By:
Submission
Pine Lake State Park is a hidden gem with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views in the midst of Iowa’s rolling farmland. Historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) can be found throughout the park, including the Pine Lodge, beach house and stone cabins, which have been carefully restored. Pine Lake is filled with beautiful picnic areas to enjoy a quiet setting by the river or an overlook of the park’s lake. The park originally was home to Iowa’s southernmost stand of native pine trees which were wiped out by a severe hailstorm in August 2009; today hundreds of caged tree seedlings are scattered throughout the park as part of a reforestation effort.
Stay overnight in one of four cozy cabins at Pine Lake, with stone fireplaces and outdoor fire rings. One cabin is ADA accessible, and all cabins include a full kitchen and bath, along with heating and air conditioning for year-round stays. The park’s campground offers electric sites with modern showers and restrooms and a trailer dump station. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and advanced campsite and cabin reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Pine Lake State Park.
From U.S. Highway 20: Exit U.S. Hwy 20 at the Eldora/Steamboat Rock exit, turn south on county road S-56. Stop at the four way stop in Steamboat Rock and continue south on County Road S-56 for about two miles. The campground will be on the left at the stone portal. The rest of Pine Lake will be on both sides of the road before you reach state Highway 175. Hwy 175: From Eldora on Hwy 175 on the east edge of Eldora, turn north on the first left through the stone portals on S-56. Lower Pine Lake will be on your right. The cabins and the Iowa River will be on your left. The campground and Upper Pine Lake will be on your right approximately one and one-half miles from Hwy 175 on County Road S-56.
Pine lake has an amazing walking trail that goes around the lake. However, algae is a concern and swimming is not recommended, making the beach useless.
Went for sunset and then sunrise the next day. This park is 3.5 hours from where I live. I will be back next summer to camp and kayak on the nearby Iowa River.
Nice location with places to fish, water access, hiking and biking trails. Restrooms are nice and clean, but no hot water or showers. More of a place for RVs than rents. Most sites have electric. Sites are very close together, so no privacy, that is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
Always enjoy spending time here, thankful they have a paved trail. Hardin County should have a safe path from this trail up to the Steamboat Rock trail just to the north, as the Iowa River's Edge trail is here.
Great trail, fun hike if you are ok with steps/stairs. Would not recommend if you have knee problems or trouble going up and down many sets of steps but outside of that it was a very fun and beautiful trail
