Viking Lake State Park

4.48

27 reviews

2780 Viking Lake Road, Stanton, Iowa, 51573, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No specific dates pr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Viking Lake State Park Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No specific dates pr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Viking Lake State Park Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Viking Lake State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

4.48

Recommended

Based on 27 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

"User reviews generally highlight the park's cleanliness, the helpfulness of the camp hosts, and the wide range of activities available. However, there are occasional complaints about lack of shade at certain campsites and issues with the camp hosts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2780 Viking Lake Road, Stanton, Iowa, 51573, United States

Viking Lake State Park

2780 Viking Lake Road, Stanton, Iowa, 51573, United States

Driving directionsFrom Hwy.34 go south on county road M-65 then turn east on county road H-43 and continue to the park entrance.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is noted to be straightforward to reach, but no seasonal closures or challenging terrain are mentioned.

Nearby places

Stanton: 4 miles (approximately 10 minutes). Red Oak: 12 miles (approximately 20 minutes). Villisca: 10 miles (approximately 15 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores are located more than 10 miles away. Fuel for both boats and vehicles is available within 10 miles, and ATMs, motels, and churches are accessible within a similar range.

Best Time to Camp at Viking Lake State Park

Each season transforms Viking Lake into a distinct wonderland. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for swimming and boating, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 86°F amid the gentle humidity of the Midwest. As autumn arrives, the park erupts in brilliant oranges and golds, creating ideal conditions for hiking and photography. Winter wraps the landscape in a serene blanket of occasional snow, with crisp 32°F days that invite cross-country skiing and cozy campfires. Spring awakens the park with wildflower blooms and migrating birds, offering nature lovers a front-row seat to the season's dramatic rebirth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Ideal for swimming, boating and fishing though some campsites lack shade in hot weather.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Wooded hills and meadows make fall foliage and hiking appealing.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Wildflower meadows and warming weather make spring attractive for hikes and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Little winter-specific info; likely limited services and activities in cold months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season dates indicated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No specific dates provided for open or closed seasons.
Current Alerts: No active alerts or construction issues mentioned.

About Viking Lake State Park

Nestled in the rolling hills of southwest Iowa, Viking Lake State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore nearly 1,000 acres of pristine wilderness. This beloved regional gem seamlessly blends untouched natural landscapes with modern recreational amenities, creating an irresistible escape where visitors can disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature. Whether you're seeking adventure on the water, peaceful trails through ancient forests, or simply a quiet spot to watch the sunset paint the sky, Viking Lake delivers experiences that linger long after you've returned home.

Viking Lake State Park accommodates various types of camping, including tent camping, RV sites, and buddy camping sites. Electrical, water, and sewer hookups are available, making it suitable for modern camping needs.

Historical SignificanceLong before Viking Lake became a state park, these sacred hills and valleys served as gathering places for Native American tribes who recognized the area's natural abundance. During the dam's construction, workers unearthed remarkable artifacts that tell the story of centuries of human connection to this land. These archaeological treasures remind modern visitors that they're walking in the footsteps of ancient peoples who found sustenance, shelter, and spiritual significance in these same wooded hillsides and fertile valleys.

Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms Viking Lake into a distinct wonderland. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for swimming and boating, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 86°F amid the gentle humidity of the Midwest. As autumn arrives, the park erupts in brilliant oranges and golds, creating ideal conditions for hiking and photography. Winter wraps the landscape in a serene blanket of occasional snow, with crisp 32°F days that invite cross-country skiing and cozy campfires. Spring awakens the park with wildflower blooms and migrating birds, offering nature lovers a front-row seat to the season's dramatic rebirth.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates natural vantage points throughout the property, offering ever-changing perspectives of the lake and surrounding woodlands. These subtle elevation changes add character to hiking trails and create diverse microclimates that support the park's rich biodiversity.

Natural Features and SceneryViking Lake's crown jewel is its sparkling 140-acre lake, cradled by densely forested hills that harbor centuries-old oak and hickory trees. Wildflower meadows burst with color throughout the growing season, while hidden valleys shelter beaver lodges and provide sanctuary for wild turkeys. Early morning visitors might glimpse white-tailed deer emerging from misty hollows, while patient observers can spot muskrats gliding through marshy inlets. The park's diverse habitats attract an impressive array of waterfowl and shorebirds, making it a paradise for birders and photographers alike.

Geological RegionViking Lake State Park showcases the unique beauty of southwest Iowa's transitional landscape, where remnants of tallgrass prairie meet eastern deciduous forest. This ecological crossroads creates a tapestry of habitats across rolling hills carved by ancient glaciers and streams. The 140-acre lake, nestled among these natural contours, serves as the centerpiece of a geological story millions of years in the making, where visitors can witness the fascinating intersection of prairie and woodland ecosystems.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout includes a playground, modern restrooms, showers, and buddy campsites in addition to traditional campsites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made in advance, but no specific platforms are mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo information provided about availability for walk-up or first-come-first-served sites.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy explicitly stated.

AccessibilityFishing jetties are universally accessible, though broader accessibility features are not detailed in the source materials.

Site Sizenull

Privacynull

Recommended SitesCampers who prefer shade should carefully select their sites, as some are exposed and may get hot during the day.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Firewood available

Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Viking Lake State Park provides a variety of recreational activities based on its natural and built environment. Visitors can enjoy 5.5 miles of multi-use trails around the lake and a self-guided Burr Oak Nature Trail. Fishing is a major attraction, with species like bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye available. A sandy beach on the west shore supports swimming activities, while boating and canoeing are welcomed, albeit at no-wake speeds. Wildlife viewing is also popular, with species like beavers and white-tailed deer frequently sighted.

HikingThe park features a 5.5-mile multi-use trail around the lake and a shorter Burr Oak Nature Trail. The trails are well-marked and maintained, offering both recreational and educational opportunities.

FishingFishing is immensely popular at Viking Lake, with a variety of species such as bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye. The lake was restocked in 2009, and anglers have access to four boat ramps and six universally accessible fishing jetties.

SwimmingA sandy beach located on the west shore of the lake supports swimming activities. However, swimming is unsupervised, so it is at your own risk.

BikingThe biking opportunities include the same multi-use trails as those for hiking, adding variety to the recreational options.

BoatingBoating activities are permitted with no-wake speed restrictions. The park features four boat ramps and dock slips for convenient access.

Wildlife viewingThe park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see beavers, white-tailed deer, and shorebirds. The abundance of wildflowers and plants also adds to the scenic beauty.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe presence of wildlife such as deer or muskrats could pose potential hazards. No mention of significant terrain or water-related risks.

Active AlertsNo active alerts or construction issues mentioned.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but no specific details or restrictions were provided.

Emergency ServicesHospitals and medical clinics are located more than 10 miles from the campground. Emergency services can likely be accessed in Red Oak, the nearest county seat.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site for waste disposal, but recycling specifics are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated near the 140-acre Viking Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Camp HostUser reviews indicate mixed impressions of the camp host, with both positive and negative comments reported.

Weather at Viking Lake State Park

Reviews

4.5

27 reviews

Recommended

Viking Lake State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the park's cleanliness, the helpfulness of the camp hosts, and the wide range of activities available. However, there are occasional complaints about lack of shade at certain campsites and issues with the camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Multiple reviews praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, the friendliness of the camp hosts, and the availability of recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and hiking.

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have noted a lack of shade at certain campsites, which can be challenging during hot weather, especially for pets. One review mentions dissatisfaction with interactions with the camp host.

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring adequate shade or canopy if your campsite lacks natural cover. Ensure pets have sufficient cooling options. Early booking is advised to secure shaded sites.

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences are generally positive year-round, with fishing and hiking being particularly praised in warmer months. However, summer visitors should prepare for the lack of shade at some sites.

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Restrooms and showers are very clean!" - Kathy Coumbe. 2. "Very friendly Camp Host! Very clean camping sites." - Judi Renfrow. 3. "The lake access was clean and appropriate for kayaks and other...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some campsites lack shade, which was challenging for users traveling with pets during summer months. Individual site numbers are not provided in the reviews.

Based on 27 reviews