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 and may be
reserved online through the
park reservation system.
Camping cabins may be reserved for overnight stays. The
cabins sleep four and are equipped with a bunk bed, futon, and table with chairs. It is 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.
(swimming, boating, fishing)
The beach at Lake Darling is a fun spot for swimmers and sunbathers, young and old. A concession building is present
where refreshments are available.
Lake Darling is a popular boating lake for both power and non-power boats. The concession offers boat rental
opportunities. Any size motor may be operated on Lake Darling at "no wake" speeds.
Lake Darling is an angler's delight. Catfish and crappies are probably the most prevalent catch for most anglers.
However, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth bass, carp, and tiger muskies are also plentiful.
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 was dedicated on September 17, 1950. J. N. "Ding" Darling, for whom the park was
named, "set the gate," a ceremony in which an honored guest closes the valve on the spillway, completing the
impoundment process. Ding Darling was the editorial cartoonist of the Des Moines Register and was a champion of
conservation during the early part of this century. Through his efforts, the conservation movement was fostered in
Iowa. In recognition of his contributions, Lake Darling State Park was named in his honor.
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.
Brighton is 3 miles east of the park, Richland is 5 miles west, Washington is 14 miles northeast on Highway 1, and
Fairfield is 17 miles southwest on Highway 34. These communities offer a variety of shopping, dining and church
opportunities.
111 Lake Darling Road
Brighton, IA 52540
ph. 319/694-2323
E-mail address: Lake_Darling@dnr.iowa.gov
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