A celebratory photo was taken at noon on Monday, March 3, 2025, marking the beginning of construction for a new campground to be located at Deep Lakes Park on the south side of Muscatine.
Deep Lakes Park is a 435-acre park managed by Muscatine County Conservation. The property was donated in 2012 and 2013 by W.G. Block with the idea that it would be a public park available to all.
The former gravel and sand quarry is a very unique area. It features over 120-acres of clear, open water made up of some larger, deeper lakes and numerous smaller ponds. The deepest spots are right around 40-feet deep. The lakes are filled with sport fish, although the clear, deep water makes fishing a challenge.
Muscatine County Conservation has added several amenities over the years to improve public access and provide recreational opportunities. There are parking lots on all four sides of the park. The main access is at 2552 Pettibone Avenue. From there, visitors can put their boat in using the Lake Chester boat ramp, shore fish from the accessible fishing dock, launch a canoe or kayak, or swim at the beach.
Deep Lakes Park also features four cabins that can be reserved. Two of the cabins have two-bedrooms and can sleep up to eight people; the other two have one bedroom and sleep a total of four. They overlook Lake Chester or Valentine Chute offering guests a comfortable stay and beautiful view. Kayaks are also available for rent, allowing guests to get out and really enjoy the lakes. In addition, a 1.4-mile, hard-surfaced trail bisects the park, allowing bicyclists, walkers, and joggers a great place to exercise. This trail connects to the Greater Muscatine Trail System for longer adventures.
The new campground that is currently under construction will feature 22 full-hook-up campsites with 20-30-50 amp electric, sewer, and water. Some of the sites will be back-in, but a fair number will allow campers to simply pull-through. There will also be a shower house with four family style restrooms.
The campground was designed by the engineering firm, Bolton & Menk, who also designed the Master Plan for the park. Campground construction was awarded to Triple B Construction out of Wilton.
Brad Jipp, the owner of Triple B is excited to take on this project and work in a peaceful setting.
“We have completed dozens of Iowa DNR projects and County Conservation projects over the last 15-20 years,” Jipp said. “I actually have a degree in Biology and was looking to go into Wildlife Biology but started doing dirt work with my dad, Bruce. I enjoy any kind of conservation project, or anything that promotes getting more people off their ‘screens’ and into the outdoors.”
Jipp is also excited about what this new campground will mean for the Muscatine Community.
“There will be a positive economic impact to local shops and restaurants,”Jipp said. “I know when my family camps, we usually make at least one trip into town to eat a meal and grab a few things from the store!”
The Master Plan contains a Campground Phase II that will add an additional 24 campsites and a playground. Staff also intends to create a trail down to the pond to allow easier shore fishing for campers.
Planning for a disc golf course is also underway for Deep Lakes Park. The Disc Golf Club has been actively raising funds, and designing a course that will allow both beginners and advanced players an enjoyable challenge.
On August 2, 2025, the 1st Annual Muscatine Triathlon will be held at Deep Lakes Park. This event is expected to bring nearly 1,000 people to the park. Tri-athletes of all abilities will complete by swimming 750-meters across Lake Chester and back; hopping on their bikes for a 12.4-mile trek down Pettibone, across Wiggins, down Stewart Road and back; then finishing with a 5K run up Pettibone, across 41st Street to the turnaround, then veering onto the trail through the park to end near the start.
This family friendly event is going to feature vendor booths, a kids fitness zone, beach activities, face painting, dunk tank, disc golf, and more. It should be an exciting weekend with registration and packet pick-up the night before along with a “Taste of Muscatine” for downtown dining. Following the triathlon will be an afterparty on the Muscatine Riverfront, open to all with live music, bounce houses, and more family fun.
Muscatine County Conservation hopes you will join the fun of the Muscatine Triathlon, presented by Sqwincher. Register today or learn more at MuscatineTriathlon.com. In addition to athletes, vendors and volunteers are needed. Keep an eye on the Muscatine United Way website for the sign-up.
Learn more about Deep Lakes Park on the MuscatineCountyConservation.com website. View photos of the cabins and other amenities, find available dates for booking a cabin, add upcoming events to your calendar, and more. Contact Muscatine County Conservation at 563-264-5922 or [email protected] to make a reservation.
