Waubonsie State Park
00 review2585 Waubonsie Park Road, Hamburg, Iowa, 51640, United States
Waubonsie State Park
$0.00 - $200.00 / 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
Fees vary depending on type of accommodation. Cabins range up to $200 per night, while basic camping is cheaper.
About this campground
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
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 forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 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...
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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.
Last updated August 10, 2025