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State Parks, Forests & Recreation Areas

Lake of Three Fires State Park

Physical Location

Location Address

2303 Lake Road
Bedford, IA 50833

Areas Served

Taylor

Phone(s)

712-523-2700

Fax

712-523-3104

Email

Three_Fires@dnr.iowa.gov
Website
Make a Reservation
Crowdriff ID
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Check before you go

Park Alerts & Notices

For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.

Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park

A hotspot for equestrian trail riding and camping, Lake of Three Fires State Park in southwest Iowa provides diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. The park’s 85-acre lake is a local destination for boaters and anglers, and several open picnic areas are available near the lake. 

Lake of Three Fires was dedicated in 1935 and is named after a group of Native Americans from the Potawatomi tribe who once inhabited the area known as the “Fire Nation.”

Plan Your Visit

  • Hike more than 10 miles of multi-use trails, winding around the lake, through wetlands and prairie. Wildlife is often spotted on the trails, which is a combination of grass, rock and dirt surfaces. Horseback riding and snowmobiling are also popular activities for exploring the park’s trails.
  • Boat or Fish at Lake of Three Fires, or swim at the sandy beach area. Boats may be operated at “no-wake” speeds and two boat ramps provide convenient access to the water. Fishing jetties provide shoreline access, and anglers can fish for a variety of species including bluegill and bullhead. Horseshoe pitching areas are located at the beach near the lodge.
  • Hunt at the park’s public hunting area near the north and south borders. Nearly 400 acres of hunting area surround the park, although hunting is not allowed within park borders.
  • Stay overnight in one of six studio cabins or at the two modern campgrounds. Cabins offer heating and air conditioning, a microwave, refrigerator and cook-top stove; visitors must provide their own bedding, towels and cooking supplies. Both campgrounds contain restrooms, showers and a trailer dump station. An equestrian campground has non-electric and electric sites, restrooms, corrals, hitching posts and holding pens. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis or advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake of Three Fires State Park.
  • Reserve one of two open shelters for an outdoor gathering during your visit. One of the shelters contains electricity and water, and a renovated day-use lodge near the beach can be reserved for large gatherings. Both shelters and the day-use lodge can be reserved through the online reservation system for Lake of Three Fires State Park.

Lodge Tour

Amenities at a Glance

  • Hunting
  • Horseshoe pitching areas
  • Sand volleyball
  • Playground
  • Hiking trails
  • Swimming beach
  • Boat ramps (2)
  • Fishing jetty
  • Day-use lodge (1); ADA accessible
  • Shelters
  • Modern restroom
  • Showers
  • Family studio cabins
  • Electric campsites
  • Non-electric campsites
  • Equestrian, electric campsites
  • Equestrian, non-electric campsites
  • Equestrian, buddy campsites
  • Buddy campsites
  • Youth group only campsites
  • Dump station

Explore the Park 

  • Lake of Three Fires State Park map and flyer
  • Lake of Three Fires State Park campground map
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Volunteer at Iowa State Parks!

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Beach Monitoring

Before you head out to enjoy Iowa's beaches, check the beach monitoring report. Get updates on beach conditions, closures, and water safety.

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Google Map

Get Directions

Physical Location

Location Address

2303 Lake Road
Bedford, IA 50833

Areas Served

Taylor

Phone(s)

712-523-2700

Fax

712-523-3104

Email

Three_Fires@dnr.iowa.gov
Website
Make a Reservation

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Iowa DNR Customer Service

6200 Park Avenue
Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50321

Phone

515-725-8200

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