About OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA
Overview Oak Grove Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. The lake provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and hunting.Recreation Visitors come to Saylorville Lake for its great boating, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for walleye, wiper, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and northern pike. The paved Neal Smith Trail winds 24 miles from Des Moines to Big Creek State Park and connects the campgrounds on the east side of the lake. It is designated as a National Recreation Trail and is used for biking, hiking, jogging, walking and in-line skating.Facilities This day-use area offers two group picnic shelters with electric and water hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a playground, volleyball court and hiking trails. Natural Features Oak Grove lies among a heavily wooded forest of stately oak trees on the east side of the lake. A large beach is within walking distance. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.
How to Get There
Physical Address: 4801 NW 98th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226 From Ankeny, travel 3.4 miles west on 1st Street. Turn right onto HWY 415 for 0.9 miles, then left onto NW 44th street, which turns slightly right and becomes NW 98th Ave. Picnic area is on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA
Heading to OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA?
No central reservation system listed for OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234698) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA?
Physical Address: 4801 NW 98th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226 From Ankeny, travel 3.4 miles west on 1st Street. Turn right onto HWY 415 for 0.9 miles, then left onto NW 44th street, which turns slightly right and becomes NW 98th Ave. Picnic area is on the right.
How do I contact OAK GROVE PICNIC AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 515-276-4656 or email: jonathan.d.wuebker@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
