In winter, snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails. Viking Lake is well stocked with crappies, bluegills, bass, bullheads and catfish. A sandy beach is located on the west shore with unsupervised swimming and a concession building where refreshments may be purchased. 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.
Fishing at Viking Lake State Park. Viking Lake is one of the most popular state parks in southwest Iowa due to its accessibility and variety of recreational opportunities. A large portion of the 1,000-acre park has been left in its natural state and has an abundance of wild flowers, plants and wildlife. It is not uncommon to see beavers, turkeys, muskrats, ducks, shore birds and white-tailed deer. Many of the park's hills and valleys were once campsites of Native American tribes and artifacts were uncovered when the dam was being constructed.