Waubonsie State Park offers year-round camping in the distinctive Loess Hills region, a unique landform of wind-deposited silt that reaches 200-300 feet above the Missouri River valley. The park spans 1,990 acres and maintains trails ranging from family-friendly paths to more challenging routes through oak-hickory forest. The camping area features 24 sites with electrical hookups and 16 non-electric spots, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F.
What to do
Sunset viewpoints: West-facing overlooks at Waubonsie State Park provide panoramic views across the Missouri River valley. A visitor noted, "If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West."
Trail running: The hilly terrain creates excellent opportunities for trail running workouts throughout the Loess Hills. At Platte River State Park, just under an hour from Hamburg, one camper mentioned, "Great hills for trail running."
Fishing: Pony Creek Lake near Hamburg offers fishing opportunities without traveling far from camp. Though the camping area is modest, a visitor noted, "Been coming to this lake for years. It's a beautiful setting, right in the middle Loess Hills in sw Iowa. The fishing has always been good here."
Paddle sports: Both kayaking and canoeing are options on nearby waters. Duck Creek Recreation Area features "Excellent playgrounds for kids, swimming and beach area, bathrooms, and depending where you park, a beautiful view of the lake."
What campers like
Privacy options: Some campers prefer Waubonsie's tent sites for their spacing. According to one reviewer, "Tent sites are not too close together. Can get pretty busy on weekends in the summer."
Mixed-terrain trails: Duck Creek Recreation Area provides both paved and natural surface paths. A visitor mentioned, "The picnic tables, vault toilets, paved walking trails, playground equipment are all new and well laid out."
Wildlife viewing: The Missouri River corridor supports diverse bird populations. One camper at Duck Creek observed, "We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area."
Clean facilities: Modern restrooms with showers are maintained during peak season. At Big Lake State Park, about an hour south of Hamburg, visitors appreciate that "Bathrooms and showers are nice and clean."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Check facility status when planning a trip. At Brownville Riverside Park, a camper observed, "The park in general is beautiful. Not as crowded as neighboring Mahoney State Park but very similar activities."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons are particularly bold in some areas. One visitor warned, "We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food while we were there, like the raccoon was less than 10 feet from humans during mid-day."
Reservation requirements: During summer months, advanced booking is essential. A recent visitor noted, "If you are wanting a site here it would be best to reserve one there were not a lot to choose from when we got there just about every spot was reserved."
Seasonal flooding: Low-lying areas may experience closure due to high water. As one camper observed at a nearby park, "This is a park that was previously a State Recreation Area that was given over to the Village of Brownville prior to the flooding in 2011. A majority of the silt and debris has been cleared."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Choose appropriately rated paths for younger hikers. At Waubonsie, one camper reported, "This was a perfect place to take my 12-year-old daughter hiking, and we will be back!"
Playground access: Multiple parks offer play equipment for children. West Omaha KOA Holiday visitors note, "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible."
Water recreation: Several nearby locations offer swimming opportunities. A visitor to Big Lake State Park shared, "Kayak rental is available but if fishing isn't your thing this might not be the park for you. Lots of flat roads for biking though!"
Budget-friendly options: Tent sites typically range from $15-20 per night. One camper noted about their experience, "The campsite was very nice. Not too expensive. The showers and bathrooms were nice and had decent room."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Weeping Water Campground offers electrical sites but limited water access. A visitor advised, "Has electric hookups but no water hookups so bring your own water or make sure you fill your hold tank at the one water hydrant."
Campsite spacing: Some RV areas have sites positioned close together. One camper observed, "The campsites just are too close for me as a tent camper. They could almost use some of the day use picnic area as primitive sites."
Dump station access: Plan ahead for sanitation needs. At Weeping Water, a visitor noted, "$20 for dumping, or camping and dumping, seven dollars for tent campers."
Seasonal road construction: Check local highway departments for updates. A traveler mentioned about a nearby area, "The entrance/exit is difficult and it looks like it's not their fault as they have been trying to get permits to fix it."
