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.
$10 - $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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"Nice sites close to the lake with electricity water and wifi."
"Kids absolutely love it, easy access to the water, quiet, and very nice!!"
$12 - $40 / 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."
"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!"
$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."
GuideLoved it here, stayed 2 nights. Well maintained gravel entrance splits off. Turn right and you’ll find a large parking/turn around area. Up from it are 4-5 gravel areas with fire rings (no picnic tables). Only other person I saw was a game warden, driving through. Had both AT&T and Verizon service.
TravelerThis camp ground is one of the best I have ever been to it’s quiet, people mind there own!the owner is amazing and caring
TravelerI’ve been here multiple times tent camping. Tent sites are right on the shore. Many spillways for fishing. ~10 mile loop you can hike or MTB. Restrooms, including the vaulted toilets, are kept clean. This is where we go for a low key weekend for fun.
LegendFirst, you have to want to get here. Pretty long drive on rougher gravel roads. Fine for a car or truck but the dashboard and dust will affect your RV. But, campground is cute, nicely laid out, work put in to make flat spots which have some privacy and all under huge and beautiful oak trees. Trails all through the property. Loads of trails around the lake. Everything one needs from water, trash, bathrooms and electricity with 5g Verizon access.
LegendThere's a handful of first come. First served sights with electric water is available. Trash firewood and put toilets are also available. There are several nice hikes around the park and across the street is a sizable lake, and you're only a mile or two from town.
LegendWe stopped for a night. It's a small circular campground that provides electric water, trash recycling, wood and a pit toilet. The sights are very small, very close and very uneven. Also, there's a busy road, just feet away. That has a lot of road noise. They can even be heard through a closed up camper. There's a great trail that leads to a 2 mile paved trail. Note there are stairs if you take your bike. You will have to carry them up the stairs.
LegendVery basic small county campground. Three spots with electric tiny playground area and some spots for tents. Pit toilet electric water, those are the services. Impossible to park a small camper van flat, though I completely would have stayed and done some exploring in the area, but literally impossible to get flat. Nice ring. Of trees around the outside so protected from the wind. Cute grass well maintained. I just wish they'd made the camping area for R. V's flat. This is also not for big rigs. If you're gonna come, you gotta come with something small enough to fit into the spaces.
LegendThis is a small but fairly well maintained campground. Spots don't have a view of the lake which is a little odd. And there's a town right there. Surprising number of people at the campground for this time of the year. All there is is electric and water and trash, but there must be at least eight campers here right now.
LegendTons of miles for biking and hiking and if you fold in the trails on the public lands around, more then anyone can do in a weekend. We'll maintained. Campground, not so much. That would get a much lower score if I rated just that. Very few electric spots and they are close and in disrepair. Bathrooms are oddly placed like the group campground would need to walk all the way across the picnic area to have any access. Once they close the shower facilities, some campgrounds have no bathrooms available. Oddly, there is a LOT of vehicles driving through which for winter was surprising. All in, lots of trees, nice beach, Frisbee golf, super interesting cemetery right outside the property and loads of other public lands all sitting around a very nice lake. But bridges out, an entire row of non-working electric posts and weird bathroom placement leads to an overall odd use of a state park.
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.
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.
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."
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 50 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 4.5-star rating from 11 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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