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.

Lake Darling State Park Campground

Brighton is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Brighton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Brighton

The Best Camping Near Brighton, Iowa

The Lake has been recently drained and refilled. The new trails around the lake are so wonderful. Electric and tent sites. Brand new five season cabins. Great all year round!

Favorite Childhood Site

We had a cross country meet here. Came back to camp. Loved exploring the area. 

Lake Darling

I absolutely loved this state park. There is so many options for fishing and camping. They even have cabin rentals for the more glamping lifestyle. They do book up quick in advance, but there is usually walk up spots available the week of too. Definitely reccomend.

Amazing lake

Nice campground with some newer facilities, well kept up and clean.  There are 2 parts to the campground, both nice and fairly full-but not completely on the weekend we stayed. Sites were fairly level and all pretty close to the showers/restrooms, and well spaced out between sites.   There were several hiking trails-maps seemed to not quite fit the trails and lake to some degree.  Several ponds have been added to the lake and along the hiking trails that aren't on the map that could assist in knowing where you're at along the trails.  Trails were signed fairly well but still seemed somewhat off from the maps both online and on site.

Beautiful lake/Nice Campground

We stayed on the primative group side of the lake.  There is a small pond that we were able to let some of our scouts get started in kayaks and canoes before getting into the main lake.  Great fishing and walking paths.  Iowa has done a great job fixing up this area.  The cabins are small but clean.

Beautiful getaway

Our family has been camping at Lake Darling for the past couple of years. 
We very much like the campground and the lake area. 
Opportunities for improvement would be that the full hookup sites have the neighbors waste tube close the campers picnic table. Sometimes getting a whiff of  black water waste while trying eat dinner leaves a little to be desired. Eh?
 If a person camps in the regular electric only sites this is not a problem. 
However, this requires ( for most campers) the use of the shower house. The bathroom facilities are clean and well kept but the showers could use some updating and better cleaning maintenance. 
The lake area offers great fishing and there are boat rentals available. Paddle boats, canoes, and other options. 
There is a long concrete multi use path along the lake and into the cabin area. 
The cabins seem nice, though we have never been in them or stayed in them. Book early they are usually booked up I am told. 
All in all a great weekend get away place. 
And generally limited cell signal might be better that way eh?

Lake Darling Campground 

We went out for a fishing day, boat launch was very nice and entire lake was very clean. There were several people out on the water in kayaks and paddle boats, very calm waters. Beautiful little lake with out a ton of traffic, perfect!!

Photos of Lake Darling State Park Campground

Real photos from real campers