Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr., near the Wapsipinicon River in Iowa, is a fantastic spot for families and nature lovers alike. This place is all about enjoying the great outdoors, with a cozy cabin that sleeps six and comes with modern amenities like a full kitchen and a covered porch for those lazy afternoons.

The park is a nature preserve, so you can expect a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature. Visitors rave about the trails winding through forests and prairies, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. As one camper noted, “The night sky shines with stars,” making it a great place for stargazing after a day of exploring.

If you're into outdoor activities, you’ll love the access to the Wapsipinicon River for fishing and paddling. The park also features an observatory and a nature center with live animals, adding an educational twist to your visit. Whether you're roasting marshmallows by the fire or enjoying a picnic at the cabin, Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers a memorable escape into nature.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses. The larger of the two campsites at the Center, Elm Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site. The site offers flat ground for many tents, two fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans, and two sets of horseshoe pits. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site. Vincent Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site offering a fire pit, picnic tables, and trash can. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site.

Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Wheatland. Wheatland is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Wheatland, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Wheatland

The Best Camping Near Wheatland, Iowa

The park specializes in environmental education and  the Eagle View Eco Center with exhibits and native live animals, trails, prairie,  observatory, amphitheater, 1 mile stretch of the Wapsipinicon River with paddling access, a modern cabin that sleeps 6, ADA accessible. Limited primitive camping by authorization only. LNT principles. 

Great County park, cabin, and primitive authorized camping only

Cabins try them

Cabin sleeps 6, full modern kitchen, ADA accessible, fire ring, grill, wood at no cost, picnic table,   hard surface parking for 2 cars, bird feeder for viewing, River Trailhead right outside Kestrel Cabin! No city like that so night sky shines with stars. Trails wind and through forests and prairie areas. Outdoor/ environmental programs offered. Wapsi River access for fishing, paddling, etc. 

Great County park with cabin along Wapsipinicon River

Park is a nature preserve with only 1 cabin for rent (Kestrel Cabin) sleeping six. Cabin offers modern amenities: stove, oven,micro, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster, ADA access, shower. AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River. 

Nice Family cabin in quite park

Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.

Photos of Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

Real photos from real campers