Wildcat Mountain Group Campground

For Wisconsin locals seeking an authentic and immersive group camping experience, Wildcat Mountain Group Campground in Ontario, WI, offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. Situated within the breathtaking Wildcat Mountain State Park, this campground is a gateway to the unique landscape of Wisconsin's Driftless Area, characterized by its stunning bluffs, deep valleys, and the meandering Kickapoo River. Unlike many conventional campgrounds, Wildcat Mountain Group Campground is specifically designed to accommodate larger gatherings, making it an ideal choice for scout troops, church groups, family reunions, or any organized outing looking for a shared outdoor adventure. It’s a chance to truly unplug, breathe in the fresh air, and create lasting memories in one of our state’s most scenic regions.

The allure of Wildcat Mountain Group Campground lies in its ability to provide a rustic yet accessible camping experience. While it offers essential amenities, the focus is on embracing the natural environment. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the forest, spending your days exploring miles of trails, and gathering around a campfire under a canopy of stars. The park, and by extension the group campground, is celebrated for its rugged beauty and extensive recreational opportunities. Visitors frequently praise the gorgeous views of the Driftless Area and the Kickapoo River, with many noting that "the views from the overlooks are worth checking out." This dedication to preserving the natural landscape ensures that your group's adventure will be truly memorable, offering a refreshing escape from the daily grind right here in Wisconsin.

Wildcat Mountain Group Campground is located within Wildcat Mountain State Park, with the park office situated at E13660 Hwy 33, Ontario, WI 54651, USA. The group campsites are approximately a half-mile east of the nature center and maintenance building within the park. This location places it squarely in the heart of Wisconsin’s renowned Driftless Area, a region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age, resulting in a distinctive landscape of steep ridges, forested bluffs, and picturesque valleys.

Accessing Wildcat Mountain State Park is straightforward, typically via State Highway 33. The park is clearly signposted, making it easy to find for visitors coming from various parts of Wisconsin. While the setting feels secluded and wild, it’s not overly remote, allowing for reasonable travel times from larger Wisconsin cities. The charming village of Ontario is nearby, offering a small-town feel and limited services if needed. The park's design, with separate areas for family camping, equestrian camping, and group camping, ensures that each type of visitor can enjoy their preferred experience. Its position on a ridge overlooking the Kickapoo River Valley also provides strategic advantages for outdoor activities, with numerous trails and river access points within the park’s boundaries or a short drive away. This accessibility, combined with the profound natural beauty, makes Wildcat Mountain Group Campground a prime destination for Wisconsin groups seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

• Three Reservable Group Campsites: The campground features three distinct group sites: Group Site A, Group Site B, and Group Site C. These sites are reservable, ensuring your group has a confirmed spot.

• Varying Capacities: Group Site A and B can each accommodate up to 25 campers (primarily tent campers for Site A, tents or small-wheeled campers for Site B), while Group Site C is larger, accommodating up to 50 campers and suitable for all sizes of camping units.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each group campsite is equipped with picnic tables for shared meals and a fire ring for campfires, perfect for evening gatherings and cooking.

• Shared Shelter House: A 32 x 20-foot shelter is available for shared use by all three group campsites, providing protection from the elements.

• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available within the group campground area for convenience.

• Access to Flush Toilets and Showers: While not directly on the group sites, flush toilets and shower facilities are accessible at the main family campground shower building within the park, which is within walking distance.

• Drinking Water Access: Drinking water is available from a portable water tank in the group camp area, and also at the main shower building or park maintenance building.

• Dump Station: A dump station is available within Wildcat Mountain State Park, typically near the main family campground, for RVs.

• Recycling/Garbage Bins: Appropriate bins are provided for refuse and recycling.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted in the campgrounds on a leash no longer than 8 feet and must be kept under control.

• Scenic Driftless Area Setting: The campground is nestled in the unique and rugged topography of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, offering unparalleled natural beauty with steep ridges, bluffs, and views of the Kickapoo River Valley.

• Extensive Trail System: Wildcat Mountain State Park boasts 20 miles of scenic hiking trails and 15 miles of equestrian trails, providing abundant opportunities for exploration and outdoor activity for all skill levels.

• Kickapoo River Access: The park provides access to the Kickapoo River, a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing (particularly trout fishing).

• Observation Points: Stunning overlooks within the park offer panoramic views of the Kickapoo Valley, ideal for photography and appreciating the landscape.

• Wooded and Open Sites: Group Site A is fully wooded, Group Site B is partially wooded, and Group Site C offers an open grassy area with shade trees, providing variety for different group preferences.

• Amphitheater: An amphitheater is located near the group campground, potentially available for group use or park programs.

• Primitive Camping Experience: While offering essential facilities, the group campground focuses on a more primitive camping experience, with no electrical hookups at the group sites, encouraging a true disconnection from modern distractions.

• Park Amenities: The broader Wildcat Mountain State Park offers picnic areas, a playground, and is known for its well-maintained facilities.

Wildcat Mountain Group Campground, as part of a Wisconsin State Park, typically operates under the fee structure set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As a state-run facility, it generally does not offer individual promotions or discount codes in the same way a private campground might. However, there are inherent "offers" and benefits that make it an excellent value for locals:

• Affordable Group Rates: State park group campsites are often a cost-effective solution for large groups, providing significant savings compared to booking multiple individual campsites or other lodging options for big gatherings.

• Vehicle Admission Sticker: While not a promotion, access to Wildcat Mountain State Park requires a vehicle admission sticker. Wisconsin residents can purchase annual passes, which offer unlimited access to all Wisconsin State Parks for a full year, representing a significant value for frequent park visitors and a cost-saving measure for locals who plan multiple visits or explore other state parks.

• Reservations: The ability to reserve group campsites in advance is a key "offer" for groups, as it guarantees a spot, especially during peak seasons, avoiding the uncertainty of first-come, first-served options found elsewhere.

• Wisconsin DNR "Open House" or Fee-Free Days: Periodically, the Wisconsin DNR hosts "fee-free" days or weekends where vehicle admission stickers are not required to enter state parks. While less common for group camping, these events offer a chance for locals to explore the park and its amenities without the standard entry fee.

• Educational Programs: While not a monetary discount, the park often offers free interpretive programs, nature hikes, or educational events (check the park's calendar) that add significant value to a group's stay without additional cost.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on reservation fees, vehicle admission stickers, and any potential special events that might impact your group’s visit, it is always best to consult the Wisconsin DNR's official website for Wildcat Mountain State Park or contact the park office directly.

As Wildcat Mountain Group Campground is part of Wildcat Mountain State Park, the primary contact information is for the park itself:

• Address: E13660 Hwy 33, Ontario, WI 54651, USA

• Phone: (608) 337-4775 (Wildcat Mountain State Park Office)

• Reservations: To reserve campsites, including group sites, you typically call the Wisconsin DNR's reservation line: (888) WIPARKS — (888) 947-2757 or visit their website: wiparks.net.

Wildcat Mountain Group Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Wisconsin locals, particularly for those organizing group outings. Its location in the spectacular Driftless Area offers a distinctly Wisconsin experience – a rugged, unglaciated landscape that is both beautiful and unique within the state. This means locals can experience a truly wild and natural environment without having to travel out of state. For groups, the dedicated group campsites provide the necessary space and facilities for a comfortable and memorable stay, fostering community and shared adventure. Whether it's a scouting trip focused on outdoor skills, a school field trip connecting with nature, or a family reunion creating new traditions, these sites are designed to accommodate larger numbers of people.

The emphasis on primitive camping, with no electrical hookups at the group sites, encourages a deeper connection with the outdoors, allowing groups to truly disconnect and enjoy the simplicity of nature. Yet, essential amenities like flush toilets and showers are accessible nearby, providing a balance of rustic charm and necessary comforts. The extensive network of hiking and equestrian trails within Wildcat Mountain State Park means there are endless opportunities for exploration and activity right outside the tent flap, catering to a wide range of interests from casual strolls to challenging treks. The Kickapoo River adds another layer of outdoor fun, perfect for paddling and fishing. For Wisconsin residents, who often value outdoor recreation and community, Wildcat Mountain Group Campground offers an ideal setting for collective adventure and appreciation of our state's stunning natural heritage. It's a place where shared experiences in the wild create lasting bonds and cherished memories, just a drive away.