Big Creek State Park

Closed — The park is open year-round for day use. Camping is not permitted at Big Creek State Park. The beach concessionaire typically operates from mid-April through mid-October, weather dependent, with full operation beginning Memorial Day weekend.

About

Big Creek State Park is a popular day-use recreation area located in Polk County, just 20 miles north of Des Moines near Saylorville Lake. The centerpiece of the park is Big Creek Lake, which features the largest swimming beach in the Iowa state park system. The park is designed for day trips and outdoor recreation but does not offer camping facilities. The park provides extensive water recreation opportunities including swimming at the supervised beach, boating with five boat ramps, and fishing for crappie, walleye, and bluegill from multiple fishing jetties, an accessible pier, and miles of shoreline. The beach concessionaire operates seasonally and offers rentals including pontoon boats, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and sailboats. The 27-mile paved Neal Smith Trail winds through the park along the east shore of the lake and connects to Des Moines, providing excellent opportunities for biking and hiking. Additional amenities include 22 reservable picnic shelters and cabanas located around the lake, an 18-hole disc golf course, a large wooden playground, modern and vault restrooms, and accessible facilities throughout. A motorized all-terrain chair is available for checkout at the marina for visitors needing beach and trail access. Winter activities include cross-country skiing on trails and ice fishing with shack rentals available through the concessionaire.

Directions

Located at 8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226, approximately 20 miles north of Des Moines near Saylorville Lake.

Nearby Campgrounds