Wapsipinicon State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- YesAlso lodge or inn rooms
- Official site
- iowadnr.gov(319) 462-2761
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Partial closure Wapsipinicon State Park: Modern Facilites closureModern Facilites closure: The campground shower building are closed for the season. This includes hydrants and the drinking fountain. They will… (more)
Modern Facilites closure: The campground shower building are closed for the season. This includes hydrants and the drinking fountain. They will reopen May 1, 2027. The campground will also be closed beginning November 15. It will reopen on April 1, 2027. (Updated 10/26/2026)
Posted by the park 2026-10-16. Official alert
Overview
In Jones County, in Anamosa, Wapsipinicon State Park covers about 398 acres.
Things to do include golf, historic sites, boating, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers). There are also 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
- Camping
- Required
- Booking system
- Iowa State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
- Phone
- 1-877-427-2757
The campground is 100% reservable and a reservation is required.
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 Camp in Wapsipinicon’s shady campground, offering the perfect setting for a weekend getaway or family vacation. The modern campground has non-electric and electric campsites, showers and restrooms. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Wapsipinicon State Park. The campground is 100% reservable and a reservation is required. | — | Electric campsites; Full hook-up campsitesShowers | — |
Camping details from the park
Camp in Wapsipinicon’s shady campground, offering the perfect setting for a weekend getaway or family vacation. The modern campground has non-electric and electric campsites, showers and restrooms. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Wapsipinicon State Park.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
Reserve the Dutch Creek or Playground Shelter for an outdoor gathering during your visit. The Playground Shelter is ADA accessible, and the Rotary Lodge is a larger venue available year-round for large events. The lodge can be reserved up to 12 months in advance through the online reservation system for Wapsipinicon State Park.
Things to do
GolfHistoric sites and toursHikingBoatingCamping
Trails
Hike more than three miles of multi-use trails, winding through wooded areas and open grass prairies. The trails to Horse Thief Cave and Ice Cave lead to the recreation area, and the other trail meanders to Dutch Creek. These multi-use trails are also open to cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Explore the bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave and Ice Cave hidden in the rocky bluffs along the trails. Horse Thief Cave is named after legendary horse thieves who used the cave as an escape while traveling decades ago, and Ice Cave is named for its chilling temperatures inside. Prior to their use by horse thieves, the caves served as a shelter for prehistoric Native American cultures.
Fishing
Fish along the Wapsipinicon River, also known as the Wapsi. Dutch Creek runs through the park and empties into the Wapsi, which is a feeding area for walleye. The river is popular for its channel and flathead catfish, spring crappies, bullheads and smallmouth bass.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Showers
- Playground
Water
- Boat ramp
- Marina or boat slips
Camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Sewer hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Lodge or inn rooms
Recreation
- Golf course
✓ 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
- 21301 County Road E34
Anamosa, IA 52205 - Nearest town
- Anamosa
- Coordinates
- 42.1002, -91.2939
- Phone
- (319) 462-2761
- Wapsipinicon@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
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: CabinAtWapsi.jpg — CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication), Maatpublishing
“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