Description

Located along the Iowa River, 668-acre Pine Lake State Park provides a pleasing mix of woodland, river and lake in the midst of rolling farmland.The park was dedicated in 1926, placing it amongst the earliest state parks in Iowa. Local residents were first drawn to the area by the rumble of Pine Creek as it wound its way between towering white pines, rare ferns, and sandstone outcroppings on its way to the Iowa River. Much of the park was shaped by the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Visitors can still enjoy many of the historic structures built during this time. Pine Lake was named for being the southernmost stand of native pine trees in Iowa, but unfortunately most of the nearly 250-year old giants were lost to a severe hail storm in August of 2009. Visitors today will notice hundreds of caged tree seedlings throughout the park which are part of a massive reforestation effort.

Recreation:

Trails
The park has several miles of hiking trails that spur off from the two and one half mile paved multi-purpose trails, ranging from flat and easy to steep and rough. These hiking trails will take you through a variety of habitats, from wetland areas around the fringes of the lakes and Iowa River, through successional woodlands and remnants of native prairie. The keen observer will likely see some of the wide variety of wildlife species that reside in these various habitats. The trails are a combination of grass and crushed rock. Some sections of the trail use existing roadways to make the trail complete.
The 2.6 mile paved bike trail connects the Cabins and Campground to the beach on Lower Pine Lake, and to fishing access on both Upper and Lower Pine Lakes. Other trails circle Lower Pine Lake, or wind through bottomland forest along the Iowa River.

Lake and River Activities
A beach is located on the lower lake which provides unsupervised swimming and sunbathing for all ages.
Pine Lake has a number of fishing jetties on both Upper Pine Lake and Lower Pine Lake that provide great shoreline access. Both Lakes, according to local anglers, are full of bass, crappie, northern and catfish. Each lake has a boat ramp for convenient lake access. Each lake shoreline has a designated segment for 24-hour fishing access.
The Iowa River also borders a portion of the park and is noted for its fine angling for channel catfish and small mouth bass. Fishing anywhere at Pine Lake will provide an enjoyable experience. Only electric trolling motors are allowed on the lake.

Facilities:

Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
Pine Lake Offers four beautiful picnic areas. One is a quiet river setting near Pine Creek on the eastern side of the Iowa River. The Hogsback Bluffs Picnic Area overlooks the lower lake. Others are located on the Upper Lake Boat Ramp and Circle Point. Open picnic shelters located at Circle Point, Upper Lake Boat Ramp, Hogsback and the Beach Shelter may be reserved online.

A charming stone and timber lodge is located high on a ridge overlooking Lower Pine Lake. Constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Pine Lodge is available to rent for weddings, family reunions and other gatherings or special events.

Camping
The campground at Pine Lake offers 50 amp electrical service, modern showers, restrooms and a trailer dump station. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the park reservation system. 25% of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Showers and restrooms are accessible, however fully accessible campsites are not available at this time.

Cabins
Stone and timber cabins are nestled along the Iowa River. Built by the CCC and the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, these cabins have heat and air condition and fireplaces to take the chill off a cool fall day. The cabins include an oven/stove, microwave and refrigerator. Pine Creek and Bittersweet cabins accommodate up to six people, Goldfinch and Sandstone up to four people. Pine Creek is accessible to the mobility-impaired.

Nearby Attractions:

Bring your clubs and enjoy a round of golf at Pine Lake Golf & Country Club, less than a mile away. Rock-n-Row Adventures coordinates tubing trips on the Iowa River. Visit the Hardin County Farm Museum in Eldora.

Nearby Towns
The city of Eldora lies one mile west of the park and Steamboat Rock lies two miles to the north. Iowa Falls is twenty miles to the northwest and Marshalltown about forty miles southeast.

Season Schedule

• General Rules