Lake of Three Fires State Park

Bedford, IA

Available Activities

Camping
Swimming
Fishing
Horseback Riding
Disc Golf
Golfing
Kayaking
Paddling
Canoeing

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 16, 2026

🏆 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

💡 Pro Tip: The equestrian camping facilities are excellent — with electric hookups and holding pens specifically for horse camping. The 85-acre no-wake lake is perfect for family paddling — rentals available seasonally. Try the fishing jetties for bluegill and crappie. The park’s diverse habitats (old-growth oak/hickory, wetlands, prairie) make it surprisingly scenic for southern Iowa. Campground is 100% reservable — book ahead for summer weekends.

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.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 16, 2026