Viking Lake State Park

Open — Open through December 31, 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis. Closed January 1 through March 31 for the winter season. Reopens April 1, 2026 with 100% reservable sites. Modern restrooms are closed for the season.

About

Viking Lake State Park is one of southwest Iowa's most popular recreation destinations, encompassing 1,000 acres of rolling hills, valleys, and a 136-acre lake. Originally constructed in 1957 and renovated in 2009, Viking Lake offers excellent fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye. The park preserves significant natural areas with abundant wildflowers, native plants, and diverse wildlife including beavers, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and numerous waterfowl species. Archaeological evidence suggests Native American tribes once camped in these hills and valleys. The lakeside campground features 117 sites: 61 with electric hookups, 22 full-service sites with electric, water, and sewer, 23 tent-only sites, 6 buddy sites, and 1 youth group site. Modern amenities include restrooms with showers, a dump station, and a playground. The campground is 100% reservable during the main season through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Recreational opportunities abound with a 5.5-mile maintained multi-use trail circling the lake and a one-mile self-guided Burr Oak Nature Trail. Six universally accessible fishing jetties provide excellent shoreline access, and four boat ramps accommodate watercraft of any size, though only no-wake speeds are permitted. An unsupervised sandy beach on the west shore welcomes swimmers. Three picnic shelters are available for group gatherings, including one with an enclosed kitchenette. Nearby attractions include the World's Largest Coffee Pot in Stanton and various museums in Red Oak.

Directions

From Highway 34, go south on County Road M-65, then turn east on County Road H-43 and continue to the park entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds