Photo: Emilee Huffstetler
Photo: Chris Lawson
Photo: Leon McCuller
Oak Grove Beach
★4.4(146 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 4-6 hours for a full beach day, or 2-3 hours for hiking and picnicking👶 Best for ages 2-14. Toddlers and preschoolers love the shallow beach areas and sand play, while older kids enjoy swimming, hiking the trails, and exploring the lake shoreline. Teens may appreciate kayaking or paddleboarding opportunities.🧡 Saved by 14 families
About
Oak Grove Beach at Saylorville Lake offers families a refreshing escape just north of Des Moines with a sandy beach perfect for building castles, calm swimming areas for young children, and miles of hiking trails for exploration. The combination of water activities, shaded picnic areas, and nearby boat ramps makes this a versatile destination where active families can easily spend an entire day enjoying Iowa's great outdoors.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy beach area with gradual entry perfect for young swimmers
- ✓Multiple picnic shelters and grilling areas for family cookouts
- ✓Scenic hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
- ✓Boat launch access for families with kayaks or canoes
- ✓Large open spaces for frisbee, volleyball, and beach games
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends to snag the best shaded picnic spots near the beach area
- 2.Bring water shoes as the lake bottom can be rocky in spots, making it easier for little ones to wade safely
- 3.Pack your own food and drinks since there are no concessions on-site, but plenty of picnic tables and grills available
- 4.Check the trail maps at the parking area,the Oak Grove Trail Loop offers an easy 1-mile family-friendly hike with lake views
- 5.Lifeguards are not on duty, so keep close watch on children in the water at all times
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings during summer (June-August) for the calmest waters and smallest crowds. Late afternoon in spring and fall offers beautiful weather for hiking without the beach crowds, making it ideal for families who want more peaceful outdoor time.
What to Know
Parking is free at the designated lot on NW 98th Ave. There are restroom facilities available, but no food vendors, so pack a cooler with snacks and lunch for your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Beach activities are best from Memorial Day through Labor Day when water temperatures are warmest. Hiking trails and picnic areas remain accessible year-round, with fall foliage providing beautiful scenery in October. Winter visits are possible for hardy families interested in cold-weather hiking.
Nearby Eats
Head to Big Creek Marina (5 minutes away) for casual burgers and ice cream, or drive 15 minutes south to Saylorville for family-friendly chain restaurants including Culver's and Pizza Ranch.
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