Oak Grove Picnic Area

Saylorville Lake

Oak Grove Picnic 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.

This day-use area offers two group picnic shelters with electric and water hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground, volleyball court and hiking trails.

Need to Know

Natural Features

Oak Grove lies among a heavily wooded forest of stately oak trees on the east side of the lake. A large beach is within walking distance.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

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.

Contact Information

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SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE 5600 NW 78TH AVE Johnston IA 50131

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 515-276-4656

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Physical Address: 4801 NW 98th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226

From Ankeny, travel 3.4 miles west on 1st Street. Turn right onto HWY 415 for 0.9 miles, then left onto NW 44th street, which turns slightly right and becomes NW 98th Ave. Picnic area is on the right.

Available Campsites

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