Waubonsie State Park

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

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal cabins are ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line, Ranger Station site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonal cabins are ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line, Ranger Station site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Reserve America

Provider

7123822786

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 0 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."

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Fees & Passes at Waubonsie State Park

Free

Campsite fees

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

Cancellation: Cabins are reservable up to 12 months in advance, suggesting a structured cancellation policy, altho...

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Direct Line, Ranger Station website.

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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

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.

Campsite details

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

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

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

Total Campsites0 campsites

Best Campsites

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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 are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal cabins are open from April 15 to October 15, with extended availability for specific cabins until November 30.

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.

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Picnic tables

Dump station

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Flush toilets

Vault toilets

Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Hiking

The 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.

Fishing

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

Biking

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

Boating

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

Wildlife viewing

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

Winter Activities

Snowmobiling is available on the multi-use trails during winter.

Water Sports

The park supports non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing on Lake Virginia.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Firewood is available onsite for purchase.

Hazards

General hazardsWildlife like raccoons frequent the campground, potentially creating issues with trash disposal.

Weather at Waubonsie State Park

°F

Dec 7

Sunday

Mainly clear

Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 76%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 7.8 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Mainly clear

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Emergency Services

Medical clinic within 10 miles.

Good to know

Peak season datesSummer months likely peak season due to favorable weather and extended daylight hours.

Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, though one user mentioned raccoons accessing them at night.

Proximity to water featuresLake Virginia, a seven-acre park lake, offers fishing and paddlesport opportunities.

Common complaintsSome reviews mention that RV sites are gravel and not entirely level.

Campground Map

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.

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Waubonsie State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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

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.

Common Concerns

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

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.

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.

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...

Site-Specific Reviews

1. RV sites are noted to be gravel and not entirely level. 2. Tent camping sites are spacious and shaded.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are listed, but no specific reviews detail user experiences related to accessibility.

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no specific user reviews about pets or pet-related policies.

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

0 review

Last updated August 10, 2025

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Waubonsie State Park