Big Creek State Park

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Big Creek State Park

Located near Saylorville Lake just 20 miles from Des Moines, Big Creek State Park is a family-friendly setting for picnicking and outdoor recreation. The centerpiece is Big Creek Lake, home of the largest beach in the state park system. The lake is also a popular fishing destination with boat and bike rentals available at the beach concessionaire. Take a day-trip to Big Creek State Park this season and enjoy everything Iowa outdoors has to offer.


PLAN YOUR VISIT

Hike or bike along the paved, 27-mile Neil Smith Trail, which leads from the beach through the Saylorville Lake area, all the way to Des Moines. In the winter, cross country ski on a 3.5 mile trail on the disk golf course.

Swim in Big Creek’s lake and soak up the sun on the beach during hot summer months. Boating is also a popular lake activity, with kayaks, paddle boards, pontoon boats and bikes available to rent at the beach concessionaire. Please contact the concessionaire at 515-984-6083 or bigcreekmarina.com for more information.

Fish among the coves on Big Creek Lake, a hotspot for crappie, walleye and bluegill. Big Creek has five boat ramps, several fishing jetties, an accessible fishing pier and miles of shoreline.

Reserve a picnic shelter for a leisurely meal during your trip to Big Creek. Picnic areas and 22 shelters are located around the lake along with a large wooden playground and a sports field for outdoor activities. Shelters can be reserved online through the online reservation system for Big Creek State Park.

Disc golf at Big Creek’s 18-hole course, meandering through wooded areas and prairies along the east shore of the lake.



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Big Creek State Park
8794 NW 125th Ave
Polk City, IA 50226
Ph: 515-984-6473
Big_Creek@dnr.iowa.gov

BOAT RAMP CLOSURES: Re-paving of all boat ramp parking lots at Big Creek State Park will take place in 2022. East boat ramp is currently closed and is expected to reopen in the fall. Re-paving has been completed at the West, marina, and Williams Drive ramps. Use caution at these areas as crews may be in the area completing finishing work. 100th St. boat ramp will remain open throughout the summer. This bulletin will be updated as ramps are closed/re-opened. Questions may be directed to the park office at (515) 984-6473 or big_creek@dnr.iowa.gov. (Updated 8/17/2022)
Trail Closure: The paved trail at Big Creek State Park is currently closed at the East boat ramp for repaving of the roadway leading to the ramp. The trail is expected to re-open in the fall. (Updated 8/17/2022)
Shelters: All shelters are not accepting reservations for 2023. (Posted March 22, 2022)
AMENITIES AT A GLANCE
  • 18-hole disc golf course
  • Hiking trails
  • Playground; ADA accessible
  • Swimming beach; ADA accessible
  • Concessions
  • Paddlesport rental
  • Bicycle rental
  • Boat rental
  • Boat ramps
  • Universal fishing pier
  • Fishing jetty
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Shelters
  • Modern restrooms