Iowa / Polk County

Sandpiper Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from April through October with hours varying by season: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in April and September through October, and 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from May through Labor Day.

About

Sandpiper Recreation Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. Situated in a broad, open area on the northeast side of the lake, the recreation area offers a large group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 500 people, complete with water and electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground, scenic overlook, boat ramp, and a swimming beach that typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The recreation area provides access to the paved Neal Smith Trail, a 24-mile National Recreation Trail that winds from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park, connecting campgrounds on the east side of the lake. The trail is popular for biking, hiking, jogging, walking, and in-line skating. Saylorville Lake offers excellent boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike. Dense timber stands surround the recreation area, though shade is limited within the site itself. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project, with white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roaming the lands around the lake. A marina is located nearby for additional boating services.

Directions

From I-35, take Exit 92 and go east on First Street approximately 5 miles to Highway 415. Turn right (north) and travel approximately 3 miles to the recreation area on the right.

Nearby Campgrounds