Waubonsie State Park

4.57

20 reviews

2585 Waubonsie Park Road, Hamburg, Iowa, 51640, United States

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,148 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal cabins are ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line, Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,148 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal cabins are ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line, Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Waubonsie State Park

$0.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on type of accommodation. Cabins range up to $200 per night, while basic camping is cheaper.

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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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanrestroomsshade

"User reviews highlight the park's clean facilities, quiet and shaded environment, and extensive trails as significant positives. Some users mentioned raccoons accessing dumpsters as a minor issue."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2585 Waubonsie Park Road, Hamburg, Iowa, 51640, United States

Waubonsie State Park

2585 Waubonsie Park Road, Hamburg, Iowa, 51640, United States

Driving directionsFrom US Hwy # 2 turn South on State Hwy 239 and continue straight into the park.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, with straightforward directions from US Hwy #2. Seasonal conditions affecting road quality or closures are not mentioned.

Nearby places

Sidney is 6 miles north of the park, Hamburg is 9 miles south, and Nebraska City, NE is 9 miles west.

Nearby supplies

Grocery store and fuel available within 10 miles of the park.

Best Time to Camp at Waubonsie State Park

Experience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations as warm summer days paint the hills in golden hues under crystal-clear skies, perfect for hiking and stargazing. As autumn arrives, the hardwood forests burst into flame-colored brilliance, while winter blankets the rugged terrain in snow, creating a serene wonderland punctuated by crisp, freezing temperatures and moderate snowfall that transforms the landscape into nature's sculpture garden.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; cabins open and favorable weather for trails and stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn hardwoods and dramatic seasonal changes make fall especially scenic.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is listed as ideal for camping; cabins and trails are available in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Some winter use (snowmobiling) noted but seasonal cabins close and conditions are limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months likely peak season due to favorable weather and extended daylight hours.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Seasonal cabins are open from April 15 to October 15, with extended availability for specific cabins until November 30.

About Waubonsie State Park

Perched atop Iowa's remarkable Loess Hills, Waubonsie State Park beckons adventurers with sweeping vistas that stretch for miles and whispers of the Lewis and Clark expedition that once passed through these ancient lands. Whether you're seeking a modern campsite with full electric hookups, planning an equestrian adventure at the specialized horse camp, or dreaming of a cozy retreat in one of the park's beautifully remodeled cabins, this diverse destination offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including modern campsites, equestrian camping, and cabins.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark along this designated stop on their historic trail, where the spirit of exploration still lingers in the prairie winds. Just across the border, Nebraska City's Arbor Lodge State Park stands as a living monument to J. Sterling Morton, the visionary who gave America Arbor Day, adding another layer of historical richness to your journey through this storied region.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations as warm summer days paint the hills in golden hues under crystal-clear skies, perfect for hiking and stargazing. As autumn arrives, the hardwood forests burst into flame-colored brilliance, while winter blankets the rugged terrain in snow, creating a serene wonderland punctuated by crisp, freezing temperatures and moderate snowfall that transforms the landscape into nature's sculpture garden.

ElevationThe dramatic topography of the Loess Hills creates natural observation points that reward hikers with panoramic views, where the undulating landscape reveals the ancient forces that shaped this unique terrain thousands of years ago.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape unlike anywhere else in Iowa, where steep, knife-edge ridges plunge into hidden valleys and surprising desert-adapted plants like yucca thrive alongside native prairie grasses. The park's diverse ecosystem weaves together dense hardwood forests that cascade down the hillsides with windswept prairie ridges, creating a tapestry of textures and colors that changes with every season and every shift of light.

Geological RegionStep into Iowa's own 'badlands' at Waubonsie State Park, where the extraordinary Loess Hills rise like ancient monuments from the prairie floor. These remarkable formations, sculpted by Ice Age winds that deposited fine loess particles over millennia, create a landscape so unique that desert-dwelling yucca plants flourish here, far from their typical arid homes. This geological wonder represents one of only two such extensive loess formations in the world, making every vista a glimpse into Earth's dramatic glacial past.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Seasonal cabins have availability constraints: April 15 to October 15 for most, and cabins 5 and 6 extend to November 30.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by accommodation type.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made up to 12 months in advance, possibly through official park websites or phone services.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailability for walk-in is not explicitly stated in the authoritative content.

Cancellation PolicyCabins are reservable up to 12 months in advance, suggesting a structured cancellation policy, although specifics are not provided.

AccessibilityHandicap access is listed as an amenity but no further specific details about accessibility features are provided.

Site SizeThe park offers spacious options for tent camping and space for RVs, as noted by user reviews.

PrivacyThe campsites are shaded and nestled back in the woods, offering a quiet and secluded environment.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

HikingThe park offers extensive trails such as the Sunset Ridge Nature Trail, which provides views of the Missouri River Valley and takes visitors through hardwood timber and native prairie. Trails also include Ridge and Valley trails, which explore shaded woodland valleys and ancient burr oaks. The northern region of the park features eight miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling.

FishingLake Virginia, a seven-acre addition in the Wa-Shawtee Unit, supports populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.

BikingThe northern region offers eight miles of multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking.

BoatingLake Virginia is suitable for kayaking, canoeing, and boats with electric motors. It has a boat ramp available for use.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is available within the park, and nearby attractions such as the Riverton Wildlife Management Area offer additional opportunities.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife like raccoons frequent the campground, potentially creating issues with trash disposal.

Weather at Waubonsie State Park

Reviews

4.6

20 reviews

Top-Rated

Waubonsie State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's clean facilities, quiet and shaded environment, and extensive trails as significant positives. Some users mentioned raccoons accessing dumpsters as a minor issue.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and shower facilities, shaded and quiet campsites, extensive and well-maintained trails, and the availability of cabins and RV sites.

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Some concerns about raccoons accessing dumpsters at night. One user mentioned that RV spots were gravel and not level.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bedding, pillows, and kitchen supplies if renting a cabin. Use the trails to explore the scenic views of the Loess Hills.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring to fall is ideal for camping due to the availability of seasonal cabins and outdoor activities. Winter activities such as snowmobiling are also supported.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were clean and looked cared after.' - Darrin Ochsner 2. 'Nice and quiet camping spot... nestled back in the woods.' - Ben McElroy 3. 'Miles of trails. Most are well kept. Spacious tent...

Based on 20 reviews