Lake Of Three Fires State Park

4.47

47 reviews

2303 Lake Road, Bedford, Iowa, 50833, United States

Family FriendlyPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Iowa Hiking Camping Iowa Swimming Camping Iowa +3 more

Quick Facts

1,142 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,142 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Of Three Fires State Park

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Electric hookups for RV camping are listed at $10 per night according to user reviews. Cabins are available year-round and must be reserved in...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$10.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 47 reviews

254 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwaterlakebeach

"User reviews consistently praise the park for its natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Common highlights include the clean beach, spacious trails, and cozy cabins, though some complaints focus on water temperature in showers and uneven RV pads."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2303 Lake Road, Bedford, Iowa, 50833, United States

Lake Of Three Fires State Park

2303 Lake Road, Bedford, Iowa, 50833, United States

Driving directionsFrom Bedford, go east out of town for 1/2 mile on Hwy 2 then turn north on Lake Road. Go north 3 miles, and Lake of Three Fires is located on the west side.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, with clear directions provided from Bedford, Iowa. There is no indication of seasonal closures in the provided sources.

Nearby places

Bedford (3 miles north), Historic Bedford with antique shops and Taylor County Historical Museum located nearby.

Nearby supplies

Fuel, vehicles, medical clinic, and groceries are available greater than 1 mile away. Bedford hosts several shopping locations, including antique shops.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Of Three Fires State Park

Experience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasons at Lake of Three Fires, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm, sunny days perfect for swimming and boating, though temperatures can climb into the sweltering range. Autumn transforms the oak and hickory canopy into a photographer's dream of gold and crimson. Winter offers a stark beauty and solitude for hardy campers, though be prepared for potential extreme cold and limited facilities during these months. Spring awakens the park with wildflowers and migrating birds, creating ideal conditions for nature watching.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in IA

Summer highlights: clean beach, swimming, boating and family activities; strong positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Wooded setting and trails suggest good fall color and hiking opportunities; reviewers note scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings migratory birds, wetlands and trail reopening; conditions may be muddy early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Cabins open year‑round; peaceful winter visits reported but some facilities (bathrooms/showers) may be closed.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Cabins are available year-round, suggesting the park is open year-round, but winter services (e.g., restrooms and showers) may be limited.

About Lake Of Three Fires State Park

Nestled within 691 acres of pristine Iowa wilderness, Lake of Three Fires State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its crystalline 85-acre lake surrounded by ancient oak and hickory forests. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring winding multi-use trails, or settling into modern campgrounds complete with hot showers, this hidden gem offers something for everyone. Equestrian adventurers will discover dedicated camping areas equipped with corrals and hitching posts, while photographers find endless inspiration in the park's diverse landscapes. From refreshing summer swims to peaceful nature walks, every visit promises new discoveries.

Lake of Three Fires State Park offers a variety of camping options, including primitive sites, RV spots with electric hookups, tent sites, equestrian-friendly sites, and studio cabins.

Historical SignificanceJust beyond the park's tranquil boundaries lies the charming town of Bedford, a treasure trove of Iowa heritage. Antique hunters and history buffs alike will delight in browsing the town's renowned shops, where generations of stories are preserved in vintage finds. The Taylor County Historical Museum offers fascinating glimpses into the region's past, from pioneer settlements to agricultural traditions that shaped this corner of southern Iowa.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasons at Lake of Three Fires, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm, sunny days perfect for swimming and boating, though temperatures can climb into the sweltering range. Autumn transforms the oak and hickory canopy into a photographer's dream of gold and crimson. Winter offers a stark beauty and solitude for hardy campers, though be prepared for potential extreme cold and limited facilities during these months. Spring awakens the park with wildflowers and migrating birds, creating ideal conditions for nature watching.

ElevationPositioned in the gently rolling hills of southern Iowa, Lake of Three Fires offers a peaceful retreat from the flatlands. While dramatic elevation changes aren't part of the landscape here, the subtle topography creates intimate valleys and ridges that add visual interest to your hiking adventures and provide varied perspectives of the lake and surrounding forests.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living tapestry where ancient oak and hickory sentinels stand guard over 691 acres of diverse ecosystems. The centerpiece 85-acre lake mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, creating picture-perfect reflections at sunrise and sunset. Along the water's edge, vibrant wetlands teem with life, offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities for patient observers. Remnant prairies scattered throughout the park provide glimpses of Iowa's pre-settlement landscape, where native grasses sway in the breeze and wildflowers paint the meadows in seasonal colors.

Geological RegionLake of Three Fires rests in the heart of southern Taylor County, Iowa, where millennia of natural forces have sculpted a remarkable landscape. The park's 85-acre lake, cradled by rolling hills of oak and hickory timber, represents a perfect marriage of water and woodland. Wetland fingers reach into the forest, creating a mosaic of habitats where prairie remnants meet ancient woodlands. This diverse geological canvas supports an equally rich array of plant and animal life, making every trail a journey through Iowa's natural heritage.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Exact stay limit is unspecified, but cabins are described as rentable for weekly durations based on user reviews.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per campsite are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutModern campgrounds with loops, separate equestrian camping areas, RV lots, tent sites, and studio cabins.

Reservation PlatformsReservations for cabins and shelters are managed online. No specific platform is mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information is provided on walk-up site availability, but user reviews suggest quieter camping in off-season periods.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not described in the source materials.

AccessibilityThe park includes handicap-accessible amenities such as picnic areas, shelters, and restrooms.

Site SizeSites include both standard and larger options, but some users noted that tent sites can be small. One review mentioned, 'Camped in a tent at spot #97 and #98. The site was a little small.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some areas are described as quiet and peaceful, while RV loops are noted to be more crowded.

Recommended SitesChoose sites near equestrian trails for horse lovers. Tent sites closer to the equine trailhead are quieter and away from RV loops.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Lake of Three Fires State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and equestrian trail riding. The park also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and seasonal activities such as snowmobiling.

HikingThe park features over 10 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, equestrian use, and snowmobiling. Trails navigate through wetlands, woodlands, and prairie remnants. Reviews highlight the well-maintained paths: 'The trails are well maintained. Campground and trails had been freshly mown before Labor Day weekend.'

FishingFishing is available in the 85-acre lake, which is home to bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, bullhead, and channel catfish. The park provides several fishing jetties for shoreline access.

SwimmingThe sandy beach area includes roped-off swimming zones, which are clean and well-maintained according to user reviews. One reviewer noted, 'The beach is nice and clean, and the kids had a blast there.'

BikingThe park offers mountain biking trails as part of its multi-use trail system.

BoatingThe lake supports boating activities, including canoeing and paddle boating. Two boat ramps are available for easy lake access. However, one user expressed a desire for more rentals: 'We wished there was somewhere to rent kayaks or paddle boats.'

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include spotting deer and various bird species. One reviewer remarked, 'We saw deer on the way to the camping area.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews report poison ivy near tree lines and occasional issues with water temperature in bathhouses.

Emergency ServicesMedical clinic available greater than 1 mile away. The nearest hospital is greater than 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility, but no specific recycling options were mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to an 85-acre lake, nearly a mile long and half a mile wide, with scenic inlets suitable for fishing and boating.

Camp HostHosts described as helpful by some users; others noted negative experiences with campground hosts being unkind.

Weather at Lake Of Three Fires State Park

Reviews

4.5

47 reviews

Recommended

Lake Of Three Fires State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently praise the park for its natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Common highlights include the clean beach, spacious trails, and cozy cabins, though some complaints focus on water temperature in showers and uneven RV pads.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the clean and scenic beach, well-maintained trails, and the cozy, functional cabins. One reviewer described the lake as 'beautiful,' and another noted, 'The beach is great to...

Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with shower water temperature, uneven RV pads, and limited cell service. One user noted: 'Ladies bathhouse, the showers could use some help.' Another mentioned, 'The...

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing levelers for RVs and being prepared for limited cell service. For tent campers, some noted that sites might be small, so early reservations could be crucial.

Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews focus on the clean beach and family-friendly activities, while winter reviews highlight the peaceful atmosphere but mention limited amenities (e.g., locked bathrooms).

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

'We had a great time here!' 'The cabins are not supplied and no maid service. But they are cute and nice.' 'The trails are well maintained.' 'Ladies bathhouse, the showers could use some help.'

Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #97 and #98 are noted as small and partially shaded, with one lacking a cooking grate on the fire ring. Site #55 was recommended for tent camping.

Based on 47 reviews