Waubonsie State Park encompasses a forested campground that draws campers to its network of hiking trails and scenic overlooks in southwest Iowa. The state park manages both equestrian and non-equestrian camping areas, with the main campground offering sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups alongside more basic tent camping options. Campers can access sites year-round, though some facilities may be seasonally limited.
The campground layout places most sites close to the internal roads, creating a compact feel that some reviewers note lacks privacy between neighboring spots. Tony B. observes that "the sites just are to close for me as a tent camper," while others appreciate the maintained facilities and cleanliness throughout the grounds. The shower house and restroom facilities receive consistent praise from campers, though seasonal closures can limit amenities during certain periods.
Hiking trails represent the park's main draw, with multiple difficulty levels winding through the forested terrain to scenic overlooks facing west. The trail system prohibits bicycles, maintaining a quieter atmosphere for foot traffic. Fishing and kayaking opportunities exist within the park boundaries, though water access varies seasonally. A self-serve firewood station operates within the campground, offering bundles for $5 or $10.
Road conditions can present challenges, with some campers reporting rough access during certain weather conditions. The campground operates on a reservation system, which reviewers recommend using due to high occupancy rates during peak seasons. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons, occur frequently enough that bathroom signage warns campers to secure food properly.
For those seeking additional options in the region, camping spots around Hamburg provide alternatives about five miles south. The combination of maintained facilities, extensive trail access, and year-round availability makes this campground well-suited to hikers and RV campers comfortable with closer site spacing.
Description
As a site on the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail, Waubonsie State Park in southwest Iowa is known for its exceptional vistas of Iowa’s unique Loess Hills and the Nebraska plains. Its extensive trail system offers something for the avid mountain biker, equestrians looking for a relaxing ride, or anyone eager to hike amongst the tranquil surroundings of the park’s ridgetop prairies and shaded woodland valleys. With nearly 2,000 acres of recreational opportunity and quiet beauty, Waubonsie State Park is an Iowa gem waiting to be explored.
Stay overnight in one of eight cabins at Waubonsie, some featuring fireplaces and year-round accommodations. The park also contains a modern campground with non-electric and electric campsites, modern showers, restrooms, and a sanitary dump station. The more primitive equestrian campground contains non-electric sites with hitching rails, pens, and pit vault toilets. Cabin and campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Waubonsie State Park.
Warning 6 Alerts are In Effect
There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 6 Alerts are In Effect
There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - October 31 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
Starting in April of 2026, all campsites will become 100 percent reservable and will be accepting same-day reservations. As part of this process, the campground will close on January 1, 2026.
The campground is not accepting reservations from April 1 - May 1, 2026. The equestrian campground is not affected. (Posted October 31, 2025)
Modern Facilities including restrooms and shower house are now closed for the winter season. Pit latrines and frost free hydrants are still available for use.
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 712-382-2786 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
All of the modern cabins (1, 2 and 3) and the Overlook shelter will not be accepting reservations from April 1, 2025 - August 31, 2026, the camping cabins (4 and 9) will not be accepting reservations October 16, 2025 - August 31, 2026, camping cabin 5 will not be accepting reservations December 1 - August 31, 2026 and the lodge will not be accepting reservations from January 1 - August 31, 2026 due to a waterline project. If you want to be notified if the closure is modified, fill out the following form, **Waubonsie Facility Closure Google Form.** (Updated July 18, 2025)
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWaubonsie State Park Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
From US Hwy # 2 turn South on State Hwy 239 and continue straight into the park.
Address
2585 Waubonsie Park Road
Hamburg, IA 51640
Coordinates
40.68100049 N
95.68200036 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 53 min from Omaha, NE
- 58 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 16 min from St. Joseph, MO
- 2 hrs 28 min from Manhattan, KS
































