Viking Lake State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
You’ll be glad that you made plans to visit Viking Lake State Park in southern Iowa! Not too large and not too small, this park has 1,000 acres to explore. Located in Staton, Iowa, once you’ve visited this park, you’ll start your plans on coming back the next year before you even leave. This park has something for everyone as it is one of the most popular in the southwest Iowa area and the perfect place to take a break from your hectic schedule. Enjoy camping here in your RV as the campsites provide full-service hookups, modern restrooms including showers, along with a dump station on-site. A great family-friendly location, there are three picnic shelters and a playground for the little ones to explore. A lodge has been recently added to the park that overlooks Lake Viking, providing picturesque views while enjoying a great dinner among friends. From hiking and biking to bird watching and swimming, you’ll find that Viking Lake State Park is one of your favorite places to visit.
RV Rentals in Viking Lake State Park
Transportation
Driving
Pack up your motorhome and head to Viking Lake State Park, near Staton, Iowa. Only a short distance from Red Oak, Iowa, this park is located a few miles from Highway 34, providing a quick getaway weekend escape. No matter the location you’re heading headed from, you’ll find that this park is well worth the drive. Viking Lake State Park is a nice place for campers to feel like you are not too far from home while having a great camping experience.
Parking
When you arrive at Viking Lake State Park you will find that this place itself is a treat indeed. Many of the roads at the state park are paved making it easier to navigate during your stay with a majority of the camping sites requiring back-in parking. The campground is nestled to the south of Viking Lake and is near the trailer dump station, fishin,g and cleaning station and near one of the four park boat ramps.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Viking Lake State Park
Campsites in Viking Lake State Park
Reservations camping
Viking Lake State Park Campground
Come and camp at one of the pristine and popular campgrounds in southwest Iowa. With great views of Viking Lake, the spacious campsites are located along the shoreline accompanied by great shade trees. This campground provides provides electrical-only sites and full hookup sites along with an updated restroom and shower area. For campers not using the full hookup sites, there is a dump station at the campground for visitors to use. Make plans to visit during the booking window of May to August as the park provides the opportunity to reserve your spot in advance by using their online system prior to your arrival. Pack a flashlight there is not much light around the lake and once the sun goes down, get ready for some great star gazing. A great place for camping, get here soon - you’ll be glad you did!
First-come first-served
Viking Lake State Park Campground
Need a last minute getaway? Viking Lake State Park is a popular, well-maintained campground that provides electrical-only sites and full hookup sites along with an updated restroom and shower area. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis so get here early and get a jump on your vacation today!
Seasonal activities in Viking Lake State Park
In-Season
Water Sports
Get out in your boat on this beautiful Iowa's Viking Lake. Know for the many varieties of water recreation sports this area provides, campers enjoy being on this 137-acre lake. With the shallowest area starting at the beach, Viking Lake can travel down 44 feet in some areas. The state park provides a concrete boat ramp and docking station that is near a cove. You may bring any size motor boats to Viking Lake but they will need to travel at “no wake” speed.
Swimming and Relaxing at the Park Beach
Come out and enjoy some time in the sun on the west shore of Viking Lake. A great place for families, the beach area provides you a chance to relax during your visit. Swimming is done at your own risk as lifeguards are not provided and the water does become deeper closer to the jetty area. Not too far from the camping site, this is a great place to unwind while your camp in your RV.
Picnicking
Enjoy a great meal after a fun day out in the sun at one of the three picnic shelters at Viking Lake State Park. The shady, grassy hills along Lake Viking provides the ideal picnic area. Great for large groups and family reunions as the Lower Picnic Shelter is equipped with a kitchenette. If you would like to have your picnic with views of Viking Lake, you may want to try the Upper Picnic Shelter at the park.
Off-Season
Fishing
Pack your fishing gear in your rig as you will need it at one of Iowa’s great fishing spots. Full of crappies, bluegills, bass, bullheads, and catfish, you’ll have a great time catching your next meal. A fishing and cleaning station is located near the campground, on the south side of Viking Lake. With four boat ramps available for those who enjoy fishing off the lake and six universally accessible fishing jetties, anglers will be delighted with the many options during their stay at Viking Lake State Park.
Wildlife Viewing
Part of Viking Lake State Park’s popularity is due to the accessibility of natural wildlife and vegetation. A former campsite of Native American tribes, artifacts were uncovered when the dam was being constructed among the park’s hills and valleys. Viking Lake State Park has left the 1,000-acre area in a natural state so you will get a chance to view unique aspects of animals such as beavers, turkeys, muskrats, ducks, shorebirds, and white-tailed deer. There is an abundance of wild flowers and plants to enjoy - get outside today!
Hiking
Explore Viking Lake State Park by hiking two trails, Bur Oak Nature Trail and White-tail Trail, during your RV camping trip. If planning to walk the Bur Oak Nature Trail, stop by the visitor center to pick up the park's booklet that provides information on the plants, shrubs, and trees that you will see during your hike. The one-mile trails take an estimated one hour to walk. If visiting in the winter, there are designated trails available for snowmobiles.
