Rocky Arbor State Park is a 224-acre camping park in the Wisconsin Dells. Established in 1932 to protect the 500 million year old sandstone rocks that form the nearby gorge, the state park is surrounded by ancient rock formations, rich woodlands, and a slow flowing creek.
Despite its small size, Rocky Arbor State Park is well-developed. Open all year round, the campground caters for both tents and RVs with shady campsites, some with electrical hookups only, as well as a restroom, playground and picnic area.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the one-mile nature trail that loops through the park and bird watching the many species that call this stunning neck of the woods home. Campers can even bring their dogs for walks along the nature trail. For those who wish to explore further afield, the Wisconsin Dells area, known as the 'waterpark capital of America', is just a short drive away and provides an excellent family day out in the summertime.
Rocky Arbor State Park is located along Highway 12/16. It is open all year round from 06h00 to 23h00, but it is open to traffic only in the summer months. During the off season (after Labor Day), the main gate is closed and visitors can park at the entrance and walk into the park.
A vehicle admission sticker is required, and you can use the self-service box across from the park office. If you are towing another vehicle, ask at the entrance for a courtesy sticker for the vehicle you’re towing.
You shouldn’t have any trouble getting around as the roads leading to the park and the campsites are paved. Once you’ve set up camp, you can get around the park by hiking or cycling. A nature trail is available. Overflow parking is available near the entrance to the campground.
Rocky Arbor State Park is home to a lovely family campground with 90 campsites for tents and RVs up to 70 feet in length. There are limited sites with electrical hookups only. Campers will have access to water spigots, restrooms with showers and flush toilets, garbage/recycling station, as well as a sanitary station.
Facilities include a picnic area, hiking trail, and a children’s playground. There is no park store, but firewood can be purchased at the park office.
The park is open all year round, and there are some sites that can be reserved and some that are first come, first served only. Please note that during the off season, the park is closed to vehicles and campers will have to park outside the entrance and enter on foot. Generators are typically not permitted in Wisconsin state parks, and are at the discretion of the property manager.
The Wisconsin Dells, also known as the waterpark capital of America, are located just minutes away from the campground. Families can spend the day at Noah’s Ark in the summertime – the largest waterpark in America – with 51 water slides, play areas, and two wave pools. Alternatively, there is the Polynesian Waterpark Resort which offers slightly cheaper entrance fees as well as some great water slides and eateries.
Rocky Arbor State Park is home to a one-mile self-guided nature trail where you can walk your dog or simply stroll along and listen to the sounds of nature. A variety of wildlife and birds call the park home, so keep an eye out for deer, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and bats while you walk the trail. The hiking trail is also open during the off season.
Rocky Arbor State Park is the perfect picnic spot for day visitors and camping guests alike – even in the off season. Inside the park, you’ll find a great picnic area as well as a children’s playground located near the park entrance. Pack a picnic and spend the day in the park, strolling along the nature trail and keeping an eye out for frolicking squirrels and chipmunks.
Hunting and trapping is permitted in the open areas of Rocky Arbor State Park during the Wisconsin state parks hunting and trapping season (November to December each year). Please note that trapping is not allowed in closed areas or within 100 yards of any designated use area – including the nature trail.
The nature trails at Rocky Arbor State Park are open all year round for winter hiking, including during the off season. Guests can enjoy the epic winter scenery of this wooded state park when it snows. Another perk of visiting during the off season is that there are fewer crowds to disturb the animals so wildlife and bird watching is at its best. Keep an eye out for deer, racoon, squirrels and chipmunks! Please note that vehicles are not permitted inside the park during the off season, so you'll have to park outside the entrance and walk into the park on foot.
Rocky Arbor State Park is open all year round for snow sports, including snowshoeing. Dress warmly, don your snowshoes and explore the park in the winter season when the state park is covered in a blanket of thick snow. The nearby Wisconsin Dells are also popular for snowshoeing in the winter season. Please note that vehicles are not permitted inside the park in the off season, so you'll have to park outside the entrance and enter the park on foot.
