Deep Lakes Park

This 435-acre former sand and gravel quarry features over 120 acres of clear water lakes. See a bird’s-eye view of Deep Lakes Park here.

Habitat & Features

  • 435 acres including over 120 acres of clear water lakes
  • Numerous small lakes and ponds
  • Sand dunes
  • Grassy/brushy areas

Amenities & Facilities

  • Parking lots
  • Restrooms
  • Access for canoes, kayaks, & small boats that can be carried from the parking lot
  • Boat ramp on Lake Chester and Lake Jewell
  • Accessible Fishing Dock on Lake Chester
  • Beach at Lake Chester (beach rules)
  • 1.4 miles of paved walking and biking trail (one-way)
  • Trail connects to the entire Muscatine Trail System.
  • Rental Cabins
  • *New Campground* – Deep Lakes Campground Plan Graphic – Construction for Phase 1 of the campground project has begun. It will include 22 full-hook-up campsites with 20-30-50 amp electric, sewer, and water. The project calls for an asphalt roadway and paved camping pads. There will also be a Huffcutt shower house with 4 family-style restrooms. Phase 2 is not part of this project, but is planned to include a playground and an additional 24 sites in the future. The Campground is expected to be completed at the end of 2025 and ready for the 2026 Camping Season.

Activities

Rules & Regulations

  • Area closed between 10:30 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
  • 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
  • Complete County Conservation rules and 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.

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

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

Other Info

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

Download master plan (7 MB .pdf file)
Download plan for east side activity area (2.65 MB .pdf file)

Location & Maps

MCCB Recreation and Conservation Areas