Sandpiper

Sandpiper Recreation Area offers a boat ramp providing access to Big Creek and the expansive 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake system in Polk City. This day-use facility features a maintained boat launch, parking, water, flush toilets, and nearby amenities including a marina. The location sits in a broad, open area on the northeast side of the lake, making it a convenient launching point for paddlers and boaters exploring the lake's 50+ miles of waterway stretching up the Des Moines River Valley.

Paddlers should note that Big Creek is one of five boat ramp access points on this stretch of Saylorville Lake, offering flexibility for trip planning. The area supports various water activities including kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing for crappie, walleye, and bluegill. For more information or to inquire about current conditions and amenities, contact the facility at 515-276-4656. The site is located at 7101 NW Polk City Drive, accessible via Highway 415 north from I-35 Exit 92.

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...

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
This day-use area contains one large group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 500 people. Amenities include water and electricity, flush toilets, a playground, overlook, boat ramp and access to hiking and biking trails. A marina is nearby.
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.

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