Map showing campground location near Roland, Iowa

Camper submitted image from Dakins Lake County Park

Dakins Lake County Park

Dakins Lake County Park operates a county-managed campground that opened in recent years, evidenced by the young trees throughout the property. The facility sits alongside Dakins Lake in central Iowa, offering both full-hookup and primitive camping options across two distinct areas.

Campers find large, well-spaced sites with full electric, water, and sewer connections available. The newer section features modern amenities including clean shower houses and restrooms, though the recently planted trees provide minimal shade. Michelle A. notes the sites "are large and very clean" and mentions the shelter overlooks the lake. An older section of the campground offers about 15 sites with mature trees and basic facilities.

The lake provides fishing opportunities, and the park includes hiking trails, biking paths, and a playground. A responsive camp host assists visitors, and reservations can be made online for select sites. The nearest supplies are available at a small gas station in Zearing, while full grocery shopping requires a ten-mile trip.

As one reviewer observes, "As the trees mature this campground will just keep getting better." The combination of full hookups, lake access, and expanding amenities makes this spot work well for RV campers and families seeking water-based recreation in central Iowa.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Oregon Trail Road Trip

Independence to North Platte: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsDakins Lake County Park is located in Iowa near Roland

Public Campground

Directions

Located just north of Zearing in northeast Story County.

Coordinates

42.17100052 N
93.29200075 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

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

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

Connectivity

Presented by

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

Drive Time

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

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Dakins Lake County Park

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the large, clean sites and quality facilities including modern amenities. The main concern mentioned was lack of mature trees for shade, though this newer campground continues to improve.

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.

Keep Exploring