Deep Lakes Park

This 435-acre park is located just South of Muscatine. This former gravel and sand quarry features over 120 acres of clear, deep water in numerous lakes and ponds. The area is quite unique, dominated by lakes and sand dunes. This area was donated by W.G. Block in 2012 to be a County Park, open for public enjoyment.

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Park Hours 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Location Pettibone Ave.
Muscatine, IA 52761

Make a Reservation

Park Map

Activities

Boating

Camping

Canoeing

Fishing

Hiking

Nature Study

Paddling

Picnicking

Swimming

Bird's-eye View of Deep Lakes Park

Habitat & Features

435 acres
120 acres of clear, deep water lakes (depths to 39.5 feet!)
Numerous small lakes and ponds
Sand dunes
Grassy/brushy areas

Amenities & Facilities

4 Reservable Cabins
22-Site full hook-up Deep Lakes Campground
12 Parking lots for easy access -
Restrooms
- Vault toilets - at the Beach and along the bike trail at 41st & Stewart Rd
- Porta pot - at the main access, and at Jewel Lake (57th St.)
- Flushing toilets - at the campground
Boat ramps on Lake Chester and Lake Jewell - trolling motor only except for loading/unloading
Access for canoes & kayaks in several locations
Accessible fishing dock on Lake Chester
Swimming Beach at Lake Chester (beach rules) - Swimming is ONLY allowed at the Beach
1.4 miles of paved walking and biking trail (one-way)
- Bike trail connects to the greater Muscatine Trail System.
Coming soon (Summer of 2026) - Disc Golf Course!

View Canoe and Kayak Rentals

New DLP Campground

The Deep Lakes Campground officially opened April 15, 2026. It includes 22 full-hook-up campsites with 20-30-50 amp electric, sewer, and water. There is an asphalt roadway and paved camping pads (approximately 13' x 80') with an additional 13'wide gravel picnic pad. The Huffcutt shower house is really nice with 4 family-style restrooms. View the Campground Map.

Online reservations are available at least 3-days out via the MyCountyParks.com website. Sites that aren't reserved in advance are available for a night or two on a first come, first served basis. Firewood is avalable for sale, on-site by a private vendor for $8/bundle (cash or venmo).

There is a potential Phase II - that will include a playground and an additional 24 sites.

Deep Lakes Campground Plan Graphic

Rules & Regulations

All boats must be removed from the park daily
No fires allowed except in designated fire rings
All pets must be on a leash
No swimming or wading except in the designated beach area
No hunting or trapping
No target shooting
No horses
No motorized vehicles except in designated areas
Use of gasoline boat motors not allowed
All state fishing regulations apply

View Rules & Regulations

Special Use Permits

Are required to hold any event that meets one or more of the following criteria. The application must be filed with Muscatine County Conservation at least 45 days before the event. There is a non-refundable application fee of $25, and proof of liability insurance is required.

Any event where 100 or more people are expected to attend.
Weddings and/or Receptions
Any event that charges admission
Any event that advertises it is open to the public

Contact the Muscatine County Conservation Office for a Special Use Permit.

Additional Information

The former sand and gravel pits were donated to the Conservation Board by the W.G. Block Company in 2012/2013.

Fishing Maps

Deep Lakes Park Driving Directions

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