Big Creek State Park
Big Creek State Park is a day-use only facility with no overnight camping. Picnic shelters and cabanas are reservable May 1 through September 30 and available walk-in during spring and fall shoulder seasons. The park is open year-round for day-use activities.
Heat Advisory issued August 31 at 2:54AM CDT until September 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 100-103 degrees. * WHERE...Portions of central and south central Iowa, including the Des Moines metro. * WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 7 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While heat index values may not reach 105 degrees each day, the combination of the longevity of the heat and little or limited relief during the overnight periods with warm lows have prompted the multi-day Heat Advisory.
About
Big Creek State Park, located just north of Des Moines near Polk City, is one of Iowa's most visited day-use recreation areas. The park surrounds Big Creek Lake, an 883-acre impoundment popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Anglers target largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish, while the marina offers kayak, paddleboard, and pontoon rentals. The park features extensive day-use amenities including 22 picnic shelters and cabanas scattered around the lakeshore, a sandy swimming beach with modern restrooms, multiple boat ramps, a disc golf course, volleyball courts, and a large wooden playground. The 27-mile paved Neil Smith Trail passes through the park, connecting to Des Moines via the Saylorville Lake area. Importantly, Big Creek State Park does not have camping facilities. Visitors seeking overnight accommodations should look to nearby Saylorville Lake, which has several federal campgrounds approximately four miles away.
Directions
From Des Moines, take I-80 west to exit 124 (Ankeny/Polk City). Head north on NW Polk City Drive approximately 8 miles to Polk City, then follow signs to Big Creek State Park. The main entrance is at 8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 - $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Big_Creek@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (515) 984-6083 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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