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Total Campsites
Campground
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Reservable Sites
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
Organization
Overview
About SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA
Overview 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. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting. Recreation Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating. Facilities Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating. Natural Features Sandpiper is situated in a broad, open area on the northeast side of the lake. Dense timber stands surround the recreation area, but shade is limited within the site. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA special
Sandpiper Recreation Area is a day-use facility on 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake, a major Army Corps of Engineers reservoir stretching over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley north of Iowa''s capital city. The lake is a hub for boating, sailing, water skiing, and windsurfing, with reliable winds and open water that attract recreational boaters throughout the season. Fishing is productive for walleye, wipers, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail runs 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park, passing near the recreation area and providing an excellent cycling and running route. Saylorville Lake also draws birders during spring and fall migration, when shorebirds, herons, and eagles concentrate along the reservoir''s coves and mud flats. The recreation area is well-maintained with shelters, restrooms, and lake access. Its proximity to Des Moines means it sees heavy weekend use during summer, but weekday visits offer more space. The surrounding landscape of Iowa river valley bluffs and prairies provides a surprisingly scenic backdrop for a metro-area park. Winter brings eagle watching and cross-country skiing along the trails.
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
515-276-4656
justin.r.edwards@usace.army.mil
Getting There
Physical Address: 7101 NW Polk City Drive Polk City, IA 50226 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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA.
How do reservations work for SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA?
Reservation availability for SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA?
Campsite type details are limited right now. Check back as this listing is enriched.
Where is SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA located?
SANDPIPER RECREATION AREA is in Iowa near Johnston. Coordinates: 41.7536, -93.7097.
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