The open shelter overlooks Dakins Lake and features a large charcoal grill, water fountains, modern restrooms, electrical outlets, and a kitchenette serving area with a sink and counters (no appliances). The shelter is available to reserve from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. between April 1 and October 31 of each year.  Reservations for the next calendar year are available after November 1.

If not reserved, the shelter is available year round on a first-come, first-served basis. The kitchenette is not available without reservations.

A sample of the rental contract can be found at the bottom of this page.  Your online reservation constitutes your agreement to these terms.

Click here to make reservations


Check-In / Out Availability Check-in is after 07:00 AM and check-out is before 10:00 PM.

Location 70613 130th Street
Zearing, IA 50278


Amenities

  • Carry in/carry out refuse
  • Electricity
  • Kitchenette
  • Picnic Table
  • Pressurized water
  • Refuse cans
  • Restroom

The shelter overlooks the lake and features a large charcoal grill, water fountains, modern restrooms, electrical outlets, and a kitchenette serving area with a sink and counters (no appliances).

Water/sewer services may be closed at any time to prevent freezing.


Fees

FEE. $50.00 per reservation.

DEPOSITS.   A damage deposit of $100.00 is required for rental of any SCC facility.  If alcohol (beer/wine) is being consumed--cans, bottles, or one keg--the damage deposit is $200.00.  For two kegs (more than two kegs is prohibited)--the damage deposit is $275.00.  The standard $100 damage deposit is automatically added to the reservation fee.  To include alcohol during your reservation you must select the appropriate additional damage deposit.

All or a portion of any deposit may be withheld if additional clean-up or repairs beyond normal maintenance are required.  Staff time for clean-up will be charged in one-hour increments at $30/hour (one-hour minimum). These deposits are not a limit of liability for damage to county property. Facility renters are responsible for any damage done to SCC facilities and grounds. The Board may utilize all legal remedies to recover damages.      

Damage deposits for reservations made within three months of the event date will be refunded to the credit card used to make payment. Deposits for reservations made more than three months prior to the event date will be returned via check issued by the Story County Auditor's office.  Please allow up to four weeks for processing.

SPECIAL EVENTS.   A permit is required to hold an event meeting any of the following criteria on SCC owned or managed land:

  1. Any event or gathering not sponsored by the SCC and including 250 people or more.   
  2. Any event or gathering charging admission or charging for services regardless of the number of people.
  3. Any event utilizing a party tent, amplified music, or in-ground stakes/signs.  

A $75.00 non-refundable filing fee will be assessed for approved special events. Please call the conservation office if your event/gathering will require a special events permit.


Hours of Operation & Seasons

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


Address

70613 130th Street
Ph: 515-232-2516

Zearing, IA, 50278


Closures

The park is open year round.

The shelter is available to rent between rent April 1 and October 31.


Availability


Where You'll Be


Story County

Story County Conservation serves the citizens of central Iowa by managing parks and natural areas including Hickory Grove Park, near Colo, Dakins Lake, near Zearing, and McFarland Park, near Ames. Located close to Iowa State University in Ames, the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park provides a central location for environmental education opportunities for every age. The over 3,500 acres managed by Story County Conservation include wildlife and public hunting areas, water recreation accesses, and native and restored prairies.

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