How much does camping cost at Big Creek State Park?

Camping fees at Big Creek State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Creek State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Creek State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Big Creek State Park?

Big Creek State Park is open Peak season includes late May through September based on operational hours for concessions.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Creek State Park?

Big Creek State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Creek State Park?

Fire policies at Big Creek State Park: No specific fire policies are mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Big Creek State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Big Creek State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Creek State Park?

Big Creek State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Creek State Park?

Popular activities at Big Creek State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Creek State Park

3.92

13 reviews

8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, Iowa, 50226, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Shelters are typical...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Big Creek State Park Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Shelters are typical...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Big Creek State Park Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No camping fees are applicable as camping is not permitted at Big Creek State Park.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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5159846473bigcreekmarina.com

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What Campers Say

3.92

Mixed Reviews

Based on 13 reviews

885 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikinglakewell-maintained

"Overall, users describe Big Creek State Park as clean, safe, and family-friendly. Activities like biking, boating, and beach visits are frequently praised. However, some concerns about cleanliness and the lack of camping facilities were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, Iowa, 50226, United States

Big Creek State Park

8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, Iowa, 50226, United States

Nearby places

Polk City (2 miles south), Madrid (7 miles north), Ankeny (8 miles southeast), Des Moines (11 miles south), Ames (20 miles north)

Nearby supplies

Supplies like bait, snacks, and drinks are available on-site. Fuel is available within 1 mile, and there is a grocery store within the facility.

Driving directionsFrom Polk City square go west approximately 2 miles on NW Madrid Dr. West Broadway St. in town and turn right on Big Creek Dr. to enter the southeast side of the park. From Polk City square go west 2.5 miles on NW Madrid Dr. West Broadway St. in town and turn right on Williams Dr. to access the west side picnic areas/boat ramps.

The park can be accessed via paved roads from Polk City. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain is indicated in the provided information.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek State Park

Summer brings the best conditions for the full range of activities. Temperatures typically run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, with occasional 90-degree days. The water warms enough for comfortable swimming, and the beach sees heavy use. Fishing peaks during these months. Weekends and holidays draw crowds to the beach and boat ramps. Weekday visits are quieter. Off-peak seasons still allow trail use and fishing, but expect fewer services.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: beach, boating, rentals, festivals and warm water make summer the best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season includes late May through September based on operational hours for concessions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Shelters are typically open seasonally, mid-April to mid-October, depending on weather.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are provided.

About Big Creek State Park

Big Creek State Park sits on 5,500 acres of central Iowa wildlife refuge land, centered around an 800-acre lake. The park doesn't allow overnight camping but offers day-use shelters and cabanas that accommodate 10 to 165 people. Visitors come for fishing, swimming, boating, and a multi-use trail that connects to the Lake Saylorville trail system.

Big Creek State Park does not offer traditional camping. Instead, it features shelters and cabanas suitable for day-use gatherings, such as family picnics and events.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for the full range of activities. Temperatures typically run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, with occasional 90-degree days. The water warms enough for comfortable swimming, and the beach sees heavy use. Fishing peaks during these months. Weekends and holidays draw crowds to the beach and boat ramps. Weekday visits are quieter. Off-peak seasons still allow trail use and fishing, but expect fewer services.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates a diverse landscape of subtle elevation changes that add visual interest without challenging accessibility. These natural contours contribute to the area's scenic vistas and provide varied habitats for the refuge's abundant wildlife.

Natural Features and SceneryBig Creek State Park features the centerpiece of 814-acre Big Creek Lake with rolling hills, serene waters, lush woodlands, vibrant wildflowers, and sandy shores. The park offers diverse landscapes ideal for outdoor activities.[1][3][5]

Geological RegionBig Creek State Park graces central Iowa's distinctive landscape, where gently rolling hills meet pristine waters in a harmonious blend of natural and enhanced environments. This unique wildlife refuge encompasses not only the sparkling lake but also seamlessly integrates with adjacent federal and county parklands, creating an expansive outdoor corridor. The region's characteristic hills and valleys, carved by ancient glaciers and shaped by time, provide a dramatic backdrop to the crystal-clear waters that have made this area a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not applicable as camping is prohibited.

Check-out

Not applicable as camping is prohibited.

Stay Limit

Camping is not permitted, therefore, no stay limits apply.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Shelters accommodate a range of 10 to 165 people depending on the site.

Groups

Shelters and cabanas accommodate groups ranging from 10 to 165 people, but are not classified as group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe park centers on the lake, with shelters and cabanas scattered around the shoreline and interior. Open structures provide no privacy. Picnic areas, the beach, and boat ramps create activity zones. The multi-use trail connects to the Lake Saylorville system. Some reviews note that trash disposal is limited, so bring your own bags.

Reservation PlatformsReservations for shelters and cabanas can be made online at bigcreekmarina.com or via direct contact at 515-984-6083.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly stated for shelters, but advanced reservations are encouraged.

Cancellation PolicyDetails regarding cancellation policy are not provided.

AccessibilityHandicapped parking spaces are available, and the park features an accessible fishing pier.

Site SizeThis park offers shelters and cabanas for gatherings, with capacities ranging from 10 to 165 people.

PrivacyShelters and cabanas are open structures and do not provide privacy.

Recommended SitesThe Beach Shelters offer proximity to water features, making them ideal for large gatherings. The Beach Cabana shelters are highly recommended for smaller groups.

Need help booking Big Creek State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek State Park is highly praised for its diverse recreational activities. Visitors have access to biking, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, and cross-country skiing. The park also hosts several community events, including fishing tournaments and cultural festivals.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome reviews mention trash left behind by visitors, and there is a lack of garbage bins in certain areas.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are provided.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not applicable as camping is prohibited.

Emergency ServicesThe closest emergency services are a medical clinic greater than 1 mile away, and a hospital is listed as greater than 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities status is inconsistent. Some users noted a lack of garbage tanks, which impacts cleanliness.

Water FeaturesThe park is centered around Big Creek Lake, offering beach areas, boat ramps, fishing piers, and opportunities for water sports.

Camp HostNo specific campground host information is available.

Weather at Big Creek State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Big Creek State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users describe Big Creek State Park as clean, safe, and family-friendly. Activities like biking, boating, and beach visits are frequently praised. However, some concerns about cleanliness and the lack of camping facilities were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful recreation area with boating, fishing, swimming; excellent lake access with five modern boat ramps; trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing; well-maintained facilities.[1][3]

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

- No camping is allowed, which disappointed some users expecting overnight options. - 'The lake is too shallow for fast boating or making wakes.' - Trash left by visitors and poorly maintained picnic...

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No camper tips available as park does not offer camping. For nearby camping, book ahead during peak seasons; familiarize with regulations for boating and fishing; note modern restrooms closed...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season for beach activities, boating, and festivals. Winter visitors enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Spring and fall are favored for biking and hiking...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Big Creek is just a little bit bigger! The trail system here is awesome.' - 'If you leave here disappointed, then it's your fault.' - 'Dogs are supposed to be leashed, but overall this is a safe,...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Cabana sites (#1-9) are popular for small gatherings but lack privacy. - Larger shelters like FireFly and Beach Shelter #1 accommodate up to 165 people and are ideal for bigger events.

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Handicapped parking and an accessible fishing pier are available. However, details on trail or restroom accessibility are limited.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some visitors observed dogs despite the 'no pets' policy at certain shelters.

Based on 13 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

SAYLORVILLE LAKE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, 5600 NW 78TH AVENUE, JOHNSTON, IA 50131-1941, USA

Acorn Valley Campground sits within the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project on the Des Moines River, about 50 miles north of central Iowa. The campground has 83 sites (electric and primitive tent options, plus group areas) with fees ranging from $14 to $84 per night. Facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. Open through mid-October.

Big Creek State Park

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

What Campers Say

Campground Map

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek State Park

Planning Tips

About Big Creek State Park

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Creek State Park?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Weather at Big Creek State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Need help planning your trip?

What Campers Say

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek State Park

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Creek State Park?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Need help planning your trip?