Sandpiper Recreation Area

About

Sandpiper Recreation Area is a day-use group picnic facility situated in a broad, open area on the northeast side of Saylorville Lake, part of the 26,000-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project stretching over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The area features a large reservable picnic shelter with water and electricity that can accommodate groups of up to 250-500 people, with parking for 118 vehicles. Facilities include flush toilets, a playground, scenic overlook, boat ramp with nearby marina access, baseball field, and sand volleyball court. The paved Neal Smith Trail passes nearby, offering 24 miles of biking, hiking, jogging, and inline skating from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park. Dense timber surrounds the recreation area, though shade within the site itself is limited. This is strictly a day-use facility with no overnight camping permitted. Special event permits are required for bounce houses, weddings, and amplified sound systems.

Directions

From I-35, take Exit 92 and go east on First Street approximately 5 miles to HWY 415. Turn right (north) and travel approximately 3 miles to recreation area on the right. Physical address: 7101 NW Polk City Drive, Polk City, IA 50226.