Three Mile Lake campground

For Iowans seeking a peaceful and well-equipped outdoor retreat, Three Mile Lake Campground in Afton offers a fantastic destination. Nestled within the larger Three Mile Lake Recreation Area, this campground provides a serene setting where you can unwind and reconnect with nature. It’s a place where the hustle and bustle of daily life fade away, replaced by the quiet hum of the Iowa countryside and the gentle rustle of leaves. Whether you're an avid camper with an RV, prefer the simplicity of tent camping, or are looking for a comfortable cabin stay, Three Mile Lake Campground caters to a variety of preferences, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

Three Mile Lake Campground has earned a reputation for its cleanliness and tranquil atmosphere. As one delighted camper shared, they "Loved the campground. Very clean and quiet. All the sites that I saw have electric, fire pits and picnic tables. Trees for shade. The women's bathroom was very clean. Two showers stalls, also clean and kept up. Big playground for kids. A big covered patio with picnic tables for a large gathering." This glowing review highlights the meticulous care taken by the Union County Conservation Board to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Another camper simply stated, "Had the greatest time, and felt as if no one else was there," underscoring the sense of seclusion and peace you can find here. While the lake itself has undergone significant restoration work, which may affect accessibility at times, the campground's fundamental appeal as a clean, quiet, and amenity-rich base remains strong.

Three Mile Lake Campground is conveniently located at 3 Mile Cabin Ln, Afton, IA 50830, USA. This address places it approximately 3 miles north of U.S. Highway 34 in Afton, Iowa, and about 70 miles southwest of Des Moines. For Iowans traveling from various parts of the state, the campground is easily accessible via well-maintained highways and county roads, ensuring a straightforward and stress-free journey to your outdoor escape.

The campground's integration within the Three Mile Lake Recreation Area means that while you're enjoying the tranquility of your campsite, you're also just a short distance from the broader park's offerings. Signage within the recreation area will guide you directly to the campground. For those planning to access the lake for boating or fishing, it’s important to note the ongoing restoration efforts. As a past customer mentioned, "The only bummer was we didn't know that 3 Mile Lake that is attached to the campground was drained in 2016. DNR has ongoing construction throughout the lake. We were not able to get on the lake from the boat docks. Too low." While much of the in-lake work was scheduled to be completed by Spring 2025, water levels and accessibility for specific activities like fishing and boating can fluctuate. Therefore, it is always advisable to "call before you go to find out if it's accessible for fishing," as recommended by the reviewer. This proactive approach will help ensure your visit aligns with your recreational plans, whether you plan to fish Three Mile Lake or venture to nearby alternatives like 12 Mile Lake, which is "about 6 miles away."

Three Mile Lake Campground offers a comprehensive range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient for both short and extended stays.

• Electric Campsites: The campground features approximately 80 sites, all equipped with electrical hookups (30/20/15 Amp, with 50 Amp available at some sites), accommodating recreational vehicles, trailers, and tents.
• Water Availability: Water hydrants are available throughout the campground, providing convenient access to fresh water.
• Clean Restrooms: Well-maintained and very clean restroom facilities are available, including flush toilets.
• Shower Stalls: The women's bathroom, as highlighted in a review, and likely the men's, feature clean and well-kept shower stalls for camper use. These are accessible showers, sinks, and flush toilets at a heated year-round shower house.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/pit, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RV and trailer waste.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station makes processing your catch easy.
• Rental Cabins: Five (and soon more) attractive log camping cabins are available for rent, sleeping up to six people, and are equipped with basic furnishings, heat/AC, dorm-sized refrigerators, microwaves, and outside picnic tables and grills. Accessible showers, sinks, and flush toilets are nearby.
• Large Covered Patio/Lodge: A significant feature is the large covered patio with picnic tables, suitable for big gatherings. The Three Mile Lake Lodge, a 36'x84' log structure, is also available for public rent year-round, ideal for events.
• Wireless Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the main campgrounds.

Beyond its essential services, Three Mile Lake Campground boasts several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal and enhance the overall visitor experience. These aspects truly make it a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa.

• Quiet and Clean Environment: Consistently praised by visitors for its tranquility and cleanliness, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway.
• Shade Trees: Many sites offer natural shade from trees, providing comfort during warmer months.
• Large Playground: A "big playground for kids" is a major highlight for families, ensuring children have plenty of space to play and enjoy the outdoors.
• Lake Access and Recreation (check current conditions): While lake levels can vary due to restoration, the 880-acre Three Mile Lake is known for its excellent fish habitat (largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, bluegill, muskie) and recreational opportunities including boating (power, sailing, no-wake zones), a swimming beach, and fishing jetties.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding hundreds of acres of wildlife management areas are teeming with songbirds, waterfowl, deer, and upland game, offering abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Hiking and Equestrian Trails: The recreation area offers miles of trails for hiking and equestrian use.
• Self-Registration System: Campsites are generally first-come, first-served, with a self-registration system, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips (though calling ahead for lake access is recommended).
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The amenities like the playground, cabins, and ample space make it particularly welcoming for families.

For inquiries, reservations (for cabins or the lodge, as campsites are typically first-come, first-served), or to check current lake conditions, you can contact the Union County Conservation Board, which manages Three Mile Lake Campground.

Address: 3 Mile Cabin Ln, Afton, IA 50830, USA

Phone: (641) 347-5100

Mobile Phone: +1 641-347-5100

It is highly recommended to call the Union County Conservation office at the provided number, especially if your primary interest is fishing or boating on Three Mile Lake, to get the most current information regarding lake accessibility and the status of the restoration project. You can also visit the Union County Conservation Board's section on the MyCountyParks.com portal or Travel Iowa's website for additional details and updates.

For Iowans, Three Mile Lake Campground in Afton is an outstanding choice for a local outdoor escape. Its convenient location ensures a relatively short drive from many parts of the state, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying the campground's offerings. The blend of clean, quiet, and well-equipped campsites with essential amenities like electric hookups, flush toilets, and showers makes it particularly suitable for families and those who appreciate comfort while camping.

Even with the ongoing lake restoration, the campground remains a highly appealing destination due to its peaceful atmosphere, excellent facilities, and the wealth of other recreational activities available within the broader Three Mile Lake Recreation Area. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, a base for exploring southern Iowa's natural beauty, or a spot to gather with loved ones under the stars, Three Mile Lake Campground delivers. Its reputation for cleanliness and the positive experiences shared by previous visitors underscore its suitability as a go-to camping spot for locals seeking an enjoyable and hassle-free outdoor adventure right here in Iowa.

Three Mile Lake campground

3 Mile Cabin Ln, Afton, IA 50830, USA