Pine Lake State Park

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Pine Lake State Park

Pine Lake State Park is a hidden gem with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views in the midst of Iowa’s rolling farmland. Historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) can be found throughout the park, including the Pine Lodge, beach house and stone cabins, which have been carefully restored. Pine Lake is filled with beautiful picnic areas to enjoy a quiet setting by the river or an overlook of the park’s lake. The park originally was home to Iowa’s southernmost stand of native pine trees which were wiped out by a severe hailstorm in August 2009; today hundreds of caged tree seedlings are scattered throughout the park as part of a reforestation effort.


PLAN YOUR VISIT

Hike a variety of trails winding through wetland areas around the lake, along the bluffs of the Iowa River and through unique forest ecosystems. Hikers can see beautiful views of Lower Pine Lake and its surrounding forests by exploring the South Trail along the south shore of the lake. A 2.5-mile paved trail connects the lake to the nearby town of Eldora, and will soon be connected to a 10-mile paved loop through Pine Lake and Steamboat Rock. Visitors may catch a glimpse of wildlife while exploring the park’s trails.

Fish in the waters of Upper Pine Lake, Lower Pine Lake and the Iowa River. The lakes are hotspots for catching bass, crappie and catfish, and the Iowa River is popular for smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Anglers can fish from shore or a fishing jetty at the lakes. Only electric trolling motors are allowed on the lake.

Stay overnight in one of four cozy cabins at Pine Lake, with stone fireplaces and outdoor fire rings. One cabin is ADA accessible, and all cabins include a full kitchen and bath, along with heating and air conditioning for year-round stays. The park’s campground offers electric sites with modern showers and restrooms and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced campsite and cabin reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Pine Lake State Park.

Reserve one of two shelters on Upper Pine Lake. Pine Lodge can be reserved through the online reservation system for Pine Lake State Park, for weddings, family reunions or other special events.



Pine Lake State Park
22620 Country Highway S56
Eldora, IA 50627
Ph. 641-858-5832
Fax: 641-858-5641
Pine_Lake@dnr.iowa.gov


Campground Reopening: The campground at Pine Lake State Park has re-opened after being closed for renovations since August or 2020. Campers making reservations at Pine Lake should be aware that some campsites have been removed in order to increase usable space for the remaining campsites. This has resulted in changes to campsite numbers, and some campsites that were once first-come, first-served may now be reservable and vice-versa. Campers wishing to reserve sites in a specific area of the campground should consult the updated campground map prior to making a reservation. Also be aware that staff continue to remove trees in the campground due to emerald ash borer, and site photos may not reflect those changes at this time. Please direct questions to the park office at pine_lake@dnr.iowa.gov or 641-858-5832. (Updated 05/03/2021)
AMENITIES AT A GLANCE
  • Hiking trails
  • Playground
  • Swimming beach
  • Boat ramp and dock
  • Fishing jetties
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Day-use lodge (1); ADA accessible
  • Shelters (4)
  • Modern restrooms
  • Showers 
  • Modern family cabins (2)
    • The Pine Creek cabin is ADA accessible
  • Studio family cabins (2)
  • Electric campsites (94)
  • Full hook-up campsites (2)
  • Non electric campsites (24)
  • Youth group only campsites (1)
  • Dump station