Big Creek East

Big Creek East is one of two modern boat ramps on the east side of Big Creek Lake, part of the larger Saylorville Lake Project in central Iowa. Located near Polk City, this access point provides convenient entry to Big Creek Lake, a popular fishing destination known for crappie, walleye, and bluegill. The ramp features a hard surface launch, vehicle parking, and sailboat rigging zones for easy boat prep. A fish cleaning station is available on-site for anglers.

The recreation area offers solid amenities for a full day on the water, including picnic areas, accessible facilities, restrooms, and trails. Big Creek Lake is designated as a wake-speed lake (5 mph maximum wake speeds), making it suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and recreational boaters. The lake includes multiple fishing jetties and an accessible fishing pier if you want to explore shoreline opportunities. For overnight stays, Cherry Glen Campground is nearby and reservable through Recreation.gov.

For more information or to inquire about specific amenities and conditions, contact the Walnut Ridge Recreation Area office at 515-276-4656.

Overview
Walnut Ridge 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
The 18-hole Walnut Ridge Disc Golf Course runs throughout the recreation area. The beautifully...

Overview
Walnut Ridge 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
The 18-hole Walnut Ridge Disc Golf Course runs throughout the recreation area. The beautifully manicured course contains both open and wooded fairways with blind pins and tunnel shots.

Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing 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 offers three group picnic shelters with water and electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground, and hiking trails.Natural Features
The area is situated on a wooded ridgeland on the west side of Saylorville Lake. Large shade trees cover the area.

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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