Beeds Lake Campground

For Iowans seeking a peaceful and scenic escape into nature, Beeds Lake Campground, located within the beloved Beeds Lake State Park near Hampton, offers an idyllic setting for your next outdoor adventure. This beautiful state park, a centerpiece of Franklin County, provides a refreshing environment where you can unwind, enjoy a variety of recreational activities, and create cherished memories. Whether you're planning a family camping trip, a serene fishing expedition, or a refreshing hike around the lake, Beeds Lake Campground presents a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Iowa.

Beeds Lake State Park is renowned for its picturesque 99-acre reservoir and its striking Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era limestone dam, often hailed as one of the most photographed dams in the Midwest. The campground itself is a popular destination, lauded by visitors for its "beautiful lake view with nice amenities" and its ability to foster cherished family traditions. It's a place where the tranquility of the water meets the charm of well-maintained facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. From waking up to the calm waters of the lake to exploring historic structures and winding trails, Beeds Lake Campground promises a quintessential Iowa outdoor experience that truly revitalizes the spirit.

Beeds Lake Campground is conveniently situated at Lake Dr, Hampton, IA 50441, USA. This prime location in north-central Iowa makes it an accessible destination for many residents across the state and from neighboring regions. Hampton, Iowa, a welcoming community, is just a short drive away, offering access to local services, dining options, and any forgotten essentials you might need during your stay. The park’s clear signage and well-maintained roads ensure a smooth journey to the campground, accommodating vehicles of various sizes, from passenger cars pulling pop-up campers to larger RVs.

The campground itself is well-laid out, providing easy access to individual campsites and communal facilities. Its position within Beeds Lake State Park means that campers have direct access to the lake, hiking trails, and other park amenities without needing to drive further. The park's design, including the causeway that crosses the lake, offers convenient pathways for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists to explore the scenic surroundings. While certain facilities like shower buildings have seasonal opening and closing dates, the overall accessibility of the park ensures that visitors can enjoy its offerings throughout the camping season. The combination of easy navigation to the park and thoughtful internal layout contributes to a stress-free and enjoyable camping experience for all.

• Diverse Campsites: Beeds Lake Campground features a popular campground with a variety of sites. It offers both electric and non-electric campsites, with 99 out of 144 sites having electrical hookups (including 20, 30, and 50 amp options). Some sites are also available with water and sewer hookups for added convenience.

• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: The campground provides modern restroom and shower facilities that are generally well-maintained, ensuring comfort and hygiene for campers. Park staff typically aim to have these facilities open by May 1st and start closing them around mid-October, depending on the weather.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available on-site, offering a convenient solution for RV and trailer waste disposal.

• Potable Water: Potable water hydrants are available throughout the campground, generally operational during the main camping season. Frost-free hydrants might be available for off-season camping; it's advisable to call the park to confirm availability.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and enjoying evening campfires (though some sources indicate "no campfire allowed" which seems contradictory to fire rings; clarification directly with the park is recommended).

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and are not left unattended. Pets must also be kept quiet to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.

• Online Reservation System: Campers can conveniently reserve campsites in advance through the Iowa State Parks online reservation system, with reservations typically opening three months prior to arrival. Approximately half of the campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis for self-registration.

• Historic CCC Dam and Spillway: The park's most iconic feature is its beautiful 170-foot long limestone dam and spillway, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. It's considered one of the most photographed dams in the Midwest, offering stunning views and a unique hiking experience to its base.

• Beeds Lake (99-acre reservoir): The centerpiece of the park, Beeds Lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing (bass, catfish, panfish), "no wake" boating (motors of any size permitted at idle speeds), and swimming at the designated sandy beach area near the lodge.

• Two-Mile Shoreline Trail: A picturesque two-mile trail encircles Beeds Lake, providing a unique experience for hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and joggers. This trail offers continuous scenic views and a path along the historic causeway.

• Fishing Jetties and Docks: Several fishing jetties and docks are located on the south shore of the lake, many of which are accessible to mobility-impaired visitors, enhancing fishing opportunities for all.

• Day-Use Lodge and Shelters: The stone and timber beach building, originally built by the CCC, has been renovated into a rental lodge, complete with dining areas, a kitchen, and restrooms, perfect for family reunions or small events. Two open shelters are also available for reservation.

• Playground: A playground is available for younger visitors, providing a dedicated space for children to play and enjoy their time at the park.

• Wildlife Viewing and Birding: The diverse habitats around Beeds Lake attract a variety of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching, including waterfowl and songbirds, and observing other local fauna.

• Picnic Areas: Grassy, shaded picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, offering many opportunities for relaxation and outdoor meals.

As a state park campground managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Beeds Lake Campground's pricing and any "promotions" are typically standardized across the state park system and less about seasonal sales found in private campgrounds. However, it's worth noting how reservations work and any specific offers that may arise:

• Advanced Reservations: While not a discount, the ability to reserve campsites up to three months in advance, particularly for popular electric or full hook-up sites, can be seen as a "special offer" in terms of ensuring availability, especially during peak seasons and holidays. Half of the campsites are also available for self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Iowa DNR Promotions: The Iowa DNR occasionally runs broader state park promotions. For example, in the past, they offered a "Discover 6 Hidden Gems and Get a BOGO on Your Stay" promotion (using promo code GEM21), which included Beeds Lake State Park. These types of offers are typically announced through official DNR channels or their newsletters. While specific current promotions like this are not permanently ongoing, it highlights that it's beneficial to keep an eye on the official Iowa DNR website or subscribe to their updates for potential future deals.

• Seasonal Rates: Camping fees are consistent across Iowa State Parks. Fees vary by campsite type (electric, non-electric, full hookup) and are subject to change. Typically, there are peak season rates (e.g., May 1 - October 15) and potentially lower off-season rates. Details on current rates and any potential off-season discounts would be available on the Iowa State Parks reservation website.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping rates and any potential special offers, it is always recommended to visit the official Iowa State Parks reservation website or contact the park directly.

For inquiries about Beeds Lake Campground, including reservations, park information, or current conditions, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Lake Dr, Hampton, IA 50441, USA

Phone: (641) 456-2047

You can also find more information and make reservations through the official Iowa State Parks website, typically via iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. For email inquiries, some sources suggest Beeds_Lake@dnr.iowa.gov, but calling is often the quickest way to get specific answers.

For Iowans, Beeds Lake Campground is an ideal and easily accessible destination that truly embodies the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the state. Its convenient location near Hampton means that residents across Iowa can enjoy a relaxing getaway without the need for extensive travel, making it perfect for weekend trips or longer family vacations. The park's "beautiful lake view" and "nice amenities" are consistently praised, assuring visitors of a comfortable and enjoyable stay right in their own backyard. This combination of accessibility and quality makes Beeds Lake Campground a recurring favorite and a cherished tradition for many local families.

The array of activities available at Beeds Lake State Park ensures there's something for everyone. From peaceful fishing on the 99-acre lake and tranquil boating at "no wake" speeds to invigorating hikes on the two-mile shoreline trail, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them engaged. The iconic CCC-built dam and spillway provide not only a picturesque backdrop but also a piece of Iowa's rich history to explore. With well-maintained facilities, diverse camping options (electric and non-electric), and a family-friendly atmosphere, Beeds Lake Campground offers a quintessential Iowa camping experience. It's a place where locals can reconnect with nature, enjoy quality time with loved ones, and create lasting memories, reinforcing why it remains a beloved destination for those living in the Hawkeye State.