Cabin camping near Bedford is a great way to escape into nature, yet still have all the comforts of home. Find the best information on cabin camping near Bedford, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each cabin rental offers quick access to one or more of Bedford's most popular destinations.
Mozingo Lake Recreation Park features 37 primitive tent campsites available for use. Located in a beautiful wooded area featuring scenic lake views, camping under the stars has never been this enjoyable. Tent camping passes can be purchased at the information booth near the park’s entrance.
The Primitive Tent Camping Area consists of 37 sites, all equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table.
These sites cannot be reserved and are available on a first come, first served basis. Please look out for the ‘PAID – TENT’ signs on each site to assure the site has not already been paid for by another customer.
There is a showerhouse (with toilets and showers) at the campground, near the entrance. If you need water, there is a water source near the showerhouse.
$15 / night
Welcome to the Three Mile Lake Recreation Area It is Union County's largest recreational facility and family destination site.
Fishing: Acres of underwater structures make for some of the best fish habitat in Iowa. Bring your own boat or use one of the 13 fishing jetties, or explore nearly 24 miles of shoreline for your own "best" spot. For those with special needs, there's a wheelchair accessible fishing pier. Primary species include walleye, large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, perch and blue catfish.
Boating: The lower portion of the lake is open to sailing, power boating and water skiing (sorry, no inboard or jet skis). "No-wake" boating is permitted on the remainder of the lake.
Swimming: The swimming beach offers you the opportunity to spend a quiet afternoon by the lake.
Wildlife: Hundreds of acres of cover and food plots create a habitat teeming with songbirds, waterfowl and upland game. Whitetail deer and wild turkey abound along with cottontail, squirrel, pheasant and quail. Waterfowl: The lake has quickly become a mecca for migrating ducks and geese. Waterfowl hunting is permitted, except for Canada Geese. Three Mile Lake and the surrounding wildlife area is designated as a Canada Goose Refuge.
Cabins: Year-around rental cabins at the modern campground provide a genuine year-around attraction. The 14x18 foot log frame units are equipped with self-contained heating and air conditioning units, electricity, basic furnishings and sleeping accommodations for up to six people. Accessible showers, sinks and flush toilets are available nearby at a heated year-around shower house.
Camping: The two campgrounds overlooking the lake have 80 sites to accommodate recreational vehicles, trailers and tent campers. Each site has electrical hookups. Water is available along with picnic sites, a fish cleaning station and dump station. Showers, sinks and flush toilets are available nearby at the year-around shower house. The cost for an electric campsite is $20/night and for a non-electric campsite is $15/night.
Lodge: Overlooking the lake is the newest addition to the Three-Mile Lake Park, Three-Mile Lake Lodge, a 36'x84' log structure which is available for rent by the public year-round. This multi-purpose building has quickly become a popular spot for many different types of activities. The Lodge has been host to wedding ceremonies and receptions, several local school proms, reunions, anniversaries, birthdays, and banquets. Inside of the building the upstairs level boasts an impressive main room of approximately 1800 square feet, with a dance floor in the middle of it. There is also a full kitchen and large restroom facilities. The lower level has the same main room, with a warming kitchen and slightly smaller restroom facilities. The walls are finished with wood siding, giving a rustic appearance with many modern conveniences.
$15 - $20 / night
Guide
There is a legend about how the Lake of 3 Fires got its name. The legend says that the “Fire Nation”, which was a local Pottawatomi tribe, lived in the area around Southwest Iowa. Later 2 other tribes decided to join the “Fire Nation” and the 3 became known as “Three Fires”. The Tribes burned 3 fires atop hills to signify that as long as the 3 fires were burning the tribes were together. 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 enthusiasts and campers. When looking for a campground everyone has an opinion on what amenities and activities they want- fishing, hiking, boating, and horseback riding are some of the more popular choices and the Lake of Three Fires has all these and more. The actual lake is only 85 acres but has excellent fishing and is surrounded by 691 acres of beautiful trees with hiking and equestrian trails, fishing jetties and a sandy beach.
For those who are planning more than a day trip to the Lake of 3 Fires there are several options available. Located only a very short walk from the Lake are two modern campgrounds nestled in trees. There are over 100 site options for campers. For the RV or trailer enthusiasts there are 24 standard electric sites and 63 non-electric sites, plus 3 buddy sites. In addition, there are 23 equestrian sites (some electrical) and 1 equestrian buddy site along with plenty of holding stalls and tie outs for horses. They are located just east of the main camping grounds but still close enough to walk down to the lake. There are nice clean restroom and shower facilities, children’s play areas and a trailer dump station. Some of the campsites have also been made handicap accessible.
For those families who don’t have a camper or RV but want to experience camping at the Lake of 3 fires there are 6 family cabins which can accommodate 4- 6 people. They are heated and cooled with the basic essentials- stove, microwave and refrigerator. There are also open shelters and a youth group area that offer a place to rent for large group gatherings. There are picnic areas available that are first come first serve. There are plenty of tables and grills if you are just making a day trip but camping is the way to go at the Lake of 3 Fires so you have time to experience everything.
Many of the camp sites, cabins and shelters are available to reserve online at the Department of Natural Resources website- however there are some that are first come first serve. It is very convenient and easy to reserve your spot online. Highly recommended if you plan on traveling any distance- a guaranteed spot of your choice is worth the few minutes it takes to go online and reserve. You can even look at a map of the campsites and pick where you want your site to be. You can see not only where your site will be but it tells you the electrical voltage, the length and other important information about the site you are choosing.
The camp sites are kept clean, well maintained and are big enough you don’t feel like you are right on top of your neighbor. The bathhouses are centrally located in the campground and offer clean bathroom and shower facilities for campers.
Once you have your camper set and are ready to enjoy your weekend it will be hard to decide where to start. The Lake itself offers many activities. There are 2 boat ramps if you want to go out on the ‘no wake” lake. There are plenty of fish to be caught including bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish. If you don’t have a license to fish you can run into town and pick one up at the courthouse or the Bedford Country Store located right on Hwy 2, very easy to find! 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. From your spot on the lake you might catch a glimpse of some people enjoying a beautiful day on the lake on their canoes or kayaks.
For the hunters, there is a 220 acre public hunting ground to the north and 160 acres to the south. You would of course want to check with the DNR for hunting and gaming regulations.
Not into hunting and fishing? Prefer something a bit more relaxing? Well head down to the beach area which is just a short walk from the camp grounds. There you find a small but very nice beach area for swimming. Not in the mood to swim? Then grab some friends for a game of sand volleyball or perhaps pitch horseshoes. The beach area is perfect place to relax with a good book or play some games with friends. The best part is to get there from the campgrounds you take a beautiful short scenic walk.
Perhaps one of the best parts about the Lake of 3 Fires is the 10 miles of trails the intertwine around the entire Lake. There are some specific trails for hiking but some others that offer horseback riders an amazing view of the lake. The great thing about the trails is how they snake around each other- you could discover a new path every time you go. The trials are nicely marked with “you are here “maps so you don’t get lost. There are beautiful views of the Lake from the far side where you can see clear across to the campgrounds. In the winter after a good snow, they say snow mobiles can also use the trails.
Bedford is only a few miles away so you can run into the local Hy-Vee for Groceries or stop by Dollar General if you forgot something. There are 2 gas stations in town as well that both have pizza, drinks and snacks if you need to stock up.
Getting to the Lake of 3 Fires isn’t hard at all From Bedford just go east out of town for about 1/2 mile on Hwy 2. Then turn north on Lake Road, keep going for about 3 miles and Lake of Three Fires is located on the west side. The roads are a bit windy but everything is paved including the main roads of the park. For a short weekend getaway of a weeklong camping adventure, the Lake of 3 Fires has plenty to offer everyone in your camping group.
RangerNice rolling hills. 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. Also learn about some of the Native American history of the area.
Yay: shady and private sites, all pretty close to the lake, lots of trails, some cabins (would be great for family reunions).
Nay: middle of nowhere and not really worth a detour, but if you’re near Bedford it’s a great little place.
Surprise: there is hunting open to the public so enjoy and/or be careful!
Guide
Has a water park you can rent golf carts and cabins lots todo very family friendly
Legend
I have to say, of all of the campgrounds and parks that I have visited in southern Iowa near highway 34, Three Mile is the best.
This park is clean with nice amenities and a beautiful lake. During the week you can almost have the place to yourself... it is a different story on the weekends.
You can tent camp or pull your camper and just enjoy the setting. If you don't like to tent camp and don't have a camper, don't worry, there are several cabins for rent.
There are showers and bathrooms and an awesome playground for the younger kids.
I am definitely adding this to my list for regular stays with my family.
Traveler
Took my son here last Spring. Cabins are very clean the bunks allowed for for four to sleep. Beautiful sunsets overlooking the lake. Fish cleaning station was also well taken care of. We had a great time catching small walleyes and sunnys. This location also made it easy to head over to twelvel mile lake and fish also. Everyone was very friendly.
Guide
No way to make day before reservations so we gambled and drove in. Van and bikes covered in fine white dust from road. Small lake but sites on hillside with no view. Clean bathrooms but noticed paid time showers were taped " out of order" morning of our departure so no showers for us. Very quiet and nice short hiking trail around lake. The 2 cabins face small pond and looked very nice.
Legend
I will first off stay I have not been to a lot of Iowa parks. But I will say the ones I have been to, that this is the nicest or one of them. They have concessions, boat rentals, boating of all types, fishing, and trails. There are very nice picnic areas, and the bathrooms or restroom facilities are clean. This place is fantastic and offers a lot to anyone. So give it a try.
GuideThis place fills up! Great campground with restaurant, beach and boat rentals.
TravelerVery nice place. Full hook up spots were very nice. Easy to get into, plenty of space, fire pit, picnic table, friendly & helpful park officers, lots of activities (hiking, boating, boat rentals, beach, bait shop, close to a race track in Corning, etc). We went the weekend after Memorial Day & there were plenty of spots. Quiet & family friendly. Even have food trucks that serve over by the beach!
GuideOne of the best campgrounds in the SW Iowa, the lake is great, nice beach and boating!
Guide
This is the best State Park campground in SW Iowa, it has everything anyone needs...love it here and the views are beautiful!
GuideThis 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.
LegendThree Mile Lake is awesome. You can read my other review on main campground at Three Mile Lake.
Both campgrounds are equal in cleanliness and in great views of the lake. You can't go wrong if you get into the South campground "Mallard Point" campground.
Put this on your list if you are visiting Southwest Iowa.
ScoutThis is one of our favorite campgrounds in Iowa. It has a good sized lake for fishing and kayaking, but not to big for large speed boats. It has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It has a great frisbee golf course that my boys loved playing. The beach sandy and clean for a refreshing dip on a hot afternoon.
We love this campground for the large trees and shade they provide in the summer. Our only complaint is the lack of weather warning system in the area. The park rangers came around to warn campers of possible severe storms coming through the area, but if a tornado warning happened, we would have no notification.
LegendViking Lake is clean and well managed. It has several amenities including a restaurant if you left your cooler at home.
The campsites are nice and so are the facilities. 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, but I am not sure because I stayed during the week.
There are a few hiking trails and a marina where you can rent a boat for a little fun after eating lunch in the restaurant. This is one of the better stops in Southwest Iowa.
ScoutAlthough there were RVers and a nice group of Boy Scoutspaet of the time, there was no one else in our tent camping side. We had chilly weather, but marvelous views of the water with a rare flock of pelicans! Some of the trails were muddy, but there plenty of others to choose from. Red buds and flowers were starting to bring the forest to life.
All fire pits have an incredible grate system for cooking. There's an over abundance of limbs and twigs for firewood, although a saw would come in handy. Clean, quiet, and as beautiful as ever- that's our lake!
TravelerNicely maintained. Nice clean no-wake lake. Gets very quiet at 10:30 curfew. Clean showers/bathroom once the night bugs were cleared out.
TravelerThe bathrooms and showers were well kept. Was lucky and got a campsite under some shade, but quite a few weren't so lucky. Ended up with site 60, right in front of the showers and bathrooms, which was great but also sucked. As soon as the bathroom doors opened the fans came on, which late at night was kind of annoying. Firewood is not sold on the campground, so you can burn what's on the ground or head to Hyvee for some wood in town. Unfortunately we got there late the first day so Hyvee had just closed and we had to try to find sticks in the dark. There are no signs showing what numbers were in that area or to the beach area, bathrooms, or garbage so you just have to explore to find it. Also there are lots of deer in the area at all hours of the day, so keep an eye out for them when traveling to and from town,
Overall it was a great weekend and will probably be back. The only thing I really wish, was that the firepit be cleaned before we got to the site. We had to try and dig out all the burnt cans and foil with sticks.
TravelerThis campground ovvers a lot of shaded with trees hookup sutes and beautiful grassy non hookup sites. Frisbee golf course, playground, horse shoe pits and samdy heach area groomed daily. No wake lake perfect for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Clean well-kept shower and bath buidling as well. Horse area for those who bring horses for the ridiing trails.
GuideWe had problems with the rv hookups, immediately a park worker came to help. It was quiet and beautiful. The fishing was great, cleaning stations on the docks, frisby golf and a super nice beach! several boat ramps.
GuideGorgeous terrain, lake is perfect for canoeing and fishing, overall nice place
GuideAs tent campers we found a lot to love at Lake of Three Fires, but also found ourselves wanting more. It’s got a gorgeous lake, and some camping sites are out of this world, but it can be inconsistent and there’s not a lot to do.
Pros:
-While the electric hookup sites were full, primitive campers had their pick of the campground even during the middle of the summer. Plenty of open non-electric sites to choose from.
-Site 55 is an absolute GEM. Spacious and right on the water! We didn’t have any neighbors so it was like we had the whole place to ourselves.
-Good fishing at the lake, and plenty of quiet spots to fish from
-The lake is quiet and relatively calm
-Excellent (and clean!) modern bathrooms, by far the best we’ve encountered
Cons: -There’s not a lot to do other than fishing and hanging out by the campsite -The trails are quite poorly marked and seem to only have entry and exit points at each end of the point, so unless you want to commit to the full 8 miles, you’ll have to turn back at some point -The sites can be inconsistently sized. We found some tent sites that were less than half the size of our site, and they were packed like sardines. -A lot of the sites are sloped, so even ground can be hard to find. -The park is pretty rural, so if you need to make an emergency grocery or supplies run you might be out of luck. -No firewood on site, so you’ll have to come prepared or hope you can find some in town.
TravelerHad a blast here. Small, quiet place. We were the only campers.
Guide
Nice sites close to the lake with electricity water and wifi.
ScoutLake Mozingo is near the College Town of Maryville, Missouri. My experience is limited, but I’d say it’s pretty nice here. And inexpensive. Concrete Pads with Power and Water at the Site but no Sewer dump, that’s Centralized in the Camp. There’s Lake access if you want. I like it here.
ScoutNice lake with views from every site.
ScoutIll do my best to imagen this setting in the best way
Cabin camping near Bedford, Iowa offers a serene escape into nature, with various options for comfortable stays and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Bedford, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Bedford, IA is Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 11 cabin camping locations near Bedford, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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