Villisca camping options span across southwestern Iowa's unique terrain, characterized by small lakes nestled between rolling hills and stands of oak and hickory trees. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently reaching the 90s and cold winters that limit some camping activities. Seasonal restrictions vary by location, with several parks offering primitive camping during off-peak months when amenities like water hookups remain unavailable.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Lake of Three Fires State Park features a complete frisbee golf course that appeals to families and groups. One visitor mentioned, "It has a great frisbee golf course that my boys loved playing" while noting the park also offers "miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding."
Kayaking on no-wake lakes: Viking Lake State Park prohibits high-speed boating, creating ideal conditions for paddlers. A camper shared, "The lake is large with plenty of areas with downed trees for prime fishing. It is a no wake lake, so it is perfect for small boats and kayaks."
Horseback riding trails: Hacklebarney Woods County Park maintains dedicated equestrian facilities separate from the main camping areas. According to one reviewer, the park contains "three separate campgrounds one even for horseback with corrals."
Water sports at Lake Icaria: Unlike most area lakes, Lake Icaria Co Park permits motorized water recreation. A camper noted it's "one of the only lakes in Iowa where you can drive your boats fast," making it popular for water skiing and tubing during summer months.
What campers like
Peace and quiet on weekdays: Campsites throughout the region see dramatically different usage patterns between weekends and weekdays. At Lake of Three Fires State Park, a visitor observed, "Although there were RVers and a nice group of Boy Scouts part of the time, there was no one else in our tent camping side."
Affordable camping rates: Villisca area campgrounds maintain some of the lowest fees in the region. One winter camper at Viking Lake State Park reported, "Very nice and cheap. 8 for camping, 12 with electric and 18 full hookups. That's a great price for the view."
Shaded campsites: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. A camper at Lake Icaria noted that "the sites are very close together" but appreciated that the "campground has beautiful views of the lake."
Fishing opportunities: Most area lakes support multiple fish species despite their relatively small size. A visitor to Windmill Lake Co Park mentioned, "The lake is the main feature here- there is a boat ramp and some pretty good fishing. You see small boats and kayaks out on the lake often."
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Viking Lake State Park, a winter visitor reported, "Verizon is 2 bars of 4g. And Starlink is only possible in select places, as there is a lot of trees."
Firewood availability: Most campgrounds don't sell firewood on-site. A camper at Lake of Three Fires commented, "Firewood is not sold on the campground, so you can burn what's on the ground or head to Hyvee for some wood in town."
Variable bathroom facilities: Restroom quality differs dramatically between parks. At Nodaway Valley County Park, a camper described the facilities as "no frills" with "a single sink, toilet, and shower in the same room- one for each sex. It gets the job done- but it is no frills."
Free camping options: For budget-conscious campers, Ross County Park offers no-cost sites with minimal amenities. A visitor described it as a "nice out of the way location. No services of any kind, there is a shelter house, and trash barrel. Nice place to get away from people."
Tips for camping with families
Beach conditions: Most lakes feature designated swimming areas with varying amenities. A camper at Lake of Three Fires noted the "beach sandy and clean for a refreshing dip on a hot afternoon."
Playground equipment: Campground playgrounds range from new to outdated. At Nodaway Valley, a visitor observed that "the playground is outdated but there is a large area where kids can play soccer or tag and while the equipment is old it is not in bad shape."
Bathroom cleanliness: Families often prioritize shower facilities. At Lake View Campground near Corning, a visitor highlighted the "individual shower rooms. Clean bathrooms. Friendly staff."
Kid-friendly activities: Beyond swimming and hiking, some parks offer additional recreation. At Lake View Campground, a reviewer mentioned amenities including "swimming, fishing and boating even put-put golf."
Tips from RVers
Campsite spacing: Site dimensions and privacy vary considerably. At Viking Lake State Park, a camper appreciated that "camp sites are spread apart giving u room to do things on ur camp site."
Electric hookup details: Many parks offer electrical connections but with important variations. At Lake Binder County Park near Corning, a visitor noted "electric sites are $20 a night or $800 for the season. There's a dump station and several water spigot."
Seasonal camping options: Some parks offer extended-stay options for RVers. Nodaway Valley provides 11 sites on the "upper circle and 4 on the lower circle," with "each one had its own water and electric."
