Blackburn State Park
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins, lodge or inn rooms
- Official site
- iowadnr.gov(712) 382-2786
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Blackburn State Park is a park in Fremont County, about 13 miles southeast of Plattsmouth.
Things to do include horseback riding and hiking. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with electric hookups and tent sites). There are also cabins and lodge rooms for rent.
Pets
Privately owned animals must be on a leash of max six feet or confined; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds; most cabins/yurts are pet-free.
Statewide rule from Iowa's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Iowa State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
- Phone
- 1-877-427-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsites Stay overnight in one of eight cabins at Waubonsie, some featuring fireplaces and year-round accommodations. The park also contains a modern campground with non-electric and electric campsites, modern showers, restrooms and a sanitary dump station. The more primitive equestrian campground contains non-electric sites with hitching rails, pens and pit vault toilets. Cabin and campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Waubonsie State Park. | — | Electric campsites; Non electric campsites | — |
Camping details from the park
Stay overnight in one of eight cabins at Waubonsie, some featuring fireplaces and year-round accommodations. The park also contains a modern campground with non-electric and electric campsites, modern showers, restrooms and a sanitary dump station. The more primitive equestrian campground contains non-electric sites with hitching rails, pens and pit vault toilets. Cabin and campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Waubonsie State Park.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camping cabins
- Modern family cabins
- Studio family cabins
Reserve the Wa-Shawtee Lodge, a year-round, full-service reception hall that can accommodate up to 160 guests. Or reserve the Overlook Shelter, an open pavilion in a beautiful overlook setting. Both can be reserved online for large gatherings up to 12 months in advance. Check out the online reservation system for Waubonsie State Park.
Things to do
Horseback ridingHikingCamping
Trails
Hike the Sunset Ridge Nature Trail that traverses the heart of the park, offering sweeping views of the Missouri River Valley. The Ridge and Valley trails also provide ample hiking opportunities, taking visitors through quiet and shaded woodland areas. Eight miles of trails are accessible only to hikers. Another eight miles of multi-use trails wind through the northern regions of Waubonsie and are perfect for anyone in search of challenging hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding or snowmobiling opportunities.
Explore the nearby Blackburn State Park Unit, which covers 72 acres of Loess hills prairie and woodland ridge tops and valleys. Located about 16 miles north of Waubonsie and adjacent to nearly 500 acres of public wildlife area, this property makes a great place for bird and wildlife viewing. Amenities at Blackburn include a two-mile hiking trail, shelter, picnic tables, fire ring and pit latrine. Blackburn State Park Unit was donated in 2019 by William and Sara Blackburn.
Boating, paddling and fishing
Fish for largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish in Lake Virginia. The 7-acre lake is also a popular spot for paddlesport enthusiasts to kayak or canoe. The lake is limited to electric motor boats only.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Playground
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
Lodging
- Cabins
- Lodge or inn rooms
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 1291 Cemetery Rd
Thurman, IA 51654 - Nearest town
- Plattsmouth — about 13 mi southeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.8600, -95.7442
- Phone
- (712) 382-2786
- Waubonsie@dnr.iowa.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Iowa State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- Iowa DNR 'All Parks' directory (Drupal view, ?page=0..3) — state parks, recreation areas, a state preserve and state forests
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology