Cottonwood Recreation Area

4.6·13 reviews
·Saylorville Lake

Overview

Cottonwood Recreation Area is a day-use facility located in the tailwater area below Saylorville Dam. The 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project 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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Bbq

    (All campsites have Bbq)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 10)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Playground

    (8 of 9 campsites have Playground)

  • Shade

    (All campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

  • Water Hookup

    (All campsites have Water Hookup)

Natural Features

Fishermen out on Des Moines River. - Credits: USACE Staff
Cottonwood Recreation Area Water Access - Credits: USACE Staff
Pelicans in Flight Over Cottonwood - Credits: USACE Staff
Cottonwood Picnic Area - Credits: USACE Staff
Cottonwood covers a large open and flat lowland area bordering the east side of the Des Moines River.Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

Recreation

Cottonwood Roadway - Credits: USACE Staff
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.

Permitted Equipment

  • vehicle-N/A

Additional Information

Campsites