Lake Of Three Fires State Park
00 review2303 Lake Road, Bedford, Iowa, 50833, United States
Lake Of Three Fires State Park
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 advance, but exact prices are not stated.
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About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes handicap-accessible amenities such as picnic areas, shelters, and restrooms.
Sites 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.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some areas are described as quiet and peaceful, while RV loops are noted to be more crowded.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near equestrian trails for horse lovers. Tent sites closer to the equine trailhead are quieter and away from RV loops.
Best CampsitesSpot #55 is recommended for tent camping. Sites #97 and #98 are described as quiet with partial shade and proximity to equestrian trails.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutModern campgrounds with loops, separate equestrian camping areas, RV lots, tent sites, and studio cabins.
Open and Closed SeasonCabins are available year-round, suggesting the park is open year-round, but winter services (e.g., restrooms and showers) may be limited.
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.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
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.
Hiking
The 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.'Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
The 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.'Biking
The park offers mountain biking trails as part of its multi-use trail system.Boating
The 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 viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include spotting deer and various bird species. One reviewer remarked, 'We saw deer on the way to the camping area.'Beach activities
The beach area features clean sand, a volleyball court, and a playground, making it ideal for families.Winter Activities
Snowmobiling trails are available in winter.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews report poison ivy near tree lines and occasional issues with water temperature in bathhouses.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Medical clinic available greater than 1 mile away. The nearest hospital is greater than 10 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the facility, but no specific recycling options were mentioned.
Proximity to 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.
Common complaintsUneven RV pads requiring levelers, locked restrooms during winter months, malfunctioning showers (hot/cold extremes), and inconsistent water temperature at dump stations.
HostHosts described as helpful by some users; others noted negative experiences with campground hosts being unkind.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Lake Of Three Fires State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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...
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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...
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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.
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).
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.'
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.
Accessibility Features
The park includes handicap-accessible facilities, though specific user feedback on accessibility is limited.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed within the park, but specific reviews on pet-related features are limited.
Last updated August 10, 2025