ELINOR BEDELL STATE PARK
This small and beautiful state park sits on the shore of East Lake Okoboji, with trails, a playground and camping amenities. The 80-acre park was donated by Berkley and Elinor Bedell. A life-long resident of the Great Lakes area, Berkley Bedell represented northwest Iowa for 12 years in the U.S. Congress. The park offers a shelter with lake views and features a kitchenette, bathrooms and grills. The shelter can be reserved online. Elinor Bedell has a campground with full hook-up sites and modern restrooms. Advance camping reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. One-fourth of the campsites are available for self-registration on a first-come, first-served basis.
The land that would become Elinor Bedell State Park was historically prairie and wetlands, used by indigenous peoples. European settlers transformed the area into agricultural land for crops and livestock grazing. In 1998, Berkley Bedell donated the property in memory of his wife Elinor to ensure its preservation.
Situated on East Lake Okoboji's southern shore, it covers 80 acres with a focus on preserving natural habitats like prairies and wetlands. Historical features include remnants of native tallgrass prairie ecosystems once prevalent across Iowa but now rare due to extensive agriculture.
Since becoming a park in 2001, efforts have been made to restore these environments through controlled burns and plantings. The landscape has evolved from predominantly farmland back towards its original ecological state as part of conservation initiatives within the region.
Facilities such as trails, picnic areas, fishing spots were developed while maintaining environmental integrity; they provide recreation compatible with habitat protection goals.
1. Electric Campsites: Offer electrical hookups for RVs and tents.
2. Non-electric Campsites: Basic sites without electricity for tent camping.
3. Modern Restrooms: Facilities with flush toilets and showers available to campers.
4. Dump Station: A place to dispose of waste from RV holding tanks.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It features East Lake Okoboji, which is popular among locals and tourists alike for its water activities. Visitors can bring their own boats or rent one from nearby facilities to enjoy fishing, sailing, jet skiing or leisurely cruising on the lake's clear waters. There are also boat ramps available within the park premises providing easy access to the lake.
Enjoy fishing in two ponds stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. A valid Iowa fishing license is required.
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