Established Camping
Lake Darling State Park Campground
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 319-694-2323 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
Lake Darling State Park Campground, near Brighton, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With options for tent camping, RVs, and even cabins, it caters to a wide range of camping styles.
The campground boasts clean facilities and well-maintained sites, making it a comfortable place to unwind. Visitors have praised the beautiful lake, which is perfect for fishing and boating, with rentals available for those who want to get out on the water. One happy camper noted, “We went out for a fishing day, and the entire lake was very clean. Beautiful little lake with not a ton of traffic, perfect!”
For those who enjoy hiking, there are several trails that wind around the lake, offering scenic views and a chance to spot local wildlife. Some reviewers mentioned the trails could be a bit confusing, but they appreciated the effort put into maintaining the area. As one camper put it, “Iowa has done a great job fixing up this area.”
If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that the cabins tend to book up quickly, so it’s wise to reserve early. Whether you're looking for a peaceful weekend getaway or an active adventure, Lake Darling State Park Campground has plenty to offer.
Description
Lake Darling was dedicated in 1950 and named after J.N. "Ding" Darling, a champion of conservation and editorial cartoonist for the Des Moines Register. Through his efforts, the conservation movement was fostered in Iowa.
Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
Lake Darling State Park is a great place for a family cookout. A number of scenic picnic areas overlook the lake. Two open picnic shelters are available for reservations.
The new day-use lodge is reservable and is a popular place for reunions, parties and weddings
Cabins
Camping cabins are reserved for a two night minimum stay. The cabins sleep four and are equipped with a microwave, dorm-size refrigerator, twin bunk bed, futon and table with chairs. They are located only a short distance from the modern restroom and shower building in the campground.
Six newly constructed, year-round cabins are now available for reservation. These two bedroom cabins have queen sized beds, a table and chairs, and a futon. Each kitchen contains basic appliances, including a refrigerator, a microwave, a stove, and a toaster. All of the cabins have a restroom with a shower. Each cabin has a large deck with four Adirondack style chairs. Cabin users should bring their own bedding, towels, and any other camping supplies.
Camping
Lake Darling State Park has a large well equipped campground featuring full hook-up (sewer/water/electric), electric and non-electric sites with modern shower and restroom facilities. The campground has a playground as well as a conveniently located dump station.
Trails
Hikers 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. A 13.6 mile trail encircles the entire lake. If you plan to walk the entire trail, please take water and sunscreen. The trail takes you through a variety of habitats, from wetland areas around the fringes of the lake, through successional woodlands and remnants of native prairie to a cemetery dating back to the 1800s. The trail is a combination of grass and crushed rock and is open to hikers, runners, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers
Lake Activities
The beach at Lake Darling is a fun spot for swimmers and sunbathers, young and old.
Lake Darling is a popular boating lake for both power and non-power boats. Any size motor may be operated at "no wake" speeds. Two boat ramps are located around the lake for convenient lake access. Anglers without boats may rent them from the boat house located between the two shelters.
Lake Darling is an angler's delight. Catfish and crappies are the most prevalent catch for most anglers. However, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth bass, and carp are also plentiful.
Nearby Towns
Brighton is three miles east of the park, Richland is five miles west, Washington is fourteen miles northeast on Highway 1, and Fairfield is seventeen miles southwest on Highway 34.
Concessions: Friends of Lake Darling Boat Rental
Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend; Friday thru Sundays, and holidays, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Paddle boats, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, single kayaks, double kayaks. Can accommodate businesses or groups for special events.
Location
Lake Darling State Park Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
Take Highway 1 and 78 three miles west of Brighton and turn north on Lake Darling Road.
Address
111 Lake Darling Rd
Brighton, IA 52540
Coordinates
41.18965788 N
91.89943575 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Detours Nearby
Indian Lake Park
58 min away
Lower Augusta Skunk River Access
1 hr 3 min away
Drive Time
- 45 min from Iowa City
- 1 hr 6 min from Cedar Rapids
- 1 hr 38 min from Davenport
- 1 hr 46 min from Des Moines
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
