State: Iowa
Address 1: 111 Lake Darling Road
City: Brighton
Zip: 52540
Phone: 319-694-2323
Open: Open all year
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 118
Electric: 81
Camp URL: http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/lake_darling.html
Full Hook: Yes
Lake Darling State Park is a great place for a family cookout. A number of scenic picnic areas overlook the lake. An open picnic shelter is available for use.
The newest addition to the Lake Darling landscape is the lodge. Completed in 2008, the lodge is quickly becoming a popular place for reunions, parties and weddings. Reservation for the lodge can be made by calling the park office at 319-694-2323.
Camping cabins may be reserved for a 2-night minimum stay. The cabins sleep four and are equipped with a bunk bed, futon, and table with chairs. They are located only a short distance from the modern rest room and shower building in the campground. The cabins can be reserved online through the park reservation system.
Lake Darling has a large and well equipped campground. A total of 118 campsites are present, 81 with electrical hookups. The campground has 2 modern rest room buildings, as well as a conveniently located trailer dumping station. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is playground equipment in the campground.
The beach at Lake Darling is a fun spot for swimmers and sunbathers, young and old. There is a new playground in the beach area.
Lake Darling is a popular boating lake for both power and non-power boats. There are boat rental opportunities through park staff. Any size motor may be operated on Lake Darling at “no wake” speeds.
Hikers will find plenty of opportunity at Lake Darling State Park. Several trails are present and hikers will see a variety of plant, animal and bird species. One of the trails extends through a re-established prairie and another winds through heavily wooded timber to a cemetery dating back to the 1800s.
Lake Darling State Park is 1,417 acres in size, including a beautiful 302-acre lake with almost 18 miles of shoreline. The park, with its beautiful wooded hills and valleys and lovely lake, offers something for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, young and old.