Boating At Saylorville Lake In Iowa

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Saylorville Lake, situated just north of Des Moines, Iowa, is a picturesque reservoir that offers a myriad of recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. The lake's convenient location near the state capital makes it a popular destination for those seeking a quick getaway from the city.

Boating on Saylorville Lake is a popular activity during the warmer months. The lake provides ample space for various water sports, including water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. Boaters can easily access the water through numerous boat launch ramps, which are strategically placed around the lake's shoreline for convenience.

For those who don't own a boat, Saylorville Lake offers rental boats, providing an accessible option for everyone to enjoy the water. Rental options typically include pontoon boats, fishing boats, and other types, allowing visitors to experience the lake's beauty from the water without the need for boat ownership.

With its expansive size and calm waters, Saylorville Lake is also an ideal spot for popular water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. These activities provide a more leisurely way to explore the lake and take in the surrounding scenery.

Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Saylorville Lake, which is well-stocked with various fish species. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including catfish, crappie, and walleye, making it a popular spot for fishing tournaments and recreational fishing alike.

Saylorville Lake is surrounded by a wealth of nearby attractions and recreational areas. The Saylorville Lake Marina offers convenient amenities and services for boaters, including fuel stations and boat repairs. Additionally, the lake is situated near several charming cities and towns, such as Polk City and Johnston, where visitors can explore local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

While camping is not permitted directly on the shores of Saylorville Lake, there are nearby campgrounds and parks where visitors can pitch their tents and enjoy a night under the stars after a day of boating and fishing.

Saylorville Lake in Iowa is a wonderful destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. With its convenient location near Des Moines, numerous nearby attractions, and rental boat options, it offers something for every outdoor enthusiast seeking a fun and adventurous experience on the water.

Boating, camping and fishing at Saylorville Lake

Offering a wide range of boating activities, Saylorville Lake is a 5,400-acre lake in central Iowa, at Polk City. Boat ramps, rental boats and a marina assist the public with ways to navigate and enjoy this scenic waterway. No limitations are set for motorized boats, so all type boats are welcome here. Fishing boats, pleasure boat, pontoons, canoes and kayaks are all popular craft for experiencing Saylorville Reservoir. These waters contain healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, hybrid stripers and northern pike. For anglers who enjoy fishing from the bank, there is good to excellent shoreline fishing along the 10 miles of shoreline, as well as a fishing jetty.

Saylorville Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Jester Park Campground - 515 323-5300

Acorn Valley Campground - 515 276-0429

Bob Shelter Campground - 515 276-0873

Cherry Glen Campground - 515 964-8792

Prairie Flower Campground - 515 984-6925

Saylorville Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Saylorville Lake include largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, hybrid striped bass and northern pike.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill White Bass Hybrid Striped Bass Northern pike