Sandpiper Recreation Area

Star0.64
10 reviews
7101 NW Polk City Drive, Polk City, IA 50226

Quick Facts

Price

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Sites

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

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Sandpiper 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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What Campers Say

0.64

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

53 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanrestroomsstaff

"Reviewers consistently rate Sandpiper Recreation Area very highly, praising it as a beautiful, clean, and well-equipped place for group events, family reunions, and picnics. Many highlight that it works especially well for large gatherings with kids due to the playground and open space. Overall sentiment is extremely positive, with only one mid-range rating that still describes the site as “very nice” and “highly recommended.”"

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About Sandpiper Recreation Area

Nestled along the shores of Saylorville Lake, Sandpiper Recreation Area welcomes day visitors to a sprawling waterfront haven where boating adventures meet lakeside relaxation. Whether you're launching from the boat ramp, gathering with hundreds of friends at the expansive group shelter, or casting a line into the sparkling waters, this open, timber-framed sanctuary offers the perfect backdrop for your outdoor pursuits and access to miles of scenic trails.
Sandpiper Recreation Area is described as a day-use area with a large group picnic shelter rather than a campground offering overnight camping types.
Historical SignificanceAdventure seekers and nature enthusiasts can connect with the nationally recognized Neal Smith Trail, a 24-mile paved pathway that weaves its way from the heart of Des Moines to Big Creek State Park. This designated National Recreation Trail serves as a scenic corridor linking Saylorville Lake's eastern campgrounds, offering cyclists and hikers a journey through Iowa's diverse landscapes and a testament to the region's commitment to outdoor recreation.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the northeast shores of Saylorville Lake within the scenic Des Moines River Valley, this recreation area presents a striking contrast between wide-open spaces and the dense timber forests that embrace its edges. The landscape comes alive with the movement of white-tailed deer bounding through the woods, wild turkeys strutting across clearings, and the seasonal arrival of waterfowl gliding across the lake's surface. Pheasants and other small game add to the rich tapestry of wildlife that calls this area home, making every visit an opportunity to witness nature's daily drama unfold.
Geological RegionDes Moines River Valley (Saylorville Lake project)
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups
One large group picnic shelter on site that can accommodate up to 500 people.
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 one large group picnic shelter, flush toilets, water and electricity, playground and overlook; provides boat ramp access and trail connections (Neal Smith Trail).

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Saylorville Lake and the Sandpiper Recreation Area offer a variety of water-based and land-based recreational opportunities, including boating and a multiuse trail for biking and hiking.
Hiking
Access to hiking trails and the paved Neal Smith Trail (24 miles, designated National Recreation Trail) which is used for hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating and connects campgrounds on the east side of the lake.
Fishing
Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike in Saylorville Lake.
Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available at Saylorville Lake.
Biking
The Neal Smith Trail and other biking trails provide paved routes for biking and connect sites along the east side of the lake.
Boating
Boating activities include boating, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing; the site has a boat ramp and a marina is nearby.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant around the project, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl and other small game, offering wildlife viewing opportunities.
Water Sports
Sailing, water skiing and windsurfing are specifically mentioned as water-sport opportunities.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsWildlife is abundant (white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl).

Weather at Sandpiper Recreation Area

17
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 6.4 mph
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresOn the northeast side of Saylorville Lake; site includes a boat ramp and a marina is nearby.

Campground Map

7101 NW Polk City Drive, Polk City, IA 50226
Driving directionsFrom I-35, take Exit 92 and go east on First Street approximately 5 miles to HWY 415. Turn right (north) and travel approximately 3 miles to recreation area on the right.
Accessible from I-35 via Exit 92; then east on First Street ~5 miles to HWY 415, then north ~3 miles to the recreation area.
Nearby supplies
Marina nearby

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.6
10 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Sandpiper Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers consistently rate Sandpiper Recreation Area very highly, praising it as a beautiful, clean, and well-equipped place for group events, family reunions, and picnics. Many highlight that it works especially well for large gatherings with kids due to the playground and open space. Overall sentiment is extremely positive, with only one mid-range rating that still describes the site as “very nice” and “highly recommended.”
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users love the large covered shelter with many picnic tables, fireplaces, and multiple grills, making it ideal for company events and annual picnics. The area’s beauty, nice trails, clean restrooms,...
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Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This area is particularly suited for group events such as company outings, family reunions, and annual picnics, so consider reserving the shelter if you’re planning a large gathering. Bring your own...
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Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The privacy & size of the area were ideal for what we used it for. The size of the shelter & number of picnic tables, the fact that there were 3 grills, a volleyball court & baseball diamond, in...
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Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All detailed reviews refer to Site 1 in the Sandpiper Recreation Area loop. Users describe Site 1 as very large and private, with an extensive covered shelter full of picnic tables, two fireplaces at...
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Based on 10 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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