If you’re driving through Boone County, Iowa, and you aren't looking for Don Williams County Park, you’ll probably miss it. It’s tucked away. Just north of Ogden, this 600-acre stretch of land feels like a secret that locals are slightly annoyed is getting out. It isn't just a patch of grass with a swing set. It’s a massive recreational hub centered around a 160-acre lake that serves as the heartbeat of the whole operation. Honestly, most people expect a dusty county park and end up finding a full-scale resort experience without the obnoxious price tag.
You’ve got the golfers. You’ve got the fishermen. Then there are the people who just want to sit in a camper and ignore their phones for forty-eight hours. It works for all of them.
The Lake is the Main Character at Don Williams County Park
Water is the draw. It always is in the Midwest. Don Williams Lake isn't just for looking at; it’s a high-functioning fishery managed with actual intent. If you talk to the regulars, they’ll tell you about the panfish. Bluegill and crappie are the bread and butter here, but the channel catfish and largemouth bass are what keep the serious anglers coming back at 5:30 AM when the mist is still sitting heavy on the surface.
Boating is allowed, but there’s a catch—it’s a "no-wake" lake.
This is huge. It means you don’t have jet skis screaming past you at 40 miles per hour while you’re trying to enjoy the silence. It keeps the water glassy. It keeps the erosion down. It makes the park actually peaceful, which is a rare commodity these days. There’s a boat ramp on the south side, and if you don’t have your own vessel, you can usually find rentals near the concession area during the peak summer months.
The beach is a whole other vibe. It’s a designated swimming area that gets packed on July weekends. Kids screaming, sand everywhere, the smell of SPF 50—it’s classic Iowa summer. But because the park is so spread out, you can walk 200 yards away from the beach and feel like you're in the middle of a wilderness area. The contrast is sharp.
Golfing in the Middle of Nowhere
Most county parks have a rusty horseshoe pit. Don Williams County Park has a 9-hole golf course.
It’s surprisingly well-maintained for a municipal-adjacent setup. The course sits on the north side of the lake, and the elevation changes will absolutely mess with your game if you’re used to flat, suburban fairways. It’s a par 36. It isn't Augusta, but the views of the water from the greens make it one of the more scenic spots to lose a ball in central Iowa.
The clubhouse isn't just for golfers, either. It doubles as a bit of a social hub for the park, offering food and a place to cool off. You see a lot of "stay and play" energy here, where people camp at the sites nearby and spend their mornings on the links before hitting the water in the afternoon. It creates this weird, wonderful hybrid of "rugged outdoorsy" and "leisure class" that somehow just works.
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Camping Realities: What to Actually Expect
Don’t just show up on a Saturday in June and expect a prime spot. That’s a rookie mistake.
The park has over 150 campsites. Most of them are electric, which is what the modern RVer demands, but they still keep a healthy chunk of primitive sites for the tent purists. The layout is split into different sections. Some spots are right on the water, giving you that million-dollar view for about twenty-five bucks a night. Others are tucked back into the timber, offering more shade and a bit of a windbreak.
- The Modern Side: You get 30/50 amp service, water hookups, and those all-important shower buildings. The bathrooms are kept remarkably clean, thanks to a dedicated Boone County Conservation crew.
- The Primitive Side: It’s quieter. More fire pits. More owls. Fewer hums from air conditioning units.
- The Cabin Option: If you hate sleeping on the ground, they have rental cabins. These things book up months in advance. They’re basically small houses with kitchens and bathrooms, perfect for people who want the "outdoors" without the "bugs in my sleeping bag" part of the deal.
The park uses a reservation system through mycountyparks.com, which is pretty standard for Iowa now. Use it.
The Trails and the Timber
If you hike, you’re going to spend most of your time on the east and west sides of the lake. The terrain here is heavily wooded. We’re talking oak and hickory forest that turns spectacular shades of orange and deep red in late October.
The trails aren't overly technical. You aren't scaling mountains. However, they are rugged enough to require actual shoes—don’t try to do the full loop in flip-flops unless you want a twisted ankle and a lot of regrets. There’s a decent amount of wildlife if you’re quiet. White-tailed deer are everywhere, and the birdwatching is top-tier. Keep an eye out for ospreys and bald eagles; they haunt the lake looking for an easy meal, especially in the early spring and late fall.
Why Boone County Conservation Matters Here
It’s easy to take a park like this for granted, but the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of the management is what keeps it from falling apart. Boone County Conservation isn't just mowing the grass. They’re managing the water quality, stocking the fish, and maintaining the lodge.
The lodge is a big deal. It’s this massive stone and wood structure that looks like it belongs in a national park. People rent it out for weddings and family reunions constantly. It sits on a bluff overlooking the water, and honestly, it’s one of the best views in the county. It’s a testament to the fact that someone put real thought into the architecture back when it was built.
Misconceptions About the Park
People think "county park" and think "small." Don Williams is huge.
Another mistake? Thinking it’s only a summer spot. Winter at Don Williams is a completely different, starkly beautiful experience. Ice fishing is massive here once the lake freezes thick enough. You’ll see little shanties dotting the ice like a tiny, frozen village. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the hiking trails offer a workout that makes you forget how cold it is.
Also, people assume it's "just for locals." While it’s a Boone County gem, it pulls people from Des Moines and Ames constantly because it’s less crowded than Ledges State Park or Saylorville Lake. It’s that middle-ground destination—big enough to have everything, small enough to still feel like an escape.
Making the Most of Your Trip
If you’re planning a visit, here is the non-sugarcoated advice:
- Check the water levels. Like any Iowa lake, heavy rains or droughts can change the beach situation. The park’s Facebook page is usually the most up-to-date source for "is the beach open?" questions.
- Bring your own firewood. You can buy it nearby, but don't bring it from out of state (Emerald Ash Borer is a real threat, and they are strict about it).
- The Golf Course has a dress code. It’s relaxed, but don’t show up in a swimsuit. Throw on a polo or a decent t-shirt.
- Sundays are for packing out. If you want the park to yourself, arrive on a Sunday afternoon when the weekend warriors are hitching up their trailers. Monday and Tuesday at Don Williams feel like having a private estate.
Don Williams County Park represents a specific type of Midwestern luxury. It’s the luxury of space, quiet water, and a well-mowed fairway. It’s not flashy. It doesn't have a water park or a neon-lit boardwalk. It just has the lake, the trees, and enough room to breathe.
Actionable Next Steps
- Secure a Spot: Head to the mycountyparks website immediately if you want a cabin or a specific lakeside campsite for a holiday weekend; these fill up six months out.
- Gear Up: If you’re fishing, stop by a local bait shop in Ogden or Boone to see what’s biting—local knowledge on lure color for Don Williams is worth its weight in gold.
- Plan the Route: Use the North entrance if you’re pulling a large rig; the winding roads are beautiful but can be tight for the inexperienced driver.
- Pack for Variety: Bring the golf clubs and the kayak. You’ll regret leaving one at home when you see the conditions.
Don Williams is waiting. Just keep the noise down on the water.