Viking Lake State Park
00 review2780 Viking Lake Road, Stanton, Iowa, 51573, United States
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
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFishing jetties are universally accessible, though broader accessibility features are not detailed in the source materials.
Sites Sizenull
Sites Privacynull
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers who prefer shade should carefully select their sites, as some are exposed and may get hot during the day.
Best CampsitesNo specific best-rated campsites were mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes a playground, modern restrooms, showers, and buddy campsites in addition to traditional campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific dates provided for open or closed seasons.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer 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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
A sandy beach located on the west shore of the lake supports swimming activities. However, swimming is unsupervised, so it is at your own risk.Biking
The biking opportunities include the same multi-use trails as those for hiking, adding variety to the recreational options.Boating
Boating activities are permitted with no-wake speed restrictions. The park features four boat ramps and dock slips for convenient access.Wildlife viewing
The 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.Beach activities
The sandy beach on the west shore is suitable for sunbathing and swimming. However, no lifeguard is on duty.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing are supported, with dock slips and a boat launch ramp available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but no specific details or restrictions were provided.
Hazards
General hazardsThe 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.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Hospitals 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates indicated.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site for waste disposal, but recycling specifics are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near the 140-acre Viking Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Common complaintsOne review cited issues with the camp host. Other possible issues included limited shade at certain sites.
HostUser reviews indicate mixed impressions of the camp host, with both positive and negative comments reported.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Viking Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Show more
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.
Accessibility Features
Fishing jetties are universally accessible, but no specific feedback from users with disabilities is included in the reviews.
Pet-Friendly Features
A lack of shade at some campsites can be challenging for pets, as noted by one reviewer.
Last updated August 10, 2025