Lake Darling is a freshly restored state-park lake in the rolling farmland of southeast Iowa – a 303-acre lake near Brighton in Washington County, recently rebuilt from the bottom up and now offering clean water, good fishing and a popular swimming beach. Named for conservationist “Ding” Darling, it’s a comfortable family-and-fishing destination wrapped in a 1,400-acre state park. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Lake Darling at a glance
- Surface area: ~303 acres, with about 18 miles of shoreline
- Depth: maximum ~22 ft
- Elevation: in the rolling hills of southeast Iowa
- Location: Washington County, about 3 miles west of Brighton
- Setting: the 1,417-acre Lake Darling State Park
- Top fish: channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish
A restored lake
Lake Darling underwent a major restoration – repairing the dam, removing decades of sediment, armoring the shoreline and building new accesses – and the lake, campground and park have reopened with much-improved water quality and fishing. At about 303 acres and a maximum depth around 22 feet, it’s a healthy, productive lake again, and a model of how Iowa is rebuilding its older park lakes.
Fishing Lake Darling
Channel catfish and crappie are the most common catches, with plenty of bluegill, largemouth bass and redear sunfish as well. A Iowa fishing license is required. The restored lake’s new structure and clean water have boosted the fishery; anglers fish the coves and shoreline from boats and the bank. Both power and non-power boats are allowed at no-wake speeds, keeping it calm.
Swimming, camping and recreation
Lake Darling State Park has a fun swimming beach for swimmers and sunbathers, plus a modern campground, cabins, picnic areas and trails across its 1,417 acres. The no-wake lake is ideal for paddling and small boats, and the renovated facilities make it a comfortable weekend base. Swimming, camping, paddling and fishing are the main draws.
Water level
Lake Darling is a stable, recently restored state-park lake, though levels can vary with rainfall. Check conditions before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Darling is about 3 miles west of Brighton in Washington County, southeast Iowa, off IA-78, between Washington and Fairfield. The southeast-Iowa countryside is nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Restored lake: recently rebuilt with clean water and improved fishing.
- Swim & camp: a swimming beach and campground at the state park.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Darling?
Channel catfish and crappie (the most common), plus bluegill, largemouth bass and redear sunfish.
Can you swim at Lake Darling?
Yes – Lake Darling State Park has a swimming beach, plus a campground, cabins and trails.
How deep is Lake Darling?
About 22 feet at its deepest, across roughly 303 acres.
Where is Lake Darling?
In Washington County, southeast Iowa, about 3 miles west of Brighton.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
Explore more Iowa lakes: the largest lakes in Iowa and the deepest lakes in Iowa.
