BIG CREEK STATE PARK
Located near Saylorville Lake just 20 miles from Des Moines, Big Creek State Park is a family-friendly setting for picnicking and outdoor recreation. The centerpiece is Big Creek Lake, home of the largest beach in the state park system. The lake is also a popular fishing destination with boat and bike rentals available at the beach concessionaire. Take a day-trip to Big Creek State Park this season and enjoy everything Iowa outdoors has to offer.
The shooting range is located off Highway 415, three miles northwest of the park entrance and offers sheltered stations for firing handguns and rifles. The range is operated by a private concessionaire and is open to the public year round. A recently developed trap and skeet area also provides challenging recreational opportunities at this complex. This area also provides a classroom facility for hunter education, training, and meetings.
Big Creek State Lake was created as part of the Saylorville project to protect Polk City form floods. A diversion dam which forms the 866-acre Big Creek Lake Saylorville was primarily a flood control project but also offers a wide variety of recreation. Big Creek State Park and the adjoining public hunting areas provide recreation for visitors of all ages and interests. The focal point of the 3,550-acre complex is the lake.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping is not permitted at Big Creek State Park. However, there are several large federal camping areas about four miles away on Saylorville Lake.
Big Creek Lake's clear water provides great family swimming fun. Refreshments are available at the beach during the swimming season. A large wooden play structure, accessible to the mobility impaired, is located at the beach.
The lake is popular for a variety of boating activities. Any size motor may be operated at "no wake" speeds on the lake. Five modern boat ramps, three on the west side and two on the east, provide excellent access to the lake. A gravel ramp is located on the upper end of the lake. Sailboat rigging zones and vehicle parking areas are at each modern ramp. A 102-berth "dry-dock" area is at the northeast corner of the park. Arrangements for rental of dry-docking space may be made through the park office. A fishing pier is accessible to the mobility impaired.
Anglers can enjoy fishing from the shoreline or a boat. The lake is home to walleye, crappie, bluegill and catfish.
Boat rentals are available for those who prefer deep water fishing. Ice-fishing is popular during winter months.
Fishing tournaments often take place here due to its abundant fish population. A valid Iowa Fishing License is required.
Big Creek State Park is located near Altoona, Ames and Ankeny
Shelters and picnic areas, a beach, playground, a multi-purpose sports field and several boat ramps provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Open picnic shelters, located in pleasant settings around the lake, may be reserved for a fee through the concessionaire. The brown picnic tables are handicapped accessible.
A 26-mile paved multi-use trail allows bicyclists and pedestrians to travel from the beach south through the Saylorville Lake area all the way to Des Moines. Thirteen miles of snowmobile trails provide winter recreational opportunities. Big Creek is also popular with cross-country skiers.
For biking enthusiasts, the 26-mile paved trail offers a scenic route around the lake. Be mindful of pedestrians.
The multi-use path is shared with walkers and runners; cyclists should proceed carefully to avoid accidents.
Biking at night isn't recommended due to lack of lighting on trails; daytime rides are safer options for visitors.
In winter months, cycling can be hazardous because paths may not always be cleared promptly after snowfall or ice storms.
Helmets are strongly advised as some areas have steep inclines that could lead to falls if bikers aren't careful.
Cyclists must adhere strictly to marked bike lanes and respect all signs indicating restricted access zones within park boundaries.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species such as waterfowl, songbirds and raptors. The park's lake attracts many birds. There are also trails for birding hikes through diverse habitats.