Wapsipinicon State Park Campground

For those of us in Iowa who appreciate a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse outdoor activities, Wapsipinicon State Park Campground offers a truly unique experience. Located just south of Anamosa, this cherished state park is one of Iowa's oldest, boasting a landscape shaped by the winding Wapsipinicon River and dramatic sandstone and limestone bluffs. It's a place where you can pitch your tent or park your RV amidst lush greenery, then step out to explore fascinating caves, extensive trails, and even an on-site golf course. While a few quirks, like early morning golf course maintenance and the occasional feline visitor, are part of its rustic charm, Wapsipinicon State Park Campground remains a beloved destination for Iowa locals seeking an authentic connection with nature.

Wapsipinicon State Park, often referred to simply as "Wapsi" by locals, spans nearly 400 acres and is steeped in history. Its facilities, including stone arch bridges and shelters, were remarkably constructed in the 1920s and 30s by prisoners from the nearby Anamosa State Penitentiary, giving the park a distinctive "Rustic style" and a place on the National Register of Historic Places. This blend of natural wonder and human ingenuity creates a captivating environment for visitors. Whether you're drawn by the promise of "great fishing" in the Wapsi River, the intrigue of exploring "Horse Thief Cave" or "Ice Cave," or simply the desire for a peaceful retreat with "plenty of shade," Wapsipinicon State Park Campground offers a memorable Iowa outdoor adventure.

Wapsipinicon State Park Campground is located at 21309 Co Rd E34, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA. This places it directly south of the vibrant town of Anamosa, a community known for its charm and as the home of the National Motorcycle Museum. For Iowa residents, this means the campground is easily accessible via well-maintained county roads, offering a convenient escape without requiring extensive travel.

The park's location along the Wapsipinicon River is a major draw, providing scenic views and direct access to water-based activities. While the campground feels immersed in nature with its "wooded areas" and "splendid views from the bluffs," its proximity to Anamosa means that essential services like grocery stores, fuel, and dining options are just a short drive away. This convenient access allows campers to easily resupply or enjoy a meal in town while still experiencing the tranquility of a state park. The park features multiple parking areas and is well-signposted, making navigation within the park straightforward for visitors of all experience levels.

Wapsipinicon State Park Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities, balancing a rustic experience with modern conveniences for a comfortable stay.

• Campsites: The shady campground offers approximately 30 campsites, with a mix of "electric hookups" (around 15 sites) and "nonelectric sites" (for a more rustic tent camping experience). Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring. Rates are affordable, starting around $15 for electric sites and $11 for non-electric.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: A significant convenience for campers, the park features "modern restrooms and showers." These facilities are open seasonally, generally from May 1 to mid-October, and are equipped with flush toilets and hot water.
• Self-Registration: Camping permits are obtained via a "self-registration" system at the campground, offering flexibility for late arrivals.
• Potable Water Hydrants: Water hydrants are available throughout the campground, providing access to potable water for drinking and cooking. These are also seasonal, typically available when shower buildings are open.
• RV Dump Station: While some older sources might mention a lack of a dump station, current information indicates that a "trailer dump station" is available, offering a convenient way for RVers to empty their tanks.
• Picnic Areas and Shelters: The park provides various picnic areas with tables and grills. Two open shelters (Dutch Creek and Playground Shelters) and two enclosed lodges (Boy Scout Lodge and Rotary Lodge) are available, often reservable online, ideal for group events.
• Playground: A playground area is available for children, offering a dedicated space for play and recreation.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in the park and campground, provided they are kept on a leash at all times.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is often available for purchase near the park office or from local vendors in Anamosa.

Wapsipinicon State Park Campground, beyond its basic amenities, boasts a rich array of features and highlights that set it apart as a premier Iowa destination.

• Historic Limestone Bluffs and Caves: The park's dramatic "sandstone and limestone bluffs" are a geological marvel, covered with "moss and columbine." Exploring the "rocky staircases, caverns, and numerous caves" is a major draw. Famous caves include the "bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave," steeped in local legend, and "Ice Cave," known for its "cool temperatures" even in summer.
• Wapsipinicon River Access and Fishing: The park's setting along the "Wapsipinicon River" (locally known as the "Wapsi") offers "excellent fishing opportunities." The river is "famous for its channel and flathead catfish, spring crappies, bullheads, and smallmouth bass," particularly below the dam near the park entrance. A "boat launch ramp" provides easy river access for boating and canoeing.
• Extensive Trail System: The park features "approximately 3.5 miles of multi-use trails," winding through "wooded areas and open grass prairies." These trails offer varied scenery and challenges for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in winter. Opportunities for "wildlife viewing" are abundant.
• On-Site Golf Course: A unique highlight for a state park, a "nine-hole golf course" maintained by the Wapsipinicon Country Club is located within the park boundaries. This offers a convenient recreational option for golf enthusiasts right at their campsite.
• Historic Structures and Heritage: As one of Iowa's oldest state parks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park features structures like stone arch bridges and lodges "handcrafted by prisoners" from Anamosa State Penitentiary. The "Historic Hale Bridge," a rare bowstring arch bridge, was also moved to the park in 2006.
• Native Flora and Fauna: The park is home to a "multitude of flowers, trees and wildlife," including a "white pine forest," one of the oldest plantings in Iowa. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, spot deer and wild turkeys, and even harvest "mushrooms, nuts, and berries" in season.
• Proximity to Anamosa Attractions: Being just south of Anamosa means campers can easily visit local attractions, including the National Motorcycle Museum and other town amenities.
• Scenic Views: The "unforgettable views from the road that winds between the river and bluffs" are a highlight, offering picturesque landscapes throughout the park.

For inquiries, current conditions, or more detailed information about Wapsipinicon State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 21309 Co Rd E34, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA
• Phone (Park Office): (319) 462-2761

It is advisable to contact the park office directly for the most up-to-date information on campsite availability (especially during peak seasons), seasonal facility openings (e.g., showers and water hydrants typically run from May to October), and any specific park advisories, such as golf course maintenance schedules or conditions for specific trails. Online reservations are also available through the Iowa State Parks reservation system for many sites.

For residents of Iowa, Wapsipinicon State Park Campground offers a truly comprehensive and conveniently located outdoor experience that taps into the heart of our state's natural and historical offerings. Its prime location just outside Anamosa means it's an accessible escape for many, allowing for spontaneous weekend getaways or longer, more immersive vacations without the burden of extensive travel.

This campground is perfectly suited for locals because it caters to a diverse range of interests within a single, beautiful setting. Whether you're a family looking for a comfortable campsite with "modern restrooms and showers" and a playground for the kids, an angler eager to try your luck in the "Wapsipinicon River," or an adventurer keen to explore historic caves and scenic "hiking trails," Wapsipinicon delivers. The unique historical aspect, with structures built by penitentiary prisoners, adds a compelling layer to the park's charm, making it an educational as well as recreational destination.

While the occasional early morning leaf blower or inquisitive stray cat are small aspects of a wilder environment, they are minor trade-offs for the vast benefits: affordable camping, abundant natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and a sense of stepping back in time. For Iowans seeking a blend of outdoor activity, historical intrigue, and the simple pleasure of camping in a beautiful, well-equipped state park, Wapsipinicon State Park Campground stands out as an ideal choice to create lasting memories.

Wapsipinicon State Park Campground

21309 Co Rd E34, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA