Cherry Glen Day Use

Cherry Glen West provides public access to Saylorsville Lake's 6,000-acre water surface via a paved boat ramp. Located in Johnston near Camp Dodge, this facility serves paddlers, motorboats, and other watercraft accessing Big Creek and the broader 26,000-acre Saylorsville Lake Project, which extends over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The ramp is part of the Cherry Glen Recreation Area, a day-use facility with nearby camping available at Cherry Glen Campground. Note that registered campers receive hangtags for ramp access; verify current day-use policies before visiting.

The lake offers excellent conditions for kayaking, canoeing, sailing, water skiing, and fishing (walleye, bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike). The surrounding area provides additional recreation opportunities, including the 24-mile Neal Smith Trail connecting to Big Creek State Park. For trip planning and current conditions, contact the Saylorsville Lake Project office at 515-276-4656. The access point is reached via NW 94th Avenue in Polk City, approximately 5 miles west of Exit 92 on I-35.

Overview
Cherry Glen 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.Recreation
Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and...

Overview
Cherry Glen 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.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.Facilities
This day-use area offers six group picnic shelters, all with electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground and hiking trails. Cherry Glen Campground is adjacent as well as Cherry Glen Boat Ramp. Natural Features
Cherry Glen is nestled on a compact 13-acre wooded ridge. Visiting with family and friends while relaxing in the shade of one of the area's many trees is a popular pastime.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Cherry Glen Campground and Cherry Glen Boat Ramp.

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