Beeds Lake State Park

Open — The campground closes January 1, 2026 for the winter season and reopens April 1, 2026. Sites are first-come, first-served through December 31, 2025. Starting April 2026, all sites become 100% reservable with same-day reservations accepted. Water facilities and bathroom buildings are closed for winter; pit latrines remain open.

About

Beeds Lake State Park is a 319-acre centerpiece of Franklin County, Iowa, named after William Beed, the original property owner before the Civilian Conservation Corps transformed it into a park. The park's defining feature is its beautiful limestone CCC dam, considered the most photographed dam in the Midwest, which creates a scenic 99-acre reservoir fed by Spring Creek. The park's large campground offers 138 total sites including electric hookups, full hookup sites, tent-only sites, and youth group camping. Modern amenities include two restroom buildings with showers and a sanitary dump station. Water facilities are available during the main season. The campground operates on a 100% reservation system during peak season, with reservations accepted April 1 through October 31. Recreational opportunities center around the lake, which is popular for year-round fishing for bass, catfish, and panfish. Multiple fishing jetties and docks provide shore access. A modern boat ramp accommodates boats of any motor size, though all watercraft must operate at no-wake speeds. A sandy swimming beach is located on the south shore near the historic stone and timber beach building, now converted to a rental lodge. A two-mile trail follows the shoreline, offering unique views including a hike to the base of the dam where visitors experience a refreshing mist from the limestone face. The trail is open to hikers, bicyclists, joggers, and cross-country skiers in winter.

Directions

2 miles west of Hampton on Highway 3 and 1 mile north on S42. Or 7 miles east of Interstate 35 on Highway 3 and 1 mile north on S42.

Nearby Campgrounds