parks. Visiting the official Nelson Dewey State Park page on the DNR website (dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/nelsondewey) is the best way to find direct email contact if available, and to make online reservations.

For Wisconsin locals, the Group Campground at Nelson Dewey State Park in Cassville is an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for any large gathering or organized group outing. Its designation as a "Group Campground" means it's inherently designed for larger parties, offering ample space and essential amenities that individual sites simply cannot provide. This dedicated setup makes planning family reunions, scout jamborees, or friends' getaways significantly easier and more comfortable.

The location itself is a major draw. Situated on the scenic bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, it provides a quintessential Wisconsin experience with breathtaking views and access to the state's natural beauty. Locals can enjoy hiking the park's trails, bird watching, and delving into the rich history of Wisconsin's first governor. While the park itself doesn't have river access, the nearby village of Cassville offers convenient boat launches and other river activities, allowing groups to easily combine their bluff-top camping with water adventures.

The practicality of the Group Campground is also a significant benefit for Wisconsin residents. All group sites come with electricity, and there are shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby clean vault toilets and flush toilets/showers. This combination of dedicated facilities and natural splendor at a state park price point offers excellent value. For any Wisconsin group seeking a memorable, organized, and authentic outdoor experience in a historically significant and naturally stunning location, the Group Campground at Nelson Dewey State Park is an ideal and highly recommended destination right in their own beautiful state.