Bedford, Iowa sits within the rolling hills of southwestern Iowa, with elevations ranging from 1,200-1,300 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s—ideal for camping from May through September. The region's terrain features hardwood forests interspersed with prairie restoration areas, providing diverse habitats for local wildlife.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing: Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground offers excellent opportunities for water activities on its 85-acre lake. "The lake is perfect for canoeing and fishing," notes one visitor. The no-wake lake allows for peaceful paddling without disruption from motorboats.
Hiking trails: Viking Lake State Park Campground provides varied hiking trails through wooded areas. "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," explains one camper. Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty.
Frisbee golf: Lake of Three Fires offers a complete disc golf course that families find engaging. "It has a great frisbee golf course that my boys loved playing," says a regular visitor. The course winds through both wooded and open areas, providing natural obstacles.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Eagle Ridge RV Park receives praise for its tranquil setting despite proximity to 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," shares one reviewer.
Spacious sites: Lake Icaria Co Park offers generously sized camping spots. "The spots are spacious, and there are tons of options. In the fall we went and had no neighbors," reports one camper. Many sites include views of the lake.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathhouses. "They had people cleaning the bathrooms constantly (my mom kept pointing out, in awe, that it was 'practically hourly') which was great for tent camping with a large group!" notes a visitor to Lake Icaria.
What you should know
Campsite variations: Some campgrounds have inconsistent site sizes and conditions. "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," warns a camper about Lake of Three Fires.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through December, with peak season running May through September. Viking Lake State Park operates "April 1 to December 31," according to their official information. Winter camping options are limited.
Firewood availability: Mozingo Lake County RV Park and several other campgrounds don't sell firewood on-site. At Lake of Three Fires, "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," advises a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: The sandy beach at Lake of Three Fires provides swimming and play areas. "The beach sandy and clean for a refreshing dip on a hot afternoon," reports a visitor. The beach area includes volleyball courts and horseshoe pits.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer children's play equipment. Viking Lake features "a great playground and happened to have a tournament one of the days we camped that my family was able to join," shares a camper.
Fishing with kids: Buffalo Run RV Park provides easy access for young anglers. "This campground is close to I35 and makes a great stop on road trips if you're heading south! Affordable and quiet," notes a visitor. The local lakes are stocked regularly with bluegill, bass and catfish.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites throughout the region require leveling blocks due to the rolling terrain. "Quail Ridge Campground has undergone a full makeover. Electrical, plumbing, surfaces all have been updated. Level, full-hookup, pull-through sites," reports a recent visitor.
Hookup options: For RV camping near Bedford, Iowa, electrical service varies between campgrounds. "Nice sites close to the lake with electricity water and wifi," notes a camper at Mozingo Lake, while others mention that full hookups aren't available at all sites.
Cell service and connectivity: Viking Lake provides limited but functional connectivity. "Verizon is 2 bars of 4g. And Starlink is only possible in select places, as there is a lot of trees. It's January, so I chose my spot for the internet," explains an RV camper who visited during the off-season.
