Southwest Saylorville

The Southwest Saylorville access point provides launch facilities on Big Creek within the expansive Saylorsville Lake system. Located near Granger in Polk County, this ramp offers paddlers and boaters convenient access to the lake's upper reaches. Big Creek is known as a productive fishing area with multiple access points and coves, making it suitable for recreational boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The broader Saylorville Lake Project spans 26,000 acres across over 50 miles of the Des Moines River Valley, offering extensive paddling opportunities for various skill levels.

This day-use facility is part of the Lake View Recreation Area system, which provides water access along with typical amenities. For current details on ramp conditions, hours of operation, and any amenities available on-site, contact the facility at 515-276-4656. The area is accessible from I-35 via Ankeny Exit #90 heading west toward Horseshoe Road. Paddlers should note that Big Creek has multiple launch points throughout the system, so this location works well as part of a broader exploration of Saylorville Lake's paddling opportunities.

Overview
Lake View 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
Lake View 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 (East side of the lake) 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 a picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 people. Amenities include water and electricity, public bathroom with flushing toilets, boat ramp and access to hiking and biking trails. The attached restroom is available for the general public.
Natural Features
Lakeview View Shelter is situated on a ridge overlooking the West 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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