Cottonwood Recreation Area

About

Cottonwood Recreation Area is a day-use facility operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam. The 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley, providing recreation opportunities including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The recreation area features 9 reservable group picnic shelters, each accommodating up to 75 people and 24 vehicles. Amenities include flush toilets, a volleyball court, playground, and direct access to the Neal Smith Trail, a 24-mile paved National Recreation Trail connecting Des Moines to Big Creek State Park. This is strictly a day-use facility with operating hours from 7am to 8pm (April and post-Labor Day through October) or 7am to 9pm (May through Labor Day). No overnight camping is permitted. Shelters may be reserved up to 4 days in advance through Recreation.gov; unreserved shelters are available free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Directions

From I-35, take Exit 90 in Ankeny and head approximately 3.5 miles west to NW 84th Ave. Turn left on 84th Ave and head south approximately 1.5 miles to Cottonwood Recreation Area on the right. Address for navigation: 7400 NW 37th Street, Ankeny, IA 50023.