Lake of Three Fires State Park RV & Campground Guide
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In far southwestern Iowa, Lake of Three Fires State Park spans 1,155 acres and features an 85-acre, no-wake lake by the same name. It sits between two large public hunting areas to the north and south. Park visitors can enjoy scenic water views, vast expanses of grassy areas, and towering oak and hickory trees. History buffs will be interested in checking out the picnic shelters and lodge, which were built by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Spring 27-72 F
Summer 61-85 F
Fall 28-77 F
Winter 12-37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake of Three Fires State Park
Lake of Three Fires State Park has two campgrounds that accommodate RVs. The maximum RV size is 75 feet, and both back-in and pull-through sites are available. The campsites have electric hookups. Water spigots and vault toilets are available for use year-round. The water is turned off in the restrooms and shower buildings between October and April. There are dumpsters in both camping areas, and a dump station is also available.
What to Do at
Lake of Three Fires State Park
On the eastern side of Lake of Three Fires State Park, you will find the campsites as well as fishing jetties, boat launches, a horseshoe pit, a swimming area, disc golf, a playground, and other amenities. The western side of the park is undisturbed except for a large trail system. The trails offer excellent opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Once the snow flies, they become popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Fishing
Lake of Three Fires is a popular fishing destination and offers boat access and fishing jetties. As a no-wake lake, the clear, smooth water is ideal for fishing throughout most of the year. The waters are home to channel catfish, bullhead, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Geocaching
A cache is hidden in Lake of Three Fires State Park for treasure hunters to search for. You can use your smartphone or GPS device to find it. Once you do, you can sign the logbook and take a memento. However, don't forget to bring an item along to leave in the container for the next geocaching enthusiast.
Nature Watching
Wildlife is prevalent in southern Iowa, and dozens of bird and mammal species can be found within the park. Some of these are muskrats, white-tailed deer, foxes, moles, otters, frogs, ducks, turtles, chipmunks, deer mice, goldfinches, and others.
Hiking
More than 10 miles of trails wind through the woods at the park. The 2.9-mile Lake of Three Fires Loop follows the river, then loops into the forest. Most of the loop is mowed grass and relatively flat, making it a family-friendly outing.
Biking
Four of the five trails in the park permit mountain biking. These are the 4.8-mile Main Trail, the 2.7-mile Perimeter Trail, the 1.6-mile Lake Loop, and the 2.1-mile Great Council Trail.
Swimming
On warm days, the beach at Lake of Three Fires State Park is a popular gathering spot. Near the beach, you can enjoy a sand volleyball court, a shaded picnic area with grills, horseshoe pits, and a playground.
Boating
Two boat ramps are available in Lake of Three Fires State Park. As a no-wake lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are commonly spotted on the water.
How to Get to
Lake of Three Fires State Park
The closest city to Lake of Three Fires State Park is Bedford, which is located at the intersection of Highway 148 and Highway 2. From Bedford, travel northeast on Lake Road. A few miles up the road, you will see a sign marking the park's entrance on the left.
Entering Lake of Three Fires State Park
The park office is located just inside the entrance, and it is open year-round. Parking is available near the office as well as at the campgrounds. The beach, jetties, and boat docks also have parking nearby. Select parking spaces and camping spots are handicap accessible.
Lake of Three Fires State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake of Three Fires State Park
While Lake of Three Fires State Park is open throughout the year, lake activities, flushing toilets, and showers in the camping areas are only available during warmer weather. The peak season runs from mid-April through mid-October.
At this state park, birders can look forward to seeing a variety of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl to add to their journals. While exploring, you may also spot deer, muskrats, chipmunks, and otters.
The camping spots in Lake of Three Fires State Park are suitable for both tents and RVs up to 75 feet long. Pull-through and back-in sites are available, and each site has a fire ring and picnic table.
A quarter of the camping spots at Lake of Three Fires State Park are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The others can be reserved in advance online or by phone. The non-refundable reservation fee is $6 by phone and $4.50 online. The nightly rate ranges from $11 to $26.
Pets are welcome at Three Fires State Park. However, they must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.