RV Parks In Bedford, Iowa
40.6669° N, 94.7214° W
Quick Overview
Bedford is the county seat of Taylor County in Iowa's far southwest corner, a peaceful agricultural community near the Missouri border. The area offers several RV parks for travelers, with some providing free access. Sitting along Highway 148 and Highway 2, Bedford is off the main interstate routes, which means campgrounds here are uncrowded and the pace is genuinely relaxed. Lake of Three Fires State Park, just northeast of town, is the main outdoor attraction and one of the nicest smaller state parks in southern Iowa. The 96-acre lake offers fishing, swimming, and boating in a wooded setting of oak and hickory timber. Local campgrounds include the state park facilities and private operations, both offering at least basic hookups. The Taylor County countryside features more rolling timber and grassland than the flat farmland further north, giving the area an Ozark-like character that surprises many Iowa visitors. Bedford's downtown is quiet and well-maintained with a historic courthouse square that reflects the town's heritage. For RVers looking for affordable, uncrowded camping near a scenic lake in a part of Iowa that most travelers skip over, Bedford is a genuine find. The remote setting and scenic state park make Bedford a rewarding stop for RVers willing to go a bit off the main highways. Explore the listings below for your options.
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All Dump Stations Near Bedford
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Of Three Fires | 3.5 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lake Of Three Fires State Park | 3.9 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Wilson Lake Campground | 15.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Nodaway Valley County Park Campground | 15.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Nodaway Valley County Park | 15.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mozingo Lake Equestrian RV Park | 18.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Back Nine RV Park, Llc | 20.9 mi | 4.8 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mozingo Lake Recreation Park | 21.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Fogle Lake Park Campground | 22.2 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Raymond J. Courter College Park Pavillion | 23.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Lake Of Three Fires
3.5 miLake Of Three Fires State Park
3.9 miWilson Lake Campground
15.0 miNodaway Valley County Park Campground
15.2 miNodaway Valley County Park
15.3 miMozingo Lake Equestrian RV Park
18.6 miBack Nine RV Park, Llc
20.9 miMozingo Lake Recreation Park
21.5 miFogle Lake Park Campground
22.2 miRaymond J. Courter College Park Pavillion
23.6 miTraveling to Bedford by RV
Highway 2 runs east-west through Bedford connecting to I-35 at Leon about 35 miles east. Highway 148 runs north-south through town. From I-35, take Highway 2 west at Leon -- the drive takes about 35 minutes on a good two-lane highway. From I-29 on Iowa's western border, take Highway 2 east from the Sidney area. The roads handle RV traffic without issues, though the secondary routes can be narrow in spots. Diesel fuel is available at the Casey's in Bedford. For supplies, Bedford has a small Dollar General and a few convenience stores for basics. For a fuller shopping trip, Clarinda is about 30 miles west with a Hy-Vee, or take the longer drive to I-35 corridor towns for Walmart access. Propane is available at local farm supply dealers. Cell coverage is adequate in Bedford proper but drops off in the timbered areas around Lake of Three Fires and the surrounding countryside.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Bedford, Iowa, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Bedford
Camping near Bedford is very affordable, making it one of the cheapest places to camp in Iowa. Of the available parks, a portion% provide free camping while a portion% charge a nightly fee. Lake of Three Fires State Park campground rates follow Iowa DNR pricing, typically $16 to $25 per night depending on hookup level. Private campgrounds in the area are similarly priced or even less. Weekly rates may be available at private parks by arrangement. The free options offer basic overnight parking at no cost for travelers on a tight budget. Compared to campgrounds near Des Moines or along the I-80 corridor, Bedford's rates are significantly lower, and the Lake of Three Fires experience is arguably more scenic and relaxing than many higher-priced alternatives. Bring cash for smaller operations that may not accept cards.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Bedford
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Best Time to Visit Bedford by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
15-38°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds close for winter, though Lake of Three Fires State Park allows limited cold-weather camping for self-contained rigs.
Spring
Mar - May
38-70°F
Crowds: Low
Spring brings wildflowers to the timber-covered hills, and the lake fishing picks up as water temperatures rise through April and May.
Summer
Jun - Aug
68-92°F
Crowds: Medium
Peak season for lake swimming, fishing, and camping with warm days and firefly-filled evenings at Lake of Three Fires.
Fall
Sep - Oct
42-70°F
Crowds: Low
Fall color in the oak-hickory timber around the lake is excellent, making October one of the most scenic times to camp here.
Explore the Bedford Area
Lake of Three Fires State Park is the standout attraction and absolutely worth your time. The lake has good fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, and the swimming beach is popular on hot summer days. The park's hiking trails wind through mature oak-hickory timber that's especially beautiful during fall color season. Bring your own boat or rent a kayak or canoe at the park -- the lake is a perfect size for a morning paddle. Stock up on groceries before arriving in Bedford, as the town's options are limited to basics. The Taylor County Historical Museum in town offers local history exhibits if you're interested in the agricultural heritage of this part of Iowa. Evenings around Lake of Three Fires are exceptionally quiet with dark skies and an abundance of fireflies in summer. If you enjoy horseback riding, the park has equestrian trails. Bring firewood or buy it locally -- transporting firewood from other states is restricted to prevent disease spread.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Bedford
Where can I find RV parks in Bedford, Iowa?
Bedford has several RV parks listed on RVingLife. Browse the listings on this page for hookup options, amenities, and campground locations near Lake of Three Fires State Park in Taylor County.
Are there free camping spots near Bedford?
Yes, some of the parks in the Bedford area offer free camping for travelers. Check individual listings for details on what amenities are available and any time limits on free overnight stays.
What is Lake of Three Fires State Park like?
Lake of Three Fires is a scenic 96-acre state park lake surrounded by oak-hickory timber. It offers fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish, a swimming beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, and equestrian trails in a peaceful, uncrowded setting.
What supplies should I bring to Bedford?
Bring a full grocery stock and plenty of water since Bedford has limited shopping -- just a Dollar General and convenience stores. Clarinda is about 30 miles west with a Hy-Vee for a more complete supply run.
Where can I find RV parks in Bedford, Iowa?
Bedford has {{stationCount}} RV parks listed on RVingLife. Browse the listings on this page for hookup options, amenities, and campground locations near Lake of Three Fires State Park in Taylor County.
Are there free camping spots near Bedford?
Yes, {{freeCount}} of the parks in the Bedford area offer free camping for travelers. Check individual listings for details on what amenities are available and any time limits on free overnight stays.
What is Lake of Three Fires State Park like?
Lake of Three Fires is a scenic 96-acre state park lake surrounded by oak-hickory timber. It offers fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish, a swimming beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, and equestrian trails in a peaceful, uncrowded setting.
What supplies should I bring to Bedford?
Bring a full grocery stock and plenty of water since Bedford has limited shopping -- just a Dollar General and convenience stores. Clarinda is about 30 miles west with a Hy-Vee for a more complete supply run.
All Dump Stations Near Bedford (54)
RV ParkLake Of Three Fires
RV ParkLake Of Three Fires State Park
RV ParkWilson Lake Campground
RV ParkMozingo Lake Equestrian RV Park
RV ParkNodaway Valley County Park Campground
RV ParkNodaway Valley County Park
RV ParkBack Nine RV Park, Llc
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