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Nearby Parks:
Spainer Br Skunk River State Wildlife Area
Woodthrush State Park
South Skunk River State Wildlife Area
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| 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: |
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A country girls dream!
Beautiful lake, lush green grass, trails are filled with greenery just so beautiful.
Written by Mandi
18-Apr-2008
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My favorite park in the state
Has a little something for everyone
(name not given)
6-Jun-2008
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| 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. |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your 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 or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| 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 |
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