Saylorville Lake, USACE Rock Island District

06/12/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of its birthday, June 16.

The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events.

Click here for more info: https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/media/news-releases/article/4513031/us-army-corps-of-engineers-waives-day-use-fees-at-recreation-areas-in-observanc/

06/11/2026

ATTENTION: Temporary Closure 🚧

The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is temporarily closed due to sewer issues. No pass sales or voucher exchanges will take place until the Visitor Center can reopen. This closure will remain until repairs are completed.

For questions or concerns, call the Saylorville Lake Administration Office at 515-276-4656.

05/29/2026

🚧ROAD CLOSURES 🚧 On Saturday, May 30th, the Dam to DSM running event will take place on the Saylorville Lake main dam from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
To ensure the safety of all involved, multiple roads will be temporarily closed to regular traffic during the event. Notably, the Saylorville Lake main dam will be closed to through traffic throughout the morning.

Important Information for Bob Shetler Visitors and Campers:
Campers and day-use visitors will still be able to exit via NW 78th Avenue to NW Beaver Drive.
However, re-entry to the campground and day use area will not be permitted via the main dam or Beaver Dr. until the event concludes.
Please plan accordingly if you intend to leave early in the morning, as you will be unable to return until after 9:00 AM.

The Dam to DSM event may cause traffic impacts across various parts of the Des Moines metro area. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes.
For more details about the event, including course maps and road closures, please visit the official Dam to DSM website:

The iconic tradition of running from the Saylorville Dam to Downtown Des Moines. An epic run, 45 years in the making. June 1, 2024

05/24/2026

ATTENTION: 🚧 Polk County will be conducting paving work on NW 94th Ave this coming week starting on May 26th, 2026. A single lane closure will be in place, but access will remain open for local traffic as well as the Cherry Glen Recreation Area. Crews will maintain traffic flow while milling and overlay work is completed

05/23/2026

Just in time for the holiday weekend- the Control Tower fishing access parking lot and the Lakeview High Water boat ramp are open for the summer!

05/15/2026

Happy "Wear Your Life Jacket to Work" Day! 🛟⛵️

Staff at Saylorville Lake want to show our commitment to water safety- not just today but every day- by wearing our life jackets! Be a beacon of water safety and share your photos of you wearing a life jacket!

05/04/2026

Join us this afternoon at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center for a ranger-led program about the mammals of Iowa!

This event is for all ages and will take place at 3:30pm at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center.

05/02/2026

Join us at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center on Monday, May 4th at 3:30 PM for a fun and family‑friendly program all about Iowa’s mammals!

A park ranger will be sharing cool facts, animal adaptations, and some surprising stories from around the lake.
Perfect for all ages—come learn something new and explore the wild side of Saylorville Lake!

05/01/2026

A big day for the summer camping season!

All campgrounds at Saylorville Lake and the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center are now open for the recreation season.

Reserve your campsite at www.recreation.gov

04/25/2026

ATTENTION: Neal Smith Trail Temporary Closure Scheduled May 6-8

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces a portion of the Neal Smith Trail, from Red Feather Prairie Access north to the Cherry Glen Recreation Area at Saylorville Lake, will be closed May 6-8. The closure is necessary to allow a contractor to perform finishing work on the newly repaved sections of the trial.

For public safety, trail users are reminded to stay out of marked construction zones and to observe all posted signage and fencing throughout the project duration.

For further information, contact the Saylorville Lake Administration Office at: 515-276-4656.