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- Lake Darling State Park
The best camping in Lake Darling State Park, IA
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.
The best camping in Lake Darling State Park, IA
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Darling State Park adventure.
Camper favorites near Lake Darling State Park
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K
Kelly
October 2025
34 ft travel trailer
With pets
If you are looking for a quiet spot this is the place. Plenty of wildlife to see deer bald eagles.
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Aaron
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
James was awesome! We just happened to pull up when he was outside. He came over and said hi. He was very welcoming! We stayed at the camper site. Site #3
The spot was great! Very secluded. About 25 minutes from University of Iowa. It was very close to many farms. It was flat. It was freshly mowed and very well maintained.
Couple things to know:
1) When you get there, back in. We thought we would pull in and then back into the spot. Nope. You will just back straight in from the main road.
2) I was able to use James' hose to fill up my fresh water tank.
3) Dumping is super simple. Just google Kalona City Park Campground. About 5 minutes from where you camp. At the entrance to the campground there is water and a sewer dump. It was $10 to dump and you just put the cash in an envelope.
4) There were many flies but very few mosquitos.
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Michelle
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is the perfect spot for people who love fishing, the Hawkeyes, or have family in Iowa City. Full hook-ups and a quiet spot. Loren is easy to work with and very accommodating.
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Jay
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Lucky Star Farm
Such a beautiful place! The camper was perfect for our weekend in Iowa City, and the farm setting was more amazing than we imagined. Susan was a great host, and everything was just as we had hoped. We’ll be back!
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Kael
September 2025
Tent
The place was gorgeous and the weather was fantastic when we went. I highly recommend staying if you’re in the area.
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Katherine
September 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
Anna was very friendly and very flexible! She offered multiple spots for us to stay on the property. The bathrooms and kitchen were clean and fit our needs!
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Michelle
September 2025
With kids
Maria was a great host and we had a great time. They have everything you could need there and it’s great for kids too. Our kids loved the canoe and sand toys. They even brought us some homemade wine that was fantastic!
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N
Nehemiah
September 2025
With pets
It’s perfect. Clear view for the sunset & sunrise. The teepee was unexpectedly comfortable, being able light up the fire pit in the inside was a 10. It was 45 degrees last night and we slept like new born babies. Trails cut out to enjoy the colors and the life that the their prairie brings to the land. Great hospitality, I even got the chance to enjoy the taste of delicious fruit and drinks produced from the land.. if this place don’t Bless your camping needs, you’re not a camper. If I keep giving details it might seem too good to be true, I advise you to check it out. Overall it was a pleaser to meet them and enjoy this wonderful idea for us to enjoy nature and the peace that comes with it.. We will be back for sure.
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Jessica
September 2025
With kids
We loved staying in the wagon — it was a dream come true. It was serene and you could tell this property is prayed over and seasoned in love and care. Everything was as described or BETTER! It was cozy and clean! We loved the two cats on the property and seeing the bison in the morning. The beds were very comfortable and the amenities are too numerous to detail. We went out of our way to stay here and it was WORTH IT! Thank you so much to our hosts for their hospitality, faith, patriotism, hard work, and care that is displayed even in their absence!
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Adam
September 2025
Tent
I stayed one night on Sandi and Pat's beautiful property on my way across the country. Sandi and Pat greeted me on arrival and gave me a walkthrough of all of the fun amenities they have available on their land, and provided a fire ring to set up at my site. Sandi's chickens even popped out of the coop to say hi too! The fantastic grass lawn provided an extra comfortable place to set my tent up, I enjoyed a lovely evening by the fire as the sun set, and fell asleep to a cool breeze blowing through the trees. A very peaceful and comfortable site!
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J
Jack
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Walking Stick Adventures Tipi Camp
We had a great time. The hosts were friendly and shared some homemade wine and vegetables from their garden. The property was very well kept and all the amenities made it a very convenient and relaxing camp. Loved staying in the tipi and being able to take a hot outdoor shower. Can’t wait to come back.
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Chad
August 2025
16 ft car
The work restorative work Anna is doing to her land is inspiring, particularly the wetlands around the pond--gorgeous!
Recommend the farm tour option.
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Jeremy
August 2025
With pets
I've stayed at walking stick adventures multiple times. It's a private single camp site in a quite rural area. The hosts and campsite provide everything needed for a comfortable stay. Just bring your own bedding and food. Maria and ken are always pleasant and quickly reapond to anything that comes up. The pond and trails are enough to wear out the kids and dogs. This is my family's favorite place to camp.
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Leah
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Very nice land! The bridge was cool, made it feel like an adventure. :)
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peter
August 2025
Tent
This is one of my favorite HIPCAMP places to stay. Anna and Dave are wonderful hosts, and have multiple options for where I can place my car/tent. This last visit I stayed in a lovely stand of trees full of quite the assortment of sounds. Before that I was close to the hilarious sheep on property. I picked up some of Anna's Elderberry glaze that she makes- that too was wonderful.
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J
Jager
August 2025
Tent
Me and my wife really enjoyed our stay at whitetail tent camping. It was a cool setup right next to a beautiful pond and nice and secluded from everything.
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Jennifer
August 2025
1 night at Lucky Star Farm
Susan greeted us outside the camper when we arrived & we instantly felt at home. She has such a lovely presence & Lucky Star Farm is truly magical! Their vintage camper, “Betty” is adorable, meticulously clean, & thoughtfully stocked. We were quickly greeted by several resident barn cats & could see llamas, goats, & sheep from our little patio. We loved everything about our stay & definitely plan to visit again with our kids! Thank you so much, Susan & Rich! Hope to see you again soon!
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Cassie
August 2025
With pets
We had such a beautifully relaxing stay—truly one of the best camping experiences we’ve had as a family. Our hosts have literally thought of everything to make it comfortable, peaceful, and easy to enjoy. It’s clear they care deeply about creating a welcoming space, and it shows in all the thoughtful details.
The site is super kid-friendly! Our daughter loved playing in the sand, swinging in the hammock, and just exploring the outdoors. We were able to slow down, be present, and really enjoy each other’s company.
The weather was perfect during our visit, and our dog had the time of her life swimming in the pond and canoeing right along with us. It was such a joy to watch her have fun too.
One of the sweetest touches was the hosts sharing some of their homemade wine—it was absolutely delicious and such a generous, personal gesture that made the experience feel even more special.
We left feeling refreshed, reconnected, and full of gratitude. Highly recommend for anyone looking to unplug and make meaningful memories in a truly thoughtful and peaceful setting
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M
Mike
August 2025
Tent
With pets
We had an amazing experience camping at James’s! Site 2 had the perfect amount of privacy while still being a minute walk to where the car was parked. It was a well maintained area and the creek and prairie areas were great to help recharge.
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Mike
August 2025
1 night at Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging
Great place and just as described/pictured, including utensils if you want to grill or cook over the fire pit. Sitting outside and watching the bison graze was a nice “activity” in of itself. If it were closer to us, we’d come for weekend stays :-)
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Other options near Lake Darling State Park
The best camping in Lake Darling State Park, IA guide
Overview
About
Rolling hills, forests full of trees, and a big blue lake. Sounds pretty good, hey? We think so, too. Lake Darling State Park is one of southeastern Iowa’s most gorgeous spots to pitch a tent, and there’s more than one reason why. The ample shade and lake shore breeze makes this one heck of a place to spend a few days cooling off from the hot, summer heat. What’s more, if you’re looking for some adventuring, Lake Darling State Park has for sure got you covered. With swimming, boating, and tons of fishing, you’ll no doubt find plenty to do while you’re not admiring the picture-perfect view.
Notable campgrounds
- Lake Darling State Park Campground - A favorite for families with its playgrounds and close proximity to the lake.
- Brighton Campground - Offers a peaceful camping experience with scenic views and modern facilities.
- Lakeside Campground - Ideal for anglers and boaters, with easy access to the lake's boat ramps.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Book early, especially for peak season weekends, to secure your preferred spot.
- Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
- Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
- Explore nearby camping options if Lake Darling is fully booked.
When to go
The best time to visit Lake Darling State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters can be harsh, with some facilities closed, so check ahead for accessibility.
Know before you go
- Check the park's website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
- Remember to pack insect repellent and sunscreen for protection.
- Be aware of local wildlife and maintain a safe distance at all times.
- Accessible facilities are available; contact the park office for specific details.
- Don't forget to bring your own water bottles to stay hydrated during your adventures.
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