Viking Lake St Park Campground

Hello, fellow Iowans! If you’re like us, you know that our state, with its stunning natural beauty and welcoming communities, offers some truly incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation. From tranquil lakes to winding trails, Iowa is a paradise for campers and nature lovers. Today, we're casting our lines into a popular favorite in southwestern Iowa: Viking Lake State Park Campground. This isn't just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a vibrant hub for family fun, fishing adventures, and peaceful lakeside relaxation, all nestled within the charming landscape near Stanton.

For those of us in Iowa, selecting the right campground means finding a place that balances natural beauty with convenient amenities, a spot where memories are made around crackling campfires and under starry skies. Viking Lake State Park Campground has long been a go-to destination, celebrated for its picturesque setting and diverse activities. Whether you're planning a weekend fishing trip, a summer family vacation centered around the lake, or just a quiet retreat into nature, this campground offers something for everyone. We've gathered all the details you need to know about Viking Lake State Park Campground, helping you, our local Iowa community, plan your next great outdoor adventure.

Viking Lake State Park Campground is beautifully situated at 2383 Viking Lake Rd, Stanton, IA 51573, USA. This prime location places it in Montgomery County, in the scenic southwestern region of Iowa. The park is centered around the expansive 137-acre Viking Lake, which is the heart of many of the park's recreational offerings.

The town of Stanton, while small, provides a quaint and welcoming gateway to the state park. Its proximity means that campers have access to basic necessities, including gas stations and a selection of "good local restaurants," as noted by a past visitor, offering a taste of small-town Iowa hospitality. This blend of natural seclusion and nearby conveniences is a significant advantage for campers.

Accessibility to Viking Lake State Park is generally straightforward. The park is well-connected by Iowa's state and county road networks, making it relatively easy to reach from various parts of the state. While specific directions will depend on your starting point, drivers can expect well-maintained roads leading directly to the park entrance and campground area. The park's popularity means it's a recognized destination, and signage should guide you effectively.

Once inside the park, the campground itself is strategically located on the lakeshore, offering convenient access to the water for various activities. A concrete boat ramp is available for those bringing their own watercraft, and a well-protected cove provides a docking area. For shoreline anglers, six universally accessible fishing jetties are scattered around the lake, ensuring everyone can enjoy the excellent fishing opportunities.

The overall setting of Viking Lake State Park is characterized by "picturesque rolling hills covered with timber and open prairie areas," creating diverse habitats for wildlife and offering scenic beauty for campers to enjoy. This natural backdrop, combined with the ease of reaching the park and accessing its various features, makes Viking Lake State Park Campground a highly accessible and attractive destination for Iowans seeking an outdoor escape.

• Diverse Campsite Options: Viking Lake State Park Campground offers a wide variety of campsites, including 94 with electrical hookups, 22 full-service sites (electric, water, sewer), 9 buddy sites, and 26 non-electrical sites. This ensures options for every type of camper, from tenters to large RVs.

• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The campground is equipped with modern restroom facilities and showers. While one review noted inconsistent cleanliness and hot water in showers, the presence of these amenities is crucial for a comfortable camping experience.

• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available within the campground, allowing RVers to properly dispose of their wastewater.

• Playground: A playground located within the campground provides entertainment for younger campers, making it a family-friendly destination.

• Reservations and First-Come, First-Served: Campers can reserve sites in advance through the park reservation system, while approximately half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility.

• Boat Concession and Rental: Near the swimming area, a boat concession offers bait for sale and rents motorboats, paddle boats, and pontoon boats, providing easy access to water recreation for those without their own equipment.

• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: The campground boasts a spacious and often shady location right on the lakeshore of the 137-acre Viking Lake, offering picturesque views and direct access to water activities.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Viking Lake is renowned for its fishing, with reports of "large bluegills and largemouth bass." The lake is stocked with various species including bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye. Six universally accessible fishing jetties provide ample shoreline fishing spots.

• Sandy Swimming Beach: A nice sandy swim beach with a shaded grassy area and nearby restrooms offers a perfect spot for families to cool off and relax during warmer months.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: The park features over six miles of trails, including a 5.5-mile multi-use trail around the lake and a one-mile self-guided Burr Oak Nature Trail, allowing visitors to explore the diverse habitats and scenery.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: Beyond the playground, the park offers picnic areas and three reservable picnic shelters (one with a kitchenette), making it ideal for family outings and group gatherings.

• New Lodge/Restaurant: A recent addition to the park is a lodge/restaurant overlooking the lake, providing a convenient dining option with beautiful views.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse habitat, including timber and open prairie, attracts various wildlife such as beavers, turkeys, muskrats, ducks, shorebirds, and white-tailed deer, offering great opportunities for nature observation.

Address: 2383 Viking Lake Rd, Stanton, IA 51573, USA

Park Phone: (712) 829-2235

Reservations: (877) 427-2757 (for advance campsite bookings)

Concession/Restaurant Phone: (712) 310-5996

For Iowans seeking an accessible, amenity-rich, and beautiful outdoor destination, Viking Lake State Park Campground stands out as an excellent choice. Its suitability for locals is deeply rooted in its blend of recreational opportunities, convenience, and genuine connection to the natural beauty of our state.

Firstly, the sheer variety of activities available right at your doorstep makes it an ideal spot for any Iowan, whether you're a seasoned angler, a family with active kids, or someone simply looking to unwind by the water. The "beautiful site" with "lots of fishing jetty spots" and a "nice sandy swim beach with shaded grassy area and restroom" ensures that there's always something to do. For those who enjoy boating, the lake's "no wake" speed limit makes it perfect for kayaks and other small personal watercraft, offering a peaceful experience on the water. This breadth of activities means locals don't have to travel far to find their preferred outdoor pursuits.

Secondly, the campground's practical amenities cater to diverse camping preferences. With options ranging from non-electric sites to full-service hookups for RVs, Viking Lake accommodates various comfort levels. While some reviews mention sites being "close together" or concerns about shade in certain areas, the presence of modern restrooms and showers (even if hot in summer!) and a dump station provides essential conveniences that make camping more enjoyable and accessible for families and individuals alike. The ability to reserve sites in advance or opt for first-come, first-served spontaneity adds to its local appeal.

Lastly, its location in southwestern Iowa, with "lots of small towns close by with gas stations and a few good local restaurants," emphasizes its accessibility and integrated feel within the community. Iowans can easily pop into nearby towns like Stanton to restock supplies or enjoy a local meal, adding a cultural dimension to their natural escape. Viking Lake State Park Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of Iowa's outdoors and its charming small-town life, making it a consistently suitable and cherished destination for residents across the state.

Viking Lake St Park Campground

2383 Viking Lake Rd, Stanton, IA 51573, USA