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.



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

Big Creek staff have put in all Docks except the Marina Dock. The Marina Dock was damaged beyond repair from the Derecho. At this time, there is an unknown timeframe for the replacement to arrive. (Posted 3/31/2021)
Flush Facilities will be closed for the rest of the season and will open back up in April of 2021. Pit latrines at Williams drive, Beach Boat Ramp, Disc Golf, and Universal Fishing Pier will remain open. (Posted December 17th, 2020)
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 (5)
  • Universal fishing pier
  • Fishing jetty
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Shelters (22)
  • Modern restrooms