Lake of Three Fires State Park

The Lake of Three Fires State Park is situated near Bedford City in Taylor County, Iowa and encompasses a total area of about 1,155 acres of mainly woodland vegetation. The land is characterized by having a low density of plant growth that allows plenty of sunshine to get to the ground level. 

One of the special features of this park is that it is surrounded by an 85-acre lake that gives the park its name. The lake gets its name from a famous meeting (The Council of Three Fires) that occurred between three Native American tribes that joined forces in order to bolster their resources and protect their tribes against other invading tribes.

The Lake of Three Fires State Park is about half a mile wide and a mile long and has picturesque inlets that are ideal for fishing and boating. Other recreational activities that can be enjoyed at the park include horseback riding, swimming, snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, and camping.

Amenities available include several campsites (including some equestrian campgrounds with holding pens), public hunting areas, open picnic shelters, modern rental cabins, day-use lodge, playground, boat ramps, swimming beach, and multi-use trails.

Picnic areas and campgrounds at the Lake of Three Fires State Park offer a lot of opportunities to experience the park’s amenities with your dog. With that said, although dogs are welcome at the park there are several restrictions in place that are designed to keep everyone safe and happy including you, your dog, other visitors, wildlife and even plants at the park. 

Some of the basic regulations that must be followed at this park include the following. First, no dog should be left unattended at the park. Secondly, all dogs must be restrained and kept on a leash with a maximum length of six feet. Third, only two dogs are allowed into camping tents, cabins/yurts areas.

Furthermore, there are additional rules of pet etiquette that apply at the Lake of Three Fires State Park. For example, you should always clean up after your pooch and dispose of the waste in the right manner. Also, do not allow your dog to bark uncontrollably, which can intrude on other visitors' good time at the park.