🌤 Weather at Wapsipinicon State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–70 °F | 58–83 °F | 26–75 °F | 9–33 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Anamosa 1 Wnw, 1 mi away, elevation 805 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Wapsipinicon State Park is a public state park in Iowa near Anamosa in Jones County County. Spanning 394 acres and established in 1923, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Anamosa |
| County | Jones County |
| Park Size | 394 acres |
| Established | 1923 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (500 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Wapsipinicon State Park is located near Anamosa, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 42.0953, -91.2856.
Things to Do
Iowa state parks offer a surprising diversity of landscapes beyond the classic rolling farm fields, featuring deep river valleys, natural lakes, loess hills, and ancient limestone bluffs. Activities revolve around the water, with excellent fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, boating on natural and man-made lakes, and pleasant beach swimming. Land activities include camping in shaded hardwood forests, hiking expanding trail networks, exploring unique geological formations like the Maquoketa Caves, and cycling on extensive paved rail-trails that frequently connect park units across the state.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season, ideal for lake activities and family camping, though July and August can bring high heat and humidity. Fall (September–October) is arguably the best time to visit, offering cooler, comfortable temperatures, beautiful hardwood foliage, and excellent conditions for hiking and fishing without the summer crowds. Spring (April–May) provides great mushroom hunting (morels) and spring wildflower blooms. Winter is quiet, but several parks offer cross-country skiing and ice fishing when conditions allow.
Visitor Tips
Iowa stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping fees apply, and reservations can be made through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Half of all campsites are reservable, while the other half remain first-come, first-served. When visiting cave parks like Maquoketa Caves, check for any temporary closures related to bat protection (White-Nose Syndrome) and wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Wapsipinicon State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Wapsipinicon State Park — named from the Meskwaki (Fox) word meaning “white potato” — provides recreation along a river corridor in the agricultural Midwest. The park’s forested river valley contrasts with the surrounding open farmland, creating an ecological oasis that attracts migrating songbirds, resident wildlife, and outdoor enthusiasts. The riparian forest of cottonwood, silver maple, and black walnut provides nesting habitat for Baltimore orioles, warbling vireos, and red-eyed vireos. Belted kingfishers hover over the water before plunging for fish. Great horned owls — one of the most powerful raptors in North America — nest in the large trees. Beaver maintain dams on tributary streams, creating wetland habitat for wood ducks and green herons.
Nearby Attractions
The surrounding region offers diverse agricultural and historic attractions. National Register historic sites dot the Midwest landscape. Route 66 heritage runs through Illinois. Mississippi River towns preserve steamboat-era history. Lincoln heritage trail connects presidential sites. State park system provides extensive recreation. County fairs and farmers’ markets celebrate agricultural heritage throughout the growing season. Midwest craft brewery scene has exploded with local taprooms and brewpubs.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Palisades-Kepler State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Lake Macbride State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Wapsipinicon State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 25 sites — 11 Standard Electric sites, 20/30 amp, $20/night peak (May 1-Oct 15). 8 Standard Non-Electric sites, $12/night peak. 4 Walk To (tent) sites, $12/night peak. 1 Buddy site, $40/night peak. 1 Standard Full Hook-Up site (electric/water/sewer), $32/night peak. Pull-through sites accommodate 40-60 feet. Showers and restrooms on site. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed on campsites; not allowed at shelters or the day-use lodge. |
| Reservations | 100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (319) 462-2761. |
| Special sites | 2 shelters and a day-use lodge available for rent. |
Camping questions about Wapsipinicon State Park
Can you camp at Wapsipinicon State Park?
Yes. Wapsipinicon State Park has 25 campsites. 11 Standard Electric sites, 20/30 amp, $20/night peak (May 1-Oct 15). 8 Standard Non-Electric sites, $12/night peak. 4 Walk To (tent) sites, $12/night peak. 1 Buddy site, $40/night peak. 1 Standard Full Hook-Up site (electric/water/sewer), $32/night peak. Pull-through sites accommodate 40-60 feet. Showers and restrooms on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Wapsipinicon State Park?
100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (319) 462-2761.
Are pets allowed at the Wapsipinicon State Park campground?
Pets allowed on campsites; not allowed at shelters or the day-use lodge.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Wapsipinicon State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Wapsipinicon State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Wapsipinicon State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
