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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Northeast Region
Beeds Lake State Park
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Beeds Lake State Park © Ron Cook
Beeds Lake State Park Rental building © Ron Cook
Beeds Lake State Park © Ron Cook
Beeds Lake State Park Ice on the water © Ron Cook
Beeds Lake State Park © Ron Cook
Beeds Lake State Park Beeds Lake, 2010 © Ron Cook
Looking N.E., towards the dam.
Beeds Lake State Park Beeds Lake © Ron Cook
Beeds Lake State Park Sunset at Beeds Lake © Ron Cook
Looking w.n.w., 2010.
Beeds Lake State Park Big storm later that night. © Ron Cook
Beeds Lake State Park Beeds Lake © Ron Cook
Looking east towards the dam.
Beeds Lake State Park Storm coming © Ron Cook
Beeds Lake, 2010. Unusual cloud formation. Big winds, rains and severe storm warnings that evening. It blew down our tent
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BEEDS LAKE STATE PARK
BEEDS LAKE STATE PARK
1422 165th Street
Hampton, Iowa   50441
(lat:42.7682 lon:-93.2428) map location

Phone: 641-456-2047
Reservations: 877-427-2757
Email: park email button icon
A centerpiece of Franklin County, Beeds Lake State Park is a popular destination for anglers of all ages and contains one of the most photographed dams in the Midwest. The parks 99-acre reservoir is the primary focus, with ample fishing and hiking opportunities at the spillway and along the causeway. Beeds Lake State Park was named after William Beed, the owner of the property before the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed it into a park.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Beed's Lake has a very popular campground. A total of 99 of the 144 sites have electrical hookups. Modern restroom and shower facilities are available, as is a sanitary dump station. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Swimming
The sandy beach for swimming is located on the south side of the lake, near the lodge and causeway. It is a great place to enjoy the water on a hot summer day.
Boating
Beed's Lake State Park has provided visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities since 1934. One unique feature of the park is the causeway that crosses the lake near the lodge. It provides more than one-third of a mile of great shoreline fishing as well as a convenient pathway for hikers and joggers. Another focal point of the park is the unusual 170 foot-long spillway with horizontal layers of limestone dropping abruptly 40 feet. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

In 1857, T.K. Hansbury built the first dam to supply water for the operation of a sawmill. Two years later, water power was used to operate a flour mill. William Beed put in the long causeway when he bought the property in 1864. He operated the mill until 1903.
Fishing
Fishing:

The beautiful lake, fed by Spring Creek, is a popular destination for anglers, year-round. Bass, catfish, and panfish are available to challenge anglers. Several fishing jetties and docks are located on the south shore of the lake and are accessible to mobility impaired visitors.


Location
Beeds Lake State Park is

Picnicking
Beed's Lake is an ideal place for a family cookout. Its grassy and shaded picnic areas provide many opportunities for relaxation. The stone and timber beach building built by the Civilian Conservation Corps has been converted to a rental lodge. The lodge is complete with dining areas, a kitchen and rest rooms and may be reserved for a fee through the concessionaire (641) 425-0413.
Trails
A two-mile trail provides a unique hiking experience for visitors as it follows the shoreline around Beed's Lake. At the spillway, visitors can hike to the base of the dam and experience a cool refreshing mist as water rolls down the beautiful limestone face. This trail may be utilized by hikers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and joggers.
Bicycling
While exploring the park, be aware that biking is limited to designated roads and trails.

The 2-mile trail around a scenic lake offers moderate difficulty for cyclists.

Take note of potential hazards such as loose gravel or sudden changes in terrain on this path.

Ensure you have proper safety gear since some areas may not be well-lit during dusk hours.

Remember, off-road cycling isn't permitted; stick to marked paths for your own safety.

During winter months, icy conditions can make bicycling dangerous - exercise caution.

Keep an eye out for pedestrians sharing the same routes while enjoying your ride.
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including waterfowl and songbirds. A trail circles the lake for easy viewing opportunities. The dam attracts birds like herons and kingfishers.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 8 It is the place to reconnect by Scott P.
park review stars; one to five I used to go here camping when i was a boy and it was some of my best childhood memoirs. Went back last summer and it was like being little all over again. Its the perfect escape from the city and drone of everyday boringness
January 8 It is the place to reconnect by Scott P.
park review stars; one to five I used to go here camping when i was a boy and it was some of my best childhood memoirs. Went back last summer and it was like being little all over again. Its the perfect escape from the city and drone of everyday boringness
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Iowa State Parks

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