🏆 Official Guide: Lake of Three Fires State Park — A 691-acre park near Bedford in Taylor County, Iowa, centered around an 85-acre no-wake lake — featuring 100+ campsites (electric + non-electric), equestrian camping, rental cabins, a sandy swimming beach, 10+ miles of multi-use trails, fishing jetties, boat ramps, a disc golf course, and a name honoring the Potawatomi “Fire Nation” confederacy.
Lake of Three Fires State Park has been a beloved Iowa outdoor destination since its establishment in 1935. Named after the Potawatomi people — known as the “Fire Nation” confederacy — the park encompasses 691 acres of rolling woodlands, wetlands, and prairie surrounding a scenic 85-acre lake.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 2303 Lake Road, Bedford, IA 50833 |
| Size | 691 acres — 85-acre lake |
| Camping Season | April 1 through October 31 |
| Campsites | 100+ sites — 100% reservable |
| Lake | No-wake — kayaks, canoes, paddleboats |
| Established | 1935 |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | Electric + non-electric sites, equestrian camping, buddy sites |
| Cabins | Family studio cabins — bring own bedding/towels/cooking utensils |
| Swimming | Sandy beach area — seasonal |
| Fishing | Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish — jetties available |
| Boating | No-wake lake — 2 boat ramps, kayak/canoe/paddleboat |
| Hiking | 10+ miles of multi-use trails — diverse habitats |
| Horseback Riding | Equestrian trails + camping with electric hookups + holding pens |
| Disc Golf | Course on-site |
| Sand Volleyball | Near beach area |
| Winter: Snowmobiling | Trails open in winter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Lake of Three Fires?
The park is named after the Potawatomi Native American people, who were part of a confederacy known as the “Fire Nation” or “People of Three Fires” (along with the Ojibwe and Odawa). The Potawatomi historically inhabited this region of southern Iowa.
What do I need to bring for the cabins?
The family studio cabins provide basic shelter but guests are responsible for bringing their own bedding, towels, and cooking utensils. Check the Iowa DNR website for a complete list of cabin amenities before your visit.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake Icaria State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Viking Lake State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Iowa state parks online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake of Three Fires State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Lake of Three Fires State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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