 Photo Courtesy James Graham
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY
State Park Location Maps:
(click here to zoom and navigate local map)
(click here to zoom and navigate regional map)
View TOPO Maps!
Get directions to this park:
State Park Photo Gallery:
volunteer positions open
State Park Link:
Lake Darling State Park
Nearby Parks:
Spainer Br Skunk River State Wildlife Area
Woodthrush State Park
South Skunk River State Wildlife Area
|
| State Park Contact Information: |
 |
Lake Darling State Park
111 Lake Darling Road
Brighton, Iowa 52540
Phone: 319-694-2323
Reservations: 877-427-2757
Email: Lake_Darling@dnr.state.ia.us
|
| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
|
Photography: add your photos
|
| State Park Reservations: |
|
Reservations: 
|
|
| State Park Overview: |
| 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. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
|
|
A country girls dream!
Beautiful lake, lush green grass, trails are filled with greenery just so beautiful.
Written by Mandi
18-Apr-2008
| |
|
My favorite park in the state
Has a little something for everyone
(name not given)
6-Jun-2008
| |
|
Our Favorite!
We have been going there for years and love the place. The water quality has always been an issue but love the layout and views.Try to camp there 3-4 times a year!
Written by John & Deb
20-Feb-2009
| |
|
AWESOME
THis park is AWESOME LOVE IT
-GREEN
Written by lovesoccer_lez or green
26-Mar-2009
| |
|
A true Iowa treasure!
We love this park! Beautiful! The most serene camping and fishing location. This is the most underused park in Iowa. It is a true Iowa treasure.
Written by okbotto
9-Sep-2009
| |
|
|
| 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. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked 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. |
| 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. |
| Picnicking: |
| 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 for a fee through the park manager. |
| Boating: |
| 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. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing:
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. |
| |
| |
| | Advertise your park related business
on stateparks.com
...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
|
| Related Links: |
| IA DNR: Conservation Law Enforcement - The Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Bureau offers a variety of recreational education safety programs to ... Resources, SE Regional Office Lake Darling State Park 110 Lake Darling Road, Brighton, IA ... | | Iowa on Hiker Central - Backpacking, hiking and camping tips and links for Iowa ... State Park Lake Anita State Park Lake Cornelia State Park Lake Darling State Park Lake Keomah State Park Lake Macbride State Park Lake Manawa ... | | Brighton Campgrounds and RV Services - Brighton Campgrounds and RV Services Select the desired Campground or RV Service located in Brighton, Iowa Campgrounds: Lake Darling State Park (319) 694-2323 RV Services: None Home Locate Iowa |
|
|
| |
|
USA
