Oak Grove Picnic Area
Oak Grove 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.
This day-use area offers two group picnic shelters with electric and water hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground, volleyball court and hiking trails.
Need to Know
Special Event Permits are required for inflatable bounce houses and water features. Special Event Permits may be required for events that may impact nearby shelters, are open to the public, wedding events, company picnics etc. Please contact the Saylorville Lake Administration Office at 515-276-4656 to inquire.
Shelters may be reserved up to 4 days in advance. If shelters are not reserved, they are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
- Playgrounds and restrooms near shelters are open to the public. Reservations apply only to picnic shelters not other amenities.
- Click here for more information.
Click here for a virtual tour of the Saylorville Lake area.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.
Natural Features
Oak Grove lies among a heavily wooded forest of stately oak trees on the east side of the lake. A large beach is within walking distance.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
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.
Contact Information
Default
SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE 5600 NW 78TH AVE Johnston IA 50131
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 515-276-4656
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Physical Address: 4801 NW 98th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226
From Ankeny, travel 3.4 miles west on 1st Street. Turn right onto HWY 415 for 0.9 miles, then left onto NW 44th street, which turns slightly right and becomes NW 98th Ave. Picnic area is on the right.
Available Campsites
- Site 002, Loop OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA, Type Group Picnic Area
- Site 001, Loop OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA, Type Group Picnic Area
