$17 - $24 / night

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Facilities

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Dakins Lake County Park

4 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Dakins Lake County Park, near Zearing, Iowa, is a charming campground that offers a mix of modern amenities and a laid-back atmosphere. With spacious sites and full hookups, it’s a comfortable place to set up camp whether you’re in a tent or an RV.

The campground features a nice shower house and clean restrooms, which visitors appreciate after a day of fishing or hiking around the small lake. Many campers have noted the friendly camp host who’s always ready to help, making your stay even more enjoyable. One reviewer mentioned, “The campsites are large and very clean,” which speaks to the overall upkeep of the area.

While the trees are still young and don’t provide much shade yet, the open spaces allow for good air circulation, especially on windy days. As the trees mature, this place is bound to get even better. Plus, if you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind, you’ll find it here, as the campground is known for its peaceful environment.

For those who want to explore, there are hiking and biking trails nearby, along with decent fishing opportunities. Just remember to stock up on supplies before you arrive, as the closest grocery store is about ten miles away. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Dakins Lake County Park has the essentials for a relaxing camping experience.

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Location

Dakins Lake County Park is located in Iowa

Directions

Located just north of Zearing in northeast Story County.

Coordinates

42.17100052 N
93.29200075 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Ashton Wildwood Park

26 min away

Greenhouse Camping

37 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

26 min from Ames
48 min from Des Moines
1 hr 8 min from Waterloo
1 hr 30 min from Cedar Rapids

Connectivity

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T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

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Roger

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2024

Very Nice!

Stayed a weekend here and was very enjoyable! This looks to be a relatively new campground as the trees are still very young and, therefore, not much shade. It was windy that weekend so plenty of air circulation made it nice. High didn’t hit 90 until Sunday afternoon so didn’t even need air conditioning.

Site2

Month of VisitJune

Michelle A.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 16, 2022

Clean, beautiful shelter, full hook ups, helpful camp host!

We rented two campsites and the shelter this past weekend. The campsites are large and very clean. The trees aren't mature yet, but it wasn't an issue for us. The shelter is very nice and overlooks Dakins Lake. The camp host was very responsive and helpful.

Site13

Month of VisitMay

Kelly

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 7, 2021

Nice city park

Decent fishing. Quiet campers. 2 campgrounds, newer one with modern facilities, no trees. Other side of park is older one, with mature trees, portable toilets, power, water, 15 or so sites. Close to i35, but not to close. Make reservations, facilities this good are full by Friday.

Debra T.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2018

Small newer campground with small lake

The camp sites are good sized. There are full hookups, electric only and primitive sites available. Nice shower house, restrooms, playground, hiking, biking, fishing or just hanging out. Zearing does have a small gas station/convenience store, the closest grocery store is about ten miles away so come prepared!

Unfortunately being a newer campground there are no established trees for shade, we found the best spots are on the south side where the camper door faces east. As the trees mature this campground will just keep getting better.

Some of the sites are reservable online.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Dakins Lake Park and Campground?

Dakins Lake Park and Campground offers numerous amenities for visitors. The campground features full hookups, electric-only sites, and primitive camping options. Facilities include clean shower houses and restrooms. Recreation opportunities abound with a playground for children, hiking trails, biking paths, and fishing at Dakins Lake. The campground also has a shelter that can be rented for group gatherings, which overlooks the lake. While Zearing has a small gas station/convenience store, the nearest full grocery store is approximately ten miles away.

How do I make reservations for Dakins Lake Campground near Zearing?

Reservations for Dakins Lake County Park are recommended, especially for weekends when the campground fills up quickly. You can make reservations online through the Story County Conservation website. The campground has different site types available including full hookups, electric-only, and primitive sites. It's advisable to book well in advance, particularly for Friday and Saturday stays, as the facilities are popular and tend to be fully booked by Friday. For specific reservation questions, contact the Story County Conservation office directly.

Is there a map of Dakins Lake Park and Campground showing camping sites?

Yes, maps of Dakins Lake Park and Campground are available. The park has two distinct campground areas: a newer section with modern facilities but fewer mature trees, and an older section with about 15 sites featuring mature trees. Maps can be obtained from the Story County Conservation website or at the campground itself. These maps show the layout of both camping areas, the lake, shelter, trails, and other facilities. For the most detailed and current site map, contact the park office or check their official website.

Are there photos available of Dakins Lake Park and Campground?

Photos of Dakins Lake Park and Campground can be found on the Story County Conservation website and various camping platforms including The Dyrt. These images showcase the campground's large, clean sites, the lake views, and facilities such as the shower house and shelter. While the newer camping area features young trees with limited shade, the photos help illustrate the open, well-maintained spaces. The shelter overlooking Dakins Lake is particularly photogenic. For the most recent visual updates, check the official county website or social media pages.

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