Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Saylorville adventure.
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Saylorville Lake.
In central Iowa, just north of Des Moines, there’s a lake that saves Iowans a whole lotta cash, and gives them a ton of fun in return. Saylorville Lake is on the Des Moines River, and it provides oodles of flood control for the area (since 1977, it’s prevented around $181,932,300 in flood damages!). What's more, is this place offers some pretty rad recreation opportunities. The area brings together several different ecosystems, including woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. With so much diversity in the land, you’ll also have diversity in your activity options. You can come out here to camp, boat, fish, hike, bike, watch wildlife, and more.
The best time to visit Saylorville Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers a full range of activities but expect larger crowds and hotter temperatures. Winters can be harsh, with some facilities closed or limited.