Pine Lake State Park is a beautiful 650-acre park with stunning landscapes (and two lakes!), nestled in the heart of north-central Iowa. A haven for nature enthusiasts, this cherished park offers year-round enjoyment through hiking, fishing, paddling, camping, and cozy cabins.
Find Pine Lake Park north of Eldora, about 6 miles south of Hwy 20, and around 30 miles east of Interstate 35, along the Iowa River.
As you plan your visit, consider the following:
- A paved trail runs along the lakeshores, excellent for biking or walking.
- Hiking trails extend through woodlands, wetlands, and prairie.
- Fishing is easily accessible by boat or shore.
- The lakes are great for paddling.
- Cabins are available year-round.
- The day-use lodge is an excellent spot for events and gatherings.
- The park features several historic structures built in the 1930s by the CCC & WPA.
Table of Contents
- A brief history of the park
- Things to do at Pine Lake State Park
- Park Map
- Pine Lake State Park Campground and Cabins
- Things to do nearby
- Visit Pine Lake State Park today!
A brief history of the park
Pine Lake State Park is full of history. Once inhabited by indigenous peoples, its legacy also includes ancient White Pines and enduring structures crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s.
Established in 1926, Pine Lake State Park owes its origins to the allure of Ancient White Pines and the captivating Pine Creek landscapes. A collaborative effort between residents and the Iowa Conservation Commission led to buying the land in 1921.
The first artificial lake took shape in 1922. Later developments include additional parkland and the construction of park structures.
Throughout the 1930s, the CCC and WPA left an indelible mark, erecting stone and wood cabins, a lodge, shelters, trails, and various structures that have stood the test of time, many of which have been restored.
The park has faced water quality issues affecting its lakes. Despite ongoing efforts to address these concerns, swimming remains intermittently affected.
In 2009, a severe storm swept through, claiming most of the ancient White Pines – a unique growth of southern white pines. But conservationists have since planted hundreds of pine seedlings to one day replace what was lost.
Despite these challenges, Pine Lake State Park thrives as a cherished outdoor destination in north-central Iowa. With so much to see and do, plus the park’s immense beauty, it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Things to do at Pine Lake State Park
• Hit the trails!
From a paved trail to soft-surfaced hiking trails through diverse landscapes, the trails here don’t disappoint!
The Pine Lake Bike Trail is a 2.6-mile paved trail extending north to south, winding along the lakeshores and through the woodlands.
Hiking trails are throughout the park, all conveniently accessed from the paved trail. They take you through scenic landscapes, including wetlands, woodlands, and prairie. You can also spot some historic CCC structures!
• Go fishing!
The fishing options are plentiful at Pine Lake State Park! Many great fishing spots exist whether you fish by boat or shore.
Upper and Lower Pine Lake have fishing jetties and other shoreline access, with a segment designated for 24-hour fishing at each. Both lakes also offer boat access (see map for locations).*
According to the Iowa DNR, popular fish species at these lakes include Crappie, Bluegill, Catfish, and Bass. Catfish are stocked periodically.
*Boats are restricted to electric trolling motors.
• Paddle the lakes!
The lakes are small enough for easy paddling but large enough to spend time exploring! Experiencing the park by kayak or canoe is a great way to soak up the surrounding beauty.
• Go camping or stay in a cabin
There’s no better way to enjoy the charm and spectacular sites of the park than to see it from dawn to dusk!
The park’s campground offers 75 campsites, or you can reserve one of four modern family cabins. Either way, you’ll be happy to spend the time enjoying everything the park has to offer.
• Have a picnic!
Find your perfect picnic spot at one of several picnic areas. They’re near the river, the beach, Hogsback Bluffs, the Upper Boat Ramp, and Circle Point. See the map for shelter locations.
The four open-air picnic shelters are available by reservation. They’re otherwise available on a first-come, first-serve basis. And if you’re planning a larger gathering, consider reserving the day-use lodge (seating capacity of 65).
• Visit the beach
Sunbathe, swim, or relax and enjoy the scenic views at Pine Lake’s beach! Find the beach on the northeast side of Lower Pine Lake.
Beach safety:
- No lifeguards on duty.
- Check for safe water conditions. Find beach monitoring status here.
Park Map
Pine Lake State Park Campground and Cabins
Stay overnight at the large campground or one of four modern family cabins!
Pine Lake State Park Campground details:
- Located near Upper Pine Lake
- 75 campsites: 64 electric, three full-hookup, and eight non-electric
- Most sites are back in
- Playground
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station on site
- Reserve campsites at ReserveAmerica.com
Pine Lake State Park Cabins:
- Historic CCC-constructed cabins
- Four cabins are available year-round
- Heat & A/C
- Restroom/shower
- Full Kitchen
- Guests provide their own linens, towels, cookware, and cleaning supplies
- Dog-friendly
- Cabins are a short walk from the parking area (wagons available to transport items)
- Reserve cabins at ReserveAmerica.com
Things to do nearby
Wildcat Cave Access is a 46-acre county area 2½ miles from the park. It has a hiking trail to Wildcat Cave, where Jesse James was said to have a hideout.
For a bit of adventure on the water, consider tubing the Iowa River! Rock-n-Row Adventures offers tubing, complete with shuttles, just a little over a mile from the park. They also offer camping, live music, and much more!
Hardin County Farm Museum is 3 miles from the park. It opens on the first Saturday of each month, May-October, and holds a few special event days each year. Check out the website for details.
Fallen Rock State Preserve is four miles from the park, just west of Steamboat Rock. The highlight is a short out-and-back trail with 100-foot sandstone bluffs along the Iowa River.
Visit Pine Lake State Park today!
Pine Lake State Park is at 22620 Co Hwy S56, Eldora, IA 50627.
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