Dakins Lake
Dakins Lake is a 41-acre park located just one half-mile north-east of Zearing on 710th Avenue, just north off of Story County Road E-18. The National Soil Conservation Field Day was held on the site in September 1950. The group constructed a dam on a small creek that was located on the Dakins farm, creating the five-acre lake. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. In addition, a small restored prairie and wooded areas surround the lake.
It is open for public recreation including:
- Fishing on the five-acre lake.
- Picnicking.
- Self-registration camping at one of ten camp sites with electrical hookups at $5 per night per site.
- Supervised youth camping; fees are $1 per person per night; reservations required through the conservation center office.
- Dakins Lake is a designated public hunting area. Hunting and trapping are allowed. Please remember to ask permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even on public land.
- Pets must be kept on leashes. Hunting dogs must be kept under control while hunting.
- Hiking and off-road biking on the park's trails.
- Only electric trolling motors are allowed on Story County Lakes; gasoline-powered motors are prohibited.
Dakins Lake is maintained by the Story County Conservation Board, and you can find more information about the park, including camping rates, rules and regulations, and more at their web site.