Dakins Lake



Located just north of Zearing in northeast Story County, Dakins Lake includes remnant and restored prairie, successional timber, trails, and 20 acres of open water in two lakes. The 103-acre park offers hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, geocaching, and a natural playscape.  

Public Fishing Brochure

 

SCC Rules and Regulations

Location

70613 130th Street, Zearing, IA  50278

Features

  • Fishing on the twenty-acre lake stocked with bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and perch. 
  • Fishing jetties 
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Picnicking throughout the park including one picnic shelter with a kitchenette available for reservation - Shelter Reservations.
  • The main campground has 11 full hook-up sites and 18 sites with electricity and water - some sites are reservable - reservations are only available online - Camping Reservations. 
  • Shower house available in the main campground.
  • The east campground has 8 camp sites with water and electrical hookups; portable toilet on site - some sites are reservable - reservations are only available online - Camping Reservations). There are also 2 primitive (tent only) spots as well. 
  • Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
  • Hiking and off-road biking on the park's two miles of trails.
  • Small restored prairie and wooded areas.
  • Only electric trolling motors are allowed on Story County Conservation Lakes; gasoline-powered motors are prohibited. 
  • Snowmobiling is allowed during posted park hours on lake ice only. Operation must be in compliance with Iowa Code 321G.
  • Golf carts and off-road utility vehicles are allowed to operate on the roads at Dakins Lake during the hours of sunrise to sunset.  In compliance with Iowa Code 321I and vehicles must be equipped with adequate brakes, a slow-moving vehicle sign, a bicycle safety flag, and carry no more than the number of passengers designated by the manufacturer.  Operators must have a valid driver’s license and follow all park rules. Vehicles cannot be operated in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner. Golf carts, ATVs, and off-road utility vehicles are allowed to operate on the lake ice at Dakins Lake during posted park hours.  


Operating Hours & Seasons

Park hours are 5:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. daily.

 



Closures

This area is open year-round.  Campgrounds are closed November 1 - March 31.

  • During the early and late camping seasons, facilities may be closed and unavailable due to cold temperatures. No refunds will be issued for reservations made during these times.