Wapsipinicon State Park

3.81

15 reviews

21301 County Road E34 , Anamosa, Iowa, 52205, United States

Quick Facts

909 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

909 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wapsipinicon State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $25 to $35 depending on the type of campsite. Additional fees for shelters and lodges may apply and can be reserved up to 12 months...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

3194622761

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What Campers Say

3.81

Mixed Reviews

Based on 15 reviews

7 Google reviews

"User reviews highlight the campground as a small and somewhat basic site, suitable for group camping but with some noted deficiencies, such as outdated bathrooms and limited trash disposal options."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

21301 County Road E34 , Anamosa, Iowa, 52205, United States

Wapsipinicon State Park

21301 County Road E34 , Anamosa, Iowa, 52205, United States

Driving directionsWapsipinicon St. Park is located on the southwest side of Anamosa IA. just across the Wapsipinicon River on County road E-34. From highway 151 take either exit 49 or 54. From exit 49 (north bound) go north on county road E-34 about three miles. When coming down the hill the park entrance will be to your right. If you cross the bridge into town you went too far. From Exit 54 (south bound) turn right onto 3rd street. It will change to Scott street. Turn left at the stop sign onto main street (west). Towards the end of the road it will take a sharp curve to the south and turn into Elm Street. Take Elm Street out of town crossing the bridge on E-34. Park entrance will be to the left once you cross the bridge. Park DOT signs are along these routes so look for the signs.

Road access to the campground is paved and straightforward with clear signage. The park entrance is accessible from County Road E-34 and HWY 151 via two different exits, 49 and 54, with no seasonal closures or challenging terrain mentioned.

Nearby places

Anamosa is immediately north of the park. Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second-largest city, is 20 miles southwest on U.S. Highway 151. Nearby towns include Stone City, Mount Vernon, and Monticello.

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles, visitors can access groceries, fuel, bait & tackle, firewood, ice, snacks, and other essentials at local retail outlets.

Best Time to Camp at Wapsipinicon State Park

From the golden warmth of summer days to the crisp clarity of autumn nights, Wapsipinicon reveals different personalities throughout the year. Summer brings long, sun-drenched days perfect for cave exploration and cliff-side picnics, while spring and fall offer ideal camping weather with clear skies and minimal rainfall. Even winter has its charm, transforming the limestone bluffs into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can dip dramatically.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers long days for cave exploration, boating, fishing; seasonal facilities open May–Oct.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Crisp autumn nights and bluff vistas make fall very appealing for scenery and hiking.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers, foraging and fishing opportunities return; trails reopen after winter.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are possible, but some facilities are seasonal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Details about peak or shoulder season pricing are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground facilities like the Boy Scout Lodge are available seasonally (May 1 to October 15); other amenities like shelters can be reserved year-round.
Current Alerts: There are no current advisories or alerts.

About Wapsipinicon State Park

Nestled among dramatic sandstone and limestone bluffs, Wapsipinicon State Park offers adventurers a captivating blend of ancient geological wonders and modern camping comfort. Your basecamp features well-appointed sites with electric hookups, hot showers, and clean restrooms, all set against a backdrop of towering cliffs and whispering forests. While the campground doesn't offer a dump station, the trade-off is worth it for the chance to wake up surrounded by moss-draped rock formations and prairie wildflowers.

Wapsipinicon State Park Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including options for tent and RV camping. Day-use lodges are also available for groups.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you cross Iowa's last surviving three-span bowstring arch bridge, a magnificent structure that has earned its place on the National Registry of Historical Places. The park's legendary Horse Thief Cave whispers tales of prehistoric peoples who once sought shelter within its depths, while 19th-century outlaws allegedly used these hidden chambers to evade capture. Every trail and cavern here holds echoes of the past, from ancient indigenous cultures to frontier-era legends.

Weather and SeasonsFrom the golden warmth of summer days to the crisp clarity of autumn nights, Wapsipinicon reveals different personalities throughout the year. Summer brings long, sun-drenched days perfect for cave exploration and cliff-side picnics, while spring and fall offer ideal camping weather with clear skies and minimal rainfall. Even winter has its charm, transforming the limestone bluffs into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can dip dramatically.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates natural amphitheaters and scenic overlooks throughout the camping area, though specific elevation markers await your personal discovery.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be enchanted by nature's artistry at every turn. Velvet moss cloaks the ancient limestone cliffs like emerald tapestries, while delicate columbine flowers cascade from rocky ledges. The crown jewel is the bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave, where shadows dance across weathered stone walls. On sweltering summer days, seek refuge in the aptly named Ice Cave, where nature's own air conditioning system releases refreshingly cool breezes from deep within the earth.

Geological RegionThis 400-acre geological treasure trove showcases millions of years of natural architecture carved by wind, water, and time. The campground sits at the heart of a unique landscape where sandstone and limestone formations create a natural sculpture garden. From the mysterious depths of Horse Thief Cave to the cooling chambers of Ice Cave, these ancient rock formations tell the story of prehistoric seas and the patient work of erosion that has created today's spectacular scenery.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits are not explicitly mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits per site are not specified.

Groups

Group camping is mentioned in user reviews but not officially detailed in terms of capacity or vehicle limits.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNo details about the campground's layout are provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made up to 12 months in advance, likely through state park reservation systems.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information on walk-up or first-come-first-served availability.

Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation details are provided.

AccessibilityHandicap access is listed as an available feature, but no further details regarding the specific accessibility options are provided.

Site SizeThe campground is described as small, suggesting limited space for individual campsites.

PrivacyThere are no explicit details about the privacy of the campsites.

Recommended SitesNo specific recommendations for choosing sites based on privacy, views, or shade.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wapsipinicon State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Activities include hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, and wildlife viewing. The park also allows mushroom, nut, and berry harvesting, and permits hunting in a designated area during the season.

HikingThere are approximately 3.5 miles of multi-use trails within the park, offering diverse scenery from wooded canopies to open grass prairies. Trails are popular for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

FishingThe Wapsipinicon River, locally known as the Wapsi, is renowned for its channel and flathead catfish, spring crappies, bullheads, and smallmouth bass. Fishing is particularly good below the dam near the park entrance.

BikingThe Northeast State Park Bike Route runs through Wapsipinicon State Park, connecting it to two other state parks—Pikes Peak and Backbone. The route spans 130 miles and utilizes county highways.

BoatingBoating activities are supported, with a boat dock available on-site.

Wildlife viewingThe park offers diverse ecosystems, including wooded areas and open prairies, which provide opportunities for observing a variety of wildlife species.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards are mentioned beyond standard camping risks.

Active AlertsThere are no current advisories or alerts.

Fire PolicyNo information about fire restrictions or guidelines is provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No details about quiet hours are mentioned.

Emergency ServicesMedical services are available within 10 miles at a local medical clinic. Additional emergency services include a Ranger Station contact number at 319-462-2761.

Trash & RecyclingA trash dumpster is available for the entire campground. One user review noted the inconvenience of not having trash cans near individual campsites, with all trash needing to be taken to the central dumpster.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the Wapsipinicon River and Dutch Creek, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and boating.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.

Weather at Wapsipinicon State Park

Reviews

3.8

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Wapsipinicon State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground as a small and somewhat basic site, suitable for group camping but with some noted deficiencies, such as outdated bathrooms and limited trash disposal options.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the park's suitability for group camping, as well as its natural setting.

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

One user noted that bathrooms are outdated and that trash disposal is inconvenient, with only a single dumpster available for the entire campground.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future visitors may want to plan for carrying trash to the central dumpster and be prepared for potentially dated bathroom facilities.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not explicitly discussed in user reviews. However, the park's activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, suggest year-round usability, while summer might be...

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Small campgrounds but good for group camping." (Jason Brown, 2023-09-07) "Not too bad; bathrooms need updated. It would be nice if they had some trash cans near the camp sites instead of one...

Based on 15 reviews