The lake is being drawn down for a 3-year renovation project starting 11/10/08. This project will impact all water based recreation for the next 3 years until the project is completed and the lake is allowed to return to normal pool level. The campground, cabins, lodge and picnic shelters will be open and available for use. For updated information please contact the park office at 319-694-2323. (updated 11/25/08)

Facilities and Activities

Picnicking/Shelters
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.

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.

Cabins
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.

Camping
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.

Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
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.

Lake Darling is an angler's delight. Catfish and crappies are probably the most prevalent catch for most anglers. However, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth bass, and carp are also plentiful.

Trails
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.

Nearby Towns
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.

Contact Information
111 Lake Darling Road
Brighton, IA 52540
ph. 319/694-2323

E-mail address: Lake_Darling@dnr.iowa.gov