Cottonwood Recreation Area
0.1531 reviews7400 NW 37th Street Ankeny IA 50023 (Not a valid mailing address).
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Electric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Electric
Get DirectionsCottonwood Recreation Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
0.15
Mixed Reviews
Based on 31 reviews
Most mentioned
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"Reviewers are uniformly very positive about Cottonwood Recreation Area, consistently giving 5/5 ratings. They highlight clean, well-maintained shelters and grounds, good facilities for families and groups, and a pleasant setting for events like parties, reunions, and picnics."
About Cottonwood Recreation Area
Nestled in the tailwater below Saylorville Dam, Cottonwood Recreation Area offers a perfect day-use escape within the expansive 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project. Whether you're casting a line into the Des Moines River, hiking along trails that connect to the renowned Neal Smith Trail, or enjoying a lakeside picnic, this versatile recreation area delivers outdoor adventure for the whole family.
Cottonwood Recreation Area is described as a day-use facility with nine group picnic areas; the provided information does not describe on-site camping or lodging.
Historical SignificanceCottonwood Recreation Area sits at the heart of an impressive engineering and conservation achievement—the Saylorville Lake Project, which extends more than 50 miles up the scenic Des Moines River Valley. This strategic location in the tailwater zone below the dam places visitors at the crossroads of the project's 26,000 acres, where the controlled waters of the Des Moines River create unique recreational opportunities. The area represents decades of thoughtful development that balanced flood control, wildlife habitat, and public recreation, transforming the river valley into a cherished regional resource.
Natural Features and SceneryStretching across a sweeping lowland plain along the Des Moines River's eastern banks, Cottonwood presents a landscape of open grasslands and riparian beauty. The flat terrain makes for easy exploration, while the surrounding habitat teems with wildlife that delights nature enthusiasts year-round. White-tailed deer browse the meadows at dawn and dusk, wild turkeys strut through clearings, and pheasants burst from the tall grasses. Waterfowl glide across the water's surface during migration seasons, creating a living tapestry of Iowa's diverse wildlife that makes every visit unique.
Geological RegionDes Moines River Valley
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Campsite details
Sites SizeNine group picnic areas with water and electric hookups
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDay-use facility with nine group picnic areas that include water and electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a volleyball court, playground and hiking trails. The paved Neal Smith Trail (24 miles) connects to nearby campgrounds and is suitable for biking, hiking and in-line skating.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
Nine group picnic areas are available and include water and electric hookups.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDay-use area with nine group picnic areas that include water and electric hookups. Facilities include flush toilets, a volleyball court, a playground, hiking trails, and access to the paved Neal Smith Trail (a 24-mile National Recreation Trail connecting Des Moines to Big Creek State Park).
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
A wide variety of water-based and land-based recreation is available, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking. Wildlife viewing is common in the area.
Hiking
Hiking available on onsite trails and via the paved Neal Smith Trail (24 miles, National Recreation Trail) that connects the east-side campgrounds; the trail is used for hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.Fishing
Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike in Saylorville Lake.Swimming
Saylorville Lake offers swimming opportunities.Biking
The Neal Smith Trail is used for biking and connects sites along the east side of the lake.Boating
Boating activities include general boating, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing on Saylorville Lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant around the lake, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game species.Water Sports
Water sports mentioned include water skiing and windsurfing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Cottonwood Recreation Area
17
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 84%
Wind: 5.9 mph
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Good to know
Proximity to water featuresLocated in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam and bordering the east side of the Des Moines River; part of Saylorville Lake.
Campground Map
7400 NW 37th Street Ankeny IA 50023 (Not a valid mailing address).
Driving directionsFrom I-35, take Exit 90 in Ankeny and head approxmately 3.5 miles west to NW 84th Ave. Turn Left on 84th Ave and head south apprximately 1.5 miles to Cottonwood Recreation Area on the right.
Accessible from I-35 via Exit 90 in Ankeny; follow directions above (approx. 3.5 miles west then 1.5 miles south).Reviews from booking and map sources
0.2
31 reviews
Cottonwood Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are uniformly very positive about Cottonwood Recreation Area, consistently giving 5/5 ratings. They highlight clean, well-maintained shelters and grounds, good facilities for families and groups, and a pleasant setting for events like parties, reunions, and picnics.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Users particularly appreciate the cleanliness of shelters, restrooms, and grounds, as well as neatly trimmed grass. The area is praised for being family- and group-friendly, with playgrounds for...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
This area works especially well for group events such as graduation parties, family reunions, and tournaments, so consider reserving shelters for gatherings. Families with children may want a site...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The shelters were clean and the area was well kept up, so it was a very pleasant atmosphere for our chess tournament."
"Our picnic site was wonderful-plenty of shady places for the games, a...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 is noted for a clean shelter and pleasant, well-kept atmosphere suitable for events like a chess tournament. Site 002 is praised for its clean facility, kind staff, and very close playground...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
One reviewer notes Cottonwood is a convenient stop on the Neal Smith Trail and emphasizes that it is the last park with modern bathrooms until Des Moines, suggesting good restroom accessibility for...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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