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Best Campgrounds near Bedford, IA

107 Reviews

Bedford, Iowa and the surrounding area feature several established campgrounds offering a range of camping experiences from basic tent sites to cabins with amenities. Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground stands out with over 100 campsites nestled among trees near an 85-acre lake, accommodating both tent and RV camping along with cabin rentals. Other notable options include Windmill Lake County Park, Ross County Park for free dispersed camping, and Viking Lake State Park with both electric and non-electric sites. Most campgrounds in the region provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to fishing, while several also offer hiking trails and water recreation opportunities.

Camping facilities around Bedford remain open year-round at some locations, though services may be limited during winter months. Lake of Three Fires operates from April through December, while other county parks maintain varying seasonal schedules. Electric hookups are available at most established campgrounds, with water access points situated throughout camping areas rather than at individual sites in some locations. The terrain consists primarily of rolling hills with tree cover providing shade at many campsites. "The camp sites are nice and large- easy to get into and each one had its own water and electric," noted one visitor to Nodaway Valley Park, though amenities vary significantly between locations.

Waterfront access represents a key attraction for campers in the Bedford area, with several lakes providing fishing, kayaking, and no-wake boating opportunities. Lake of Three Fires features a beach area for swimming along with multiple fishing jetties and boat ramps. Campers consistently mention the extensive trail systems as highlights, particularly at Lake of Three Fires where 10 miles of hiking and equestrian trails wind around the water. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region's parks. A reviewer highlighted the appeal of Ross County Park as "a nice out of the way location... perfect to get away from people," while others note the family-friendly atmosphere at Lake of Three Fires with its playgrounds and beach. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities with varying levels of privacy between sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bedford, Iowa (48)

    1. Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bedford, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 523-2700

    $12 - $75 / night

    "Now on the spot where the fires burned, is said to be the Iowa State Park “Lake of 3 Fires”

    Located in Southwest Iowa just north of the county seat of Bedford Iowa, is a little hidden treasure for outdoor"

    "Some easy and moderate hiking trails, horses welcome, most of the activity is out on the lake so if you don’t have a boat you’ll be sad."

    2. Windmill Lake Co Park

    1 Review
    Bedford, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 523-2852

    "There are some shelter houses away from the campgrounds as well. The playground equipment is being replaced so I am hopeful it will be nice for the kids."

    3. Ross County Park

    2 Reviews
    Bedford, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 542-3864

    "Nice out of the way location. 
    no services of any kind, there is a shelter house, and trash barrel. 
    nice place to get away from people"

    4. Sands Timber Rec Area

    1 Review
    Bedford, IA
    12 miles
    Website

    "Just scouted, sites are within spitting distance of each other. Only 30amp, No dump facility. Could have a problem if you encountered another rig if it was wet. The lake looks nice."

    5. Mozingo Lake County RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Maryville, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 562-8001

    "Nice sites close to the lake with electricity water and wifi."

    "Kids absolutely love it, easy access to the water, quiet, and very nice!!"

    6. Wilson Lake County Park

    2 Reviews
    Corning, IA
    15 miles
    Website

    7. Nodaway Valley County Park

    2 Reviews
    Villisca, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 542-3864

    8. Viking Lake State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Stanton, IA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 829-2235

    $15 - $46 / night

    "We have been going to Viking lake for years. We hadn't been back until just recently. Our absence was due to an invasive species in the lake a few years back."

    "We been to Viking Lake a few times over the years. And it has been cool to see this place evolve over time. They did drain this lake a few years back."

    9. Lake Icaria Co Park

    9 Reviews
    Corning, IA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (641) 322-4793

    "This lake has multiple campgrounds spread throughout. It one of the only lakes in Iowa where you can drive your boats fast. Great fireworks show on the 4th of July."

    "One of the best campgrounds in the SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!"

    10. Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground

    1 Review
    Maryville, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 562-2323

    $15 / night

    "Loved that the tent camping sites were actually surrounded by trees, I see way to many tent campsites that are basically just in the middle of a grass field."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bedford, IA

18 Photos of 48 Bedford Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bedford, IA

107 Reviews of 48 Bedford Campgrounds

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Much needed road trip brake

    Great spot to get some rest from a long road trip from Phoenix to Minnesota. We where the only ones there that night.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Elrod Mill Access

    Peaceful, Off-the-Beaten-Path Camping Spot

    Elrod Mill Conservation Area is a quiet, hidden gem for anyone who enjoys dispersed camping. There’s no developed campground here, but you can camp, and that’s part of what makes it special. It’s very much off the beaten path, so what you get is peace, quiet, and a chance to camp out in the woods without the noise and crowds of more popular spots.

    There aren’t any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you’ll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient. But if you like the idea of just pulling in, setting up camp, and enjoying nature, this is a great place to do it.

    Fishing access is available as well, which makes it a nice combination of camping and recreation. Overall, Elrod Mill is best suited for folks who want a primitive camping experience and don’t mind roughing it a little for the sake of solitude.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    An oasis in the midwest

    Good dispersed camping is hard to find in the midwest. This place feels like an oasis in  the middle of the desert. I only stayed one night while I was on my way back from the west coast. The location is easy to find even at night. The road is well maintained, the grass is mowed and spots are flat.  There are about 13 distinct spots, 8 tent spots, 4 small camper spots and one large parking lot area that could fit just about anything. No hook ups or anything but I wasn't expecting any from a wild camp spot. Each spot does have a fire ring. 

    This is truly a great spot if your passing through and the Missouri Conservation Dept. has done a great job!

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Charity Lake

    Did NOT Feel Safe

    Gravel road is narrow w/ very sharp left turn to enter. Steep grade up to parking area required 4W drive. I do NOT recommend for over 24’ pull-behind camper. Once arrived, it’s a quiet & beautiful location. Very secluded & has no lighting. We were the only campers there, however, there was a single truck present. They were fishing, & the driver & passengers sharply eyed us up & down , then grimaced, which made us feel VERY uncomfortable, so we left immediately & made sure that they didn’t follow us. Our “Spidey Senses” were going off, so bugging out asap was the best option. Ended up camping behind a fuel station in the next town b/c we were so tired, but slept w/ one eye opened b/c it shook us so much. Reminded us of the movie “Deliverance” in a non-funny way. Would not recommend staying overnight if you’re there alone, it’s way too sketchy. Plus the skeeters ate us up & the toilet was putrid.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Green Valley State Park Campground

    Clean and well maintained

    July, 2017

    We stayed here for a week while working in the area.  Very nice place. Clean and well maintained.

  • K
    Mar. 29, 2025

    Marlin Fogle Rec Area

    Very close camp sites on hill

    Looks like new facility. Just to close together. 25 ft or so side by side

  • Patricia O.
    Mar. 24, 2025

    Eagle Ridge RV Park

    Lovely campground just off I-35

    Great place for a quick overnight or longer stay. We were there in very early spring so could not use the swimming pool or small lake but the walks around the area were very nice. We stayed in a long FHU pull-through (the one shown in the picture above) in a Class A. Close to the interstate but not noisy.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 14, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Small

    Very small camp area, only 4 sites. No toilets so bring a bucket. No pick nick benches. There are fire rings at each site

  • Bobby B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Quiet Missouri Conservation Area

    In Amish country. About eight fire rings. Probably could park anywhere and camp regardless of rings. 2 OCT 24 and been here five days and saw only two other campers. One night and two night stays for them. Safe place although I am a manly man so I do not worry. Safe for females I mean. About 30 minutes to Bethany proper where civilization is. 3 bar Verizon reception.

Guide to Bedford

Lake of Three Fires State Park offers primitive camping and full-hookup sites near Bedford, Iowa. Situated among rolling hills with 10 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, the park features an 85-acre no-wake lake. Camping facilities include tent sites, RV spaces, and family cabins with shade from mature trees at most locations.

What to do

Water activities: The 85-acre lake at Lake of Three Fires State Park is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. "There is a dock where you can fish and it also has a cleaning station also available. There are several fishing jetties where you can take a chair and set up to find the perfect spot," notes Kimberly W. The lake is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.

Hiking trails: Explore trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty around local lakes. "In the winter after a good snow, they say snow mobiles can also use the trails," mentions Kimberly W. at Lake of Three Fires. At Viking Lake State Park, "The trails are varied and long. It had changed since the last time we had camped and they had closed off some bisecting trails to shorten your hike," reports Caralee D.

Wildlife viewing: Watch for local fauna while exploring campsites near Bedford. "We had a rare flock of pelicans! Red buds and flowers were starting to bring the forest to life," writes Isaac F. about spring at Lake of Three Fires. Many campers also report frequent deer sightings throughout the camping areas.

What campers like

Peaceful lake environments: Non-motorized lakes create quiet settings at several campgrounds. "The lake is quiet and relatively calm," reports Megan M. about Lake of Three Fires State Park. Similarly, at Windmill Lake Co Park, Kimberly W. notes, "The lake is the main feature here- there is a boat ramp and some pretty good fishing. You see small boats and kayaks out on the lake often."

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers receive positive comments. "Clean, well-kept shower and bath building," says Tara K. about Lake of Three Fires. At Lake Icaria, one camper was impressed that staff were "cleaning the bathrooms constantly" and her mom kept pointing out "it was practically hourly."

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer room to spread out. At Lake Icaria Co Park, "The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options." Alex M. appreciates that at Viking Lake State Park, "Camp sites are spread apart giving u room to do things on ur camp site."

What you should know

Availability patterns: Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. "During the week it is really quiet. I think most of the action here happens on the weekend based on the size of the park and the campgrounds," explains Matt S. about Viking Lake State Park. At Ross County Park, Jayson H. mentions, "In the fall we went and had no neighbors."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bedford, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bedford, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 48 campgrounds and RV parks near Bedford, IA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bedford, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bedford, IA is Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bedford, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Bedford, IA.

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