There's a soft drizzle coming down from the sky as we navigate the winding path along the river. Tree branches above us deflect the raindrops and keep us dry enough to let our curiosity drive us further along the trail. Our five month old is warm and cozy, nestled into his carrier. He is sound asleep on my chest despite the cool October weather. We could be on the couch looking out the window, wishing for sunshine. Instead, we're out here. Living our best life.
Pine Lake State Park is a gem hidden away in Hardin County, Iowa. The 668-acre park is located along the Iowa River. A fusion of woodland, lakes, and river, this nature-lovers playground is situated in the middle of the rolling Iowa farmland we all know and love. Local residents were first drawn to the area by the babbling of Pine Creek coursing between the towering white pines and an undergrowth of ferns. It was dedicated in 1929 as one of the earliest state parks. Many of the structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps shortly after the park's dedication are still standing today and continue to be enjoyed by visitors. Most notably, the beautiful stone and timber Pine Lodge overlooking Lower Pine Lake is a popular venue for weddings, family reunions, and other special events.
Camping at Pine Lake State Park
There's enough to see and do here for at least two days so plan to stay overnight at one of the scenic campsites, several of which offer electrical hook-ups. Much of the campground offers a great view of the lake, and the modern showers are an added bonus. Make campsite reservations here, or if you're feeling spontaneous, show up and snag one of the first-come, first-serve sites that make up 25% of the campground. Firewood is available through the camp host, though we were unable to catch them during our stay. A friend gave us the tip that you can also get firewood at a roadside stand at a house near the south entrance of the park. It is available with free will donation so you can get it at any hour of the day - lucky for you party animals making s'mores until 9:30 p.m. You crazy kids.
Don't feel like sleeping on the ground and forgot your fifth wheel in your neighbor's driveway? Pine Lake State Park has great cabins for only $75 a night. Gorgeous and historic, the stone and timber cabins will thrill all members of the family. Nestled between the Iowa River and a wooded hillside, each cabin has heat and a fireplace to keep you warm in the cooler seasons and air conditioning to chill out in during the summer months. Though you can find a great meal in nearby Eldora, the cabins do have a kitchen for preparing your own meals.
Fishing and Hiking at Pine Lake State Park
Husbands beware of the 50 and 69-acre lakes, where your wife just might out fish you in your hunt for the bass, crappie, bluegill, northerns and catfish that call the park's Lower and Upper Pine Lakes home. You'll have a shot at redemption along the Iowa River, which borders a portion of the park and is known for its channel catfish and smallmouth bass angling. There is also a swimming beach located just off the bike trail at Lower Pine Lake, where you and the kids can unwind after a hard day's work of reeling in the big ones.
There are over ten miles of trails in the park, 2.6 of which are paved. Following the paved Pine Lake Recreation Trail out from the campground, you'll quickly find the trailhead to South Trail. This dirt path weaves through the woods, guiding you closer and closer to Lower Pine Lake's water's edge until you are . It connects with
and follows the lake for 1.4 miles, eventually meeting back up with Pine Lake Recreation Trail on the other side of the lake. ****
"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."
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