Lake of Three Fires State Park, with its beautiful lake and old-growth oak/hickory timber, provides a relaxing and quiet atmosphere for fishing, camping, hiking, equestrian trail riding, snowmobiling, swimming, boating or just making memories with family and friends.
Recreation
Lake Activities
The 85-acre park lake is nearly a mile long and a half-mile wide, with scenic inlets ideal for fishing and boating. Surrounding the lake is 691 acres of picturesque woodlands and a number of fishing jetties provide great shoreline access. Anglers can try their luck fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, bullhead and channel catfish. Two boat ramps are located on the lake for convenient lake access. The lake is a "no-wake" lake.
A sandy beach area provides swimming fun for everyone as well as a sand volleyball court and playground. There are horseshoe pitching areas located at the beach area near the lodge, the camp area and the picnic area. A large picnic area with tables and grills is nestled under trees close to the lakeshore.
Trails
The 10-plus miles of multi-use trails in the park snake their way around the lake and can be used by hikers, equestrians and snowmobilers. Take in the many wildlife viewing opportunities. Follow the trails through a variety of habitats - wetland areas around the fringes of the lake, woodlands and prairie remnants. The trail is a combination of grass, rock and dirt.
Hunting
On the north border of the park is a 220-acre public hunting area and on the south border is a 160-acre public hunting area.
The 85-acre park lake is nearly a mile long and a half-mile wide, with scenic inlets ideal for fishing and boating. Surrounding the lake is 691 acres of picturesque woodlands and a number of fishing jetties provide great shoreline access. Anglers can try their luck fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, bullhead and channel catfish. Two boat ramps are located on the lake for convenient lake access. The lake is a "no-wake" lake.
A sandy beach area provides swimming fun for everyone as well as a sand volleyball court and playground. There are horseshoe pitching areas located at the beach area near the lodge, the camp area and the picnic area. A large picnic area with tables and grills is nestled under trees close to the lakeshore.
Trails
The 10-plus miles of multi-use trails in the park snake their way around the lake and can be used by hikers, equestrians and snowmobilers. Take in the many wildlife viewing opportunities. Follow the trails through a variety of habitats - wetland areas around the fringes of the lake, woodlands and prairie remnants. The trail is a combination of grass, rock and dirt.
Hunting
On the north border of the park is a 220-acre public hunting area and on the south border is a 160-acre public hunting area.
Facilities
Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
There are two open picnic shelters that can be reserved. One has electricity and running water with a playground nearby. The lodge, near the beach, can be reserved for events such as weddings, graduations and other large gatherings.
Cabins
There are six studio cabins with heat/AC available for reservations, year-round, in the park.
Camping
Two modern campgrounds with nonelectric and electric sites are located a short distance from the lake. The campgrounds have restrooms, shower facilities and a trailer dump station.
There is an equestrian campground with restrooms that provides both nonelectric and electric campsites. Campsites include corrals, hitching posts or holding pens.
There are two open picnic shelters that can be reserved. One has electricity and running water with a playground nearby. The lodge, near the beach, can be reserved for events such as weddings, graduations and other large gatherings.
Cabins
There are six studio cabins with heat/AC available for reservations, year-round, in the park.
Camping
Two modern campgrounds with nonelectric and electric sites are located a short distance from the lake. The campgrounds have restrooms, shower facilities and a trailer dump station.
There is an equestrian campground with restrooms that provides both nonelectric and electric campsites. Campsites include corrals, hitching posts or holding pens.
Nearby Attractions
Shopping is available in historic Bedford, which is known for its antique shops. The Taylor County Historical Museum is located at the west edge of Bedford and there is a golf course located on Highway 148 north of Bedford.
Nearby Towns
Lake of Three Fires State Park is located three miles north of Bedford in southern Taylor County.
Nearby Towns
Lake of Three Fires State Park is located three miles north of Bedford in southern Taylor County.
Cabin renters must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels, toiletry items and dinnerware.
Attention Equestrian Riders: State regulations require horses, mules and donkeys being transported interstate (from one state to another) must have a current Certification of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) and a negative Coggin's test (EIA). This paperwork must accompany the animal into the State of Iowa. Please refer to www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalindustry/horseadmissionregs.asp for more information. This law applies to equestrian camping, day-use and trail riding in any State owned Park or Forest.
Nearby Campgrounds
Quail Hollow RV Park
0.5 mile(s)
Back Nine RV Park
24.51 mile(s)
Viking Lake State Park
25.3 mile(s)
Green Valley State Park
31.9 mile(s)