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* – View the Campground Map
  • 22 full-hook-up campsites with 20-30-50 amp electric, sewer, and water
  • Asphalt roadway and paved camping pads (13′ wide x 80′ long, plus a 13′ wide gravel picnic area)
  • Modern shower house with 4 family-style restrooms
  • Firewood for sale on site from a private vendor – $8/bundle pay by cash, check, or venmo
  • Connects to the rest of Deep Lakes Park via the 1.25-mile hard surfaced bike trail
  • Lots to do nearby in the park:
    • Fishing – lots of shore fishing, accessible dock at the main access on Lake Chester
    • Boating – boat ramps on Lake Chester and Jewel Lake (trolling motor only)
    • Paddling – kayaks available to rent (3-days advance notice) or bring your own
    • Hiking/Bicycling – 1.15-mile paved trail in the park, which connects to the Greater Muscatine Trail System
    • Swimming – *ONLY* at the swimming beach at the main access on Lake Chester – you can get there via the bike trail!
    • Coming Soon – a Disc Golf Course!
    • 4 reservable cabins nearby (just down the bike trail) for your friends who don’t own a camper!

Activities

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Nature study
• Canoeing/kayaking – rent kayaks
• Swimming
• Camping

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 on Lake Chester by the Main Access
• No hunting or trapping
• No target shooting
• No horses
• No motorized vehicles except in designated areas
• Trolling motors only (except for loading)
• 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

• From Highway 61 north or south turn on Dick Drake Way, go to Stewart Rd. & turn right, go to Pettibone Ave. &  turn left for one mile to Deep Lakes Park.
• Park Map – aerial photo with trails, boundaries, etc.
• Deep Lakes Park Campground Map
• Fishing Map – Lake Chester – depth map of Lake Chester
• Fishing Map – Lake Jewel & Lake Violet – depth map of Lake Jewel & Lake Violet

MCCB Recreation and Conservation Areas