Physical Location
Location Address
1422 165th St
Hampton, IA 50441
Areas Served
Franklin
Phone(s)
Website
Check before you go
Park Alerts & Notices
For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.
About the Park
A centerpiece of Franklin County, Beeds Lake State Park is a popular destination for anglers of all ages and contains one of the most photographed dams in the Midwest. The park’s 99-acre reservoir is the primary focus, with ample fishing and hiking opportunities at the spillway and along the causeway.
Beeds Lake State Park was named after William Beed, the owner of the property before the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed it into a park.
Plan Your Visit
- Hike or bike the two-mile trail along the shoreline of Beeds Lake. At the spillway, visitors can hike to the base of the dam and admire its unique limestone face. Cross-country skiing is available on the trails in the winter.
- Boat in the waters of Beeds Lake. A modern boat ramp provides convenient access to the lake and boats may be operated at “no wake” speeds.
- Fish for bass, catfish and panfish. Several fishing jetties and docks near the south shore provide access to the lake. The causeway also offers shoreline fishing opportunities.
- Camp at one of several campsites at the park’s large campground, offering electrical hookups, two modern restrooms, showers and a sanitary dump station. One-fourth of the campsites are available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Beeds Lake State Park.
- Reserve one of two open shelters at the park for an outdoor gathering during your visit. Originally built by the CCC, the renovated stone and timber beach building contains a dining area, kitchen and restrooms. The beach building can be reserved for large gatherings through the online reservation system for Beeds Lake State Park.
Amenities at a Glance
- Hiking trails
- Modern boat ramp
- Fishing jetty
- Fishing dock
- Day-use lodge
- Shelters; ADA accessible
- Electric campsites
- Tent only campsites
- Youth group only campsites
- Dump station