Deep Lakes Park
Park Closures - for the 2nd Annual Muscatine Triathlon
- Friday, July 31, 2026 - Deep Lakes Park's Main Access will be closed to normal traffic as the park is transformed for the Muscatine Triathlon.
- The Main Access including: Beach, Lake Chester Boat Landing, and road to the Cabins will be closed to the public.
- Saturday, August 1, 2026 - the entire Deep Lakes Park will be closed to "normal" activities for the Muscatine Triathlon, but open to spectators and participants until approximately 5:00 pm!
- Race begins at 8:00 am - festivities wrap up around 3:00 pm (then clean-up begins)
- Roads around DLP will be closed for race safety - this includes 41st Street, Stewart Road, and Pettibone
- Parking for Spectators & Volunteers is on 57th Street on the South Side of the Park, in the grass at CHS. Access to the parking lot is through Fruitland on 57th Street.
- Parking for Athletes is at 2570 Pettibone - you must arrive by 6:45 to gain access to that parking lot.
- Families and the public are invited to watch, visit vendor booths, participate in fun activities for kids and more
- The boat landing, main parking lots, and bicycle trail will all be closed for the Triathlon!
- The Campground is open for camping, however, campers will NOT be able to enter or leave during the race time (approx. 7:30 am-1:00 pm), but they will get a great view of the run portion of the race.
Muscatine, IA 52761
Activities
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
- Cabins - 4 Cabins - Reservable at MyCountyParks.com
- Campground with 22 full hook-up sites - Reservable at MyCountyParks.com - View Map
- Swimming Beach at Lake Chester (beach rules) - Swimming is ONLY allowed at the Beach
- 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
- 1.4 miles of paved walking and biking trail (one-way)
- Bike trail connects to the greater Muscatine Trail System.
- 12 Parking lots for easy access spread throughout the park
- 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
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*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
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.