Lake Of Three Fires State Park

Open — Currently operating first-come, first-served through December 31, 2025. Campground closes January 1, 2026 for the winter season. Restrooms, shower facilities, and dump station are closed for the season. Campground reopens April 1, 2026 with 100% reservable sites accepting same-day reservations through October 31, 2026. Studio cabins remain available for reservations year-round except mid-January through March.

About

Lake of Three Fires State Park, dedicated in 1935 and named after the Potawatami tribe's Fire Nation, provides diverse outdoor recreation on 691 acres of scenic woodlands in southwest Iowa. The centerpiece is an 85-acre no-wake lake offering excellent fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, bullhead, and channel catfish. Two boat ramps provide lake access, and fishing jetties extend fishing opportunities along the shoreline. A sandy beach area features swimming, sand volleyball, and a playground. The park's trail system exceeds 10 miles, winding around the lake and through varied habitats including wetlands, oak/hickory woodlands, and prairie remnants. These multi-use trails accommodate hikers, equestrians, and snowmobilers, with surfaces ranging from grass to rock and dirt. Camping options include two modern campgrounds with electric and non-electric sites, both featuring restrooms, showers, and dump station access. The equestrian campground provides electric and non-electric sites with corrals, hitching posts, and holding pens. Six studio cabins offer year-round accommodations with heating, air conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, and cook-top stove. Additional amenities include two reservable picnic shelters and a day-use lodge near the beach. Nearly 400 acres of public hunting area surround the park boundaries.

Directions

From Bedford, go east on Highway 2 for 0.5 miles, then turn north on Lake Road. Continue north for 3 miles; the park is on the west side.

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