Beed's Lake State Park

For some R&R in central Iowa, look no further than Beeds Lake State Park! Located 3 miles from Hampton, this 319-acre site is the pawfect spot for spending a leisurely weekend in the outdoors with your canine BFF. Featuring a 99-acre manmade lake that is pawpular among boaters and anglers, the park offers various recreational activities that the whole family, including four-legged members, will enjoy.

Doggos who love their walkies will have a barking good time exploring the 2-mile trail that follows the shoreline around Beeds Lake. Used by hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers, it also passes the boat ramp and day-use lodge. Near the lodge, the trail crosses the lake on a 1/3-mile causeway, providing a unique hiking experience. Another interesting feature that shouldn't be missed is the 170-foot-long spillway with horizontal layers of limestone. You and Fido can hike to the base of the dam and enjoy a cool mist as water rolls down the limestone—a woofderful treat on warm days!

Get a closer look at the lake's scenic beauty by going on a boat ride. Motors of any size are allowed at “no wake” speeds on the water, and rentals are available if you don't have your own boat. For overnight accommodations, Beeds Lake offers a spacious campground containing over a hundred sites, most of which are equipped with electric hookups. For your convenience, there is a sanitary dump station, modern restrooms, and showers. Make sure another member of your pawty stays with Fido while you're taking a shower, as doggos cannot be left unattended in the campground.

Whether you spend a day or a weekend at the park, always keep your pooch on a 6-foot leash and pick up whatever they put down. For a furrific time in the outdoors, head over to Beeds Lake State Park!