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, snowmobiling and cross country skiing are available on 11 miles of trails near the Hampton picnic area.
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 www.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, a fishing jetty, 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.
Disc golf at Big Creek’s 18-hole course, meandering through wooded areas and prairies along the east shore of the lake.