Pine Lake is the centerpiece of one of Iowa’s oldest and prettiest state parks – a pair of small, scenic lakes on the Iowa River near Eldora in Hardin County, surrounded by the rare white pines that give the park its name. With bass, crappie and catfish in the lakes, smallmouth and walleye in the river, plus a beach, campground and miles of trails, Pine Lake State Park is a beloved north-central Iowa getaway. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Pine Lake at a glance
- Surface area: two lakes – Upper Pine Lake (~69 acres) and Lower Pine Lake (~50 acres)
- Depth: small, shallow park lakes (with the Iowa River alongside)
- Elevation: in the Iowa River valley of north-central Iowa
- Location: Hardin County, northeast of Eldora
- Setting: the 668-acre Pine Lake State Park, one of Iowa’s oldest state parks
- Top fish: largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill (plus smallmouth, pike & walleye in the Iowa River)
Two lakes and a river
Pine Lake State Park encompasses two lakes – 69-acre Upper Pine Lake and 50-acre Lower Pine Lake – set in a pleasing mix of woodland, river and rolling farmland along the Iowa River. The small, shallow lakes are classic park-fishing waters, and the adjacent river adds a whole second fishery. The park’s namesake stands of native white pine are a rarity in Iowa and give it a north-woods feel.
Fishing Pine Lake
The two lakes are hotspots for largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish, with bluegill as well, while the Iowa River is popular for smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. A Iowa fishing license is required. Anglers can fish from shore or a fishing jetty at the lakes, and the river adds flowing-water options – a nice variety in one park.
Swimming, camping and trails
Pine Lake State Park has a swimming beach (unsupervised – swim at your own risk), a campground with cabins, picnic areas and miles of hiking trails through the pines and along the river. Boating (no-wake) and paddling on the small lakes, hiking, swimming and camping make it a full-weekend destination. The historic CCC-era stonework adds to its charm.
Water level
The park lakes are stable, though the Iowa River alongside rises and falls with rainfall. Check conditions before a trip.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Pine Lake State Park is northeast of Eldora in Hardin County, north-central Iowa, off IA-118. The Iowa River greenbelt and the town of Eldora are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Two lakes + a river: bass and panfish in the lakes; smallmouth, pike and walleye in the Iowa River.
- Swim & camp: a beach and campground at one of Iowa’s oldest state parks.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Pine Lake?
Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish and bluegill in the two lakes, plus smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye in the adjacent Iowa River.
Can you swim at Pine Lake State Park?
Yes – there’s a swimming beach (unsupervised, swim at your own risk), plus a campground and trails.
Where is Pine Lake?
At Pine Lake State Park northeast of Eldora in Hardin County, north-central Iowa.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
Explore more Iowa lakes: the largest lakes in Iowa and the deepest lakes in Iowa.
