Des Moines' Backyard Lake Is Better Than You Think
Why Rent On Saylorville Lake
Saylorville Lake sits on the Des Moines River just 11 miles north of downtown Des Moines, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and offering a genuinely impressive range of outdoor activities across its expansive water and surrounding recreation areas. Boating, fishing, jet skiing, hiking, and biking are all here, and the Neal Smith Trail gives cyclists a scenic paved route through the landscape. A vacation rental near Saylorville gives your family the best of both worlds: real lake life and easy city access.
Cozy Rentals with Nature at the Doorstep
Lakehouses and vacation homes near Saylorville Lake offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces where wildlife sightings, including deer, turkey, and coyotes, are a regular morning occurrence. Pet-friendly rentals are available, and the Oak Grove Recreation Area nearby provides a swimming beach and playgrounds that give families a ready-made outdoor destination right on the lake.
Boating, Houseboats, Archery, and a Butterfly Garden
The Saylorville marina rents houseboats alongside standard watercraft, making it one of the more unusual and memorable rental options for families who want something different. A free archery range on the lake grounds adds an activity that kids consistently love. The walking paths near the Butterfly Garden and the Red Feather Prairie Fall Maze give the trip variety and a sense of seasonal character.
Military History and Lake Ecology
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum offers a well-organized and moving tribute to Iowa’s veterans that is worth a morning of your trip. The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center provides excellent background on the lake’s ecosystem and construction history, giving curious kids and adults a real sense of what makes this reservoir significant. The mile-long bridge drive offers panoramic lake views that are genuinely impressive.
An Underrated Lake Vacation Base Near Des Moines
Saylorville Lake does not always get the credit it deserves as a family lake destination, and that works in your favor. A vacation rental here gives your family quiet mornings on a beautiful lake, a full day of activities on and off the water, and the ability to drive into Des Moines for dinner without any sacrifice. That flexibility is exactly what lake vacations should feel like.
- Surface area (mi)
- 14.91
- Max depth (ft)
- 43.96
- Elevation (ft)
- 836.61
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 51.14
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Marinas on Saylorville Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Saylorville Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there is a designated swimming area at Saylorville Lake. It is called Oak Grove Beach, located on the East side of the lake near Prairie Flower Campground, and it provides amenities like running water and restroom facilities.
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Many people visit Saylorville Lake because it offers a wide range of activities. The lake has 20 trails with 68 trail miles, 497 picnic sites, a disc golf course, and several boat ramps, making it a popular spot for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. In 2012, it attracted 1,274,474 visitors.
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Yes, there are specific bag and size limits for different fish species in Saylorville Lake. For example, largemouth bass have a daily bag limit of 3 fish with a minimum length of 12 inches, while muskellunge have a daily bag limit of 1 fish with a minimum length of 40 inches. Northern pike have a daily bag limit of 3 fish with no size limit.
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The best beach for families at Saylorville Lake is Oak Grove Beach. It has restroom facilities, running water, and a playground. There are also life jacket loaner stations available for free use.
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Towns near Saylorville Lake include Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, Des Moines, Altoona, Clive, West Des Moines, and Polk City. These towns are all located within a short distance of the lake, with Polk City being directly along its shores. They offer various amenities and services to residents and visitors.
