Union County lakes offer an array of outdoor recreational opportunities unmatched anywhere in southwest Iowa. Six lakes and 2,500 acres of publicly owned woodland and prairie are conveniently located, and offer some of the best warm water fisheries in the country.

 Three-Mile Lake offers acres of underwater structures for some of the best fish habitat in Iowa. Three-Mile Lake has recently been named one of the top 10 Fishing Lakes in Iowa by the Department of Natural Resources and in March of 2004 was recognized as on of the Top 96 Bass Lakes in the United States by Field & Stream.  Bring your own boat, use one of the 10 fishing jetties and explore nearly 24 miles of shoreline. This newly constructed lake has already built a reputation for providing excellent fishing for largemouth bass and walleye. In the next couple of years the catfish, crappie and bluegill should come on strong. Three-Mile Lake is also developing into Iowa's newest muskie hot spot.

The lower part of the lake is open to sailing, power boating and water skiing. No wake boating is permitted on the remainder of the lake.

THREE MILE RECREATION AREA & CABIN INFORMATION

Eight attractive log camping cabins at the Three Mile Recreation Area are a perfect way to spend time in the great outdoors.

FEES AND REGISTRATION:

• Cabin fees for your entire stay must be paid in full when reservations are made.
• You may pay in cash, personal check or money order. No credit cards will be accepted.
• All fees must be received within five (5) days of your arrival upon making a cabin reservation.
• All Cabin Fees, Minus A $5.00 Handling Fee, Will Be Refunded If Your Cancellation Is Received More Than Five (5) Days Before Arrival. If You Cancel Your Reservation Five (5) Or Fewer Days Before Your Arrival Date, You Will Forfeit All Fees Paid.
• Single night reservations will be accepted year round, except: A Friday or Saturday reservation during the peak camping season, i.e. Memorial Day through Labor Day requires both Friday and Saturday reservation.
• Maximum number of occupants per cabin is 6.
• Maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive nights.
• Minimum age to reserve a cabin is 18 years of age.
• Maximum number of vehicles per cabin is two (2) standard. No tents, RV's 5^th wheels, campers, pickup campers, pop-ups, etc. allowed at the cabin site.
• Cabin keys may be picked up at the cabin site as stated on confirmation.
• Returned keys are to be placed in locked key drop box at cabin site. Lost or stolen keys will result in a $20.00 replacement fee charge.

• CHECK IN - 4:00 p.m.
• CHECK OUT - 2:00 p.m.
• Cooking in cabins is prohibited except for coffee makers, crock pots and microwaves.
• Smoking is prohibited inside cabins.
• Pets are allowed at the cabin sites but must be contained to a portable kennel inside cabins or under control of owner outside cabins.
• Cabin quite hours are 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Cabin curfew is 10:30 p.m. for non-registered guests.

Two campgrounds overlooking the lake have 80 sites to accommodate recreational vehicles, trailers and tent campers.  Each site has electrical hookups.  Water is available along with picnic sites, a fish cleaning station and dump station. Showers, sinks and flush toilets are available nearby at the year-around comfort station.

CAMPER REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Modern campground fee is $15.00 per night:

1. Campground and shower house are open year round.
2. All campers are asked to self register at campground entrance.
3. Envelopes are located in top of registration tube.
4. Fill in appropriate information on receipt and on envelope.
5. Detach receipt from envelope and place on post next to campsite.
6. Place $15.00 fee in envelope and put in drop slot in registration tube.

• All campers are asked to self register.
• No reservations are accepted. Sites that are paid for must be occupied by a camper, tent or a vehicle to be considered valid.
• Two tents are allowed per site or one tent and one camper per site.
• Camping is restricted to designated sites only, and is limited to two consecutive weeks per unit.
• One extra vehicle per camping site is allowed. All other vehicles including visitors should park in designated lots. Visiting hours are over at 10:00 p.m.
• Check out time is 3:00 p.m.
• Pets must be controlled at all times and may not be tied to trees or other county property that could cause damage.
• The Union County Conservation Board reserves the right to refuse or rescind any or all privileges to anyone found in violation of these rules or any laws set by the state or federal government.

• Sites 4/5, 8/11, 10/13, 21/22, 24/25, 39/42 and 41/44 are duplex campsites.
• Duplex sites were designed for two campers of the same party to setup next to each other.
• One camper may occupy two sites except during times when the campground is full, then you will be asked to share the site regardless if you are in the same party.

From Highway 34 go just West of Afton and turn North on the Creamery Road (also marked County Road P53). Go North about 3 miles and turn West (left) on 150^th Street. Go 1/2 mile West and turn South (left) at the Three-Mile Recreation Sign.
 

Three-Mile Lake Lodge
The lodge at Three-Mile Lake was completed in the fall of 2002.  It is a perfect setting for business and social gatherings.  For information on the facility contact the Union County Conservation Group at (641)782-1755.
 

Twelve-Mile Lake has a standing reputation as one of the best fishing lakes in Iowa. Walleye, largemouth bass, crappie and channel catfish and bluegill offer great angling opportunities year-around. Shoreline access is available through three boat ramps. Boaters may operate at no-wake speeds only.
Twelve-Mile Lake is located four miles east of Creston, just off U.S. Highway 34.
 
 

Green Valley Lake is managed as a trophy bass lake with a minimum size limit of 22 inches. It provides some of the best catch and release bass fishing around, and  great opportunities for channel catfish, crappie and bluegill. A number of fishing jetties are available,

as well as two fishing piers for persons with varying ability. Two modern fish cleaning stations are located in the campground and adjacent to the beach. Over 14 miles of hiking trails, open water for power boating and skiing, and a sand beach with buoyed swimming area and a huge modern campground make this area a special attraction.

There are 145 campsites (85 with electric hookups), four-season cabins, modern restrooms and showers and a trailer dump station. Camping permits are obtained by self-registration at the campground. A playground is located near the campground.

This 390-acre lake and 990 acre state park is located two miles northwest of Creston just off Star Route 186.

Call 641-782-5131 to make reservations or for more information. Click here to visit the Green Valley State Park web site.
 
 

 Summit Lake offers prize catches of channel catfish along with crappie, largemouth bass and bluegill. A concrete boat ramp just off the Summit Lake Bridge on State Highway 25 offers easy all-weather access for fishermen.

This lake is located about 1/4 mile west of Creston, State Highway 25.
 
 

 Thayer Lakeone of the oldest man-made lakes in Iowa is a good small lake for bass, panfish and catfish. Water levels fluctuate little in dry or wet years because the lake is spring-fed. Although fishing boats are allowed, most anglers do just as well angling from the shoreline.

Primitive camping is welcome anywhere around this 10-acre, spring-fed lake and 47 acre nature area. This small park offers a secluded, almost cathedral-like setting amid stately centenarian oak and shagbark hickory trees. Pitch your tent or bring your camper. Electrical hook-ups are available. For more information on camping, contact the Union County Conservation Office at 641-782-7111.

Thayer Lake is located just south of Highway 34, near the town of  Thayer. It is about 20 miles east of Creston.
 

 Afton Lake provides excellent bluegill, catfish and bass fishing opportunities. This lake is located just 1-1/2 miles west of Afton on old Highway 34.