Saylorville lake
Saylorville lake
4.5
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28 within 5 kms
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13 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
16
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
rdsm77
Tucson, AZ405 contributions
Jun 2020
Beautiful lake with boating and beaches. There are pullouts on the road across the dam to stop and take pictures. Went to the Visitor Center, but sadly it was closed due to COVID. However, there is a scenic overlook that was still open. Lots of birds. There were hiking trails, but I had no bug spray so I did not venture into the woods.
Written 1 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liljodo
Des Moines, IA109 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
My husband and I drive around the lake in our convertible every week. There are miles of trails to bike or walk. There are also woodland trails to explore.
Written 11 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark m
Burlington, IA812 contributions
Aug 2019
Lucky to get an empty walk up spot. Close to major metro city, this place is full on weekends. Clean bathrooms and half price camping with National Park card.
Written 9 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caymankim
Johnston, IA30 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
Beach is nice. Water comfortable temp in July. We had an awesome view of the lake at the shelter right across from the restrooms and the huge play are for the children. Rented a pontoon boat but I get motion sick so stayed on dry land, unlike Kevin Costner in “Water World”. Nice walking path to explore other parts of the lake. Too tired to stay until sunset but it’s also a nice place to watch the sun go down. Sunset photos are from a couple years ago.
Written 7 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katyscat
Windsor, CA434 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
With several boat ramps on the lake, a marina and multiple slips, Saylorville Lake is a great place to put in the boat and enjoy. There is ample beach access to, as well as a camping accommodations. Go...have fun!
Written 13 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dbrown02
Iowa Falls, IA9 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
Big beautiful lake. Lots of little beaches and picnic areas. They have trails and several camp grounds in the area. My favorite place to go boating and camping
Written 23 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne E
Johnston, IA9 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
I'm used to real lakes but this is a nice place for the area. Fun watching the boats running around on the water and the restaurant latitude 41 is a great place to finish your day.
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
burdsa
Iowa88 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
This is my third year returning to Saylorville Lake for a September camping trip with friends. We stay in Prairie Flower campground and I cannot say enough good things about the experience. With the National Parks pass, sites are $10 per night with electric. We tent camp and love the fact that sites are so well separated by green space, yet also have very nice concrete pads for campers, well maintained vinyl-clad picnic tables, and firepits. The staff who maintain the facilities are exceptional! Bathrooms and showers are ALWAYS clean and stocked and receive maintenance several times a day. They even had a couple out with a leaf blower cleaning off the playground equipment that was near our campsite. This was the first year I went down to the swimming beach and I regret not doing it sooner. The lake water was perfect temperature, sandy bottom, not at all busy, and a very tranquil setting. It would be great for small children, as you could go out quite a distance before it got very deep. While there were quite a few dogs, they were all on lead, well behaved, owners seemed to use the available bags to clean up after them, and they certainly seemed to enjoy the beach as well. We walked down to the beach, as it appears there is a gate and fee if you need to drive down. Plus, it appeared to be closed the one evening when we tried to drive down around 6 pm. There is plenty to do in the area - bike trails, breweries, Des Moines highlights. Also, the trip into Ankeny for groceries, supplies and church is very convenient. Many campsites have lake views and enjoying the moon over the lake with a fire and music is own of our highlights. Thanks for such a great setting!
Written 19 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine S
13 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Quiet campground with nice sites. Site 111 was slanted downhill a bit...overall experience was good though.The only suggestion I would make is that the staff shouldn't leave messages regarding checkout when checkout time is 3pm. We were left a message 3 hours prior to check out time. Then again upon check out we were reminded someone was waiting. We never check out late because it is just rude (unlike the previous camper who had same site.) If you drive by and it is still occupied, early arrivals need to wait. That is the risk you take when arriving early! I've never ever had this issue any other place. It is rude to hover or pressure someone to leave early, which in our case DID happen.
Written 15 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sc1_13
Johnston, Iowa6 contributions
May 2018 • Family
Love visiting the lake in summer for the fun in the sun activities and in winter to do some ice fishing
Written 18 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is the bridge that in these pictures?! It looks like it’s over a creek or in the woods area?
liljodo
Des Moines, IA109 contributions
The bridge part of highway 415 that runs to Polk City.
Teri S
2 contributions
Can you rent a kayak
David C
81 contributions
By the way...if you are not from the area you might consider the very short drive to Madrid, Iowa and walk or bike on the High Trestle trail bridge as it is listed as the 8th best biking bridge in THE WORLD! It is especially cool in the evening or at night as there are lights on the top of the bridge. It spans the Des Moines River valley.
George W
Lincoln, NE1 contribution
I'm coming to does Moines to take my grandkids fishing when and where should we try to catch some crappie?
George W
Lincoln, NE1 contribution
I'm coming to does Moines to take my grandkids fishing when and where should we try to catch some crappie?
Saylorville lake (Johnston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Saylorville lake
- Hotels near Saylorville lake:
- (5.61 km) Stoney Creek Hotels - Johnston
- (6.09 km) Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale
- (13.88 km) Des Lux Hotel
- (14.07 km) Surety Hotel
- (6.64 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines/Urbandale
- Restaurants near Saylorville lake:
- (9.58 km) Flying Mango
- (12.14 km) Mi Patria Ecuadorian Restaurant
- (8.36 km) Smokey D's BBQ
- (5.74 km) Main Street Cafe and Bakery
- (11.99 km) La Mie Bakery
- Attractions near Saylorville lake:
- (0.00 km) Bob Shetler Picnic Area
- (8.62 km) Breakout Games - Des Moines
- (14.33 km) Capitol Building
- (13.98 km) Downtown Farmers Market
- (1.85 km) Iowa Gold Star Military Museum