Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Iowa
Southwest Region
Viking Lake State Park
start slideshow
Viking Lake State Park Campgrounds © Travis Fleming of Bearded and Hooked
The grounds were always clean and free of debris. We were very impressed with the grounds at Viking Lake State Park. Tent camping here is a good time
Viking Lake State Park Viking Lake © Travis Fleming of Bearded and Hooked
Bearded and Hooked found many different species of fish to catch. We fly fished for bass and blue gill, catfished at night, and had a blast on this lake.
Viking Lake State Park Teaching the youngsters © Travis Fleming of Bearded and Hooked
Bearded And Hooked had an open class for youngsters to come learn fly fishing basics, casting net, and basic angler actions, as well as conservation of our great outdoors
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
VIKING LAKE STATE PARK
VIKING LAKE STATE PARK
2780 Viking Lake Road
Stanton, Iowa   51573

Phone: 712-829-2235
Reservations: 877-427-2757
Email: park email button icon
Viking Lake State Park is a scenic 1,000-acre park located in southwestern Iowa. The main feature of the park is its beautiful 137-acre lake which offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming.

Established in 1952, Viking Lake has become one of the most popular state parks due to its picturesque rolling hills covered with timber and open prairie areas providing diverse habitats for various wildlife species. Hikers can enjoy over six miles of trails that wind through this varied landscape.

The park also includes modern campgrounds equipped with amenities such as electrical hookups and showers alongside non-modern campsites for those seeking a more rustic experience. Picnic areas are available throughout the area making it ideal for family outings or group events.
Camping
The Viking Lake campground is one of the most popular in southwest Iowa. The spacious, shady campground is located on the lakeshore. There are 120 campsites (94 with electrical hookups, 22 full service, 9 buddy sites, and 26 non-electrical), modern rest rooms and showers and a trailer dump station. A playground is located in the campground. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lodge
A lodge/restaurant has been added to the park. This facility overlooks the lake and includes a new concession area along with a restaurant. Come enjoy great food and a beautiful view of the lake.
Boating
The boat concession near the swimming area has bait for sale and motor boats, paddle boats and pontoon boats for rent. A concrete boat ramp is nearby and a docking area is a short distance away in a well protected cove. Rental spaces are available on an annual reservation basis. Any size boat motors may be used on Viking Lake provided they are operated at "no wake" speeds.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing from the shoreline or boat. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. A fish cleaning station is available.

Location
Viking Lake State Park is
Picnicking
A long sweep of shady, grassy hillside extends down to the water's edge forming a beautiful picnic area. The upper road also goes to an open picnic shelter and overlook with an excellent view of the lake. The shelter may be reserved for a fee through the park manager. There is also a large overlook above the beach area.
Trails
Hiking trails totaling six miles provide visitors an excellent look at the park's natural features. The Bur Oak Nature Trail and its accompanying booklet provide insight on many of the important shrubs, plants and trees found at Viking Lake. The one mile trail takes abut one hour to walk. In winter, snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails.
Birding
The park is home to various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Birders can enjoy spotting waterfowl and songbirds around the lake area or in wooded sections of the park. The diverse habitat attracts migratory birds as well during spring and fall seasons.
Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 27 MY HOMETOWN PARK by Jenny brezina kovitch
park review stars; one to five JENNY BREZINA I grew up in Iowa on a farm.My dad took us fishing off the spill way back then man did he catch fish Family 0f 9. YEARS OF MEMORIES Terry took us swimming had to walk a long way paving road. Swimming started to itch Dr. said sand flees. MRS SLUMPart and music teacher took us on a nature hunt for drift wood made a clay bunny SITTING ON MY PIECE OF WOOD received an A. I love the spring flowers HUBBY LOVES FALL DEER Son loves to swim and to cath the big one
June 25 One of the best by Bearded And Hooked
park review stars; one to five First, Bearded and Hooked would like to thank Viking Lake State Park for hosting us this weekend. You guys were awesome. We have camped at MANY campgrounds across the U.S. over the years, and Viking Lake State Park is one of the best! The grounds are well taken care of, the tent site areas are clean of rocks, and sticks. The bathrooms and showers are the best I have seen in a state park. And DNR does a fantastic job taking care of any issues, questions, and keeping everyone safe. They do more than most that I have seen. We will most definitely be coming back and encouraging others to make a reservation there. Thank you for the awesome experience
July 19 by Cool dad
park review stars; one to five Love it clean restrooms going to tent camping really soon
write a review read more reviews
Share On
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

X