All campsites have Is Equipment Mandatory

Cottonwood Recreation Area -01

Shelter 2 Playground

Cottonwood Recreation Area -02

Cottonwood Shelter 003

Cottonwood Recreation Area -04

Cottonwood Recreation Area -05

Cottonwood Recreation Area -06

Cottonwood Recreation Area -07

Shelter 8 Playground

Cottonwood Recreation Area -08

Cottonwood Recreation Area Shelter 9 Volleyball Net

Cottonwood Recreation Area -09

Cottonwood Roadway

Fishermen out on Des Moines River.

Cottonwood Picnic Area

Pelicans in Flight Over Cottonwood

Cottonwood Recreation Area Water Access

Cottonwood Recreation Area

<h2>Overview</h2>
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.<h2>Recreation</h2>
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. <br />
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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.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The day-use area offers nine group picnic areas with water and electric hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, a volleyball court, playground and hiking trails.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Cottonwood covers a large open and flat lowland area bordering the east side of the Des Moines River.<br />
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Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and other small game animals roam the lands around the lake.

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.

COTTONWOOD RECREATION AREA - 004

Great Facilities and Amenities

bbq

firepit

max num of people

max num of vehicles

pets allowed

picnic table

playground

shade

site access

water hookup

Permitted Equipment

vehicle-0ft

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