Beeds Lake State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Looking for an RV getaway in the Midwest? Beeds Lake State Park (located northwest of Hampton, Iowa) is listed a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places and offers visitors a relaxing location that is full of fun recreational activities. Beeds Lake State Park is made up of 319-acres and surrounds a 99-acre reservoir which is the center of recreational activities in the park. Along with the lake there are also hiking trails, picnic areas and shelters, concessions and camping facilities.
The history of the park dates back to when Springbrook Creek was dammed and a sawmill was built in 1857. A flour mill was established two years later and property was bought by William Beed in 1864. He continued the operation until the early 20th century. In the mid 1930s after the sawmill and flour mill closed down the City of Hampton and several civic organizations bought the property the following year, wanting to develop it into a state park. The Civilian Conservation Corps worked from 1934 to 1938 developing the park and they built the majority of the park's amenities. The park officially opened on June 5, 1938.
Beed's Lake has a very popular, large campground that can host up to 142 visitors at a time. There are a bunch of different site options, including full hookup sites, 50 amp sites and non-electric sites too. You can reserve sites online or one-fourth of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
RV Rentals in Beeds Lake State Park
Transportation
Driving
Beeds Lake State Park is located in northern Iowa to the north-east of Hampton. The park is accessible from the north and the south with Beeds Lake Drive running through the middle of the park. There are many small towns located near the park, including Latimer to the west (around 10 miles away), Chapin to the north (around five and a half miles away) and Dumont to the east (around 17 miles away). The closest city to Beeds Lake State Park is Mason City, which can be found around 29 miles to the north of Beeds Lake State Park.
You should have no troubles driving to the park as the roads are very flat and there are no real obstacles for you to navigate. The campground is quite large and the roads are also very wide so getting to your campsite should also be very easy. During the winter time there may be road closures in and around the park due to the winter weather. If you plan on visiting during this time make sure that you call ahead to the park office to confirm that you will have access.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available for visitors to Beeds Lake State Park.
Public Transportation
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will get you to Beeds Lake State Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Beeds Lake State Park
Campsites in Beeds Lake State Park
Alternate camping
Beeds Lake State Park Campground
The campground at Beeds Lake State Park Campground is renowned for being one of the best in the area. The campground is quite large and features 142 campsites that are available for RV campers to use throughout the year. Over half of the campsites at Beeds Lake State Park Campground have 50 amp electric hookups and there are also two full hook up sites. Since the campground is so large there are many amenities available, including bathhouses, dumpsters, water collection points, playground, direct lake access via a dock and a dump station.
You should be able to get cell reception at Beeds Lake State Park Campground on all of the major networks. Most of the campground is available to be reserved online but there are around 20 sites available on a first come, first serve basis (including the full hookup sites). The reservable sites are available up to three months in advance. Camping at Beeds Lake State Park Campground is available all year round.
Seasonal activities in Beeds Lake State Park
In-Season
Swimming
There's no better way to cool off during a hot summers day than by going for a swim. If you visit Beeds Lake State Park you will be able to do this as there is a sandy beach for swimming available for visitors. The beach is located on the south side of the lake and can be found near the lodge and causeway. There is no guarantee that there will be lifeguards on duty during your visit so make sure that you take precautions whilst going for a swim.
Boating
Along with being a popular swimming spot, Beed's Lake is also known for being a great place to do some boating during the summer. The scenic beauty of the lake is best explored via watercraft and motors of any size may be used at "no wake" speeds on the lake. If you want to launch a boat you may do so at the modern boat ramp that is located on the southern shore of the lake.
Franklin County Fair
During July Beeds Lake State Park fills up with campers who are in town to see the sights of the Franklin County Fair. The Franklin County Fair is one of the oldest and greatest county fairs in the midwest and is worth checking out if you are in town during the weekend that it is held on. The fair features world-class concerts, events, and shows and is guaranteed to be a great time for you and family members of all ages.
Off-Season
Hiking
Since Beeds Lake State Park isn't huge there aren't dozens of trails for you to explore, however that doesn't mean the hiking isn't great. There is one two-mile trail that will provide you with a unique hiking experience for visitors as it follows the shoreline around Beed's Lake. Once you reach the spillway, hikers can head down to the base of the dam and experience a lovely cool, refreshing mist as the water rolls down the gorgeous limestone face. This is a multi-use trail, so hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and joggers are all welcome.
Fishing
Do you love to fish? The beautiful Beed Lake, fed by Spring Creek, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts all year-round. The lake has some great amenities for people who love to fish, most of which can be found on the south side of the lake. Here you will find several fishing jetties and docks that provide access to those who are mobility impaired. Popular species that are caught in the lake include bass, catfish, and panfish.
Picnicking
Beed's Lake State Park is a fantastic choice for those looking for a place to hold a picnic of all sizes or a cookout. The park has many different grassy shaded picnic areas scattered throughout the park that provide many opportunities for relaxation. Several of the larger open shelters are perfect for those who are may be reserved online through the park reservation system.
